Cherry Valance Costume
Channel the classic 1960s Soc style from The Outsiders.
Sherri 'Cherry' Valance is the popular cheerleader and Soc from S.E. Hinton's classic novel and film adaptation, The Outsiders. People choose this costume for its nostalgic 1960s aesthetic and recognizable literary connection. The look consists of a neat, preppy outfit featuring a blue sweater, grey skirt, and her signature fiery red hair.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $35–80
Try it on
See yourself as Cherry Valance
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What you need for a Cherry Valance costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Cherry Valance costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Red shoulder-length wig
A vibrant red or auburn wig styled in a classic 1960s flip or soft curls.
DIY: Style your own hair with a hot roller set and hairspray if you already have reddish hair.
Blue V-neck sweater
A classic, long-sleeved knit V-neck sweater in royal or medium blue.
DIY: Use a blue crewneck sweater or a blue cardigan buttoned up.
White collared blouse
A crisp white button-down shirt with a pointed collar to wear under the sweater.
DIY: A white polo shirt or a detachable white collar can work in a pinch.
Grey pleated skirt
An A-line or pleated grey wool-blend skirt that hits at or below the knee.
DIY: Any grey school-uniform style skirt or a grey pencil skirt.
Black ballet flats
Simple, clean black leather or faux-leather ballet flats.
DIY: Black loafers or saddle shoes also fit the 1960s student aesthetic.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Cherry Valance costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white collared blouse and button it up to the top.
- 2
Layer the blue V-neck sweater over the blouse, pulling the white collar out so it sits neatly over the sweater's neckline.
- 3
Put on the grey pleated midi skirt, tucking in both the blouse and the sweater if needed for a clean silhouette.
- 4
Slip on the black ballet flats.
- 5
Secure your hair under a wig cap and put on the styled red wig, brushing the bangs or front sections to frame your face.
- 6
Adjust the collar and sweater cuffs to ensure a neat, preppy Soc appearance.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup natural and clean with a light pink lipstick and subtle winged eyeliner. Style the red wig with a classic 1960s voluminous bouffant or a soft flip at the ends.
Cherry Valance for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Ponyboy Curtis in a simple t-shirt and denim jacket, or Bob Sheldon in a preppy plaid madras shirt.
- group
- Gather a group to represent the Socs in preppy sweaters and madras shirts, facing off against the Greasers in leather jackets.
- kids
- Use a school uniform skirt and a small blue sweater paired with a temporary red hair spray.
- Plus size
- Opt for an A-line grey skirt with an elastic waistband and a stretch-knit V-neck sweater for comfort.
Tips
- Keep the outfit pressed and wrinkle-free to emphasize the wealthy 'Soc' background.
- Carry a vintage-looking notebook or a copy of 'Gone with the Wind' as a thematic prop.
- For outdoor events, wear skin-toned tights under the skirt to stay warm.
Cherry Valance costume FAQ
- What does Cherry Valance wear in The Outsiders?
- Her most iconic look is a preppy 1960s outfit consisting of a white collared shirt under a blue V-neck sweater, paired with a grey pleated skirt and black flats.
- How do I style my hair for a Cherry Valance costume?
- You need shoulder-length red or auburn hair styled in a 1960s flip, which can be achieved with a wig or by using hot rollers on natural hair.
- Is this costume easy to DIY?
- Yes, it is very easy to assemble using standard wardrobe basics like a white button-down, a blue sweater, and a grey skirt.
Did you know? Cherry's real name is Sherri, but she got her nickname 'Cherry' because of her bright red hair.