Films and television have always been enormous influences on fashion, from glamorous showstoppers tailor-made for a single Hollywood scene to the everyday style of beloved sitcom characters. Naturally, it was also the other way around—the trends of the day would inform how costume designers and even animators would construct the wardrobes of iconic names in pop culture. But today, Retro Stage is here to mix things up a little with movie character vintage costumes. Here, we’ll show you how you can embody some of your more modern favorites and explore their aesthetics through the lens of vintage clothing.

Princesses, Fairies & More!

Snow White may have made her Disney debut in the 1930s, but she’s still a treasured favorite for many who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s. The 1950s Off-Shoulder Puff-Sleeve Princess Bow Dress and Yellow 1950s Sweetheart Collar Bow Belt Romper put a mid-century twist on this princess’s unforgettable gown of blue, yellow, and red, giving you a Snow White vintage princess costume that truly transcends time and pays homage to an all-time great.

There have been countless iterations of the Queen of Hearts throughout the years, but she’s undoubtedly made her mark on fashion with her unique claim to playing card motifs in red, white, and black. You can rock the Red 1950s Strap Poker Costume Dress for an easygoing daytime look evoking the Red Queen herself, or you can go full costume with the 1950s Queen of Hearts-Inspired Halloween Dress with Crown. Whatever you choose, there’ll be no question who you’re referencing!

The incredibly vibrant hand-painted animation in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty put Aurora on the map as one of the most memorable princess characters, with beautiful color and effects defining every scene of the film. The Peach-Pink 1970s Jewelry Princess Bikini Set works to evoke that magic with its saturated pink fabric and delicate white frill details. Similarly, the 2-Piece 1940s Colorblock Pink Blouse & Gray Dress brings Aurora’s peasant dress to life with movie-accurate bodice lacing, puff sleeves, and a cropped hem that’s ideal for dancing with the man of your dreams through a sprawling forest, creating an Aurora vintage princess outfit.

The Little Mermaid marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, when Walt Disney Feature Animation once again hit its stride and saw massive commercial success. If Ariel was a big “part of your world” growing up, you’ve got plenty to choose from here at Retro Stage! From the Lavender 1970s Mermaid Shell Halter Bikini Set, modeled after her seashell bra and tail, to the Lavender 1960s Cowl Neck High-Slit Pearlescent Dress, our take on the glittering purple gown seen at the end of the film, it’s easy to show your love for this rebellious and self-assured young lady with your own Ariel movie character vintage costume.

 

And speaking of beachgoing princesses, you can rep other Disney heroines as you lounge on the shore, too! The 2-Piece Red 1970s Princess-Style Bikini Set & Fringe Cover-Up and Yellow 1970s Belle Princess-Style Rose Puff Bikini Set makes it possible to bring Moana and Belle with you all the way to the coastline with their simple yet unmistakable designs modeled after the relaxed swimsuit trends of the ‘70s, offering Disney princess vintage swimsuits.

Tinker Bell, as we know her today, first hit our screens in 1953, when Disney released Peter Pan, but she had a resurgence in popularity when she got her very own movie series in 2008. If you grew up longing to live in Pixie Hollow, you can channel your fairy fantasy with organic, flowing pieces like the Green 1960s Elven Bell-Sleeve Belted Asymmetric Dress. Alternatively, you can add just a touch of pixie dust to any look with the vibrant 1980s Binding Bow Box-Pleat Patchwork Corset (in green, of course!).

Witches, Skeletons & All Things Spooky

Starting things off with some unconventional and awe-inspiring witches, Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked stunned theater audiences with their extravagant wardrobes that drew inspiration from both nostalgic and futuristic elements. You can show your adoration for these icons alongside a friend with the preppy 3-Piece 1940s Ruffle Striped Button Suit Set and 2-Piece 1970s Wicked Vertical Striped Top & Patchwork Skirt, or you can turn the dial all the way to eleven and break out the Pink 1950s Wicked Glitter Mesh Swing Dress and Black 1940s Wicked-Inspired Elphaba Witch Costume with Hat to form an unforgettable Wicked movie character vintage costumes cosplay duo!

