Princess Leia Costume Ideas
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas’ film, Star Wars, was released to theaters. Legions of eager movie-goers were introduced to a warring galactic empire and the bold freedom fighter, Princess Leia Organa. The trouble all started when rebel spies went after the empire’s ultimate weapon: The Death Star (an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet). Leia’s starship (Tantive IV) happened to be the custodian of the plans that could save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy. The mission was seemingly simple: To deliver the superweapon schematics to the Rebel Alliance (with a little help from R2). “We’re doomed … There’ll be no escape for the princess this time!” Not so fast there, C-3PO! Dressed in a long white gown (that symbolized her purity), Leia took down the Stormtroopers, allowing her droids to make a getaway with the critical blueprints. Typical Leia. If you’re a wisecracking woman who knows how to helm the charge of any situation, Princess Leia may be the Halloween costume idea you’ve been waiting for. This all-inclusive guide will help you achieve her iconic look.
How to Pose for Pictures In Your Princess Leia Costume
Princess Leia’s classic (and most recognizable) ensemble is her ankle-length, white, senatorial gown and “cinnamon buns” hairstyle. Fans of Leia take dressing up as the intergalactic heroine very seriously, and a list of “costume standards” has been released to aid in maintaining character authenticity. You’ll notice that in each of these poses, our Deluxe Princess Leia costume fits the bill—Opaque, non-shiny knit fabric, a high, fitted collar, bell sleeves and leg slits that hit just below the knee. The belt is made of leather-like material and was designed with a slight “V” shape. Nailing the look is imperative, but you also want to become conversant in Leia’s mannerisms. Just one post-Halloween Instagram photo of you asking Iron Man to kill a spider will completely wreck your rep! Keep out of the background (read: avoid candid shots) and step into the spotlight with one of our lovely Leia poses.
Space Royalty
Royal by birth, rebel by choice. Princess Leia is definitely feisty (she has some of the best lines in the movie!), but she’s also a noble, well-respected member of the Imperial Senate. In fact, her intense dedication to helping the people of her home planet, Alderaan (once a pristine planet that was eventually left in ruins amid the ever-present galactic strife), is one of the characteristics that make her so relatable. The caregiver. The protector. The fighter. Her duties are endless, but she does them all with grace and dignity. Clasped hands and a soft, kind gaze make this kneeling pose perfect for finding a peaceful resolution to any conflict.
Pistol Packing Princess
Some princesses don’t need rescuing. Why wait around for “Mr. Dry Sense of Humor” when you can make your own escape? You’re a damsel. You’re in distress. Now go handle it! From Stormtroopers to the giant slug-like creature, Jabba the Hutt (never mind the bikini, “Slave Leia” had one of the coolest kill scenes in the entire franchise!), Carrie Fisher was never afraid to use her gun. Barrel up your blaster and get into a comfortable, confident stance. From this position, you’re ready for anything—even a run-in with Darth Vader.
Icon
“Princess Leia Organa. Bold. Strong.” She’s a pistol packing. Stormtrooper-destroying, witty barb slinging, unapologetic hero on a mission (usually to save Han or Luke)—what’s not to like about this futuristic princess? For forty years, Carrie Fisher’s character embodied the essence of feminism. Leia’s independence empowered generations of female fans, and that characteristic alone has catapulted her to the top of every icon list. A New Hope could be described as a story about a young farm boy that uses the force to defeat his evil dad and save the universe. It also happens to be a story about the value of women. This pose worked for Marilyn, and it won’t fail fellow white dress-wearer, Leia, any time soon.
Intense
A force to be reckoned with. It should be understood that Leia’s goals were to stop slavery and the indentured servitude of women under the empire, in addition to restoring balance and harmony to Alderaan. Needless to say, this was a full plate for a 19 year-old senator. As a result, on the intense meter, Leia ran at a constant 11 (no surprise there). For an especially captivating profile pic, wrap your hands around your neck and stare directly into the camera with your eyes set on “smolder.” Han Solo is definitely going to want a copy, but this level of intrigue also translates to: “I mean business.” We believe you, Leia. Trust.
Princess Leia Accessories
Princess Leia Organa’s Imperial Senate robe, while timeless in style, isn’t innately feminine. In fact, Carrie Fisher has gone on record saying that Leia’s costumes didn’t exactly show off her curves (maybe that’s how her famous gold bikini found its way on set of Return of the Jedi). Costume manufacturers have designed sexy Princess Leia costumes that are definitely more form-friendly, but purists know that the original design is key for cosplay credibility. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t add girly finishing touches! Princess Leia accessories unify the look and offer up the opportunity to infuse your own special touches.
