Mary Ann Summers Costume
Channel the ultimate classic TV girl-next-door with retro gingham and denim.
Mary Ann Summers is the beloved, sweet-natured farm girl from the classic 1960s sitcom Gilligan's Island. A popular choice for retro TV fans, her look is defined by wholesome, mid-century casual style. The outfit features her signature tied-front gingham shirt, high-waisted denim shorts, and playful pigtails.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Mary Ann Summers
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What you need for a Mary Ann Summers costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Mary Ann Summers costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Red and White Gingham Shirt
A short-sleeved, button-down shirt with a red and white checkered gingham pattern, tied at the waist.
DIY: Use an old red checkered shirt and cut the hem so it is easy to tie in a knot at the front.
High-Waisted Denim Shorts
Dark wash, retro-style high-waisted denim shorts or hot pants.
DIY: Cut a pair of old high-rise blue jeans into short-shorts and cuff the hems.
White Sneakers or Canvas Flats
Simple, low-top white canvas sneakers or slip-on deck shoes.
DIY: Any plain white tennis shoes or flats you already own will work perfectly.
Hair Ribbons
Two matching red satin ribbons to tie around your pigtails.
DIY: Cut strips of red fabric or use red hair ties.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Mary Ann Summers costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the high-waisted denim shorts.
- 2
Put on the red and white gingham shirt, leaving the bottom few buttons undone.
- 3
Gather the two front tails of the shirt and tie them into a secure knot at your natural waistline, exposing a small sliver of midriff.
- 4
Part your hair down the middle and tie it into two high pigtails, securing them with hair ties.
- 5
Tie a red satin ribbon into a bow around the base of each pigtail.
- 6
Slip on the white canvas sneakers with low-cut white socks.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into two bouncy, high pigtails with curled ends and blunt bangs if you have them. Keep makeup fresh and natural with rosy cheeks, a touch of mascara, and a soft pink or red lip.
Mary Ann Summers for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Gilligan in his red long-sleeve shirt and white bucket hat, or the Skipper in his blue polo.
- group
- Form the ultimate Gilligan's Island cast with Gilligan, the Skipper, Ginger Grant, and the Millionaire and his wife.
- kids
- A sweet, simple retro look for kids using a mini gingham shirt and denim shorts.
- Plus size
- High-waisted denim shorts with stretch and a tie-front top offer a comfortable, flattering vintage silhouette.
Tips
- If you don't have bangs, you can sweep your front hair to the side or use clip-in bangs for that authentic 1960s look.
- Keep the shorts high-waisted to maintain the modest, classic television aesthetic of the era.
- Carry a fake tropical coconut drink with a straw as a fun, on-theme prop.
Mary Ann Summers costume FAQ
- What kind of shirt does Mary Ann wear?
- She famously wears a red and white checkered gingham button-down shirt tied in a knot at the waist.
- How do you style Mary Ann's hair?
- Part your hair down the middle, tie it into two high pigtails on the sides of your head, curl the ends, and tie red ribbons around the hair bands.
- Is this costume comfortable for warm weather?
- Yes, the lightweight cotton gingham shirt and denim shorts make this an incredibly comfortable and breathable choice for outdoor or summer events.
Did you know? Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann, actually rescued her famous denim shorts from the studio wardrobe department after the show was canceled; they later sold at auction for over $20,000.