Mary Katherine Gallagher Costume
Superstar! Recreate the iconic SNL Catholic schoolgirl look with ease.
Mary Katherine Gallagher is the hyperactive, socially awkward Catholic schoolgirl made famous by Molly Shannon on Saturday Night Live. This costume is a massive hit for comedy fans who want an energetic, physical, and instantly recognizable 90s throwback look. The outfit consists of a classic Catholic school uniform paired with messy hair, wire-rimmed glasses, and her signature red headband.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $30–70
Try it on
See yourself as Mary Katherine Gallagher
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What you need for a Mary Katherine Gallagher costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Mary Katherine Gallagher costume — one box instead of 8 pieces.
White short-sleeve button-up shirt
A classic white collared school uniform blouse or short-sleeve button-down shirt.
DIY: Use any plain white collared shirt you already own.
Navy blue or black pleated skirt
A knee-length pleated school uniform skirt in navy blue, dark grey, or black.
DIY: Any dark pleated skirt or a dark pinafore dress works.
V-neck sweater vest
A sleeveless, button-up or pullover V-neck sweater vest in navy blue or black.
Black cross tie
A classic criss-cross schoolgirl tie that snaps or buttons at the collar.
DIY: Cross two strips of black ribbon and pin them with a safety pin.
Red plastic headband
A simple, bright red plastic headband worn pushed back on the head.
Black wire-rimmed glasses
Round or slightly oval retro black wire-framed glasses.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of cheap retro sunglasses or old reading glasses.
White knee-high socks
Opaque white athletic or uniform knee-high socks, worn pulled up.
Black Mary Jane shoes
Flat black leather Mary Jane shoes or simple black school flats.
DIY: Any plain black sneakers or loafers will do.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Mary Katherine Gallagher costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white short-sleeve collared shirt and button it all the way to the top.
- 2
Secure the black cross tie directly under the shirt collar.
- 3
Layer the navy blue sweater vest over the shirt, ensuring the collar and tie remain visible.
- 4
Put on the pleated navy blue skirt, tucking the shirt in if necessary.
- 5
Pull the white knee-high socks up to just below your knees and slip on the black Mary Jane shoes.
- 6
Place the red plastic headband on your head, pushing your hair back slightly.
- 7
Put on the black wire-rimmed glasses to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in messy, slightly unkempt waves or a disheveled half-up style. Keep makeup minimal and natural, focusing on a slightly flushed, awkward schoolgirl complexion.
Mary Katherine Gallagher for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as a Catholic school priest, or a high school crush like Sky Corrigan.
- group
- Gather a group of SNL characters from the 90s, including the Spartan Cheerleaders and Mango.
- kids
- A cute, easy option using standard kids' school uniform pieces, a red headband, and toy glasses.
- Plus size
- Pleated skirts with elastic waistbands and stretchy knit sweater vests provide a comfortable, flexible fit.
Tips
- Practice the pose: To truly sell the character, put your hands under your armpits, sniff your fingers, and shout 'Superstar!' with your arms raised in a V.
- Comfort is key: This costume uses flat shoes and a loose skirt, making it incredibly comfortable for walking around or dancing all night.
- Weather prep: If it is cold outside, add a pair of sheer black tights under your white knee-high socks for extra warmth.
Mary Katherine Gallagher costume FAQ
- What does Mary Katherine Gallagher wear?
- She wears a classic Catholic school uniform consisting of a white short-sleeve collared shirt, a black cross tie, a navy blue sweater vest, a pleated navy skirt, white knee-high socks, black Mary Jane shoes, a red headband, and black wire glasses.
- How do you do the Mary Katherine Gallagher pose?
- Stick your hands deep into your armpits, hold them there for a moment, sniff your fingers, and then throw your arms straight up into a V-shape while lunging forward and shouting 'Superstar!'
- Is this an easy DIY costume?
- Yes, it is very easy to put together using standard school uniform pieces, a cheap red headband, and costume glasses.
Did you know? Molly Shannon based the physical, high-energy character of Mary Katherine Gallagher on her own childhood survival strategies and exaggerated social anxieties.