5 Times Disney Improved an Iconic Princess Look & 5 Times They Should've Left it in Animation
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Joe Shetina
From stunning gowns to disappointing redesigns, Disney's live-action adaptations have given us a mix of princess looks. Join us as we explore the best upgrades and biggest letdowns in costume design, comparing animated classics to their real-world counterparts. Which princess got the royal treatment, and who deserved better? We'll dive into the intricate details of Belle's provincial dress, Jasmine's dazzling aqua ensemble, and Cinderella's show-stopping ball gown. We'll also discuss the less successful attempts, like Ariel's washed-out pink dress and Snow White's gaudy remake. Let us know your favorite Disney princess look in the comments!
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Disney princess costumes that got a major upgrade or a massive downgrade in their live action counterparts.
Disney fans remain divided on this particular live action adaptation. If cutting the songs and Mushu the dragon weren’t enough, the 2020 film also made some changes to the overall design that got mixed reactions. Despite an Oscar nomination for its costumes, one look did disappoint some fans. In the climactic scenes, Mulan fights in a more historically accurate red suit. While the 2020 movie claimed to go for historical accuracy - although its success has been debated since its release - it’s one of the moments where we missed out on style. As well made as it is, it’s less striking than the draped look from the original.
The first time we see Belle, the protagonist of “Beauty and the Beast,” in the original animated movie, it’s in her blue and white provincial look. Her outfit is as quiet and unassuming as the village she’s straining to get out of. When Emma Watson donned a version of the same dress in the 2017 live action remake, it’s quite similar. But with live action, we can really get a sense of texture. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran added patterns to the blue bodice and aprons and rags at the waist. It doesn’t just look more interesting, it also honors the character and her circumstances.
As far as redesigns go, Ariel got the short end of the stick. “The Little Mermaid” went harder on being period accurate than a lot of the other live action remakes, but it wasn’t always successful. Somehow, it made everything she wears seem much less eye-catching. One costume fans particularly disliked was Ariel’s pink dinner dress. Although it doesn’t show up until she’s married to her prince, it’s not nearly as stunning and it’s almost completely washed out by sunlight. Period costuming is all well and good, but this is Disney after all. If there’s no spectacle, why bother?
One costume that absolutely dazzled fans in the live action “Mulan” is the traditional garb she meets the matchmaker in. The 1998 design is more Disneyfied, with its pinks and deep blue accents. The 2020 film features a look by costume designer Bina Daigeler, who was inspired by an idea that Mulan could twirl into the dress. Daigeler’s dress, purple with red details along the neck and sleeves, is a beautifully embroidered, elegant piece that comes alive in motion. Judging by her discomfort throughout the scene, Mulan’s clearly not feeling this ensemble, but it’s so gorgeous.
This one was always gonna be tricky. Ariel’s unforgettable design is pretty simple, and that might be the problem. A seashell bikini top and a mermaid tail is a particularly hard sell on a realistic mermaid. The 2023 live action remake just doesn’t do enough to remake the outfit. Replacing the seashells with a bikini top made of scales, Ariel’s modernized, live action appearance is just completely unremarkable. It might have been better to redesign her look completely than to even try. Whatever they came up with would probably be much better than the shimmering, CGI effect we ended up with.
In “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Aurora’s fairy godmothers can’t decide whether to give her a blue dress or a pink dress. With its sculptural neckline and classic silhouette, her happily ever after look is incredible in either color. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick took just enough inspiration from the animated original for her work in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” to stand apart. Aurora’s look here is a great example of how to do something a bit more period-inspired without sacrificing on wow factor: delicate lacing and just enough shimmer to look elegant but not tacky or synthetic.
It may be a little unfair to include a movie that hasn’t even been released yet, but fans have already formed some pretty strong opinions about the live action rendition of Snow White’s outfit. The original look has almost become synonymous with Disney princesses. But it has to be said that her blue bodice, puffy sleeves, raised collar, and yellow skirt is a bold statement that just looks better as a cartoon. In real life, it skews gaudy. Behind the scenes photos are not kind to it, but even under the studio lights, the skirt reads a little on the cheap side. Fans also took issue with the character’s bob. Let’s just say it’s a case where they probably should’ve gone for something more modern.
