Belle from Beauty and the Beast has a true natural beauty. Bella's style is very simple and effortless. Her simple yet modern style is "in" and always will be. However, dressing like her doesn't mean you have to put on a costume, it just means wearing similar colors and styles to the ones she wears.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create Bella's Peasant Dress
Step 1. Get a pattern for an ankle-length dress with thick straps
You most likely won't be able to find a pattern that looks "exactly" like the dress in the movie, but you can certainly get something similar. Ideally, look for a bodice-fitting dress with thick shoulder straps and a long flared skirt.
- Note that you may also need to make some alterations, such as shortening or lengthening the skirt.
- For a more realistic version of the outfit, find a pattern for a medieval woman's costume with a skirt and bodice. Look in the "costumes" section of a pattern book.
- You may be able to find a licensed pattern for Bella's peasant dress in the live-action version of the film. It will also be in the "costumes" section.
Step 2. Find a pattern for a simple blouse with a scooped neckline with a “V” neckline
Bella's blouse has a very specific design, especially around the neck, so you may need to make more changes to it. Look for a sewing pattern that has long sleeves, with an open neckline.
- Bella has 3/4 sleeves. You may need to shorten the sleeves based on the pattern.
- Alternatively, you can modify a white buttoned blouse that you already have.
Step 3. Think about buying or making a white apron
Bella's apron is very simple. It is just a rectangle attached to a strip of fabric that is wrapped around the waist and tied at the back making a bow. It does not cover the chest or have complicated gathers. You can buy one at a costume store, online, or make it using a large rectangle for the base and a thin strap for the strap.
Step 4. Sew the costume following the pattern with cotton or linen fabric
It should be white for the top and blue for the dress (or a combination of bodice and skirt). If you are making the apron, white linen is especially suitable.
- If you are wearing a shirt that you already have, you should cut the corners of the neck so that they are more rounded. You can cut the sleeves shorter and then add elastic to the cuffs.
- You could add a cotton petticoat or a white peasant skirt under the blue dress. You can make it at home or buy it in a store. However, don't get something that's too fluffy.
Step 5. Wear ballet flats, Mary Janes, or boots
In the animated film, Bella wears simple black ballerinas, while in most stage productions she wears black dance shoes, which are similar to Mary Janes or low heels. Instead, in the live-action movie, he wears a dependable pair of brown boots that cover the ankles.
If you choose Mary Janes or dance shoes, don't wear a heel that is more than 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) high
Step 6. Wear your hair in a low ponytail
Start with a center part, then gather the hair in a low ponytail at the base of the neck. Tuck your finger through the hair, just behind the elastic, and pull the ponytail down through the hole. Finish the look with a blue bow or ribbon.
- This style is also known as a flipped ponytail or a twisted ponytail.
- Don't worry about the style being elegant and neat. One of Bella's most distinctive features is a lock of hair that falls over her face.
- To do the movie style with live actors, you must first make a flipped half ponytail and then put everything together by making a second flipped ponytail at the base of the neck.
Step 7. Wear simple makeup
Bella is one of the most practical Disney princesses and does not wear makeup until she dances with the Beast in the ball gown. However, this does not mean that you cannot wear any makeup. If you want to wear makeup, feel free to do so, but try to use neutral colors. For instance:
- Instead of using a full foundation, use a tinted moisturizer.
- For eye makeup, the only thing that is really required is eyeliner and mascara. If you want to intensify it, choose eyeshadows in shades of brown and ivory.
- Skip the lipstick and use tinted lip balm instead. You can also put on lip gloss if you really want to wear it.
- Don't apply too much blush and bronzer. It would be better not to use it, but you can use a small amount to give your face a touch of color.
Step 8. You could bring a basket or a book
While not absolutely necessary, they can really add that special finishing touch to the costume. A book is an excellent option, especially if you like to read. A basket would also be a good idea. Not only can you use it to store your books, but you can also store everything else you carry.
