Princess Merida Costume
Embrace your inner Scottish archer with Merida's iconic medieval look.
Princess Merida from Disney's Brave is a fan-favorite choice for those who love adventurous, independent characters. Her signature look features a deep teal medieval gown, a wild mane of curly red hair, and her trusty bow and arrow. This costume is perfect for anyone wanting a royal look with a fierce, outdoorsy edge.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Princess Merida
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 Princess Merida costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Princess Merida costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Dark teal medieval gown
A long-sleeved, floor-length dress in deep teal velvet or brushed cotton, featuring gold trim at the neckline and cream-colored ruffles peeking out at the elbows and cuffs.
DIY: Dye a long-sleeved dark green or blue maxi dress, and sew gold ribbon around the collar and elbows.
Curly orange-red wig
A voluminous, shoulder-length wig with tight, wild ginger-red curls and plenty of body.
DIY: If you have long hair, use a small-barrel curling iron to create tight curls, brush them out for volume, and temporary orange hair spray.
Toy bow and arrow set
A rustic wooden-look toy bow with a matching quiver and a few suction-cup or foam-tipped arrows.
DIY: Craft a simple bow using a sturdy, curved tree branch and thick twine, wrapping the center handle in brown fabric.
Brown leather belt
A wide, dark brown faux-leather belt with a simple gold or brass buckle to cinch the waist of the gown.
DIY: Use a strip of brown vinyl or felt tied in a knot at the hip.
Brown boots
Flat or low-heeled brown leather or suede ankle boots suitable for walking through the Highlands.
DIY: Any comfortable brown flat shoes or boots you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Princess Merida costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the long-sleeved teal medieval gown, ensuring the cream fabric accents at the elbows and cuffs are visible.
- 2
Fasten the wide brown leather belt around your waist, letting the excess strap hang down slightly in a medieval style.
- 3
Style your natural hair or secure your hair under a wig cap, then carefully put on the voluminous curly red wig, shaking it out to maximize the wild volume.
- 4
Put on your brown lace-up ankle boots.
- 5
Sling the arrow quiver over your shoulder using its strap so it rests on your back.
- 6
Hold the toy bow in one hand to complete the fierce, royal archer look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural with light foundation, a touch of peach blush, and faux freckles dotted across the nose and cheeks using a brown brow pencil. The hair is the star: a massive, untamed mane of bright orange-red curls with lots of volume.
Princess Merida for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Queen Elinor (either in her royal gown or as a bear) for a mother-daughter duo.
- group
- Gather friends to dress as the three mischievous triplet brothers (as little bears) or the clan lords.
- kids
- A comfortable cotton stretch version of the teal dress paired with a smaller toy bow and a curly red headband.
- Plus size
- Look for a velvet medieval gown with corset-style lacing at the back for an adjustable, comfortable fit.
- pet
- A small bear costume for a dog to represent one of Merida's transformed triplet brothers.
Tips
- The wig can get hot and heavy; secure it with plenty of bobby pins and use a breathable wig cap underneath.
- If you plan to attend a crowded party, opt for a soft foam or fabric bow rather than a rigid plastic or wooden one to avoid bumping into people.
- To keep the dress hem clean during outdoor events, pin it up slightly or choose ankle-length boots with a small heel to lift the fabric off the ground.
Princess Merida costume FAQ
- What color is Merida's dress?
- Merida's iconic dress is a deep, dark teal (often described as forest green or dark blue-green) made of a heavy, velvet-like fabric with gold trim and cream under-layers.
- How do I get Merida's wild curly hair?
- The easiest way is to purchase a dedicated 'Merida wig' which features tight, voluminous ginger curls. If styling natural hair, use a 3/8-inch curling wand, curl small sections in alternating directions, and brush them out to create frizz and volume.
- What props do I need for a Merida costume?
- The essential props are a rustic toy bow, a quiver worn on the back, and a few toy arrows. A simple gold Celtic-style pendant or ring also adds a nice touch.
Did you know? Merida is Disney's first Pixar-created princess, and animators had to write an entirely new software program just to realistically simulate the movement of her 1,500 individual, wild red curls.