Discover an easy Kirsten American Girl costume for adults here. This doll-inspired look is curated especially for women to purchase quickly and easily on Amazon and Etsy. You’ll enjoy recreating the vintage nostalgia of the beloved original American Girl doll, so get started below.
About the Kirsten American Girl Costume
Kirsten Larson is the American Girl doll who represents the pioneer days of 1854, as she makes the harrowing journey from Sweden to Minnesota with her family and learns the lessons of the land and the sea, then experiences some seasonal adventures of the time.
Kirsten’s known for a variety of looks: her midsummer outfit, winter outfit, birthday dress, folk costume, the Christmas story Saint Lucia outfit, and baking outfit. Here, we will recreate her original pioneer outfit.
Get American Girl Doll Kirsten’s Pioneer Look
Below are images of all of the best options I found (mostly on Amazon and Etsy) with tips to help you decide which options are best for you.
This Emerson Fry dress inspired this post. I want to note a few things about it. First, it’s expensive, so it’s not the most cost-effective option by any means. However, it’s also a really popular, beautiful, and flattering dress. I have seen a lot of people wear it on social media, and it’s always been a hit. So, if you are looking for an investment piece you can re-wear, maybe it’s worth it for you anyway.
I did also find a few great alternative Kirsten dress options on Amazon that are far more cost-effective. This collared dress works best for a costume, but the others can easily be re-worn in real life, especially since this style has been trendy for a few years now.
This red-striped skirt apron from Etsy is most similar to Kirsten’s, but I found a few that can work from Amazon as well.
Kirsten doesn’t always wear her bonnet, but I did find a red gingham bonnet from Amazon that’s a really close match if you want to wear one too.
If you don’t already have long blonde hair, you can easily recreate Kirsten’s double-loop braids with this blonde double-braided wig and this blue ribbon.
Kirsten’s pioneer boots were surprisingly easy to find a few great options for on Amazon. The details on these brown boots most mimic the original.
You may choose to accessorize the look with options like these white eyelet pantaloons and these yellow and brown striped socks (the closest ones I could find to Kirsten’s golden striped socks anywhere).
Another optional but beautiful and thoughtful detail is this amber heart pendant on a leather cord. It would even make a great gift for an American Girl fan!
Lastly, since I love books so much, I always recommend that you carry the book with you while wearing women’s literary-themed costumes. A modern edition of Meet Kirsten is available to purchase on Amazon.
NOTE
While women’s items are recommended for this costume, this post may also make a good starting point for a child’s or teen’s costume too. If you are, in fact, looking for a children’s Kirsten costume, I think this pioneer dress on Amazon would be absolutely perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a Kirsten Larson American Girl costume, you’ll need a calico or floral print dress with puffed sleeves, a white apron, a sunbonnet, and white bloomers or petticoats. Finish with black boots or leather shoes, and consider a braided blonde wig to mimic Kirsten’s hair.
Essential accessories for a complete Kirsten Larson outfit include a white apron and a matching sunbonnet to capture her pioneer spirit. Add a braided blonde wig to replicate her signature hairstyle, and don’t forget black boots or simple leather shoes for footwear.
For a Kirsten Larson hairstyle, split your hair into two sections and braid each tightly from just above the ears into loops, securing with hair ties. If your hair is short or a different color, use a long, blonde wig for more authenticity.
For an accurate Kirsten Larson costume, include a mid-19th-century pioneer dress with puffed sleeves paired with a white apron and sunbonnet. Wear white bloomers or a petticoat underneath, and finish with black boots or leather shoes. Consider accessories like a wooden bucket or basket to reflect pioneer life.
Conclusion
This Kirsten American Girl costume offers a glimpse into 19th-century America. Whether for Halloween, playtime, or education, donning this outfit is a charming way to step back into 1854 through the eyes of a beloved, nostalgic book character.
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