Skip the jewelry, unless you're imitating the movie version with real actors. In this case, add a necklace with a leather cord
Method 2 of 3: Make Bella's Ball Gown
Step 1. Find a pattern for Bella's ball gown
Because the dress is so iconic, you may not be able to find a normal pattern that is exactly the same. You will have to use the licensed replica pattern, or use a similar pattern and modify it.
- If you are using the licensed pattern, look in the costume section of a pattern book. The pattern will say "Disney" and "Beauty and the Beast."
- Alternatively, choose a normal skirt and corset dress pattern. If it is for a girl, a one-piece dress with a wide skirt will be suitable.
Step 2. Choose good fabrics for Bella's ball gown
As this is a formal dress, plain cotton should not be used. Pale yellow satin is a classic choice for both the skirt and bodice. For the skirt and shoulder scallops, you can use darker yellow satin or chiffon.
Don't be afraid to mix and match fabrics. For example, you can use jacquard or brocade for the bodice and a simpler satin for the skirt
Step 3. Sew the dress following the pattern
If you are using an unlicensed pattern, you should cut and lay out 8 panels for the skirt, at least twice the length required, then gather the fabric along the seams to create the gathered look.
Step 4. Buy or make a crinoline and cotton petticoat
The crinolines sound more intimidating than they really are, but they are the key to creating a puffy princess dress. You should also make a fabric petticoat to wear over the crinoline, otherwise the stiff parts will show up as unsightly lines on the finished dress.
- You can sew layers of stiff tulle under the skirt, but it won't be too bulky. Tulle could also be rough and uncomfortable.
- When you get dressed, put on the crinoline first, then the petticoat and dress. If the dress is 2 pieces, put the skirt before the bodice.
Step 5. Match the shoes with the dress
Instead of wearing a pair of old gold shoes, you should match them with the dress. This means that if the dress is pale yellow, you should wear pale yellow shoes. If it's bright yellow, wear bright yellow shoes.
- Closed high heels will look better. Make sure they are comfortable. After all, Bella is a practical girl who prefers comfort to aesthetics.
- Wear low heels, if they are between 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) high, they will be more suitable.
Step 6. Finish with long gloves to match the dress
As with shoes, don't settle for just wearing yellow gloves. Try to combine them with one of the yellow tones in the dress. Ideally, the gloves should go above the elbow and reach the middle of the upper arm.
- The easiest option would be to buy a pair of lycra or elastane gloves, then dye them with fabric dye to match the dress.
- Alternatively, you can make the gloves from a matching lycra or spandex fabric. Choose fabric with a glossy finish, it will look more elegant than matte fabric.
Step 7. Create a collected half ponytail hairstyle
Begin by gathering the hair into a half ponytail at the level of the ears. After this, you can make the look as simple or elegant as you want. For instance:
- To mimic the lively look, twist the ponytail into a bun, then secure with a gold bow tie clip.
- To imitate the style of the live-action movie, let the half ponytail loose, but add a delicate gold hair clip. Something that has vines, branches, or feathers would be ideal.
- Add soft waves to the ends of your hair to mimic both the animated and live-action movie looks. Instead, if you want the Broadway style, add curls to your hair with a curling iron.
Step 8. Don't be afraid to wear makeup, but keep it simple
Even when grooming, Bella always wore simple makeup. You can certainly use foundation and concealer, and if you know how to contour, it will be much better! However, don't apply too much makeup, lipstick, and blush. You must look pretty, but not like a porcelain doll. For instance:
- Wear a neutral brown and ivory eyeshadow. However, you can add some browning.
- Mascara and eyeliner will always look good. You can also add false eyelashes if you are going to a formal event, like a prom.
- You can use a little blush, but keep it light. Wear just enough to give your cheeks some color and life, but not so much that it comes through.
- Don't wear red lipstick. Instead, go for a natural pink shade. You can also use a little lip gloss on top.
Step 9. You could use some accessories
Although not absolutely necessary, they can add a nice touch to the outfit. For example, you can wear pearl earrings or a gold necklace. You can also add some details to the dress, such as roses or beaded decorations.
