Doris the Ugly Stepsister Costume

Doris is one of the funniest side characters in Shrek 2. She has a strong personality, a smoky voice, and a look you cannot miss. Her style is bold, sassy, and full of attitude. Recreating her outfit is fun and will stand out anywhere.

This guide breaks down every piece of her costume in detail. We will go over each clothing item, accessory, and makeup choice so you can match her look. Everything is simple to follow and easy to put together.

DIY Costume Items

1. Braid Wig Headband
2. Large Hoops Earrings
3. Long Dress
4. Shoes
5. Eyeshadow Palette Makeup

Doris the Ugly Stepsister Costume Breakdown

1. Hair – Braided Headband

Doris has a crown-like braid wrapped across the top of her head. Her hair is styled back tightly, giving her face full attention.

To get this look, use a braided headband. Pick a thick braid in a dark brown shade. The braid should be big enough to stand out, not thin or delicate.

Wear it over your natural hair or a wig. If your hair is long, pull it back into a bun or twist to hide it under the braid. You want the headband to sit like a crown.

Tips:

• Choose synthetic hair that matches your own or a wig you use.
• Position it about an inch back from your hairline.
• Secure with hairpins so it does not slip during the day.

This headband is the fastest way to copy Doris’s hairstyle without spending hours braiding.

2. Earrings – Gold Hoop Earrings

Doris wears large gold hoop earrings that swing as she moves. They add to her confident, no-nonsense vibe.

Pick big gold hoops that are lightweight so they do not pull on your ears. The shine of gold pops against her purple outfit and matches her bold makeup.

Tips:

• Choose hoops that are at least 2 inches in diameter.
• Clip-on hoops work if you don’t have pierced ears.
• Keep them smooth with no extra charms or designs.

These earrings give instant character to the costume and will be noticed right away.

3. Dress – Purple Lace Long Dress

The purple dress is the star of Doris’s outfit. It is deep, rich in color, and full length. The lace detail makes it feel fancy but still practical for her tavern job in the movie.

Pick a floor-length purple lace dress with long sleeves. The neckline should be wide and rounded to match her open chest style. Doris’s dress is form-fitting but not tight.

Look for lace patterns over a solid lining. This gives the texture you need without being see-through. If your dress has a belt or waistband, even better, as it adds shape.

Tips:

• Match the shade of purple to the shoes for a clean look.
• Avoid dresses with glitter or sequins, Doris keeps it simple.
• Bell sleeves or slightly flared sleeves match her style well.
• This dress sets the base for the entire costume, so choose one that feels right.

4. Shoes – Purple Block Heels

Doris’s shoes match her dress. They are simple, practical, and have a small block heel.

Pick purple suede or fabric block heels. The heel should be low to mid height, making it easy to walk in. Doris is on her feet often, so the shoes should look sturdy, not fragile.

Tips:

• Closed-toe styles look most accurate.
• Comfort is important, so add cushioned insoles if needed.
• Match the purple tone to your dress as close as possible.
• The shoes help tie the costume together from head to toe.

5. Makeup – Dramatic Eyes and Bold Lips

Doris’s makeup is unforgettable. She wears strong eye makeup, heavy brows, and deep lipstick.

You will need a bold eyeshadow palette with dark shades like black, brown, and gray, plus some bright colors if you want to exaggerate.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Brows: Use a dark brow pencil to draw thick, arched eyebrows.
2. Eyeshadow: Apply black or dark brown on the lids. Blend upwards for a smoky look.
3. Eyeliner: Make a thick wing with black eyeliner.
4. Mascara: Apply several coats to get full lashes.
5. Lips: Choose a bold shade like deep red or dark pink.
6. Blush: Add a rosy blush on the cheeks for extra color.

Tips:

• Don’t go subtle. Doris’s makeup is over-the-top.
• Practice the eyeliner before the event to get it even.
• Use a setting spray so it lasts all day.
• Makeup is key to nailing her overdramatic look.

Extra Details to Sell the Costume

The five items above make the base costume, but Doris’s personality is what makes it come alive. Adding small touches will make the outfit even better.

Voice and Attitude

Doris speaks with a deep, raspy voice in Shrek 2. Try lowering your tone when speaking in character. She also has a confident, almost intimidating body language. Stand tall, lean forward slightly when talking, and give sharp looks like she does in the movie.

Props

While Doris doesn’t carry much, a small fake mug or tankard can fit the theme. In the movie, she works at the Poison Apple bar, so this adds to the tavern vibe.

Hair Color

If your hair color doesn’t match Doris’s, use a brown wig under the braided headband. A smooth, pulled-back style works best.

Nails

Go for bold nail polish. A dark red, plum, or even black will match the dramatic style.

Step-by-Step Dressing Guide

Here’s a quick order to get ready without missing details.

1. Put on the purple dress.
2. Wear the block heels.
3. Style your hair or wig, then add the braided headband.
4. Apply makeup. Start with brows, then eyes, then lips.
5. Add gold hoop earrings last so they don’t get in the way while dressing.
6. If you’re using props, keep them nearby.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong Purple Shade: Keep the dress and shoes close in color. Mismatched purples stand out.
• Tiny Earrings: Small hoops will get lost. Big hoops are key.
• Light Makeup: Doris’s makeup is bold. Too light and it won’t feel right.
• Loose Headband: Make sure the braid stays in place with pins.

Why This Costume Works

Doris is instantly recognizable for anyone who knows Shrek 2. Her design is funny and unique, making her stand out in any group. The outfit is also comfortable compared to many costumes. You can walk, sit, and move without worrying about fragile parts.

This costume also works well for group themes. If friends dress as Shrek, Fiona, or other fairy tale characters, Doris adds a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Doris the Ugly Stepsister costume is about two things: bold style and big personality. The clothing pieces are easy to find, and the makeup is fun to apply. Once you put it all together and add her confident mannerisms, you will have a complete, attention-grabbing look.

The best part is that you can reuse the dress, shoes, and accessories for other events. The makeup skills you learn can also be used for other characters or styles.

If you match the color, keep the accessories big, and go heavy on the makeup, you’ll be the perfect Doris.