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| © Walt Disney Studios |
By Rebekah Lowin and Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living
Maybe dressing up in a DIY unicorn costume isn't your daughter's cup of tea. They might prefer to dress up as a character from a favorite movie. Moana is a Disney favorite. In Moana, the title character feels called to that special, magical place where the sky meets the sea. It's a feeling of attraction fans of the film know well, particularly around October 31: Many have felt similarly drawn to recreate their own Moana costume DIY for Halloween. The outfit worn by our favorite Polynesian protagonist is nearly as fun as the adventures she embarks on in the movie.
But how to bring the Disney character's look to life? Well, one way is to simply opt for a store-bought one. But truth be told, it's actually pretty easy (and fun!) to pull together a homemade version all on your own—and we're showing you how right here.
Maybe dressing up in a DIY unicorn costume isn't your daughter's cup of tea. They might prefer to dress up as a character from a favorite movie. Moana is a Disney favorite. In Moana, the title character feels called to that special, magical place where the sky meets the sea. It's a feeling of attraction fans of the film know well, particularly around October 31: Many have felt similarly drawn to recreate their own Moana costume DIY for Halloween. The outfit worn by our favorite Polynesian protagonist is nearly as fun as the adventures she embarks on in the movie.
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| © Walt Disney Studios |
But how to bring the Disney character's look to life? Well, one way is to simply opt for a store-bought one. But truth be told, it's actually pretty easy (and fun!) to pull together a homemade version all on your own—and we're showing you how right here.
Whether you're a crafting pro or need a little more help to get started, there's something here for you. Learn how to assemble an easy Moana costume for girls with just a few basic items—some of which you may already have in your house. And if you're interested in conjuring up a more intricate ensemble, you can always scroll to our DIY options.
Whichever route you choose though, your child is bound to feel like a hero this Halloween—and yes, you can always modify the costume to fit an an adult. If you're still looking for inspiration, check out DIY costumes for women! Better yet, make two costumes and go trick-or-treating as a Moana pair. Together, there's just no telling how far you'll both go.
Beginner Level: Easy Moana Costume
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| © Walt Disney Studios |
There's no shame in keeping it simple. In fact, some of the best DIYs and most creative costumes are made by sorting through your own closet! Here, we encourage you to pair your little girl's red swimsuit with a grass skirt. Next, add a red scarf around her waist and a few inexpensive accessories.
The only problem: She really may never want to take this Halloween costume off.
Crafter Level: DIY Moana Costume
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| © Walt Disney Studios |
In the mood for a more robust weekend project? We've got you covered. Our more advanced Moana costume DIY involves a little more elbow grease, sure, but it's still completely do-able by just about anyone's standards. You'll be surprised at just how accomplished you'll feel once you've completed the whole thing.
DIY Moana Top
- Cut a coral or red long-sleeve shirt from armpit to armpit and save both top and bottom pieces.
- Take the bottom portion and fold it into a strapless top of your desired length.
- Cut the bottom hem into a zigzag.
- Using a marker or fabric paint, mimic the pattern of Moana's top along the top and bottom hem (columns of five lines alternating with eight "starburst" lines).
- Tip: Place a piece of cardboard between the layers to prevent the marker from bleeding.
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| © Walt Disney Studios |
- Download and print 10-point star template onto card stock. Cut out to make a stencil.
- Place the star stencil just below the middle of the bodice and lightly brush black paint around the edges. Repeat all the way across the shirt.
- Hot glue white trim across the bodice for the shell sash.
DIY Moana Skirt and Belt
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| © Walt Disney Studios |
- Cut a grass skirt to length (just below the knees).
- Cut enough off-white broadcloth to fold down into two tiers and wrap around waist and tie.
- Download and print our triangle template onto card stock. Cut out to make a stencil.
- Trace the stencil along the top and bottom of the broadcloth, with the point always facing outward, and cut out.
- Fold one edge over to create the top tier of the skirt.
- Tuck the leftover piece of the shirt into a strip to serve as the belt.
- Repeat the same line pattern along one edge of the belt and tie over the broadcloth at the waist.
DIY Moana Heart of Te Fiti Necklace
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| © Walt Disney Studios |
- Cut twine to desired necklace length, leaving extra to tie.
- Thread a turquoise pendant onto the twine and knot on either side.
- Add white seed beads for accents and knot on either side.
- Tie around neck.
