Darla Costume
Bring Pixar's notorious fish-terrorizer to life with simple DIY pieces.
Darla Sherman is the dentist's hyperactive, fish-killing niece from Pixar's Finding Nemo. She is a popular choice for Disney fans who want a funny, nostalgic, and slightly chaotic costume. Her look is instantly recognizable by her purple sweatshirt, schoolgirl skirt, metal headgear, and a bagged toy fish.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $20–50
Try it on
See yourself as Darla
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Darla costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Darla costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Purple Sweatshirt
A crewneck purple sweatshirt featuring the words 'Rock 'N' Roll Girl' printed across the front in yellow and white lettering.
DIY: Use a plain purple sweatshirt and write 'Rock 'N' Roll Girl' using yellow and white fabric markers or iron-on vinyl.
Plaid Skirt
A yellow and blue pleated schoolgirl plaid skirt.
DIY: Any yellow, green, or blue pleated schoolgirl skirt works well.
White Knee-High Socks
Classic white cotton knee-high socks pulled up to the knees.
Black Mary Jane Shoes
Flat black Mary Jane shoes with a single strap across the instep.
DIY: Use plain black sneakers or school shoes.
DIY Headgear
Faux orthodontic headgear made from a thick silver wire or aluminum foil wrapped around a headband.
DIY: Bend a silver wire hanger or thick aluminum foil into a U-shape, attach the ends to a silver headband, and run it across your mouth.
Bagged Fish Prop
A clear plastic bag filled with water (or clear gel) containing a toy orange clownfish.
DIY: Fill a clear Ziploc bag with water and a plastic toy fish, then tie the top securely with a black twist-tie.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Darla costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the yellow pleated plaid skirt and the purple 'Rock 'N' Roll Girl' sweatshirt.
- 2
Pull the white knee-high socks up to just below your knees and slip on the black Mary Jane shoes.
- 3
Style your hair into two high, messy pigtails secured with bright pink or purple hair ties.
- 4
Place the silver headband on your head, adjusting the wire 'headgear' so it sits comfortably across your upper lip.
- 5
Carry your bagged toy fish prop, holding it tightly by the top knot as if you are ready to shake it.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into two high, messy pigtails with pink hair ties. Keep makeup minimal but add a few fake freckles across the bridge of your nose using a brown eyebrow pencil.
Darla for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with someone dressed as Al, the dentist, or a diver holding a 'Nemo' toy.
- group
- Combine with friends dressed as Nemo, Marlin, Dory, or the dentist's tank gang.
- kids
- An adorable and easy option using a purple toddler sweatshirt and a small plush fish in a bag.
- Plus size
- A pleated skirt with an elastic waistband and an oversized purple sweatshirt provide a comfortable, screen-accurate fit.
Tips
- Make sure the DIY headgear wire is blunt on the ends and wrapped in tape so it doesn't scratch your face.
- Use clear hair gel or blue-tinted hand sanitizer in the plastic bag instead of water to prevent leaks during your party.
- Practice your best crazy-eyed 'fish killer' face for photos.
Darla costume FAQ
- How do you make Darla's headgear?
- You can easily make it by bending a thick silver craft wire or a wire hanger into a U-shape, wrapping the center in foil, and securing the ends to a silver headband so it rests in front of your mouth.
- What does Darla's shirt say?
- Her purple sweatshirt says 'Rock 'N' Roll Girl' in a yellow and white graphic print.
- How do you make the bagged fish prop?
- Take a clear plastic bag, place a toy orange clownfish inside, fill it with water or clear hair gel, and tie it off with a black twist-tie.
Did you know? Darla is named after Pixar producer Darla K. Anderson, who was known around the studio for playing lighthearted pranks on director Andrew Stanton.