Fairies Costumes

The classic looks

Most fairy costumes start from a few familiar types:

• The flower or garden fairy, in soft petals, pastels and leafy greens.
• The woodland fairy, in earthy browns and greens, often with vines or moss touches.
• The fairy godmother, in a long, flowing gown with a wand and often a tiara.
• The tooth fairy, usually pale and shimmery, with a small pouch or wand.
• The dark or shadow fairy, in black, purple or deep blue with dramatic wings.

Fairies in storybooks and fairy tales

Fairies turn up all over children's books. Tinker Bell is the small, quick, green-clad fairy from Peter Pan. Cinderella's fairy godmother arrives with a wand and a pumpkin. In Sleeping Beauty, three fairies give gifts to the baby princess. Older tales and picture books also have flower fairies, pixies and woodland folk, each a little different.

What makes each one recognisable

Wings are the main clue. After that, look at colour and props. Green and a short, ragged skirt suggest Tinker Bell. A wand and a ball gown say fairy godmother. Petals and flowers point to a garden fairy. Pick one clear feature and build around it.

Easy finishing touches

• A flower or leaf crown.
• Glitter or shimmer on cheeks or hands. Do a small skin test of face paint first.
• Tights or leggings in a matching colour.
• A homemade wand from a stick and ribbon.
• A small pouch for fairy dust.

Choosing for children and adults

For children, comfort comes first. Check that wings sit lightly and that the length lets them walk, run and sit easily. Look at the label for size and materials. Adults have more choice, from gentle woodland looks to full ball gowns. Wings and a headpiece can be worn over everyday clothes for a simpler version. If a group is dressing up together, one fairy type each keeps things varied.