The Sound of Music Costume
The hills are alive with this classic, musical-inspired DIY costume.
Recreate the iconic look of Maria von Trapp from the beloved musical The Sound of Music. Perfect for theater fans and classic movie lovers, this costume captures Maria's charming arrival at the von Trapp villa. The ensemble features her modest governess dress, a straw hat, and her signature acoustic guitar.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as The Sound of Music
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What you need for a The Sound of Music costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete The Sound of Music costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Grey long-sleeved dress
A modest, mid-calf length A-line dress with a high neckline in solid grey or brown.
DIY: Use a plain grey maxi dress and hem it to mid-calf length.
Black half apron
A simple black waist apron that ties at the back, worn over the dress.
DIY: Tie a rectangular piece of black fabric around your waist with a black ribbon.
Straw boater hat
A flat-topped straw hat featuring a wide black ribbon band.
DIY: Take any flat-topped straw sun hat and hot-glue a wide black grosgrain ribbon around the crown.
Acoustic guitar
A classic wooden acoustic guitar to carry as her signature instrument.
DIY: Cut a guitar shape out of sturdy cardboard, paint it brown, and draw on the strings with a black marker.
Vintage carpet bag
A tapestry-style travel bag or patterned duffel bag to represent her luggage.
DIY: Use any vintage-looking floral or patterned tote bag.
Black oxford shoes
Simple, low-heeled black leather oxford shoes or Mary Janes.
DIY: Use any plain black flats or school shoes you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made The Sound of Music costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the grey long-sleeved modest dress.
- 2
Tie the black half-apron securely around your waist over the dress.
- 3
Put on the black oxford shoes with simple neutral socks.
- 4
Place the straw boater hat on your head, ensuring the black ribbon is visible.
- 5
Carry the vintage carpet bag in one hand.
- 6
Sling the acoustic guitar over your shoulder or carry it in your other hand to complete the iconic arrival look.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a short, blonde, feathered pixie cut or bob. Keep makeup minimal and natural, featuring fresh skin, a touch of rosy blush, and a neutral lip color.
The Sound of Music for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair Maria with Captain von Trapp in a white naval uniform or a traditional Austrian Loden jacket.
- group
- Gather friends to dress as the von Trapp children in matching play clothes made from green-and-white floral curtain fabric.
- kids
- A child can dress as Gretl or any of the von Trapp children in traditional Austrian tracht (dirndl or lederhosen).
- Plus size
- Look for a comfortable, stretch-knit grey maxi dress and pair it with an adjustable tie-back black apron.
- pet
- Dress a small dog in a tiny green alpine hat or a miniature dirndl.
Tips
- If carrying a real guitar gets too heavy for a long party, opt for a lightweight cardboard or inflatable prop guitar.
- Keep the look modest and vintage-accurate by choosing a dress that falls below the knees.
- For outdoor events, wear warm tights under the long dress to stay comfortable in cooler weather.
The Sound of Music costume FAQ
- What does Maria wear when she first arrives at the villa?
- She wears a modest, plain grey long-sleeved dress, a black waist apron, a flat-topped straw hat, and carries a guitar and a carpet bag.
- How do I make the curtain play clothes costume?
- Use green and white floral fabric (reminiscent of vintage drapery) to sew simple play suits, jumpers, or dirndls for a group look.
- What kind of hat does Maria wear?
- She wears a classic straw boater hat with a flat crown and a wide black ribbon band around the base.
Did you know? The real Maria von Trapp actually made a brief cameo appearance in the background of the 1965 film during the 'I Have Confidence' musical number.