How to Create a Marcia Brady Costume

Brady Bunch publicity photograph

Marcia Brady is an iconic character. She is the oldest Brady girl on the beloved sitcom, "The Brady Bunch." The characters of the show became a phenomenon. Perhaps no other character from the show was more emulated by young girls or desired by young boys than Marsha. The audience's love for Marcia stood the test of time as the character was featured in cartoons, spoofs, feature films, a spinoff television sitcom called "The Brady Brides" (in which she was the star). There was even a short-lived drama series starring Marsha. The appeal of Marcia Brady is anything but short-lived, however. Here is how you can be a total smash this Halloween by creating a Marcia Brady costume.

Instructions

1. Part your hair down the middle. Marcia was a product of the 1970s, and this style was all the rage as she grew up on Clinton Way alongside her five siblings, dog Tiger, housekeeper Alice, Mom, Dad and her groovy boyfriends and crushes. Don't be afraid to emulate her. Make sure to get a long (easily styled) blond wig if your hair is not long or blond. The hair is an essential part of the Marcia costume.

2. Go to a thrift shop or a vintage shop. The time has come to start looking for that far out, groovy sort of dress. It should be brightly colored--hot pink or bright orange is perfect--and make sure that at least one part has a way far out pattern. You don't want to go off the deep end, but a bit of timeliness to the time period is in order. Fashion was outrageous in the early '70s and nowhere is this reflected more clearly than in a rerun of "The Brady Bunch."

3. Watch some of those awesome reruns of "The Brady Bunch" for some mid-way inspiration. Yes, you have the hair and the dress but you want to make sure you are on the right track. Look at Marcia's wardrobe and make sure that memory served you best with your choice of dress. Use these viewings as ways to get her mannerisms, popular quotes and attitude down completely before your big night when you make your premiere in your Marcia Brady costume.

4. Put on Marcia's gold bracelet. Yes, wear one...or one that is faux gold. Marcia received this lucky bracelet as a present from a boy in math class, and it was quite important to young Marcia. Include the episodes in your choice of costume, and don't leave out personal jewelry that the character loved.

5. Wear flirty, fun footwear. Platform shoes can work, or some sunflower flats. Marcia's shoe tastes weren't very specific. Go with your gut on this one, and choose something fun and timely to the 1970s.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to make your character a mix of all that you like best about the different variations of Marcia that have been shown, but try to stay the most true to the classic sitcom.

• Invite your siblings to dress as other Brady characters.

• Don't mock the character with your costume. She is a beloved character for a reason. You may offend some people with long-held love for the show and characters.