How to Dress Like Mamma Mia – Here We Go Again

Want to look exciting and retro-new, like a character from the carefree 70s in Mamma Mia  — Here We Go Again?

It’s not hard to pull it off either as a party costume, or just to add a bit of sunshine and blue ocean vibe in your life. Donna Sheridan, the star character of both Mamma Mia movies, had a distinctive look: flowing, wavy locks, denim overalls, flowered prints, tiered bell bottoms, diaphanous maxi-skirts, ponchos, big floppy sunhats, and a flowy air of cool unsophistication. Who needs to be rigidly runway-ready, when you can be comfortable and effortlessly chic in a sundress?

[pullquote]At one point in Mamma Mia 2, young Harry shows young Donna a tight, stylish dress, telling her she thinks she will like it. Her response is to tuck her thumbs into the sides of her overalls and exclaim, “It’s like you don’t even know me at all!”[/pullquote]

Of course, in her dual role as the lead singer in The Dynamos, she wears distinctive costumes with high clog heels ad multicolored piles of shiny fluff, over tight, stretchy, bedazzled tunics and thigh-hugging leggings. Very different.

Yet both celebrate a joyous attitude towards life, just like the cheery ABBA songs they sing. Even their more sad songs have a bouncy beat. It’s just the way these movies celebrate freedom, individuality, and life that are so appealing.

Get this look by digging into your/your mother/aunt’s old closets for the kind of attire you see in Mamma Mia. Go visit thrift stores. Vintage stores. Or best yet, look for some old sewing patterns online and get crafty. Pick simple designs and add things…lots of things: frills, feathers, tiers of gauze, patches with flowers and the sun, beads and rhinestones. Fake flowers, even. Mix it up. The key is to look effortlessly fun, and not like a crazy person. Add things, then assess. Edit as needed. Think of your designs like a sunny, happy bonsai tree. [pullquote position=”right”]You’ll know when you’ve hit the right amount of zing. If you look like Elton John at his heyday, you’ve gone too far. :-)[/pullquote]

What else? Scrunch your hair as you let it air-dry. Go super minimal on the makeup – a little blush or bronzer, some colored lip balm, and not much else. Tuck flowers behind your ears, and use Ivory Soap instead of perfume.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some Mamma Mia garment creation: 

More Tips: 

Embrace Your Inner Dancing Queen With These 5 ‘Mamma Mia!’-Inspired Looks

The ‘Mamma Mia!’ Costume Designer Explains How to Dress Like Young Donna

Related, on RunPee:

RunPee’s Mamma Mia 2 Review

RunPee’s Rewatch Review (To be added when finished.) (And, BTW, we gave the original an A grade for fun, likability, and a sense of infinite re-watchbility!)

PS: I think it’s high time to host a Mamma Mia party at RunPee HQ. We’ll be sure to toss on the soundtrack and get some 70’s duds. See the bell bottoms by Amazon, below: