Dressing up as Ursula, the iconic sea witch from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, is a fantastic choice for any costume event. With her bold makeup, dramatic presence, and unforgettable tentacles, a Ursula costume will definitely turn heads. Whether you’re attending a Halloween party, a cosplay convention, or simply want to embody the ultimate Disney villain, this guide will help you find or create the perfect adult Ursula costume.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about putting together an amazing Ursula costume, including where to buy it, DIY ideas, and tips for plus-size options like the plus size Ursula costume. Let’s dive in!
Why Ursula?
Ursula is one of Disney’s most famous and memorable villains. Her larger-than-life personality, confidence, and power make her a fun character to portray. Unlike typical princess characters, Ursula offers a more dramatic, villainous, and fabulous look. Whether you’re recreating her signature tentacle dress or want to explore her glam 1920s-inspired style, Ursula’s character gives you the chance to get creative and have fun with your costume.
1. Key Elements of an Ursula Costume
To create the ultimate Ursula costume, you need to focus on the key elements that make her instantly recognizable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The Tentacle Dress: Ursula’s most iconic feature is her black and purple tentacle dress. The flowing, octopus-inspired design gives her a striking and eerie underwater presence.
- The Wig: Ursula’s short, white hair is another defining feature. A well-styled wig will complete the look.
- Makeup: Ursula’s dramatic makeup includes bold purple eyeshadow, red lips, and sharp eyebrows. Her makeup is key to capturing her evil yet glamorous look.
- Accessories: Ursula is often depicted with a seashell necklace, which holds Ariel’s voice. You can also add extra elements like earrings or bracelets to personalize your costume.
2. Finding the Best Plus Size Ursula Costume
For those looking for a plus size Ursula costume, there are plenty of options available that cater to a range of sizes and styles. Whether you prefer a pre-made costume or want to customize your own, here are some tips to find the best fit:
Comfort is Key
Since Ursula’s costume involves a lot of fabric (especially with the tentacles), it’s important to find a comfortable fit, particularly if you plan to wear it for several hours. Look for costumes made from breathable materials like cotton blends or stretchy fabric that allows for ease of movement.
Embrace the Drama
One of the best things about Ursula is her confidence and flair. When looking for a plus size Ursula costume, don’t be afraid to embrace the drama of her look. Choose a design that features full, flowing tentacles and bold detailing to stand out.
Custom Plus Size Options
If you’re having trouble finding a Ursula costume plus size that fits just right, consider having one custom-made. Many Etsy sellers and specialty costume shops offer custom sizing, ensuring you get a costume that is both flattering and comfortable.
3. Where to Buy an Adult Ursula Costume
There are many places to find a pre-made adult Ursula costume, both online and in stores. Here are a few of the top retailers to consider:
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of Ursula costumes, including plus size Ursula costume options. You can filter by size and read reviews from other customers to find the perfect fit.
- Etsy: If you’re looking for a more custom, handmade Ursula costume, Etsy is a great place to shop. Many sellers offer unique designs and custom sizing to ensure your costume is one-of-a-kind.
- Costume Stores: Specialty costume stores, both online and brick-and-mortar, often carry high-quality Ursula costumes for adults. Look for stores that focus on Disney-themed costumes for the most accurate and detailed options.
4. DIY Ursula Costume: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re feeling crafty, creating your own Ursula costume can be a fun and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own unique version of this iconic sea witch:
Step 1: The Tentacle Skirt
- Fabric: Start by choosing black and purple fabric to represent Ursula’s octopus tentacles. Satin or velvet can add a luxurious touch, but any flowy material will work.
- Tentacle Shape: Cut the fabric into tentacle shapes, making sure they taper at the ends. You’ll need at least six to eight tentacles to get that full Ursula look.
- Stuffing: To give the tentacles volume, stuff them with cotton batting or foam, then sew or glue them to a waistband or a black skirt.
Step 2: The Wig
- Wig Base: Buy a short white wig that can be styled into Ursula’s signature updo. Many costume shops and online stores offer wigs specifically designed to replicate Ursula’s hair.
- Styling: Use strong-hold hairspray and pins to create volume at the top of the wig. The hair should stand up slightly, mimicking the sea witch’s powerful presence.