Method 3 of 3: Make Bella's Disney bounding
Step 1. You must understand that Disney bounding is different from cosplay
Unfortunately, most Disney parks no longer allow teens and adults to wear costumes. However, they do allow you to wear outfits inspired by the characters. This is known as Disney bounding.
- The key to Disney bounding is to use shapes and colors similar to those used by the character.
- Disney bounding is not cosplay. If you look too much like the character, park employees may ask you to change.
Step 2. Pair a white blouse with a blue dress or skirt for Bella's country look
A white 3/4 sleeve top and a sleeveless dress that reaches mid-calf will look more accurate, but you can make a few variations. For instance:
- You can wear a simple peasant blouse, a lace blouse, or a button-down blouse. Something with long sleeves will be more suitable.
- A dress with thick straps will look more exact, but you can wear something with thin straps. Instead, if you want a modern version, wear a blue skirt, this would be more suitable with a button-down blouse.
- Add a blue or white cardigan if you want to mimic the look from the movie with live actors. Something with floral embroidery would give you a nice country look.
Step 3. Wear yellow dresses or skirts for the ball gown look
As long as you wear the right hair and accessories, the dress will give an air of Bella. You can make it more like Bella if you wear something with lace. For instance:
- For a casual look, pair a yellow skirt with an off-the-shoulder lace blouse.
- For an elegant or vintage look, wear a high-waisted dress and circular skirt with a white or yellow blouse with puffed sleeves.
- For a feminine look, wear a flared or circular dress made of yellow lace. You could make it more like Bella if you put on a gold or dark red belt.
Step 4. Match the shoes to the outfit or theme
This is where you can get a little creative. If you want the outfit to be more exact, you should wear the same type of shoes that Bella wears in the movies. If you don't mind being exact, go for something with a rose theme. For instance:
- In a peasant dress from the animated film: black ballerinas or black closed heels.
- In a peasant dress from the movie with real actors: brown shoes.
- In a ball gown from the animated film or movie with real actors: ballerinas, closed heels or heels in pale yellow or gold.
- Inaccurate shoes: anything with a rose or "Beauty and the Beast" theme.
Step 5. Complete the look with a low ponytail or a half ponytail
Bella's hair is simple, and when it comes to the Disney bound, it really doesn't have to be exact. As long as you achieve the general shape of the hairstyle, you are good to go.
- If you want Bella's country look, make a flipped ponytail. Finish the look with a blue bow.
- If you want Bella's ball gown look, make yourself a half ponytail. You can leave it like this or roll it up to make a bun.
Step 6. Wear simple makeup
The makeup you wear every day is right for Bella, no matter what version you do. Start with a tinted foundation or moisturizer, then apply some eyeliner and mascara. If you want, add some eyeshadow, blush, and lip gloss, but keep it light.
- Use eyeshadows in neutral colors, like brown, for Bella's country look. For the ball gown, you can use gold.
- Pink lip gloss will suit Bella's peasant look, but if you're going to imitate the ball gown, you can use a deeper shade of pink lipstick.
Step 7. Add book or rose themed accessories to look more like Bella
This is where you can make the Disney bound more recognizable without entering cosplay territory. For example, you can wear bags, jewelry, or hair pins with the following themes:
- books
- roses
- cups of tea
- hand mirrors
Step 8. Don't be afraid to buy props based on the movies
If you're looking hard enough, you can buy a bag or necklace that looks like Chip, Din Don, or Lumière. You can find these items at stores like Disney and Hot Topic, but freelance artists on Etsy might also be able to sell them.
You can also make the accessories at home. For example, you can paint the characters on a pair of canvas athletic shoes with fabric paints or markers
Advice
- You don't have to have brown hair to dress like Bella, but you can wear a brown wig if you want.
- A good way to achieve Bella's "look" is to carry a book wherever you go. Make sure it's something you really want to read!
- Don't focus too much on your appearance. After all, there are many more important things in life! Just being a good person with a kind heart makes you look (and feel) ten times better!
- If Bella's style doesn't work for you, you can model another princess's style. There is a lot to choose from, so you can find what best suits your needs!