Dress Up & Costumes

A cape before breakfast. A crown at the grocery store. A mermaid tail that absolutely cannot come off for dinner. Dress-up has a way of becoming everyday wear, which is exactly why the best pieces are the ones made for repeat performances. This edit brings together princess dresses, capes, role-play sets, and plenty of make-believe from names like Great Pretenders and Super Smalls.

The real winners are easy to put on, comfortable enough to keep on, and open-ended enough to become a completely different character tomorrow. A cape, crown, or favorite dress can also do double duty come October, alongside more seasonal picks from Halloween costumes and animal costumes. And when the costume inevitably inspires an entire imaginary world, there's more to explore in pretend play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is dress-up best for?

Dress-up often starts getting interesting around ages 2 or 3 and can stay in heavy rotation for years. Younger kids tend to love simple pieces they can manage themselves, like hats, capes, and crowns. As they get older, the characters get more specific and the plots considerably more elaborate.

Are dress-up costumes machine washable?

It depends on the piece, so check the care instructions on the product page first. For costumes destined for regular rotation, easy-care fabrics are a definite plus, particularly once a favorite outfit starts making appearances at breakfast, the playground, and everywhere in between.

Can dress-up costumes be used for Halloween?

Absolutely. In fact, a dress-up piece they'll keep wearing after October 31 can be much more fun than a one-night-only costume. For something especially spooky-season ready, start with the Halloween costumes collection.