Step 3: Makeup and Accessories
- Makeup: Ursula’s makeup is crucial to capturing her villainous persona. Start with a light purple base for your skin, and add dramatic, dark purple eyeshadow, thick eyeliner, and bold red lipstick. Make sure to define your eyebrows sharply, just like Ursula’s menacing look in The Little Mermaid.
- Necklace: Don’t forget Ursula’s signature seashell necklace. You can buy one from a costume store or make your own using polymer clay and a chain.
5. Styling Tips for Your Ursula Costume
Once you’ve assembled your Ursula costume, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your look. Here are some styling tips to help you embody the sea witch’s wicked charm:
Ursula’s Makeup
As mentioned earlier, Ursula’s makeup is a crucial part of her character. For a polished look:
- Use Face Paint: If you want to be completely accurate, use purple face paint or body makeup for your arms, neck, and face to recreate Ursula’s purple skin tone.
- False Lashes: Add false lashes for extra drama and to make your eyes pop.
- Contouring: Use contouring techniques to emphasize Ursula’s exaggerated features, particularly her sharp cheekbones and chin.
Accessorize Like a Villain
To really embody Ursula, add extra accessories to your look. In addition to her seashell necklace, consider wearing chunky rings or bracelets to give your costume a more regal, villainous vibe.
6. How to Stand Out in Your Ursula Costume
Whether you’re attending a costume party or a cosplay event, standing out in your Ursula costume comes down to attention to detail and channeling the sea witch’s personality. Here are some tips:
- Own the Room: Ursula is confident and unapologetic, so make sure to channel that energy when wearing your costume. Walk with purpose, and don’t be afraid to throw in some of her famous lines, like “Poor unfortunate souls!”
- Add a Prop: Bring along a prop like a trident or a stuffed Flotsam and Jetsam (Ursula’s eel henchmen) to make your costume more dynamic and memorable.
- Pose Like Ursula: When taking photos, remember Ursula’s theatrical mannerisms. Use wide, expressive gestures and give a sly smile for the camera.
7. Group Costume Ideas Featuring Ursula
If you’re going to a party or event with friends, consider dressing up as a group with a Little Mermaid theme. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Ariel and Ursula: Have one friend dress up as Ariel and the other as Ursula. The dynamic between these two characters makes for a great costume duo.
- Prince Eric, Ursula, and Ariel: Create a classic trio by having one person dress as Prince Eric, another as Ursula, and a third as Ariel.
- Villain Squad: Why not go full Disney villain? Pair your Ursula costume with other iconic villains like Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, or the Evil Queen for a powerful group ensemble.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Ursula Costumes
Q1: Can I find a plus-size Ursula costume easily?
Yes! There are many retailers that offer plus size Ursula costume options, especially online. Amazon and Etsy are two great places to start, as they offer a wide range of sizes and styles for all body types.
Q2: How do I style the wig for an Ursula costume?
To style the wig, use a short, white wig as your base. Use hairspray and pins to create volume, pulling the hair upwards to mimic Ursula’s dramatic hairstyle. You can also tease the hair for extra body.
Q3: Can I make my Ursula costume from scratch?
Absolutely! Many people enjoy the DIY approach to creating their Ursula costume. With the right materials and some creativity, you can craft a custom version of the sea witch that suits your style.
Q4: How much does an Ursula costume cost?
The price of an adult Ursula costume can vary depending on where you purchase it. A basic store-bought costume might cost between $50 and $100, while custom-made or high-end costumes can range from $150 to $300.
Q5: Is an Ursula costume comfortable to wear?
The comfort of an Ursula costume largely depends on the materials used and the fit. Look for costumes made from breathable fabrics and make sure that the tentacles are lightweight enough for easy movement. If you’re making your own costume, you can control the comfort level by selecting the right fabrics.
Conclusion
transforming into the fabulous and powerful Ursula is a fantastic choice for any costume event. Whether you choose to buy a pre-made plus size Ursula costume or create your own from scratch, the key is to focus on the character’s signature elements: the tentacle dress, bold makeup, and villainous attitude. With the right attention to detail, you’re sure to make waves as the most iconic sea witch in Disney history.
