Girls’ Fancy Dress

How to choose girls’ fancy dress she’ll want to wear

Let her lead. Children are far more likely to keep a costume on if they picked it. Once you’ve got a character in mind, think about comfort: soft linings, easy fastenings and a hem that stops above the ankle are all worth looking for, especially for younger girls who’ll be running about.

Most costumes in our range come from dressing-up brands like Rubies, Smiffys, Morph and MELAND. They’re made for play rather than everyday wear, so fabrics are lightweight and some tulle can feel a bit scratchy. A vest or leggings underneath helps with that and keeps her warm at outdoor events.

Popular girls’ costume ideas

• Princesses: classic fairy-tale gowns, light-up dresses and multi-dress sets for the dressing-up box.
• Fairies: fairy wings with a wand and tutu are quick, cheap and work for parties and play dates.
• Book characters: perfect for school dress-up days. Browse World Book Day costumes.
• Superheroes: plenty of girls love a cape. See our superhero costumes.
• Seasonal: witches for October in kids’ Halloween costumes, and elf outfits in our elf costumes.

Sizing tips for girls’ costumes

Girls’ fancy dress is usually sold by age, but brands vary and many come up small. Check the height and chest measurements on the retailer’s listing and compare them with our costume size guide. If she’s tall for her age or between sizes, go up one. Princess dresses with long skirts are the ones most likely to need a bit of growing room.

Finishing touches

Accessories make a big difference to how a costume feels. Add a crown, tiara or wand from our fancy dress props, a wig from our wigs range, or a sparkly finish with our face paint and make-up. Always patch test face paint first. Dressing a brother too? Have a look at our boys’ fancy dress.