Pippi Longstocking Costume

A quirky Pippi Longstocking costume is an easy and unusual costume idea.

Capture Pippi's quirkiness!

The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking was a favorite children's book written by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Pippi was an eccentric pre-teen who was the daughter of a sailor who was often out at sea, leaving Pippi alone with idle time and a wildly active imagination. She spent many days alone at home with the companionship of her horse and just a few neighborhood friends. Pippi would guide her friends through memorable adventures, often in search for her father who she believed was lost at sea.

A clever last minute costume doesn't have to be labor intensive or expensive to create. In fact, although a Pippi Longstocking costume may be purchased at select or specialty costume shops, this is unique costume idea can be whipped up at home with a few select pieces of clothing found in your closet.

Are you ready to morph into a mischievous and playful pre-teen? It's simple, just follow these inspirations!

For gals who wish to emulate Pippi's quirky look, a pair of braids is a must. Rest assured, a wig will work if your hair isn’t long enough to braid. Opt for a long straight wig, part the hair down the center and braid. Hairspray can be used to create a whimsical placement of the braid. Consider sticking the ends of the hair up and outwards to mimic Pippi's disheveled locks. Finish braids with a pair of satin ribbons or bows. Finally, a can of orange or red spray-on temporary hair color will help emulate Pippi's famous scarlet hue.

It's well known that costumes always look their best when they are exaggerated with cosmetics and special effects. To create a whimsical Pippi face, apply blusher heavily in round circles directly on the apple of the cheeks to add a spunky and playful glow. To create faux freckles, use an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner to draw or spot on dots. False eyelashes will add an exaggerated appeal to your costume.

Pippi wore a mismatched variety of frocks. For the top half, raid your closet in search of suspenders, a turtleneck, long sleeve shirt or a fitted sweater. For the bottom half, opt for a skirt, shorts or cropped pants. Don't be afraid to layer tops or turtlenecks for an eccentric sense of style. Pippi dressed in a very haphazard manner, so don't try too hard to capture perfection. Instead, use your creativity and find a few playful or printed pieces that can be thrown together casually.

Stockings or striped tights are a must for a quirky Pippi Longstocking costume. During the Halloween season, striped witch costume tights can be found easily. When shopping off season, consider a calico printed knee high sock that can be pulled down to the ankle on one leg, and kept at the knee on the other. Because Pippi had a messy aura about her, it's not important for her wardrobe pieces to be in perfect condition. Shopping at thrift stores or resale shops is a great idea for those trying to create a Pippi look on a budget.

Accessories can make or break an outfit. For a few prop ideas for a Pippi costume, consider adventurous items such as a pirate hat or vintage apron. Pippi was quite imaginative, so use this aspect of her personality to pull together your own props. Perhaps Pippi was going out to sea to find her father? A compass and a pair of binoculars may fit the bill. If Pippi was seeking a buried treasure, a treasure map and a flashlight may make the perfect props. Get creative!

Although Pippi Longstocking makes the perfect budget conscience idea, her unique look and kindred spirit make her an equally fun and creative character to emulate.

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