Many women were once little girls who dreamed of being princesses — warrior princesses included — so it's no surprise that a slew of celebrities occasionally take the opportunity to channel their favorite Disney Princesses, both on the red carpet, and at other events that require them to get totally glammed up. Most major celebrities have fashion designers practically begging to dress them, so why not live out some of those childhood fantasies and get decked out like a favorite Disney Princess? It certainly makes for memorable photos.
Whether they intended to dress up like a Disney princess, or it was completely coincidental, celebs — from the glamorous, real-life duchess Kate Middleton, to reality TV star Kim Kardashian, have all shown up to events in looks that bear striking resemblances to Disney's biggest stars.
… and we have to say, most of the looks are absolutely breathtaking.
Others have literally dressed up in Disney princess costumes for Halloween, which we also think is super fun to see. It's proof that no one — not even the chicest celebs — is above the magic of Disney! Keep reading to see the best Disney princess looks from our favorite celebrities, who've given us all kinds of vibes from Cinderella at the ball to Ariel in her makeshift sheet dress.
Zendaya as Cinderella
For 2019 MET Gala, actress and singer Zendaya dressed up as Cinderella, complete with a fairy godmother and glass slippers. Her stunning gown was lit up with LED lights from below many layers of the softest tulle, and her normally dark hair was golden and pinned back in a low chignon. It was pretty incredible.
Kate Middleton as Cinderella
Kate Middleton's wedding dress was a near spitting image of Cinderella's wedding dress. The gown Kate wore when she married Britain's Prince William back in 2011 was a stark white, A-line gown with long, lace sleeves and a deep-V neckline. Topped with a trailing, light-as-air veil, it looked just like Cinderella's gown.
Taylor Swift as Rapunzel
Back in 2008, a young Taylor Swift performed her hit song "Love Story" at the Country Music Awards. She wore a long, deep purple gown made of taffeta, with a corset-like bodice and a delicate tiara, giving off major Rapunzel vibes. Her stage set for the show even elaborately depicted castle grounds.
Kim Kardashian as Princess Jasmine
Several years ago, when her daughter, North, was a toddler, Kim Kardashian dressed up like Aladdin's Princess Jasmine for Halloween. With her dark hair, olive complexion, and perfectly — and likely expensively — recreated costume, she looked exactly like Princess Jasmine.
… well, with more boobs, of course. Even her accessories were on point.
Salma Hayek as Megara
Salma Hayek looked strikingly similar to Megara from Hercules at the 2018 Academy Awards. She dressed in a glittering, deep lavender gown, and wore her hair in face-framing tendrils — just like Meg. She even donned the same shade of lipstick that Megara wears in the Disney movie. They are both so sultry, so it's hard not to make comparisons.
Gwen Stefani as Cinderella
Back in 2011, former punk rocker — sometimes singer and current reality TV judge — Gwen Stefani attended a Halloween party in Hollywood dressed up as Cinderella. She was definitely going for the animated version with over-the-top, bright blue and pink makeup that made her look just like the cartoon Cinderella. Totally appropriate for Halloween.
Gwen Stefani as Cinderella ... Again
Almost a decade later, though, a much more polished Gwen Stefani channeled Cinderella yet again during a Disney holiday special she hosted. This time, she didn't wear a costume shop gown, instead opting to hitch a ride in a gorgeous glass pumpkin carriage — wearing a soft, feathery gown and icy makeup.
This definitely invoked imagery from the classic Disney film!
Kate Middleton as Elsa
In 2017, the Duchess of Cambridge showed up to the Royal Variety Show at the Palladium Theatre alongside her husband, Prince William, looking a lot more like Princess Elsa than anyone expected she could. She wore an absolutely stunning long-sleeved ice blue gown with a flowy, sheer top layer that was entirely crusted in sparkles. Kate even wore silvery, high-heeled pumps.
Kylie Jenner as Ariel
Reality star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner turned more than a few heads in October 2019, when she posted a photo of herself dressed up as a sexy Ariel on her Instagram page. Her Halloween costume features a classic purple clamshell bra perfectly fitted to her buxom figure, along with a green, sequined skirt with a thigh slit. Her bright red wig — while definitely the color of Ariel's hair — gave off more of a Jessica Rabbit feel.
Rihanna as Belle
Singer Rihanna's gown for the 2015 Met Gala was the exact shade of marigold as Belle's ballgown in Beauty and the Beast. Rihanna's artsy dress was of course way more elaborate, but its taffeta gathers, scrollwork, and furry accents really reminded us of Belle at the Beast's castle during that long winter. Rihanna looked seriously regal.
Blake Lively as Ariel
In 2011, actress Blake Lively attended the Time 100 awards in a stunning draped gown by Zuhair Murad that clearly evoked Ariel. The gorgeous gown was a beautiful teal color, and featured gathers that were reminiscent of scales, and a jewel-encrusted sweetheart neckline that showed off plenty of cleavage. To bring the look together, Blake, who is normally blond, colored her hair a beautiful red.
Miley Cyrus as Cinderella
Back in 2015, performer Miley Cyrus shared a picture of herself getting ready for a Halloween party for which she dressed up as Cinderella. Well, sort of. (Maybe punk rock Cinderella would be more fitting?) She accessorized her costume with a messy top-knot, a black choker, and beaded bracelets. Her explanation? She was "high as hell."
Katie Holmes as Belle
Actress and activist Katie Holmes looked incredible at the 2014 Met Gala. She was dressed in a stunning golden-yellow, off-the-shoulder satin gown that made her look so much like Belle from Beauty and the Beast that we had to do a double take. Come to think of it, with her dark and deeper complexion, she would probably have made for the perfect Belle in a live-action remake.
Elle Fanning as Aurora
Elle Fanning was quite the vision when she showed up to the Maleficent movie premiere in 2014. Her pale lavender gown, designed by Elie Saab, was an honorable nod to Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, whom Elle starred as in Disney's Maleficent. Her gown didn't look much like Aurora's from the animated film — it was much more in keeping with the style of the live-action film she acted in alongside Angelina Jolie.
Blake Lively as Cinderella
While her gown for the premiere of the film Slack Bay at Cannes in 2016 wasn't an exact match for Cinderella's ball gown, with her blond updo accented with a slim headband, sparkly accessories, and pale blue princess gown. Blake Lively looked like a real-life version of Cinderella. The gown, designed by Vivienne Westwood, was an absolute perfection.
Fan Bingbing as Tiana
In 2011, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing wore a beautiful pale green gown to the Cannes Film Festival. She looked absolutely gorgeous on the red carpet, and she's been drawing comparisons to Princess Tiana of The Princess and the Frog ever since. Her braided updo was a subtle reminder of Tiana's tiara, and her orangey-red lip shade was almost a perfect match for Tiana's.
Both are just lovely!
