Do you want to dress up as the famous Princess Leia from Star Wars? Now you can! This article will show you various ways to make her distinctive white dress. In addition, in it you will find tips to style your hair and make up like her.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Making the costume from scratch
Step 1. Take your measurements using a tape measure
In this way, you can determine the length of the dress and its sleeves. Also, doing so will help you know how much fabric to buy. These are the areas you should measure:
- From the shoulders to the ground. This is your "height" measurement.
- From the wrist to the center of your chest. This is your "arm" measurement.
- From the nape to the waist. This is your "back" measurement.
Step 2. Buy some white fabric
This fabric should measure twice the measurement of your height and twice the measurement of your arm. The best type of fabric to use is woven polyester. Cotton is too light and does not drape properly.
Step 3. Fold the fabric in half twice
Lay the fabric on the floor so that it looks like a vertical rectangle. Fold it in half horizontally so that you end up with a square. Then, with the folded part over the top, fold the fabric in half vertically. You will get a rectangular shape with two folded parts: one on the top and one towards the side.
Step 4. Lie down on the fabric and ask someone to outline your body
Line up your upper arm with the upper horizontal crease. Align the center of your back with the side vertical crease. Outline your side part and your armpit. You should get a shape similar to a 7. Trace several inches away from your body so that the dress is loose. These are some aspects that you should take into account:
- The dress fits outwardly towards the bottom.
- The sleeves are adjusted externally towards the wrists.
Step 5. Cut out the dress and sew the parts together
First, hem the sleeves and the bottom of the dress that measures 0.5 inches (1.5 inches). Then unfold the dress so that you get a T-shape. Make sure the folded part of the hem is on the outside. Sew along the cut edges. Leave a 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) seam allowance. Tie the ends of the threads into tight knots and cut off any excess. When you're done, flip the dress over on the right side.
- Dress must have side slits. Sew the sides just past your knees. Press down the raw edges 1.5 inches (1.5 cm) and topstitch.
- Iron over the hems for a nice, defined edge.
Step 6. Cut a hole for the neck
The hole should be slightly smaller than the circumference of your neck. It will get bigger as you add excess seam. Make the front part a little lower than the back.
Cut a slit in the center of the back of the neck hole. Make the cutout 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long and hem the edges inward. This way, you can pull the costume over your head when you put it on
Step 7. Make the hood
Cut a rectangle that is twice the length of your back up to 19 inches (48 cm) tall. Hem the long sides 0.5 inches (1.5 cm) and join the short ends.
- Princess Leia's hood is open at the back and front.
- If the costume is for a girl, the hood may need to be shorter. However, keep in mind that Princess Leia's hood is very large at first.
Step 8. Sew the hood over the dress
Pin the edges toward the back of the dress. Then align the raw edge with the edge of the neck hole. The seam of the hood must not extend beyond the shoulder part of the dress. When you're done, remove the pins and tie the ends of the yarn into knots. Cut off any excess hem.
If the joined edges are too long, adjust the join. If these edges are too short, loosen the joint
Step 9. Make the neck
Cut out a rectangle that is 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall. The rectangle should be long enough to go around the neck hole and an additional 1 inch (3 cm) seam allowance. Fold the rectangle in half, lengthwise, and sew the narrow sides, leaving a 0.5-inch (1.5-inch) seam allowance. Flip the inside of the rectangle inside out and smooth it out.
Step 10. Sew the neckline over the dress
Pin the neck to the neck hole. Make sure the narrow edges line up with the back cut. Leave a 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) seam allowance. Press the hem into the dress (away from the neck) with an iron and stitch it as close to the seam as you can. When you get to the hood, be sure to stitch "under" it. You shouldn't do it over the top of the hood.
Add two clasps to the back of the neck so that you can close it
Part 2 of 6: Making the Costume with Found Objects
Step 1. Consider purchasing your Princess Leia costume
You can buy one at a costume store or party supply store. Keep in mind that the quality of these costumes is not always good. Despite this, you can always use the dress part and a different belt.
Step 2. Consider using found objects
Princess Leia wore a flowing white dress with a hood and loose long sleeves. Look for a white tunic-like dress that has loose, long sleeves. Get a pillowcase and open the side hem. Hem the cut part inward that measures 0.5 inches (1.5 cm). Join the two narrow edges with a straight stitch, and then sew them to the neck of your dress, using a 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) seam allowance.
