Bjork Swan Dress Costume Tutorial

So… adult Halloween parties. Let’s talk about this for a second. You have the people who show up dressed to the nine in full makeup and super elaborate costumes, and then you have the non-committers who show up with cat ears or a fake knife through the head and call it good. Which kind are you? I’ll be honest here and admit that I’ve been both. This year, though, I’m ready to stand with the over-achievers—not that the non-committers are under achievers. Basically I’m just looking to pat myself on the back for being better prepared than I’ve been in the past.

Do you remember that time Bjork showed up to the Oscars in that swan dress and everyone on tv and fashion magazines flipped out? I do. And I loved it. I still love it, actually. That’s who I’ll be dressing up as this year!

I know at first glance this tutorial looks crazy involved, but it’s actually a pretty simple step-by-step. (Click to enlarge) Let’s start with the supplies:

Supplies- white fabric (I used linen), 10-15 yards of tulle, elastic, wire & cutters, stuffing, black and orange fabric scraps, tape measure, scissors

Step 1-2:

Pull the elastic around your waist and cut to fit. Stitch the ends together with your sewing machine (or by hand) to create a circle.

Step 3: Fold your tulle in half and cut into strips. When folded, the strips should be 30 inches long or 60 inches total.

Step 4-5: Make sure your tulle strip is folded in half and feed under the elastic band. Grab the tail and pull through. Repeat (and repeat and repeat) until your skirt is full.

Step 6-7: Measure from your chest, around your neck, and down to your waist. Take this measurement and cut a long strip from your white fabric, making sure one end is rounded.

Step 8: Use your sewing machine (or thread and fingers) to stitch around the rounded end and straight down to the other end. Leave the end open for stuffing.

Step 9: Clip little triangles around the rounded edge. This will help your swan head stay rounded. Flip right-side out.

Step 10: Before you stuff your swan head, cut a piece of wire the length of your swan neck. Insert into the swan.

Step 11-12: Stuff your swan head and cut your shapes for the face.

Step 13: Stitch the beak up with your sewing machine and flip right-side out. Stuff it and hand stitch the black piece and beak onto the face.

Step 14: Sew several layers of tulle (tiered) down the neck to create a seamless transition between the swan neck and the skirt.

Step 15: Hand stitch or safety pin the bottom of the swan neck onto the skirt. Now you’re finished!

Grab yourself a nude bodysuit and a black wig (unless you already have the right hair, of course) and you’re set! I’m so excited about my costume this year! Will you be attending any Halloween parties? xo. Katie