Madeline Costume
Bring the classic French schoolgirl from the beloved books to life.
Madeline is the brave, smallest schoolgirl from Ludwig Bemelmans' classic children's book series. This costume is a popular choice for book character days, Halloween, and teachers because of its instantly recognizable, charming vintage look. The ensemble centers on a bright blue coat or dress, a yellow straw hat with a black ribbon, and a signature red necktie.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as Madeline
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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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Madeline costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Madeline costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Blue coat or long-sleeved dress
A royal blue or French blue coat, cape, or long-sleeved dress with a white collar.
DIY: Use a plain blue dress or coat and attach a white felt collar.
Yellow straw hat
A wide-brimmed yellow straw hat with a flat crown.
DIY: Paint a standard straw hat with yellow spray paint.
Black hat ribbon
A wide black grosgrain ribbon tied around the hat base with long tails hanging down the back.
DIY: Hot glue a strip of black ribbon around your yellow hat, leaving 12-inch tails at the back.
Red necktie or scarf
A bright red ribbon or small scarf tied in a neat bow at the collar.
DIY: Cut a strip of red felt or fabric and tie it into a bow around the collar.
White knee socks
Opaque white knee-high socks.
Black Mary Jane shoes
Classic black patent leather Mary Jane flats or T-strap shoes.
DIY: Use plain black ballet flats.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Madeline costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the blue long-sleeved dress or coat.
- 2
Tie the red ribbon into a neat bow directly under the white collar.
- 3
Pull on the white knee-high socks, ensuring they are pulled straight and even.
- 4
Slip into the black Mary Jane shoes.
- 5
Tie the black ribbon around the base of the yellow straw hat, leaving the long tails trailing behind.
- 6
Place the yellow hat securely on your head, tilting it slightly back to show your face.
Makeup & hair
Style hair into a short, chin-length red or brown bob with straight bangs. Keep makeup minimal and fresh-faced, perhaps adding a few light freckles across the nose with a brown eyebrow pencil.
Madeline for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Pepito, the Spanish Ambassador's son, wearing a black wide-brimmed hat, white ruffled shirt, and black cape.
- group
- Gather a group of friends in matching blue dresses, white socks, and yellow hats to go as the twelve little girls in two straight lines, led by someone dressed as Miss Clavel in a nun's habit.
- kids
- This is an incredibly popular and easy kids' costume; use a comfortable blue knit dress and a soft yellow felt hat for toddlers.
- Plus size
- Look for an A-line blue dress or swing coat with a stretchy white collar for a comfortable, flattering fit.
- pet
- A small blue dog coat paired with a miniature yellow hat secured with an elastic band.
Tips
- If you are using a blue coat instead of a dress, wear simple black shorts or a skirt underneath for comfort.
- Secure the straw hat with bobby pins or a chin strap if you plan to wear it outdoors on a windy day.
- For group photos, walk in 'two straight lines' to perfectly recreate the iconic imagery from the book.
Madeline costume FAQ
- What does Madeline wear on her head?
- Madeline wears a bright yellow round straw hat with a thick black ribbon tied around the crown, featuring long ribbon tails that hang down the back.
- How do you make a DIY Madeline hat?
- Take a standard straw boater or sun hat, paint it with bright yellow acrylic or spray paint, and hot glue a wide black ribbon around the base, leaving long tails at the back.
- What color is Madeline's coat?
- Madeline's signature coat is a bright royal blue, featuring a prominent white collar and a bright red bow tied at the neck.
Did you know? The character of Madeline was inspired by author Ludwig Bemelmans' own daughter, Barbara, and his wife, Madeleine, as well as his own childhood experience in a French hospital after a bicycle accident.