What does Little Red Riding Hood carry in her basket?

Traditionally, she carries a bottle of wine, fresh cake, or butter and bread to deliver to her sick grandmother.

How do you make a quick DIY Red Riding Hood cape?

You can make a no-sew cape by cutting a piece of red felt into a semi-circle, cutting a smaller neck hole, and gluing a red ribbon to tie it.

What kind of dress does Little Red Riding Hood wear?

She typically wears a German or Swiss-style peasant dress (dirndl) with a white blouse, a black laced bodice, and a red skirt.

Red riding hood costume diy

Skip the store: Cut a large semi-circle of red fabric, hem the edges, and sew a simple hood or ribbon tie to the top. Layer a white off-the-shoulder top under a black corset belt, paired with a flared red skirt. Use an old picnic basket and line the inside with a red and white checkered napkin.

AI-generated example

Little Red Riding Hood Costume

Journey through the woods in this timeless, enchanting fairytale look.

Little Red Riding Hood is a classic fairytale character loved for her innocent yet adventurous spirit. This iconic costume centers around a vibrant red hooded cape worn over a traditional peasant-style dress or corset outfit. Complete with a wicker basket, it is a charming, instantly recognizable choice for Halloween or themed events.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $25–75

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Little Red Riding Hood costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Little Red Riding Hood costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Little Red Riding Hood costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Little Red Riding Hood at Spirit ↗

Red hooded cape
A vibrant red velvet or satin cloak with a large hood that ties at the neck.
DIY: Cut a large semi-circle of red fabric, hem the edges, and sew a simple hood or ribbon tie to the top.
Amazon
Peasant-style dress
A dress featuring a white ruffled blouse top, a black lace-up corset bodice, and a red flared skirt.
DIY: Layer a white off-the-shoulder top under a black corset belt, paired with a flared red skirt.
Amazon
Wicker basket
A classic woven wood basket with a handle, perfect for carrying treats.
DIY: Use an old picnic basket and line the inside with a red and white checkered napkin.
Amazon
White thigh-high socks
Opaque white thigh-high stockings or knee-high socks.
DIY: Wear simple white tights or white ankle socks instead.
Amazon
Black Mary Jane shoes
Classic black patent leather shoes with a strap, or simple black flats.
DIY: Use any comfortable black flats, loafers, or short black boots.
Amazon
Gingham fabric liner
A red and white checkered cotton cloth to drape inside the basket.
DIY: Use a red and white checkered kitchen towel or napkin.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Little Red Riding Hood costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the peasant-style dress, ensuring the corset laces are adjusted comfortably.
2
Pull on the white thigh-high socks or tights, smoothing them out to avoid wrinkles.
3
Slip into your black Mary Jane shoes or flat black boots.
4
Drape the red hooded cape over your shoulders and tie the ribbon securely at your collar.
5
Line your wicker basket with the red and white gingham fabric, letting the edges drape over the sides.
6
Place some fake apples or flowers in the basket, and put the hood up to complete the look.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair in two classic braided pigtails tied with red ribbons, or leave it in soft, natural waves. Keep your makeup fresh and simple with rosy cheeks and a soft red lip tint to emphasize the innocent storybook look.

Little Red Riding Hood for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with a partner dressed as the Big Bad Wolf in a suit or a wolf mask.
group: Create a fairytale group with Goldilocks, Snow White, Cinderella, and the Huntsman.
kids: Use a simple red hooded poncho over a comfortable red dress for an easy, warm kid-friendly option.
Plus size: Look for a peasant dress with an elasticized waist and an adjustable lace-up corset for a perfect fit.
pet: Dress your dog in a small red cape, or go as a duo with your dog wearing a wolf hood.

More ways people search for this costume

The most-searched variations of “Little Red Riding Hood costume”, and how this look adapts to each.

Red riding hood costume diy: Skip the store: Cut a large semi-circle of red fabric, hem the edges, and sew a simple hood or ribbon tie to the top. Layer a white off-the-shoulder top under a black corset belt, paired with a flared red skirt. Use an old picnic basket and line the inside with a red and white checkered napkin.

Tips

Choose a cape made of velvet or heavy cotton if you are trick-or-treating in cold weather to stay warm.
Use your wicker basket as a functional purse to hold your phone, keys, and wallet during parties.
If your cape keeps sliding back, secure it to your dress straps with two small safety pins.
For a gothic or dark twist, add a bit of fake blood to your cape and carry a toy axe.

Little Red Riding Hood costume FAQ

What does Little Red Riding Hood carry in her basket?: Traditionally, she carries a bottle of wine, fresh cake, or butter and bread to deliver to her sick grandmother.
How do you make a quick DIY Red Riding Hood cape?: You can make a no-sew cape by cutting a piece of red felt into a semi-circle, cutting a smaller neck hole, and gluing a red ribbon to tie it.
What kind of dress does Little Red Riding Hood wear?: She typically wears a German or Swiss-style peasant dress (dirndl) with a white blouse, a black laced bodice, and a red skirt.

Did you know? The oldest written versions of the Little Red Riding Hood story date back to 10th-century European folklore, long before the Brothers Grimm popularized their version.