Pippi Longstocking is a fictional character from a series of children’s books. Pippi is a child living in a Swedish village with just her monkey and her horse. She doesn’t live with any relatives or adults and spends most of her time with two children who live next door, with whom she shares many adventures. Pippi is very cunning and very adventurous and is quick to dupe any adult who does not treat her and her friends nicely. Pippi is also unusually strong and can even pick up her horse with her own two hands.
To go along with her adventurous spirit, Pippi has a style all her own. With her mismatched clothes and whimsical hair, she is a sight to behold! And dressing like Pippi Longstocking can be as much of a crazy experience as the girl herself. Fun and easy, dressing like Pippi Longstocking just takes some preparation and a sense of adventure.
The most recognizable thing about Pippi Longstocking’s appearance is her hair. It’s fiery red and done up in braids that stick out straight from her head. Most people don’t have red hair, so a wig is a good option when trying to get the Pippi look. If you have hair that’s long enough, you can duplicate the style even if it’s not red. Part your hair in the middle and braid each half into equal braids. Slide a wire such as a straightened clothes hanger or some pipe cleaners down the center of each braid to get them to stick out. To make the look authentically Pippi, spray your hair with temporary red hair color. You should be able to find this at a costume shop. At the end of each braid tie a strip of brightly colored fabric or ribbon in a bow.
The next most noticeable element of Pippi’s style is her mismatched wardrobe. Pippi is often in a dress, usually a patchwork jumper. If you can’t find a patchwork jumper you can always use a brightly colored or patterned jumper that you can get at a thrift store or department store. Short overalls are another option if you can’t find a jumper. Wear either the overalls or the jumper over a turtle neck or bright t-shirt to complete the outfit.
On her feet and legs Pippi wears knee high socks in a variety of bright colors and patterns. Find some knee high socks to wear, even if they don’t match, and you’ll get the Pippi look. Add some big clunky shoes, maybe lace-up leather boots or chunky clogs. You could also try some Converse sneakers to get the look.
Pippi was a little girl so not much makeup is required except to replicate her famous freckles on your face. Use an eyeliner pencil or some costume makeup to dot freckles across your nose and cheeks.
Pippi Longstocking is an iconic image in children’s literature. Dressing like Pippi is fun and easy as long as you have the right materials. Once you do you can pull off the look in no time.
