As Disney continues to produce live-action adaptations of its beloved animated classics, the task of transforming iconic characters and their outfits into real-world fashion remains a significant challenge. This applies notably to the Disney Princess characters, whose stunning dresses captured audiences in animated films. An examination of how these outfits translate into live-action reveals a spectrum of successes and failures.
Ranking the Disney Princess Costumes in Live-Action Films
So far, seven princesses from the official Disney Princess lineup have appeared in live-action adaptations. The latest installment, *Snow White*, has sparked discussions around its disappointing costume design. Below, I will rank these adaptations from least to most successful, focusing on several guiding principles for evaluation:
- Only theatrically released adaptations are considered, excluding direct-to-video sequels and other franchise entries.
- Only the official Disney Princess characters are included. This means characters like Jasmine from *Aladdin* are recognized, while others like Alice from *Alice in Wonderland* are not.
- Outfits are assessed in their entirety, meaning that secondary garments can influence the overall ranking.
- Sequel costumes from films like *Maleficent: Mistress of Evil* are not evaluated.
Importantly, I am not strictly looking for accuracy in replicating animated designs; the focus is primarily on how visually appealing the costumes are, regardless of their faithfulness to the original designs.
7. Snow White in *Snow White* (2025)
Designer: Sandy Powell; Princess: Rachel Zegler
The attire in this adaptation falls flat, reminiscent of low-budget Halloween costumes. The sleeves appear made from a thick, foam-like material, while the collar seems to feature cheap vinyl. The overall effect is a plastic-looking tulle skirt in an unfaithful shade of yellow. Despite the animated film’s questionable color choices, this redesign opts for excessive saturation that ultimately detracts from Snow White’s character. Critical plot elements, like her necklace, lack any sophistication, resembling an Etsy knockoff. The majority of Snow White’s costumes in this film are unfortunately bland and do not compensate for the poorly executed main dress.
6. Belle in *Beauty and the Beast* (2017)
Costume designer: Jacqueline Durran; Princess: Emma Watson
While there are promising elements in Belle’s wardrobe, such as her village outfit and embroidered red cloak, the iconic ballroom gown resonated poorly. The design feels distinctly modern, veering far from any historical reference and landing closer to a contemporary prom dress. Although the finale dress is marginally better, its floral pattern resembles something one might find in a kitchen rather than a royal ball.
5. Jasmine in *Aladdin* (2019)
Costume designer: Michael Wilkinson; Princess: Naomi Scott
Jasmine’s outfits are visually striking, albeit almost too theatrical for the film’s tone. The turquoise ensemble that mirrors her animated counterpart stands out as the best, while other costumes begin to clash in color and style. Although they fit within the musical’s vibrant aesthetic, they risk appearing more suited for a Broadway show than a cinematic experience.
4. Mulan in *Mulan* (2020)
Costume designer: Bina Daigeler; Princess: Liu Yifei
Mulan’s attire is predominantly practical, reflecting her military persona throughout the film. This approach is authentic, especially as she wears a traditional uniform for much of the narrative. The single formal gown she sports while visiting the matchmaker diverges from the animated style but successfully conveys her discomfort in fitting a traditional mold.
3. Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* (2023)
Costume designer: Colleen Atwood; Princess: Halle Bailey
Ariel’s live-action wardrobe effectively honors her animated roots. Her blue dress for exploring the town has been reimagined as a lovely seafoam green, fitting the movie’s Caribbean-inspired backdrop. The pink gown she wears during an evening with Eric evolves into a shell-inspired muted pink, offering a distinct flair while capturing the spirit of the original design.
2. Aurora in *Maleficent* (2014)
Costume designer: Ellen Mirojnick; Princess: Elle Fanning
This adaptation of Aurora features dresses that perfectly encapsulate the dark fairy tale atmosphere of *Maleficent*. Her costumes, especially the elegant blue gown just before she pricks her finger, resonate with the film’s aesthetic, embodying a more complex character than the original animated princess. The final golden gown with its intricate designs is particularly striking, enhancing Aurora’s ethereal presence.
1. Cinderella in *Cinderella* (2015)
Costume designer: Sandy Powell; Princess: Lily James
The costumes in *Cinderella* set a benchmark for Disney adaptations, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. From her servant outfit to the iconic ballgown, every piece embodies elegance and creativity. The blue ballgown showcases a watercolor-like quality, flowing beautifully as Cinderella moves through the ballroom, capturing the heart of both the story and the audience. The disparity in quality between this film and others, such as *Snow White*, raises questions about budget allocation and design priorities in subsequent adaptations.