Cowgirl Costumes

Jessie, the cowgirl from Toy Story, is one of the top Halloween costumes this year.  I can certainly see why, with her spunk, take charge attitude, and darling cow-hide chaps!  If Jessie the Cowgirl is the inspiration for your Halloween cowgirl costume this year, read on for the best way to bring this vision to life.

Where to Buy a Cowgirl Costume:

Finding a Jessie the Cowgirl costume will be easy, but buy early.  The popularity of this costume means that sizes will get picked over early.  All big box stores (Target, Wal-Mart, etc) have this costume for around $35, or less.  If you want to avoid the crowds, Costumeexpress.com is a great place to shop.  They are an online costume retailer and have both adult and child Jessie costumes (all priced less than $50).  Costumeexpress.com also has a generic cowgirl costume for around $30.  It’s very cute and a great alternative if you want to stay away from commercialized characters.

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How to Make a Cowgirl Costume:

Putting a cowgirl costume together from things you have on hand is pretty easy, and for me is more fun than buying a ready-made costume. 

• The foundation of the cowgirl costume is the boots!   As cowgirls like to look good, use the color of your boots to bring together the rest of your outfit.  For example, if you have brown boots, use a brown belt and perhaps brown vest, or shirt with a brown pattern.
• Jeans are jeans, for the most part, so don’t sweat this too much.  Levi’s or Wranglers would be the most “authentic” but any boot-cut jean will work.  If you want to jazz up your costume, go with a jean skirt instead.
• Belt those jeans up, and make sure your belt buckle is big.  Silver hardware would be great and Concho style even better, but do what you can.
• The shirt is probably the hardest part of the costume, because here you have the most flexibility.  Look for something western style, preferably with the snap buttons, in a pattern or color you like.  There are literally thousands to choose from.  Here is a great example of what to look for from AJ’s Western Wear.    

• Every cowgirl needs a hat.  Authentic hats are pricey, so if you don’t have one around the house, try to borrow, or check out the local thrift store.
• Accessorize!  Take your cowgirl costume to the next level with silver jewelry, a colorful bandana, sassy braids, gloves, a holster, perhaps a lasso, or fringed vest.  Use whatever you can find and like that has that western flair. 

A cowgirl costume is a fun and unique Halloween costume for girls of all ages, and as a bonus, makes a great couples costume, with your significant other as a cowboy.