Lucy Ricardo Costume
Channel the queen of 1950s comedy with classic polka dots.
Lucy Ricardo from the classic sitcom 'I Love Lucy' is one of television's most recognizable characters. Dressing up as Lucy is a popular choice for vintage fans, couples, and retro parties. Her signature look features a navy blue and white polka dot dress, a crisp white apron, and her famous bright red curls.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $35–85
Try it on
See yourself as Lucy Ricardo
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.
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What you need for a Lucy Ricardo costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Lucy Ricardo costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Polka dot dress
A navy blue or black 1950s-style A-line swing dress with white polka dots, a collar, and short sleeves.
DIY: Use a navy blue dress and stick on white felt circles, or use fabric paint and a circular sponge.
White waist apron
A crisp white half-apron with ruffle trim that ties around the waist.
DIY: Cut a square of white fabric, hem the edges, and sew a white ribbon along the top to tie it.
Curly red wig
A bright orange-red wig styled in tight 1950s curls with a rolled-up front fringe.
DIY: Set your own hair in tight foam rollers, brush out into a fluffy poodle style, and spray with temporary orange-red hair color.
White hair bow
A simple white satin or fabric bow clipped to the top of the head or wig.
DIY: Tie a piece of white satin ribbon into a neat bow and attach it to a bobby pin or hair clip.
Black low-heel pumps
Classic black leather or faux-leather round-toe pumps with a low kitten heel.
DIY: Any comfortable black flats or Mary Janes will work as a substitute.
Pearl jewelry
A single-strand white pearl necklace and matching pearl stud earrings.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Lucy Ricardo costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the navy blue and white polka dot swing dress and zip it up securely.
- 2
Tie the white ruffled waist apron over the dress, securing it with a neat bow at the back.
- 3
Secure your natural hair under a wig cap, then put on the curly red wig, adjusting it so the rolled fringe sits on your forehead.
- 4
Clip the white hair bow into the top center of the wig, just behind the front roll.
- 5
Put on the pearl necklace and matching pearl stud earrings.
- 6
Finish the outfit by slipping into the black low-heel pumps.
Makeup & hair
Apply a flawless matte foundation, a dramatic black winged eyeliner, and a bold, classic red lipstick drawn with an exaggerated cupid's bow. The hair must be styled in tight, bouncy 1950s curls with a distinct front roll, colored a bright copper-red.
Lucy Ricardo for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Ricky Ricardo wearing a sharp 1950s suit, a fedora, and carrying a set of conga drums.
- group
- Add Ethel and Fred Mertz in vintage 1950s attire to complete the neighborhood gang.
- kids
- A miniature version of the polka dot dress, a tiny apron, and a red hair bow makes a sweet vintage look.
- Plus size
- A 1950s swing dress is highly flattering; opt for a stretch-cotton fabric and add a petticoat for extra skirt volume.
Tips
- Wear a petticoat under the swing dress to give the skirt that authentic, bouncy 1950s volume.
- Practice Lucy's famous crying face ('Eee-Yaaaaah!') and wide-eyed expressions for photos.
- Choose comfortable low heels or flats if you plan on walking or dancing at a party.
- Keep a red lipstick in your pocket or apron for quick touch-ups throughout the night.
Lucy Ricardo costume FAQ
- What dress does Lucy Ricardo wear?
- Her most famous outfit is a navy blue and white polka dot 1950s shirtwaist swing dress worn with a white ruffled apron.
- How do you do Lucy Ricardo's hair?
- Her hair is styled in a bright red 'poodle crop' with tight curls pinned up and a prominent rolled fringe at the front, accented by a white bow.
- What are good props for a Lucy Ricardo costume?
- A bottle of 'Vitameatavegamin' (you can print a custom label and stick it on a brown bottle) and a large spoon make perfect props.
Did you know? Although 'I Love Lucy' was filmed and broadcast in black and white, Lucille Ball's hair was actually a vibrant, dyed shade of strawberry blonde that she and her stylist referred to as 'golden apricot.'