Boots
“I was getting along fine before I met you two moon jockeys!” These boots were made for walking… and battling… and being an overall boss! According to cosplay costume guidelines, Princess Leia’s boots should be made of white leather, reach the mid-calf, and be flats. Well, these GoGo Boots do offer a little bit more height, but the chunky heel makes them so comfortable that you won’t rush to get them off your feet as soon as you get home. What are you waiting for? Han Solo could use a spin out on the dance floor. You’ll lead, of course.
Wig
“I’m surprised that you had the courage to take the responsibility yourself.” Farrah’s feathered flip. Medusa’s slithering strands. Marie Antoinette’s mile-high beehive… and then there’s Princess Leia Organa. Some girls just totally get how to make a statement with their hair. She had many enviable styles throughout the films, but there’s one that will forever be Leia’s signature. Often referred to as “galactic cinnamon buns,” Leia’s style isn’t too difficult to recreate: Part hair down the middle and twist (do not braid) into a bun on each side of your head—secure them so they cover your ears. Our Leia wig is essential for those princesses who are blonde or don’t have long-enough hair to get the job done because without this hairstyle, you’re just not Leia.
Blaster
“I don’t know who you are, or where you came from, but from now on, you’ll do as I tell you, okay?” The Leia Blaster looks great, is fun to play with and is effective in neutralizing enemy forces. Not every lady from the planet of Alderaan makes it a priority to strap a blaster pistol to her leg “just in case,” but Princess Leia has had her fair share of Stormtrooper run-ins. Is she supposed to sit there and wait for a short-stack hero, like Luke Skywalker, to come save her? Sometimes a girl just has to put her own sharp shooting skills to work.
Dog Costume
“Captain, being held by you isn’t quite enough to get me excited.” Less of an “accessory” and more of a sidekick, the Princess Leia Dog Costume promises to steal the spotlight anywhere you go. Yes the dress front is undeniably cute, but it’s the bun headpiece that’s always a customer favorite! It may be hard for your princess pooch to pull the trigger on a blaster, but you could still teach her to “attack” on command. What do you mean you’ll try, but “she can’t even roll over.” Come on, Leia, you know what Yoda would say! (“Do or do not. There is no try.”)
Couples Costume Ideas to Pair With Princess Leia
Some princesses need a real life Prince Charming to make their “happily ever after” complete, but Leia’s not that kind of girl. She could do just fine at a party (on this planet, or any other) with or without a dance partner. In fact, she probably does best when she’s with her group of fellow rebels. Getting by with a little help from her friends is the name of her game, but one-on-one time doesn’t give her much support (and it doesn’t give the other half of the pair much of a break from her steady verbal jabs). Does Leia sound intimidating? Good. Because someone has to have what it takes to reign in these two fellas.
Han Solo
“You like me because I’m a scoundrel. There aren’t enough scoundrels in your life.” It takes two to make a thing go right, and, if we may cut to the chase, Han and Leia make it out of sight. This couple is everything! Battling wits, flirtatious tension and the absolute hilt of romantic interludes: “I love you,” says Princess Leia. “I know,” replies Han Solo. SERIOUSLY, YOU GUYS?! Han and Leia pretty much summed up #RelationshipGoals before that was even a thing – and, inadvertently, have had their moment of intergalactic pillow talk (which sounds way better than, “pre-deepfreeze send off,” so just roll with it) inscribed on the inside of every Star Wars fanatic’s wedding band since 1977! Maybe Leia was looking for love in Alderaan places, but that all changed the day she crossed paths with hardheaded Han Solo – these two are a perfect match.
Darth Vader
“Only you could be so bold.” The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree with this daddy-daughter duo. (Leia would hate that description of her and Darth Vader’s relationship, by the way). Sure Darth has taken a walk on the dark side and Leia rules with light, but they both now how to get a job done—which is definitely not the worst trait she could have inherited from Mr. Vader. There’s a lot of fan fiction that poses the question of whether or not Darth Vader knew Princess Leia was his daughter from the start. Probably not… George Lucas couldn’t have thought of EVERYTHING in advance, right? Either way, this match up is nothing short of a power couple.
How to Talk Like Princess Leia
Only a scruffy-looking nerf herder would ever accuse Princess Leia of being a pushover. Never at a loss for words, it’s her sarcasm and quick comebacks that make Leia so entertaining. Thankfully Han Solo joined forces because he was the perfect sparring partner for her, especially anytime she was presented the opportunity to poke fun of his spacecraft, the Millennium Falcon—Referring to it as a “bucket of bolts,” or asking whether or not she should get out and help push when it gave him trouble starting. Naturally all of the idle banter was merely fun and flirtation, but her rapier wit was also used as an intellectual weapon. She could disarm a man at fifty paces with one of her fierce verbal punches. “Governor Tarkin. I should have expected to find you holding Vader’s leash.” Rebel alliance, indeed. So far you’ve learned to walk the walk, but this is how to talk the talk of Princess Leia.