Jasmine doesn’t get nearly enough credit for serving some of the most gorgeous animated looks in Disney’s history. In a prime example of how entering the real world can make iconic fashions even better, Jasmine’s turquoise-colored ensemble really got an upgrade in the 2019 remake. It takes a lot to make a signature look even more unforgettable. The details are what make it here. Costume designer Michael Wilkinson introduces intricate lacing, glimmering embroidery, and rich, vibrant colors and accents. He also added a striking peacock motif to the bottom half that takes it to a whole new level of beauty.
Some Disney movies live and die by a transformation scene. 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast”’s Belle is not the belle of the ball. At least, her gown isn’t. It’s almost unfair to compare, as the 1991 original is one of the most dynamic, sumptuous costume designs ever done for an animated character. In close-up, the gold skirt that was once a shining, twirling marvel now looks limp and lifeless. Far shots of Belle and the Beast’s dance don't do it any favors either. The skirt itself is so light and pale that it just looks like a sudden wind could unravel it. After the outstanding designs of a previous princess’ remake, this was an unforgivably lackluster take on an all-time great Disney design.
The thing about the put-upon princess’ ball gown is that if it isn’t the most spectacular thing you’ve ever seen, it ruins the magic of the whole scene. 2015’s “Cinderella” update rises to the task. Oscar winner Sandy Powell took inspiration from midcentury period pieces, paying special attention to how it looked in motion. The final look took nearly a month to make, and it shows. Constructed out of over 250 yards of fabric and layered within an inch of its life, Powell’s hard work paid off. It’s an absolutely stunning look that uses the original as a jumping off point, but doesn’t make the mistake of doing a 1-to-1 redesign of a 2D costume.
What’s your favorite Disney princess look? Let us know in the comments.
#5: Should’ve Left Alone: Mulan’s Fighting Suit
“Mulan” (2020)Disney fans remain divided on this particular live action adaptation. If cutting the songs and Mushu the dragon weren’t enough, the 2020 film also made some changes to the overall design that got mixed reactions. Despite an Oscar nomination for its costumes, one look did disappoint some fans. In the climactic scenes, Mulan fights in a more historically accurate red suit. While the 2020 movie claimed to go for historical accuracy - although its success has been debated since its release - it’s one of the moments where we missed out on style. As well made as it is, it’s less striking than the draped look from the original.
#5: Improved: Belle’s Blue & White Dress
“Beauty and the Beast” (2017)The first time we see Belle, the protagonist of “Beauty and the Beast,” in the original animated movie, it’s in her blue and white provincial look. Her outfit is as quiet and unassuming as the village she’s straining to get out of. When Emma Watson donned a version of the same dress in the 2017 live action remake, it’s quite similar. But with live action, we can really get a sense of texture. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran added patterns to the blue bodice and aprons and rags at the waist. It doesn’t just look more interesting, it also honors the character and her circumstances.
#4: Should’ve Left Alone: Ariel’s Pink Dress
“The Little Mermaid” (2023)As far as redesigns go, Ariel got the short end of the stick. “The Little Mermaid” went harder on being period accurate than a lot of the other live action remakes, but it wasn’t always successful. Somehow, it made everything she wears seem much less eye-catching. One costume fans particularly disliked was Ariel’s pink dinner dress. Although it doesn’t show up until she’s married to her prince, it’s not nearly as stunning and it’s almost completely washed out by sunlight. Period costuming is all well and good, but this is Disney after all. If there’s no spectacle, why bother?
#4: Improved: Matchmaker Dress
“Mulan” (2020)One costume that absolutely dazzled fans in the live action “Mulan” is the traditional garb she meets the matchmaker in. The 1998 design is more Disneyfied, with its pinks and deep blue accents. The 2020 film features a look by costume designer Bina Daigeler, who was inspired by an idea that Mulan could twirl into the dress. Daigeler’s dress, purple with red details along the neck and sleeves, is a beautifully embroidered, elegant piece that comes alive in motion. Judging by her discomfort throughout the scene, Mulan’s clearly not feeling this ensemble, but it’s so gorgeous.
