Bringing the Little Utz Girl to Life
The entire costume hinges on three colors: a bright, clean red; a medium royal blue; and a soft lavender. Everything else follows from that palette. Start with the red top, which should be a short-sleeved crew neck or modest scoop neck in a solid, opaque cotton. The fit matters more than the fabric—you want it close to the body without being tight, since the character’s illustration shows a neat, tidy silhouette rather than a loose or oversized one. Tuck it into the skirt to define the waist.
The skirt is where the vintage proportion comes from. A high-waisted A-line or circle skirt in royal blue—not navy, not sky blue—hitting just above or at the knee works best. A satin finish gives it a slightly structured, costume-quality feel that separates it from everyday clothing. If you want extra volume for that 1920s shape, a small petticoat underneath helps, but it’s not essential. Just make sure the skirt is ironed or steamed before you wear it; wrinkles break the flat, graphic look you’re aiming for.
The hair is the detail that makes this costume read as Utz Girl specifically. A dark blue or midnight blue bob wig with straight-across bangs is non-negotiable. The ends should curl inward slightly at the chin, which you can achieve with heat styling if the wig is heat-resistant, or with hairspray and careful shaping. A wig cap and bobby pins are worth the effort here, especially since the bow sits on top and adds weight. You don’t want the whole thing shifting around while you’re walking or posing.
The red bow is a statement piece, not an accent. It should be large, stiff, and perky, matching the red of the shirt as closely as possible. A headband with a big bow attached is the easiest route, but if you’re making your own, use stiff felt or fabric with interfacing so it stands up rather than flopping forward. Position it centrally or slightly to one side on top of the wig, and make sure it’s secured well enough to survive a few hours of wear.
The lavender knee-high socks are easy to overlook, but they complete the color blocking. Look for a soft pastel purple—think Easter egg, not neon. Over-the-knee or knee-high both work, depending on how much leg you want to show between the skirt hem and sock top. For shoes, red Mary Janes are the ideal match for the youthful, vintage aesthetic. Red ballet flats are a fine fallback, but the strap across the instep adds the right period feel.
Makeup for this costume is about looking like a drawing. The defining feature is a pair of very round, very pink rosy cheeks. Use a bright pink or red blush applied generously to the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion. Keep everything else minimal—mascara and a light pink or neutral lip are enough. The cheeks carry the character.
The prop is the payoff. Carry an actual bag of Utz potato chips with you, preferably one large enough to be visible in photos. It identifies the costume instantly and gives you something to do with your hands. If you want to go the extra step, practice the logo pose—reaching into the bag or offering a chip—so you’re ready when someone asks for a picture.
For cold weather, nude tights under the lavender socks and a red cardigan over the shirt both fit the vintage theme without breaking the color scheme. If you’re pairing up, the National Bohemian beer mascot is the natural companion piece, and the two costumes work well together as a snacks-and-drinks duo.
