I was scrolling through Instagram the other day when I stumbled across the announcement that American Girl has teamed up with Rubie’s Costume Company to create official costumes of some of their most popular dolls, the Molly doll being one of them! As a child of the ’90s, I practically grew up with my Molly McIntire doll (who still holds a place of honor in my closet). Seeing that Molly was one of the featured costumes gave me instant nostalgia overload.
With Halloween just around the corner, and a couple of costume-worthy events on my calendar (a Junior League volunteer event and a fun gathering at work), I knew this was my chance to channel my inner Molly. I needed something work-appropriate and kid-friendly, and Molly’s classic 1940s look fit the bill perfectly.
Target was carrying the official Rubie’s Molly costume, and while it seemed like a decent option at $45 (including the beret, glasses, shirt, and skirt), the stock photos made it look a little… cheap. Plus, it didn’t include essential accessories like socks, shoes, or a purse.
So, I decided to explore creating my own Molly costume using items from Amazon. In this post, I’ll break down the cost of a DIY Molly costume, compare it to the Target version, and share my experience with both options.
DIY Molly McIntire American Girl Doll Costume: The Amazon Edition
Here’s how to recreate Molly’s signature look with a few clicks on Amazon:
- Red & Blue Argyle Sweater: This was the most challenging piece to find an exact match for. I’ve linked a few variations that capture the spirit of Molly’s sweater. ($25)
- Peter Pan Collar: To complete the sweater, you’ll need a detachable Peter Pan collar. This one can be easily added to any sweater. ($11)
- A-Line Skirt: A classic A-line skirt in a solid color like navy will pair perfectly with the argyle sweater. ($18)
- Navy Blue Beret: Molly’s signature beret adds a touch of French-inspired flair. ($13)
- Round Glasses: Molly’s round glasses are essential for capturing her bookish charm. You can find affordable versions on Amazon, even if you don’t need prescription lenses. ($15)
- White Socks and Mary Jane Shoes: Complete the look with classic white socks and black Mary Jane shoes. I actually tried to find the cheapest Mary Janes that I could see myself wearing outside of the costume, so it wasn’t a total waste of money. ($14 for socks, $21 for shoes)
- Red Purse: A small purse or satchel adds an authentic touch. ($20)
- Red Ribbon for Braided Pigtails: Don’t forget the red ribbon to tie off Molly’s signature braids! ($2)
Cost Breakdown: ($139)
As you can see, the DIY approach is more expensive than the pre-made Target costume. However, the advantage is that you can choose higher-quality items and customize the look to your liking. You also may be able to continue to use most of these items in ‘real life’ ie the socks, shoes, sweater. Beret if you go to Paris…
The Target Molly Doll Costume: A Quick and Easy Option
While I was initially drawn to the DIY route, I ultimately decided to go with the Target Molly doll costume for convenience. Here’s my experience:
Pros:
- Affordable: At $45, it’s a budget-friendly option.
- Convenient: It includes the main components of the costume (beret, glasses, shirt, and skirt).
- Wig: If you don’t have brown hair like me, they also sell the wig separately.
Cons:
- Quality: The materials are a bit thin, and the overall construction feels a little flimsy. I felt like the beret looked particularly cheap so I did buy the one off Amazon.
- Missing Accessories: You’ll need to purchase socks ($14) , shoes ($20), and a purse ($20) separately – which brings the cost to $99.
Overall:
The Target costume is a decent option if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution. I supplemented it with some higher-quality accessories I found on Amazon, and it worked out great! You may already have black shoes and socks that could work, saving you even more money.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to DIY your Molly McIntire costume or go with the Target version, embracing your inner American Girl is a fun way to celebrate Halloween. I got recognized by a couple little girls, but the Mom’s were the ones appreciating the costume more. Both options have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.