How to Make a Dorothy Halloween Costume

Children have been fascinated with “The Wizard of Oz” since the movie came out in 1939. Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow are all well known characters. Every Halloween, these delightful storybook and big screen favorites are mimicked by happy children of all ages. For girls, the character of Dorothy Gail remains popular year after year. Luckily, her costume isn’t that difficult to create.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White blouse and gingham jumper or plain Gingham dress
• White lace trimmed socks
• Petticoat or fabric to make one
• Elastic (1/4 to ¾ inches in width)
• White eyelet lace (3/4 to 1 ½ inches in depth)
• Needle and thread and/or sewing machine
• Ballet flats
• Red spray paint
• Red glitter
• Spray glue
• Ribbon
• Basket
• Stuffed dog
• Red lip gloss

1. Look through the closet for a white blouse and a gingham jumper or simple gingham dress.

2. Search for a pair of white lace trimmed socks. If none are available, either trim a pair of plain white socks with lace or purchase a new pair that fits the description.

3. Find a simple petticoat to wear underneath the jumper or dress if it doesn’t already have one. If a petticoat isn’t readily available, try searching through thrift stores or discount department marts for one. The petticoat should be white and only slightly full in nature. It should be cut to hang just below the hem of the dress. If you can't find a petticoat, it is simple to make one using the directions outlined in the next step.

4. Make a petticoat using one yard of inexpensive white cotton or muslin fabric. Use the elastic (1/4 to 1/2 inches in width) to measure a child’s waist, cutting it just 1 inch short of the waist measurement. Trim the chosen fabric to a length that will fall just below the skirt. Trim the raw edge bottom with white eyelet lace (3/4 to 1 ½ inches in depth). Sew the raw edge of the top fabric back. Then sew the elastic across the top of the fabric. Pull the elastic taunt as it is sewn. This will form the gathers around the waist. Finally, sew the two sides of the fabric together to finish the piece.

5. Tie a sash around the dress with grosgrain ribbon, unless it already has its own tie. Use a colored ribbon that matches the dress.

6. Check the closet for a pair of ballet flats. If you don't own ballet flats, purchase an inexpensive pair at a local discount shoe store. Choose red ballet flats if they are available. If not, your flats will need to be painted before applying the ruby glitter.

7. Stuff the shoes with newspaper before painting them red so as not to get the color inside the shoes. Keep in mind that it is possible to add the first coat of red glitter directly to the paint before it dries. Otherwise, wait until the paint is dry to move on to the next step.

8. Spray the red flats with a heavy coat of spray-on glue. Immediately sprinkle the shoes with red glitter while the adhesive is still wet. It may take several coats of glue and glitter to thoroughly cover the shoes. Allow plenty of time for the shoes to dry before they are worn.

9. Style a child's hair to have two ponytails. Tie the ponytails with ribbon that matches the color of the dress.

10. Put a stuffed dog into a picnic style basket that can also double as a trick-or-treat bag.

11. Add a bit of red lip gloss to complete the look.

Tips & Warnings

• While Dorothy’s dress was blue gingham, any color is acceptable to create the costume.
• Choose a stuffed dog that resembles Toto.
• Make certain the basket isn’t too heavy for the child to carry.
• Work with flame retardant or flame resistant fabrics.

[grl4mick]

on 10/26/2008 If you want a truly accurate Dorothy costume, Dorothy's sock were baby blue.