Vanessa Costume
Channel Ursula's enchanting human disguise with this classic villain look.
Vanessa is the beautiful but treacherous human disguise created by the sea witch Ursula in Disney's 1989 animated classic, The Little Mermaid. Popular for her striking, elegant look and villainous charm, this costume is perfect for fans who want a unique Disney cosplay. The ensemble centers around a signature purple and blue medieval-style gown and her iconic magical golden nautilus shell necklace.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Vanessa
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Vanessa costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Vanessa costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Vanessa Gown
A long, floor-length dress featuring a pastel purple bodice with a square neckline, wide straps, and a flowing dark blue or navy skirt.
DIY: Combine a lavender corset or tank top with a long, flowing navy blue maxi skirt.
Nautilus Shell Necklace
A metallic gold spiral nautilus shell pendant on a thin black cord or gold chain, representing the vessel that holds Ariel's voice.
DIY: Paint a real spiral snail shell with metallic gold acrylic paint and thread it onto a black cord.
Dark Blue Cape
An optional short, lightweight dark blue cape or cloak that drapes over the shoulders, matching her look when she first appears on the beach.
DIY: Drape a yard of navy blue chiffon or satin fabric around your shoulders and secure it with a safety pin.
Black Ballet Flats
Simple, comfortable black or dark blue slip-on ballet flats or low heels.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Vanessa costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the purple and blue Vanessa gown, ensuring the bodice fits snugly to mimic the corset-style look from the film.
- 2
Style your hair into Vanessa's signature voluminous, bouncy dark brown waves, parting it down the middle.
- 3
Clasp the gold nautilus shell necklace around your neck so the pendant rests high on your chest.
- 4
If using the optional dark blue capelet, drape it over your shoulders and secure it at the collar.
- 5
Slip into comfortable black ballet flats or low-heeled slippers.
- 6
Apply classic 1980s-inspired makeup, focusing on bold red lipstick and defined eyebrows to capture her villainous expression.
Makeup & hair
Part your long, dark brown hair down the middle and style it into thick, bouncy, voluminous waves. For makeup, apply a flawless matte base, defined arched eyebrows, subtle purple eyeshadow, and a striking, villainous bright red lipstick.
Vanessa for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Prince Eric in his white sailoring shirt and blue trousers, or Ariel in her blue town dress.
- group
- Join forces with Ursula in her sea witch form, Flotsam, and Jetsam for a complete villain squad.
- kids
- A simplified version featuring a purple and blue play dress and a plastic gold shell necklace.
- Plus size
- Look for lace-up corset-style bodices that offer adjustable support and a comfortable, custom fit.
Tips
- Keep the shell necklace visible at all times, as it is the most crucial, recognizable prop for this character.
- Use hair rollers or a large-barrel curling iron to get the authentic, wind-swept volume in your hair.
- Practice your best sinister, knowing smirk for photos to really bring the character to life.
Vanessa costume FAQ
- What color is Vanessa's dress in The Little Mermaid?
- Vanessa's dress features a light pastel purple or lavender bodice (often styled as a corset) with a contrasting dark blue or navy blue flowing skirt.
- How do you make Vanessa's necklace?
- You can make her necklace by coating a plastic or real spiral snail shell with metallic gold spray paint, then threading a black cord through the top loop.
- What color is Vanessa's hair?
- Vanessa has long, thick, wavy dark brown (almost black) hair parted down the middle, which contrasts with Ariel's bright red locks.
Did you know? The name 'Vanessa' is derived from the Latin word 'Vanitas', which translates to vanity, emptiness, or worthlessness—a fitting nod to Ursula's deceptive and conceited human disguise.