Anne Frank Costume
A respectful, historically accurate 1940s look for educational and historical presentations.
Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish diarist whose diary documented her life in hiding during the Holocaust. For school presentations, historical wax museums, and educational events, people recreate her classic 1940s look. This costume consists of a modest 1940s-style dress or overcoat, a beret, and her signature red-and-white plaid diary.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Anne Frank
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What you need for a Anne Frank costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Anne Frank costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
1940s Blue or Green Coat Dress
A long-sleeved, button-up double-breasted coat dress or a simple long-sleeved dress with a Peter Pan collar.
DIY: Use a dark blue or green button-up cardigan over a pleated skirt and attach a white felt collar.
White Peter Pan Collar
A rounded white collar peeking out from the neckline of the dress or sweater.
DIY: Cut a rounded collar shape out of white felt or paper and pin it to the neckline of a dark sweater.
Green or Brown Beret
A classic wool or felt beret worn tilted to one side.
DIY: Use a simple dark-colored beanie pulled back slightly, or sew a basic flat circular hat from felt.
Brown Satchel Bag
A small, vintage-style brown faux-leather shoulder bag or messenger bag.
DIY: Use a simple canvas or brown fabric tote bag with a long shoulder strap.
Plaid Diary Prop
A small notebook with a red-and-white or orange-and-brown plaid cover to represent her famous diary.
DIY: Wrap a small notebook in red-and-white checkered wrapping paper or fabric.
White Mary Jane Shoes and Socks
Classic black or brown Mary Jane shoes paired with white ankle socks or neutral tights.
DIY: Wear any dark-colored flat dress shoes with folded white socks.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Anne Frank costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the long-sleeved 1940s-style dress or the sweater-and-skirt combination.
- 2
Ensure the white Peter Pan collar is visible and neatly folded over the neckline of the dress or sweater.
- 3
Put on the white ankle socks and step into the black or brown Mary Jane shoes.
- 4
Place the beret on your head, tilting it slightly to one side over parted hair.
- 5
Sling the brown satchel bag over one shoulder so it hangs at the hip.
- 6
Hold the plaid diary prop in your hands to complete the historical look.
Makeup & hair
Style hair in a neat, shoulder-length bob with soft waves or pin curls, parted to one side. Keep makeup completely natural or bare-faced to maintain historical accuracy for a young girl in the 1940s.
Anne Frank for couples, groups, kids & more
- group
- Can be paired with other historical figures from the WWII era for school presentations.
- kids
- This look is most commonly worn by school-aged children for historical wax museum projects and book reports.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting, A-line vintage coat dress or a pleated skirt with an oversized knit cardigan provides a comfortable, historically accurate fit.
Tips
- Keep it respectful: This look is best suited for educational presentations, historical reenactments, and school projects rather than standard Halloween parties.
- Focus on the diary: The red-and-white checkered diary is the most defining prop that identifies the historical figure.
- Layer for warmth: If wearing this for an outdoor school parade, a vintage-style wool trench coat fits the 1940s aesthetic perfectly.
Anne Frank costume FAQ
- What did Anne Frank's diary look like?
- Her original diary had a distinctive red-and-white checkered (plaid) cloth cover with a small metal clasp on the side.
- How do you make a DIY Anne Frank costume for a school project?
- Combine a dark green or blue button-up cardigan with a pleated skirt, add a detachable white Peter Pan collar, wear a dark beret, and carry a red-and-white plaid notebook.
- What kind of shoes did girls wear in the 1940s?
- School-aged girls typically wore simple leather Mary Janes, saddle shoes, or dark T-strap flats paired with white ankle socks.
Did you know? Anne Frank received her famous red-and-white checkered diary as a present for her 13th birthday on June 12, 1942, just a few weeks before her family went into hiding.