How to Make an Alice in Wonderland Costume!

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How to Make an Alice in Wonderland Costume!

Here's how to make an easy Alice in Wonderland costume for a themed party, fandom convention or Halloween costume!

I love dressing up. Seriously, I dress up for any occasion I can justify.

I love Alice in Wonderland too!

I wore this Alice costume to church last Sunday--Several people commented on how much they liked my Alice in Wonderland costume...so it's pretty legit.

I had 2 blue dresses and wasn't sure which one I'd like best...so I did 2 versions of Alice.

Which one is your favorite? Aqua blue or Baby blue? Which one do you think I wore?

I wore this Alice costume to church last Sunday--Several people commented on how much they liked my Alice in Wonderland costume...so it's pretty legit. I had 2 blue dresses and wasn't sure which one I'd like best...so I did 2 versions of Alice. Which one is your favorite? Aqua blue or Baby blue? Which one do you think I wore?

Have you heard of Closet Cosplay?

It basically means, you pull your cosplay or costume together using items you already have in your closet--no money spent!

This Alice costume was 100% closet cosplay! Both versions.

I love this way of costuming. I have a few reliable pieces, like the white apron, that are just so good for so many different costumes.

Have some key staples is a great way to build creative costumes. (Apron, robe, tights, maryjanes)

Have you heard of Closet Cosplay? It basically means, you pull your cosplay or costume together using items you already have in your closet--no money spent! This Alice costume was 100% closet cosplay! Both versions. I love this way of costuming. I have a few reliable pieces, like the white apron, that are just so good for so many different costumes. Have some key staples is a great way to build creative costumes.

I made 2 hair bows using different shades of blue ribbon.

Then I assembled both costumes and tried them out.

Then I let my family vote on their favorite--and that is the one I wore to church.

Which one do you think won???

I'll tell you at the end of the post!

I made 2 hair bows using different shades of blue ribbon. Then I assembled both costumes and tried them out. Then I let my family vote on their favorite--and that is the one I wore to church. Which one do you think won??? I'll tell you at the end of the post!

Pieces Needed for Alice in Wonderland Costume:

Blue Dress

Did you know that Lewis Carroll never said what color of dress Alice was wearing?

The first colored rendition of Alice's dress was...YELLOW!

Then there were a variety of versions...until the BLUE one stuck--thanks to Macmillan's 1903 "Little Folks" edition.

And of course, it's been blue in our minds ever since!

White Apron
Pocket Watch Necklace
Black and White Striped Tights
MaryJanes
Hair Bow (directions to follow!)

Pieces Needed for Alice in Wonderland Costume: Blue Dress Did you know that Lewis Carroll never said what color of dress Alice was wearing? The first colored rendition of Alice's dress was...YELLOW! Then there were a variety of versions...until the BLUE one stuck--thanks to Macmillan's 1903 "Little Folks" edition. And of course, it's been blue in our minds ever since! White Apron Pocket Watch Necklace Black and White Striped Tights MaryJanes Hair Bow (directions to follow!)

Let's make an Alice in Wonderland Headband Bow!

Supplies Needed for Alice in Wonderland Costume Headband Bow:

38 inches of Blue 1.5" Satin Ribbon
30 inches of Black 7/8" Ribbon
28 inches of Blue 1/2" Ribbon
12-15 inches of white lace trim
Rhinestone/Pearl Gem
2 Felt Circles
2 two inch pieces of 1/4" elastic
Lighter
Needle & Thread
Scissors
Hot Glue/Gun
Headband/clip/pin

Step 1: Alice in Wonderland Headband Bow

Begin by laying out the widest blue ribbon.

Lay it out in even loops...with 2 loops and one "tail" on each side.

Step 2: Gathering!

Start at the bottom edge and start gathering it in the center with your fingers.

Until you gather it all.

Now take your thread and wrap it about 6 times around the center of your gather.

Hold onto the loose thread end with your pinching hand while you wrap.

Then cut the thread and tie the ends in a secure knot.

Lay it out and make sure it lays pretty.

Step 2: Gathering! Start at the bottom edge and start gathering it in the center with your fingers. Until you gather it all. Now take your thread and wrap it about 6 times around the center of your gather. Hold onto the loose thread end with your pinching hand while you wrap. Then cut the thread and tie the ends in a secure knot. Lay it out and make sure it lays pretty.

Step 3: Cut Ribbon Ends!

Now pinch the "tails" in half and cut them with sharp scissors in a diagonal line from the edge pointing into the fold.

This will give them a perfect peak!

Step 4: Lighter time!

Carefully use the lighter to melt the ends of the ribbon.

Not too much or too close or you will warp the ends!

Practice on a scrap before doing your bow.

Step 5: Repeat!

Use the same bow gathering technique to make your black bow.

Because the black bow ribbon is narrower and shorter in length, it will make the perfect layering bow to sit on the blue one!

Then repeat the bow gathering process for the thinnest blue ribbon.

Step 6: Lace!

Fold the piece of lace in half and hot glue the ends in the center so it's just looped on both sides.

Step 7: Assemble Bow!

Now layer the satin bows, hot gluing them with a tiny dot of glue on each layer.

Wrap all the bows together through the center with a piece of sturdy thread.

To make an interchangeable bow back--to switch from clips to headbands:

This way you can slip it on a headband, put it on a clip or even a pin!

(More details on this post)

Take 2 pieces of felt and 2 pieces of elastic.

Cut 4 slits in the felt carefully and thread the elastic through them.

Hot glue in place.

Hot glue the other piece of felt on the backside and trim to fit on the back of your bow.

To make an interchangeable bow back--to switch from clips to headbands: This way you can slip it on a headband, put it on a clip or even a pin! Take 2 pieces of felt and 2 pieces of elastic. Cut 4 slits in the felt carefully and thread the elastic through them. Hot glue in place. Hot glue the other piece of felt on the backside and trim to fit on the back of your bow.

Now the bow can easily slip on a headband...or use a clip!

Then finish off the top of the bow by hot gluing a rhinestone gem on the top of the wrapped thread.

I added a little swag of netting for a finished look!

Simply wear striped tights, blue dress, white apron, pocket watch necklace and headband bow for the perfect Alice in Wonderland closet cosplay!

I love that this costume came in under budget! I got loads of attention wearing my costume--from people of all ages.

Now the curiouser and curiouser part!

Which of the blue dresses did I actually decide to wear?

Dress #1: Baby Blue Dress

This dress was thrifted from Savers months ago and has been in my closet ready to wear. It's a great a-line style dress, past the knees and has cap sleeves.

Dress #2: Aqua Blue Dress

This dress was thrifted from Savers months ago as well. It has a shorter skirt and longer sleeves. It also has a very fun texture to it.

Well, if you guessed Dress #2, you are right! 🥰

I wore the aqua blue dress!

If you have been around my blog, you'll know blue is my favorite color--and aqua is the favorite-ist.

It was easy for me to like this dress, but everyone else agreed it was the winner! It has the most visual interest and the shape just works best for Alice.