How to Dress Your Child Like Shirley Temple for Halloween

Need an adorable costume for your child? Consider going "Old Hollywood" by dressing her up as Shirley Temple circa 1934. As a bright little star in the gloomy Great Depression, Temple tap danced her way into the hearts of millions and even landed an Academy Award at just the age of six. The petite performer charmed her way into hearts with her infectious smile, adorable dimples and signature ringlets. With just a bit of shopping around, you can have your daughter look as cute as a button in time for Halloween.

Things You'll Need

• Bobby pins
• Curling iron
• Hot rollers
• Wig (can be substituted for the above items)
• Baby doll A-shape dress
• Bloomers
• Frilly socks or cuff socks
• Mary Janes

Instructions

1. 

   Achieve Temple's curls. According to biographer Anne Edwards, Temple's famous hair style which was also known as "Shirley Temple Curls," were under the control of Temple's mother, Gertrude. She made sure that there were 52 ringlets during each of Temple's takes. In the 1930's, Gertrude achieved the look through pin-curls using bobby pins. You can try to achieve this look with hot rollers or curling irons. If you want an easy way to achieve the look, get a wig.

2. 

   Find a dress. Look at vintage stores, thrift stores and department stores. Basically, you want a short baby doll A-shape dress.

3. 

   Get some bloomers. Shirley Temple wore white bloomers beneath her skirt.

4. 

   Get some socks. Peeking out from her shoes were socks that reached her ankles. They were either short cuffed socks or lace bordered socks.

5. 

   Get Mary Janes. Temple loved to dance around in her Mary Janes. Go an extra step by purchasing patent black Mary Jane tap shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find a dress, consider finding a pattern and making it yourself.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• How to Make Shirley Temple Ringlets
• The Official Shirley Temple Website