How to Make a Princess Leia Costume

The cult-like following of Star Wars' gutsy heroine, Princess Leia, has been a part of our culture for decades. It extends to Halloween, the one night each year when Leia fans can walk a few trick-or-treat miles in her clunky white boots. You can make your own Leia costume by following these easy steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Master the Princess Leia locks. The most essential part of a Leia costume is the cinnamon-bun style hair. For long locks, part hair straight down the middle and twist both sides until they are in tight rolls. Take each roll and twist it in a swirl close to the head. Fasten with a clip. For shorter hair, borrow a longhaired wig, or fasten dark-colored scarves in the cinnamon-bun style on both sides of your head.
2. Decide on material. Leia wore a white, robe-like material with a high neck and flowing sleeves. The easiest way to copy this is to use a plain white gown or bath robe. You also can purchase any kind of white fabric or cut a white bedsheet.
3. Add a hood. To match Leia's hooded white gown, use a bathrobe with a hood or pin a white pillowcase to the back of your gown. Fold the pillowcase (or other white fabric) in a triangle shape and pin two ends to the back shoulder area of the gown.
4. Fasten your costume with a belt. A white belt with silver pieces that sits just about the waist is another Princess Leia essential. If you don't have a silver and white belt, a black belt will work. You also can make a belt out of a white towel, t-shirt or bedsheet and attach some silver jewelry onto it. Space each piece a few inches apart.
5. Put on your biggest, clunkiest white boots. Black boots will also work.
6. Accessorize with a black blaster. Leia carried both a small blaster (similar to a gun) and a larger stormtrooper blaster. The blasters are plain and easy to imitate. Any black metal or plastic item that remotely resembles a gun will suffice.

Tips & Warnings

• The Princess Leia costume traditionally has a high white neck on the gown. The cheapest way to achieve this look is to wear a white turtleneck under your gown or robe.
• Search the Internet for accurate portrayals of Princess Leia costumes and online retailers that have the costumes for sale.