#3: Should’ve Left Alone: Ariel’s Mermaid Look
“The Little Mermaid” (2023)This one was always gonna be tricky. Ariel’s unforgettable design is pretty simple, and that might be the problem. A seashell bikini top and a mermaid tail is a particularly hard sell on a realistic mermaid. The 2023 live action remake just doesn’t do enough to remake the outfit. Replacing the seashells with a bikini top made of scales, Ariel’s modernized, live action appearance is just completely unremarkable. It might have been better to redesign her look completely than to even try. Whatever they came up with would probably be much better than the shimmering, CGI effect we ended up with.
#3: Improved: Aurora’s Pink Dress
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (2019)In “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Aurora’s fairy godmothers can’t decide whether to give her a blue dress or a pink dress. With its sculptural neckline and classic silhouette, her happily ever after look is incredible in either color. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick took just enough inspiration from the animated original for her work in “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” to stand apart. Aurora’s look here is a great example of how to do something a bit more period-inspired without sacrificing on wow factor: delicate lacing and just enough shimmer to look elegant but not tacky or synthetic.
#2: Should’ve Left Alone: Snow White’s Dress
“Snow White” (2025)It may be a little unfair to include a movie that hasn’t even been released yet, but fans have already formed some pretty strong opinions about the live action rendition of Snow White’s outfit. The original look has almost become synonymous with Disney princesses. But it has to be said that her blue bodice, puffy sleeves, raised collar, and yellow skirt is a bold statement that just looks better as a cartoon. In real life, it skews gaudy. Behind the scenes photos are not kind to it, but even under the studio lights, the skirt reads a little on the cheap side. Fans also took issue with the character’s bob. Let’s just say it’s a case where they probably should’ve gone for something more modern.
#2: Improved: Jasmine’s Aqua Ensemble
“Aladdin” (2019)Jasmine doesn’t get nearly enough credit for serving some of the most gorgeous animated looks in Disney’s history. In a prime example of how entering the real world can make iconic fashions even better, Jasmine’s turquoise-colored ensemble really got an upgrade in the 2019 remake. It takes a lot to make a signature look even more unforgettable. The details are what make it here. Costume designer Michael Wilkinson introduces intricate lacing, glimmering embroidery, and rich, vibrant colors and accents. He also added a striking peacock motif to the bottom half that takes it to a whole new level of beauty.
#1: Should’ve Left Alone: Belle’s Ball Gown
“Beauty and the Beast” (2017)Some Disney movies live and die by a transformation scene. 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast”’s Belle is not the belle of the ball. At least, her gown isn’t. It’s almost unfair to compare, as the 1991 original is one of the most dynamic, sumptuous costume designs ever done for an animated character. In close-up, the gold skirt that was once a shining, twirling marvel now looks limp and lifeless. Far shots of Belle and the Beast’s dance don't do it any favors either. The skirt itself is so light and pale that it just looks like a sudden wind could unravel it. After the outstanding designs of a previous princess’ remake, this was an unforgivably lackluster take on an all-time great Disney design.
#1: Improved: Cinderella’s Ball Gown
“Cinderella” (2015)The thing about the put-upon princess’ ball gown is that if it isn’t the most spectacular thing you’ve ever seen, it ruins the magic of the whole scene. 2015’s “Cinderella” update rises to the task. Oscar winner Sandy Powell took inspiration from midcentury period pieces, paying special attention to how it looked in motion. The final look took nearly a month to make, and it shows. Constructed out of over 250 yards of fabric and layered within an inch of its life, Powell’s hard work paid off. It’s an absolutely stunning look that uses the original as a jumping off point, but doesn’t make the mistake of doing a 1-to-1 redesign of a 2D costume.
What’s your favorite Disney princess look? Let us know in the comments.
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