What does Red Riding Hood carry in her basket?

Traditionally, she carries treats for her grandmother, such as bread, butter, cake, or fresh fruit. For a costume, you can line it with a gingham cloth and use it to hold your phone, wallet, and keys.

How do you make a DIY Red Riding Hood cape?

You can make a simple no-sew cape using a yard or two of red fleece or velvet fabric. Cut a semi-circle for the body, a smaller rectangle for the hood, fabric-glue them together, and attach a red ribbon at the neck to tie it.

What shoes should I wear with a Red Riding Hood costume?

Classic black Mary Janes, ballet flats, or lace-up brown or black boots work best to maintain the rustic, storybook aesthetic.

AI-generated example

Red Riding Hood Costume

Bring the classic fairy tale to life with a timeless look.

Red Riding Hood is a beloved fairy tale character whose iconic look is instantly recognizable at any costume event. Perfect for Halloween, Renaissance faires, or cosplay, this ensemble balances classic storybook charm with versatile styling options. The signature look centers around a vibrant red hooded cape paired with a rustic peasant-style dress and a woven picnic basket.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $25–80

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Red Riding Hood costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Red Riding Hood costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Red Riding Hood costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Red Riding Hood at Spirit ↗

Red hooded cape
A vibrant red cape made of velvet, satin, or fleece, featuring a deep hood that ties at the neck.
DIY: Cut a semi-circle from red fleece fabric, attach a matching hood piece using fabric glue, and tie with a red ribbon.
Amazon
Peasant-style dress
A dress featuring a white ruffled peasant bodice, a black corset-style waist, and a flared red skirt.
DIY: Combine a white off-the-shoulder blouse, a black lace-up vest, and a red A-line skirt from your closet.
Amazon
White lace apron
A small, waist-tied white apron with lace trim to add a rustic, traditional touch.
DIY: Cut a rectangle of white lace fabric, hem the edges, and sew or glue it to a white ribbon waist tie.
Amazon
Woven picnic basket
A small, classic wicker basket with a handle, perfect for carrying treats or personal items.
DIY: Use any small woven basket and line the inside with a red-and-white checkered napkin.
Amazon
White knee-high socks
Opaque white knee-high socks or tights to complete the classic storybook aesthetic.
DIY: Use plain white tights or thigh-high stockings you already own.
Amazon
Black Mary Jane shoes
Classic black leather Mary Janes, ballet flats, or simple lace-up boots.
DIY: Wear any comfortable black flats or dark brown leather boots.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Red Riding Hood costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the white knee-high socks or tights.
2
Dress in the peasant-style dress, or layer your white blouse, red skirt, and black corset vest.
3
Tie the white lace apron around your waist, positioning it over the front of the red skirt.
4
Put on your black Mary Jane shoes or boots.
5
Drape the red hooded cape over your shoulders and tie the ribbon securely at your collarbone.
6
Line your wicker basket with a red-and-white gingham napkin, and place your essentials inside.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup natural with rosy cheeks, soft mascara, and a classic red lip. Style your hair in two side braids tied with thin red ribbons, or leave it in soft, natural waves.

Red Riding Hood for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with someone dressed as the Big Bad Wolf, either in a full wolf suit or wearing a wolf mask over a floral grandma nightgown.
group: Create a fairy tale ensemble with the Big Bad Wolf, the Huntsman, and Grandma.
kids: A simplified version featuring a red hooded cape, a gingham dress, and a miniature basket.
Plus size: Look for peasant dresses with elastic smocking at the waist and adjustable lace-up corsets for a comfortable, custom fit.
pet: Dress your dog in a furry wolf hood or a tiny red cape to match your theme.

Tips

Choose a cape with a deep, structured hood so it stays on your head easily without slipping.
Line your picnic basket with a cloth to keep your phone, keys, and wallet hidden from view during photos.
If wearing this costume outdoors in cold weather, layer skin-toned fleece leggings under your skirt.
Opt for flat black boots instead of heels if you plan on walking on grass or uneven ground at a festival.

Red Riding Hood costume FAQ

What does Red Riding Hood carry in her basket?: Traditionally, she carries treats for her grandmother, such as bread, butter, cake, or fresh fruit. For a costume, you can line it with a gingham cloth and use it to hold your phone, wallet, and keys.
How do you make a DIY Red Riding Hood cape?: You can make a simple no-sew cape using a yard or two of red fleece or velvet fabric. Cut a semi-circle for the body, a smaller rectangle for the hood, fabric-glue them together, and attach a red ribbon at the neck to tie it.
What shoes should I wear with a Red Riding Hood costume?: Classic black Mary Janes, ballet flats, or lace-up brown or black boots work best to maintain the rustic, storybook aesthetic.

Did you know? The earliest printed versions of the Little Red Riding Hood story date back to 17th-century French folklore by Charles Perrault, who introduced the iconic red hood to the tale.