My Fair Lady Costume
Step into Edwardian elegance with Eliza's iconic black and white Ascot gown.
Eliza Doolittle's black and white Ascot gown from the 1964 film My Fair Lady is one of the most famous fashion moments in cinema history. Designed by Cecil Beaton, this Edwardian look is a favorite for theater lovers, vintage enthusiasts, and costume parties. The ensemble features a form-fitting white lace gown accented with bold black-and-white striped bows and an oversized, dramatically decorated hat.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $80–250
Try it on
See yourself as My Fair Lady
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a My Fair Lady costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete My Fair Lady costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
White lace Edwardian gown
A floor-length, long-sleeved white lace dress with a high collar and a fitted silhouette.
DIY: Use a fitted white lace maxi dress and sew a high lace collar insert into the neckline.
Oversized white picture hat
An ultra-wide-brimmed white sun hat or picture hat to serve as the base for the headpiece.
DIY: Extend a standard wide-brim hat using white poster board covered in white fabric.
Black and white striped ribbon
Wide grosgrain ribbon with vertical or horizontal black and white stripes for the dress bows and hat trim.
Faux red and pink roses
Large silk flowers in deep red, pink, and white to decorate the hat.
White lace parasol
A delicate, non-functioning white lace umbrella with a long vintage-style handle.
White mesh gloves
Elbow-length sheer white or lace gloves.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made My Fair Lady costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white lace Edwardian gown, ensuring the high collar is fastened securely.
- 2
Construct two large bows using the wide black-and-white striped ribbon; pin one to the right side of the collar and the other to the left hip of the dress.
- 3
Decorate the wide-brimmed white hat by wrapping a band of striped ribbon around the crown, then hot-gluing a cluster of large red and pink silk roses and black feathers to the left side of the brim.
- 4
Secure the decorated hat to your head using hairpins or a hat pin to keep the dramatic, tilted angle stable.
- 5
Pull on the long, elbow-length white lace gloves.
- 6
Carry the white lace parasol in one hand, keeping it closed and resting against your shoulder for photos.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into a polished, high Edwardian chignon bun with soft, face-framing tendrils. Keep makeup classic with a flawless matte complexion, subtle winged black eyeliner, and a soft rose-pink lipstick.
My Fair Lady for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Henry Higgins in a formal grey Edwardian morning suit, top hat, and a walking stick.
- group
- Have friends dress as other Ascot racegoers in matching black, white, and grey Edwardian attire.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a white lace dress, a scaled-down decorated straw hat, and a small parasol.
- Plus size
- Look for an empire-waist white lace maxi dress, which offers a comfortable, forgiving fit while maintaining the Edwardian silhouette.
Tips
- The hat is top-heavy; secure it with a hidden headband or heavy-duty bobby pins to keep it from slipping.
- Walk with slow, poised steps to match the aristocratic demeanor of the Ascot scene.
- Keep the parasol closed indoors to avoid bumping into guests or decorations.
My Fair Lady costume FAQ
- What is Eliza Doolittle's Ascot dress made of?
- The original movie costume designed by Cecil Beaton was made of white silk linen, overlaid with hand-embroidered lace, and trimmed with black velvet and striped silk ribbons.
- How do I make the Ascot hat stay on?
- Sew a small hair comb or an elastic band to the inside rim of the hat, then anchor it into a teased section of your hair or your bun.
- Can I wear this to a Victorian-themed event?
- Yes, though the look is technically Edwardian (specifically 1912), it fits perfectly at Edwardian, Victorian, or vintage-themed costume events.
Did you know? The original Ascot dress worn by Audrey Hepburn sold at a memorabilia auction in 2011 for a staggering $3.7 million.