Step 3. Consider creating a modern version of Princess Leia
For a Princess Leia-inspired costume, consider opting for a simple white dress, tall white boots, and a silver belt. Finish off the look with Princess Leia's makeup and her bows.
Part 3 of 6: Doing the Hairstyle for Long Hair
Step 1. Part your hair in half and tie it with hair bands in two ponytails
Keep the ponytails as close to the center as possible, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your ears.
This method is great for those with very long hair, at least elbow length
Step 2. Twist a ponytail into a rope
An alternative is to make a braid. If you choose to braid, be sure to tie the end with a hair band.
Step 3. Wrap the rope around the base of the ponytail
Princess Leia's bows don't look like regular bows. Instead, they are rolled up like cinnamon rolls. That is the effect you must achieve.
Step 4. Tuck the end of your hair under the bun and secure it in place with a bobby pin
Once you reach the end of your hair, tuck the ends under the bun and secure with a hair clip.
Step 5. Secure the rest of the bun to your head using hair clips
Leave a gap of 0.5 inches to 1 inch (1 to 3 cm) between the hairpins. The number of bobby pins you use will depend on how thick and heavy your hair is.
If necessary, you can also use bobby pins inside the bun to keep it in place
Step 6. Repeat the process with the other bow
Twist the bow in the same direction you rolled the first one. This way the bows will match. For example, if you twist the first bow away from your face, roll the second that way as well.
Step 7. Spray hair with hairspray
Use hairspray with the strongest hold you can find.
Part 4 of 6: Hairstyle for Shorter Hair
Step 1. Find a pair of sports socks and cut off the toes
Pick a pair of socks whose color matches your hair color. For example, if your hair is brown, choose brown socks. If your hair is blonde, choose beige or tan colored socks, etc. You will use these socks to make bows.
This method is great for those who have at least shoulder length hair
Step 2. Roll each pair of socks into a donut shape
Take a sock and fold the cut down and out, leaving 0.5 inches (1.5 cm). Keep rolling the sock until you get the shape of a donut. Repeat the process with the other socks.
Step 3. Part your hair in half and tie each side into a ponytail with a hair band
Center each ponytail as much as possible. The pigtails should rest about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your ears. They should not be at the base of your neck or on the top of your head.
Step 4. Take a ponytail and feed your hair through the center of the sock ring
Set the other sock ring aside for later. Making a bow with one sock at a time will be easier.
Step 5. Spread the ends of your hair around the sock bun
Pull the sock bun all the way down towards the end of your hair. Wrap the ends of the hair around the bun of the sock. Keep them as uniform as possible.
Step 6. Begin rolling the sock bun toward the base of the ponytail
Begin rolling the sock ring towards your head using both hands. Place the new hair through the center of the sock loop. Don't worry if the bun is a bit messy at first. The more you roll it, the smoother it becomes.
Step 7. Secure the sock bow to your head with hair clips
Once you've wrapped the sock bun around the base of the ponytail, you'll need to pin it in place with a bobby pin. Take four bobby pins and use them to pin the sock bun to your head. Plan to wear a hair clip over the top, bottom, and both sides of the sock bun.
Step 8. Repeat the entire process with the other sock bow
Step 9. Touch the bows and fix them with the hairspray
Once you've rolled up the sock bows and pinned them with the bobby pins, use your fingers to carefully fluff them further up. You can also smooth any hair out of place using a little water. When you're done, spray a strong hold hairspray over your hair.
Part 5 of 6: putting on makeup
Step 1. Apply some toner and moisturizer to your clean face
Start by washing your face using a cleanser suitable for your skin type. Dry your face and apply a little toner on it with a cloth to close the pores. Smear some moisturizer on your face.
If desired, you can apply a face foundation when the moisturizer dries. The face foundation will help fill in pores and fine lines, making your face look smoother
Step 2. Apply foundation and set it with pressed powder
Pick a color that matches your skin tone. You can use any type of foundation you want: liquid, cream or powder. You can even use a tinted moisturizer if you don't like wearing too much makeup.
Step 3. Apply a little pink blush on your cheekbones
If you have a warm skin tone, go for a peach or coral shade. If your skin tone is cool, choose a berry shade.
Step 4. Apply a light red lipstick
Princess Leia's lips are reddish-pink, not too pink and not too red. If you have a warm skin tone, choose a reddish coral tone. If your skin tone is cool, choose a berry shade.
