In 2015, I made myself an Elsa costume for Halloween. It all started two or three years earlier when I made myself a mermaid costume, using a second-hand formal dress as the base. Mermaids are all sequins and shells and a solid tail, but for Elsa, I wanted more of an ice feel, so more translucence and shinier accessories. I wore a nude-hued tank top underneath for modesty.
The key elements to take a basic teal formal gown to become an Elsa costume are these:
- A layer of pale aqua organza over top the dress with sequin and snowflake details
- Sequin shimmery fabric over the bodice and flowing from the center back too
- Flowing cascade skirt with irregular hemline
- Sheer organza detail at neckline and shoulders
- Blonde wig with side braid
- Silver “Let It Go” necklace from Primark
- Aqua organza fingerless gloves
- Dollar store plastic glow-in-the-dark Elsa crown
Here is a full view front and back.
In spite of this being a homemade costume, the moment I walked into my son’s preschool an awe-filled hush filled the classroom. This was a winner. But buying a premade costume would have been cheaper and kinder to my sanity.
Now for full disclosure, I look at this and think how sloppy it looks, but I was juggling a full-time job and a four-year-old, so I need to give myself a break now and then.
Which Disney character would you be for Halloween?