Top Accessories for Your Adult Princess Costume

Princess dress-up is not just for the kids, and honestly, the grown-ups tend to commit harder. A gown gets you most of the way there, but the accessories are what make people say "oh, you're Princess Peach" instead of "nice pink dress." Here is what we reach for, in the order we would add it.

Start with the crown

A crown is the one accessory that reads as "princess" from across the room. If you are going as Peach, the Princess Peach Accessory Kit does the heavy lifting in one box: a jeweled golden crown on an attached headband, one pair of long white gloves, and a bonus stick-on jeweled amulet. One size fits most adults, and it is $37.99 at time of writing. The headband style matters more than you would think, since a crown on a comb slides around all night while a headband stays put.

Some gowns already include the crown. Our Women's Deluxe Princess Peach Costume comes with the pink dress, petticoat, attached amulet, and a gold crown headband (sizes small through XXL are stocked), so check the "Features" list on any product page before buying a separate crown.

Long gloves change everything

Gloves are the most underrated princess accessory. They make a sleeveless dress look finished and elegant, they hide a chipped manicure, and they are surprisingly warm at an outdoor fall party. The long white gloves in the Peach kit above are the classic choice, and white works with almost any gown color.

Pick a wig that matches the character

If your princess has signature hair, a wig sells the costume faster than anything else. The Princess Peach wig is a blonde character wig in one size fits most adults (crown and costume not included), and the Straight Blue Princess wig is a long PVC/PET blend wig with an adjustable inside pull for fit. Both product pages recommend a wig cap, sold separately, to hold your own hair, and we agree: it keeps the wig comfortable and stops it from creeping backward.

A heads-up from our refund policy: wigs are not returnable, so read the size notes carefully. Browse more options in Wigs, Hair and Hats.

Capes and cloaks for a dramatic entrance

A hooded cape adds drama and, more practically, a layer of warmth for an October party. For kids matching their grown-up, the Girls Princess Pink Cape is dark pink crushed panne velvet with a light pink lining and a hooded tie closure. Adults going for a royal winter look can pair a gown with our velvet cape and muff set from the Christmas collection, which doubles nicely as an ice-queen accessory.

Shoes: pretty is nice, comfortable is better

Nobody remembers your shoes at a party, but you will remember them the next morning. Most of our princess gowns are floor length or close to it, which means nearly any shoe disappears under the hem. Wear flats or a low block heel you already own, or ballet slippers in a matching color. Save the glass slippers for the photo, then change.

Small touches that finish the look

• Jewelry. A simple pendant or clip-on earrings. The stick-on amulet in the Peach kit is the fastest option.
• Makeup. Soft, rosy, and a little shimmer on the cheekbones. Skip heavy glitter unless you want it on the gown forever.
• A prop. A rose for Belle, a fan for a royal court, a small clutch for your phone.
• Renaissance details. For a storybook rather than cartoon princess, the Women's Renaissance Princess Costume already has embroidered ribbon, gold cord trim, and organza drop sleeves, so a simple circlet or braid finishes it.

Putting it together

If you are building a look from scratch, our order of operations is dress first, then crown, then gloves, then wig, then everything else. Each layer should be tried on together at least once before the event so you can fix a slipping headband or a too-tight glove at home instead of in a parking lot. Find the gowns and extras in our Princess Costumes and Accessories collection. Prices are accurate at time of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accessories do I need for an adult princess costume?

A crown or tiara, long gloves, and a character wig are the three that make the biggest difference. Add comfortable flats, simple jewelry, and a cape if the party is outdoors or in cool weather.

Does the Princess Peach costume include the crown?

The Women's Deluxe Princess Peach Costume includes a gold crown headband along with the dress, petticoat, and amulet. The separate accessory kit adds long white gloves, a jeweled crown, and a stick-on amulet for other gowns.

Do I need a wig cap with a costume wig?

We recommend one. The product pages for our princess wigs note that a wig cap, sold separately, holds your own hair in place and helps the wig sit comfortably and securely.

Can I return a costume wig?

No. Under our refund policy, wigs, beards, and facial hair are not returnable, so check the sizing notes on the product page before you order.