If your skin tone is very dark, you can simply use a red lipstick
Step 5. Apply some eyeshadow with a brush
Use a cream or ivory shade on the brow bone and a neutral brown shade on the eyelid and crease. Finish with a touch of ivory or cream on the inner corners of your eyes. Apply the eyeshadow with makeup brushes and make sure to blend them.
If your skin is very dark, these colors may be too light for you. Instead, choose a color that is several shades lighter than your skin tone to apply to the brow bone and inner corners. Choose a color that is several shades darker than your skin tone to apply to the eyelid and crease
Step 6. Apply eyeliner
Pick an eyeliner and apply a thin line along your upper and lower lashes. Don't add a cat eye or wing effect.
Step 7. Soften the eyeliner at the bottom
You can do this by brushing on some brown or dark brown eyeshadow over the eyeliner. You can also smudge the eyeliner using a cotton swab or eyeliner smudger.
Step 8. Apply some mascara
Apply to upper and lower lashes.
Step 9. Set your makeup to last longer
You can use a spray or powder setting.
Part 6 of 6: Find or make the accessories
Step 1. Find a pair of tall, white boots
You can also wear black boots. They won't look like the ones Princess Leia wears, but they'll go well with the costume.
Look for knee-high boots
Step 2. Consider painting a pair of boots white
If you can't get the right boots, get a knee-level pair that fits you well. Paint them using white fabric paint or spray paint.
Step 3. Get a wide silver and white belt
If you can't find one, get a wide white belt and draw octagons or rectangles on it using silver paint or permanent marker. Instead, you can also get a silver belt.
Step 4. Consider making a simple gray satin ribbon belt
Get a wide gray satin ribbon. Cut the ribbon 2 inches (5 cm) longer than your waist measurement. Glue a 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide strip of velcro to each end of the tape. Place the tape over your waist and close it at the back.
Step 5. Consider making a belt from scratch
Wear the belt with the pointy side down. The belt closes at the back. You will need white vinyl or craft foam in silver or gray. To make the belt you must do the following:
- Cut a piece of white vinyl or craft foam long enough to surround your waist with an overlap of 1 inch (3 cm). The belt should be 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) high with a pointed V-shape in the center.
- Cut a pentagon out of a piece of silver or gray vinyl or foam. Stick it in the center of the belt. Line up the tip of the pentagon with the tip of the belt.
- Cut seven elongated octagons from a piece of silver or gray craft foam or vinyl. Glue three on one side of the pentagon and four on the other side. Make sure the space between them is even and not covering the velcro.
- Tape a 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide strip of velcro to the small ends of the belt to close it.
- Take a piece of silver or gray vinyl or craft foam and cut out eight circles. Glue each piece onto each pentagon and octagon.
Step 6. Check the prop gun rules for the event you are attending before purchasing a Star Wars blaster pistol from a toy store
At most conventions, drawing guns are not allowed unless they are painted orange to prove they are safe. Also, most movie theaters do not allow prop guns or the like to be used, even if they are toy ones.
When buying a Star Wars blaster, look for a black one that is at least the size of your arm
Step 7. Consider making your own gun using a squirt gun or a Nerf brand gun
Get a squirt gun or a Nerf-brand blaster that is shaped correctly. Take it outside and spray black paint using matte black spray paint. Apply a light, even coat of paint. Wait until the paint dries to apply a second coat if necessary. When the paint dries, flip the gun over and spray the other side.
- Most spray paints stick to plastic but are not very durable. To make the paint durable, be sure to use plastic spray paint. Additionally, you can coat the gun with a primer coat of paint. Doing so will help the paint stick better.
- It is recommended that you apply multiple coats rather than a single thick coat. If you apply the paint too quickly, it may drip or form puddles. Also, the paint may not dry properly.
- Note that not all venues allow prop guns. Before making your blaster pistol, it may be a good idea to check the rules of the event you are attending regarding the use of prop pistols.
Advice
- Consider wearing a white petticoat under your Princess Leia dress.
- You may want to search for images of Princess Leia on the internet so that you can put on makeup like her. You should add a hood to the dress template that appears in the references section.
Warnings
- Always check the rules of the event you are attending regarding the use of prop guns. Most conventions and movie premieres have strict rules about prop guns.
- Never wave your gun or point it at someone.
- Never use a real weapon for this costume.