Anne of Green Gables Costume
Bring the beloved, high-spirited orphan of Green Gables to life.
Anne Shirley, the imaginative and talkative heroine of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel, is a beloved choice for book lovers and vintage enthusiasts alike. Her signature look captures late 19th-century Canadian prairie life, defined by a simple dress, a practical pinafore, and her unmistakable red hair. This costume is perfect for literary events, historical reenactments, or classic Halloween styling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $35–85
Try it on
See yourself as Anne of Green Gables
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What you need for a Anne of Green Gables costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Anne of Green Gables costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Prairie Dress
A long-sleeved, high-collared cotton dress in a muted color like brown, green, or blue, reaching mid-calf or ankle length.
DIY: Use a long, long-sleeved maxi dress in a solid earthy tone.
White Pinafore Apron
A classic white cotton or linen apron with shoulder straps that cross in the back, worn over the dress.
DIY: Cut and hem a white bedsheet into a simple tabard-style apron with ties.
Straw Sun Hat
A simple, wide-brimmed straw hat, ideally with a black ribbon band around the crown.
DIY: Add a black satin ribbon to any plain straw beach hat.
Red Braided Wig
A bright orange-red wig styled into two tight, neat braids, complete with blunt bangs.
DIY: If you have long hair, spray it temporary orange-red and braid it into two pigtails.
Black Boots
Serviceable, lace-up black Victorian-style boots or simple ankle boots.
DIY: Wear any plain black leather lace-up boots or oxfords.
Black Knee-High Socks
Simple, opaque black knee-high socks or tights to wear under the dress.
DIY: Use standard black tights or leggings.
Cameo Brooch or Pin Watch
A small vintage-style cameo brooch pinned at the collar of the dress for an authentic touch.
DIY: Print a small cameo image, glue it to cardboard, and attach a safety pin to the back.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Anne of Green Gables costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black knee-high socks or tights followed by the black lace-up boots.
- 2
Slip into the long-sleeved prairie dress and fasten any buttons or zippers.
- 3
Layer the white pinafore apron over the dress, tying it securely at the back.
- 4
Pin the cameo brooch centered at the very top of the dress collar.
- 5
Put on the red braided wig, ensuring your natural hair is fully tucked underneath.
- 6
Place the straw sun hat on your head, letting the red braids frame your face.
- 7
Carry a vintage book or a small wicker basket to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural with light foundation, a touch of pink blush, and drawn-on faux freckles across the nose and cheeks. Hair must be styled in two neat, tight braids with blunt bangs, colored a distinct carrot-red.
Anne of Green Gables for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Gilbert Blythe wearing a newsboy cap, suspenders, a button-down shirt, and trousers.
- group
- Go with Diana Barry in a fancier Victorian dress with puffed sleeves, and Matthew Cuthbert in a dusty vest and flat cap.
- kids
- A smaller version of the prairie dress and pinafore, perfect for school book character days.
- Plus size
- Look for historical reproduction prairie dresses with elastic or adjustable waistlines for a comfortable fit.
- pet
- A small dog wearing a miniature straw hat and a white ruffled collar.
Tips
- Add plenty of faux freckles using a brown eyebrow pencil or freckle pen for Anne's signature look.
- If the straw hat slips, secure it to the wig using a couple of bobby pins.
- Carry a vintage hardback copy of 'Anne of Green Gables' as a perfect, lightweight prop.
- Opt for flat or low-heeled boots to stay comfortable if you plan on walking or standing for long periods.
Anne of Green Gables costume FAQ
- What kind of dress does Anne of Green Gables wear?
- She wears a simple, late-19th-century high-collared prairie dress, typically in a dark or muted color, covered by a white pinafore apron.
- How do I style my hair for an Anne of Green Gables costume?
- Style your hair into two tight braids on either side of your head. If your hair isn't red, use a temporary color spray or wear a carrot-red braided wig with bangs.
- What accessories does Anne of Green Gables need?
- Essential accessories include a wide-brimmed straw sun hat, black lace-up boots, black knee-high socks, and a vintage cameo brooch at the collar.
Did you know? L.M. Montgomery was inspired to write the novel after reading a newspaper article about a couple who were mistakenly sent an orphan girl instead of the boy they had requested.