Three colors describe Snow White's features: snow-white skin, red cheeks, and ebony hair. Snow White's classic physical appearance was first described in the fairytale "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" by the Brothers Grimm. While there have been many story, film, and TV adaptations of the classic tale, the costume of Snow White has been changed for each version. However, the image of Disney's gown stands out even today as the iconic Snow White outfit. Everyone knows of the classic Snow White dress from the animated film: yellow skirt, high white collar, and a blue tunic with puffed sleeves. However, each rendition of the classic fairy tale creates a new look for Snow White. One thing is for certain, though, and that is that she'll always be the fairest of them all.
1. The Brothers Grimm - 1812
[Source: Attributed to Theodor Hosemann/Landsbókasafn Íslands (National Library)/Wikipedia]
Snow White (or Sneewittchen) was a German Fairy Tale adapted and published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812. Subsequent publishings and editions of the story were interpreted by illustrators, such as the image seen here, which is attributed to Theodor Hosemann. This particular illustration is found in an 1852 Icelandic translation of the Grimm Brothers Snow White story.
2. Snow White - 1916
[Source: Famous Players Film Company/IMDb]
Marguerite Clark portrayed Snow White in the 1916 silent film Snow White. Marguerite stood at 4 feet 10 inches and had a girl-like quality well into her prime. She had large brown eyes and dark hair; in the 1916 film, her brown hair was worn in ringlets. Marguerite wore a simple white dress and white cloak in this early film adaption to the classic fairytale. The white dress was modest, with a wide skirt that went just past her knees. This dress also appeared to go along with the fashions of the period. The dress was modest and slightly baggy, like all dresses of the contemporary period.
3. Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves - 1937
[Source: Walt Disney Productions/IMDb]
In the Disney version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Snow White is fair-skinned with dark hair and red cheeks. She is dressed like a scullery maid with a primary-colored dress. Her dress and appearance in this film remain the most well-known look for Snow White. Even today, this Snow White costume is considered the iconic look. In this version, the Snow White dress has a beautiful yellow skirt, a blue top, and a high white collar. She also wears a red cape and a red bow tied in her ebony hair.
4. Snow White and the Three Stooges - 1961
[Source: 20th Century Studios/IMDb]
Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater Carol Heiss played Snow White in Snow White and the Three Stooges. She had several costume changes throughout the movie, including a white princess gown in the movie's figure skating opening and a raggedy prison dress. However, the costume worn most frequently in the film was a fairly simple village girl-looking dress with a bodice and puffed sleeves that remind us a little of Disney's Snow White.
5. Snow White - 1987
[Source: Golan-Globus Productions/IMDb]
Yet another live-action rendition of Snow White was released in 1987, although the musical movie was a direct-to-video release. The film followed the original Grimm Brothers storyline more closely, which fit the 80s dark fantasy feel. Snow White's primary outfit colors are white, which refers to earlier depictions of the character. Weirdly enough, this dress appears pink on the promotional material.
6. Happily Ever After - 1989
[Source: Filmation Associates/IMDb]
We saw Snow White emerge in Happily Ever After, an animated sequel film from 1989. Because it was not a Disney production, it was an extreme departure from her iconic appearance. Her black hair was long, and she wore a blue and purple dress with a waist sash instead of a bodice. Despite the changes, the movie faced legal battles from The Walt Disney Company and performed poorly at the box office.
7. Snow White: The Fairest of Them All - 2001
[Source: Hallmark Entertainment/IMDb]
In the 2001 television film Snow White: The Fairest of Them All, actress Kristin Kreuk portrays Snow White. This film mixes the Brothers Grimm story and elements from Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen." Kristin has the fairest look: long dark hair, ruby lips, and pale skin. In the film, she wears a red gown styled like a Renaissance gown, keeping tradition with the original story's setting. It has long, draped sleeves and is floor-length.
8. Sydney White - 2007
[Source: Morgan Creek/IMDb]
The 2007 teen comedy Sydney White gives the classic Snow White character a modern re-vamp. Sydney, played by Amanda Bynes, wears hoodies, T-shirts, denim skirts, and playful summer dresses. She wears various clothes throughout the film, yet all of them are modern and definitely a bit more tomboy. Unlike the traditional Snow White, Sydney has a tan and long, lighter brown hair.
9. Shrek the Third - 2007
[Source: DreamWorks Animation/PDI/DreamWorks/IMDb]
Snow White may only have been a side character in Shrek the Third, but she arguably had one of the best moments in the film. DreamWorks had her wear a red and purple gown with gold accents to avoid a legal battle with Disney. The silhouette, however, is similar, with a bodice, puff sleeves, and a full-length gown. If you're like us, you can already hear the "Immigrant Song" playing in your head.
10. Once Upon a Time - 2011-2018
[Source: ABC Signature/Kitsis/Horowitz/IMDb]
Once Upon a Time is a TV show that brings together a variety of characters, including Snow White, who Ginnifer Goodwin portrays. In this television adaptation, Snow White has ivory skin and short dark hair. Goodwin dresses very girly but also professionally (she is a school teacher, after all). Think girly, lacy tops with skirts or dress trousers and cardigans.
11. Mirror Mirror - 2012
The film Mirror Mirror is based on the fairytale of the Brothers Grimm. In this 2012 movie, Snow White is portrayed by Lily Collins. The costumes in this movie are phenomenal. Lily Collins looks similar to Disney's Snow White with her pale complexion and dark hair. Snow White has many looks throughout the film. She wears a white ball gown with a swan headpiece at the ball. She is also seen wearing a bright yellow cape.
12. Snow White and the Huntsman - 2012
[Source: Roth Films/IMDb]
In the 2012 film Snow White & the Huntsman, Snow White is portrayed by Kristen Stewart. In this version of the fairytale, Snow White is dressed for battle. She wears silver armor and carries a sword and shield with a golden tree design. When she's not in battle, she's seen wearing a darker (and drabber compared to other incarnations) dress with a corset. Her corset is brown and usually worn off the shoulder. Snow White's hair is down, wild and wavy. Her hair is braided back from her face when she's in battle garb.
13. RWBY - 2013-present
[Source: Rooster Teeth Animation/IMDb]
The American animated web series RWBY transformed some of our favorite Grimm Brothers fairy tale characters into epic action protagonists. The Character Weiss Schnee is loosely based on Snow White. (Weiss Schnee is German for "White Snow.") Design-wise, the character is almost a complete departure from traditional Snow White. She lacks raven black hair and ruby red cheeks and instead focuses on the "white" in Snow White. She has pale skin, white hair, white outfits, and frosty blue eyes.
14. Disney's Live-Action Snow White - 2025
[Source: Walt Disney Pictures/IMDb]
The 2020s saw an increase in live-action Disney movie adaptations, including Snow White in 2025. Because the movie is an official Disney movie, Rachel Zegler's Snow White outfit looks very similar to the original animated motion picture, with a few departures. Instead, the pointed bottom of the bodice had a belted waist, and the skirt was much fluffier with a glittering tulle appearance. Initial criticisms of the design changes were generally unfavorable.
As you can see, Snow White has quite a few adaptations! Did you realize there were so many versions of the character? Which Snow White is your favorite? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, if you need your own Snow White costume, don't be afraid to check out what we have to offer on HalloweenCostume.com.