The Sanderson sisters have been Halloween icons ever since Hocus Pocus premiered in 1993, and now you can summon their late-1600s vibe in the form of adorable ‘50s-inspired swing dresses! Try the Green 1950s Halloween Double Strap Patchwork Dress to channel clever Winifred, the 1950s Halloween Double Strap Patchwork Dress for the ditzy but lovable Sarah, or the 1950s Halloween Plaid Double Strap Dress for skilled hunter Mary. This blend of colonial and mid-century motifs is a ton of fun and perfect for fans as Hocus Pocus vintage witch styles!

Of course, if you’re in the market for something instantly recognizable, nothing beats the Pumpkin King and Queen themselves. While not an exact match to Sally’s colorful rags, the Multicolor 1950s Sweetheart Neck Patchwork Sally Dress captures the essence of her look and reimagines it with playful puff sleeves and an asymmetrical hem. And if you’re feeling bold, you can try the 1960s Nightmare Before Christmas Bat Striped Dress, which comes with a recreation of Jack Skellington’s own bat bow tie! Whatever you choose, you’ll look like you’ve stepped right out of Halloween Town.

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the well-meaning Jack Skellington resides the sleazy yet beloved Betelgeuse of Beetlejuice fame. Black and white stripes have become all but synonymous with this unpredictable character, with the Black & White 1980s Striped Contrast Jumpsuit also working in references to his green hair and even his purple dress shirt from the late-’80s cartoon. If you’re in the mood for something a little subtler, there’s the 1950s Bow Collar Striped Dots Swing Dress, which features a black tied neckline and chevron patterning along the side seams for a Beetlejuice retro striped style. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be right to talk about spooky looks without the Addams family! You can find tons of fashion inspiration in Wednesday’s self-titled Netflix series, and we’ve got plenty to choose from here. The Black 1940s Wednesday Addams-Style Dress emulates Wednesday’s casual everyday outfits, in particular her dress with skull-like polka dots seen in the first episode and promo material. If you aren’t allergic to color like our main character, you can dress just like any other Nevermore Academy student with the Blue 1940s Striped Wednesday Addams Uniform Set, and if that viral dance scene still lives rent-free in your head, the Black 1950s Halloween Lace Belt Dress has you covered.

But let’s not forget the matriarch who inspired Wednesday’s self-expression in the first place! You can bring out your inner Morticia with the Black 1930s Solid Batwing Cuffs Fishtail Dress or go for a more loosely inspired take with the blood-red 1930s Lace Long-Sleeve Fishtail Dress. The Addams family’s eccentric tastes pair wonderfully with vintage design philosophy, so getting the best of both worlds is a total cinch in a Morticia Addams vintage dress.

Childhood Fashion Icons

She may be a villain, but you have to admit Cruella de Vil has always looked absolutely fabulous! You don’t need to cook up an evil scheme to steal her look, either—the Black 1970s Cow Spots Patchwork Dress has got all the black-and-white spots you need to channel this fierce diva, plus an added belt for an extra pop of red. And if you’re feeling extra bold, the plunging neckline and bright red underskirt of the Red 1970s Irregular Contrast Halter Dalmatian Dress will make you the center of attention at any event.

The 2023 film Barbie led to an explosion of fun, feminine fashion inspired by the do-anything doll, including many looks that came from actual vintage Barbies. With that in mind, we introduced the Black & White 1950s Barbie Striped Halter Swimsuit, a revamped version of the suit worn on the very first Barbie doll back in 1959! And if you’re a fan of Margot Robbie’s original looks featured in the film, the 1950s Plaid Strap Cotton Swing Dress is an ideal match for the pink gingham dress Barbie wears on one of her typical perfect days, offering Barbie movie style.

Where Classic Fashion Meets Modern Imagination

It’s easier than ever to amp up your wardrobe with movie character vintage costumes! You can browse our Princess, Witch, and Cartoon collections today to pick out just the right pieces to reflect your beautiful and unique fashion personality. Whether you love a good old happily ever after or you revel in the exciting darkness of Halloween, you’ll find everything you need to express yourself right here at Retro Stage.