This Kirsten Larson costume shows your American Girl spirit. This literary doll highlights the life and times of American pioneers during the 1850s. You’ll quickly and easily find this costume’s component pieces here. Get this nostalgic look for Halloweens, parties, school, and beyond.
About This Kirsten Larson Costume
Kirsten Larson is the American Girl doll who represents the pioneer days of 1854. She makes the harrowing journey from Sweden to Minnesota with her family, learns the lessons of the land and the sea, and experiences some seasonal adventures of the time.
While her story saddened me as a child, I appreciate it so much more now!
To recreate her original look, you’ll need a blue pioneer dress with puffed sleeves, a red half apron, a red sunbonnet, and white bloomers. Finish with black boots or leather shoes, and consider accessories like her amber pennant.
Split your hair into two sections and braid each tightly from just above the ears into loops, securing with hair ties. Use a long, blonde wig if your hair is short or a different color.
RELATED AMERICAN GIRL COSTUMES
How to Wear American Girl Doll Kirsten’s Outfit for Halloween
IN A RUSH?
If you don’t want to pull together this Kirsten costume yourself, you can buy a premade one at Target. Note, though, that it’s often sold out and doesn’t include all the components, which you can shop separately below.
Pioneer Dress
This pioneer dress is both blue and long-sleeved like Kirsten’s.
If you want a “real” dress that’s an investment piece you can wear again, check out this stunning Emerson Fry dress, which inspired this post. It’s not the most cost-effective option, but it’s a popular, beautiful, and flattering dress.
CHILDREN’S OPTION
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. In that case, this pioneer dress would be absolutely perfect.
Red Bonnet and Apron
Kirsten doesn’t always wear her bonnet, but I did find a red gingham bonnet that’s a close match if you want to wear one.
This red gingham apron is not exactly like Kirsten’s striped one, but it matches the bonnet better.
Blond Wig
If you don’t have long blond hair, this blond double-braided wig, designed to mimic Kirsten’s look, can easily recreate her hairstyle.
Bloomers, Socks, and Boots
You may choose to accessorize the look with options like these white eyelet pantaloons and these yellow striped socks. The details on these brown boots look so much like Kirsten’s.
Amber Pendant
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 because it can be reworn.
Meet Kirsten Book
Lastly, carry the book while wearing this literary costume for women. A modern edition of Meet Kirsten that showcases this look is now available.
Shop the Post
This Kirsten Larson costume transports you back into 19th-century America. It’s such a charming way to step back into 1854 through the eyes of a beloved, nostalgic book character.
KIRSTEN LARSON
More Book Character Costume Ideas
If you loved this costume, you’ll love these ideas for book character costumes too:
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
