How to Make an Adult Cinderella Gown

Make a Cinderella dress from a second-hand dress of any light color.

Cinderella's stereotypical rags-to-riches story -- made possible with the help of a fairy godmother, her good looks and a willing prince -- has generated adoration and criticism across the social spectrum in the past century. Nevertheless, the fame of Cinderella is unparalleled, and the Disney version of her ballgown and glass slippers has inspired wedding, prom and formal event dresses. It's possible to make an adult Cinderella gown by bringing together some basic pieces and spending time preparing your look.

Things You'll Need

• Blue floor-length dress
• Petticoat
• 3 feet of thick black ribbon
• Scissors
• Clear high heels
• Bobby pins
• Curling iron
• Hair spray
• Blond wig
• Basic makeup
• Pink lipstick
• Elbow-length white gloves

Instructions

1. Acquire a floor-length, light-colored dress, preferably fitted, for an adult woman at a second-hand store or thrift store. The Disney portrayal of the Cinderella story popularized light blue as the color of Cinderella's dress, but it is possible to use green, pink or another light color.

2. Purchase a petticoat to fill out the dress. Cinderella's gown is famous for being a full, swirling skirt. You also need high-heeled shoes made from a clear material such as hard or soft plastic to emulate the look of Cinderella's glass slippers.

3. Cut the black ribbon in half. Designate half of the ribbon to be the choker, which Cinderella wears with the dress and which can be dressed up with a jewel. Save the other half to wear as a headband.

4. Shower and get ready. Blow dry your hair and pin it into a French twist with curls peeking out of the tip, using a curling iron, hairspray and bobby pins. If you can't style your own hair this way, wear a blond wig from a costume or wig store. Finalize the up-do by pinning the black ribbon on as a headband.

5. Put on elbow-length white gloves, pale nylon stockings and natural, feminine makeup that emphasizes eyelashes, cheeks and lips. Dot on mat pink lipstick and wear a squirt of perfume to complete the adult Cinderella costume.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to a party as a Cinderella group with a Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming to add to the fun.

• Substitute a tiara for the hair ribbon, or use a different color of hair ribbon, depending on your resources.

• Add white tulle to the outside of the dress and to the sleeves to emulate the Disney Cinderella costume more accurately.

References

• IMDB: Cinderella
• "New York Times: What's Wrong With Cinderella?"; Peggy Orenstein; December 24, 2006