It’s been exactly 25 years since Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas hit theaters in 2000, turning a young Taylor Momsen into an instant holiday icon as the wide-eyed, kind-hearted Cindy Lou Who. At just 7 years old (though she was 6 during filming), Momsen stole scenes opposite Jim Carrey’s grumpy green Grinch with her unforgettable performance—and that whimsical red-and-green gingham dress complete with puffed sleeves, Peter Pan collar, and quirky food embellishments on the skirt.
Fast-forward to December 2025, and Momsen, now 32 and the fierce frontwoman of rock band The Pretty Reckless, is embracing her Whoville roots like never before. In a heartwarming (and hilarious) Instagram video posted on December 22, she revealed she’s still in possession of one of her original Cindy Lou costumes—and yes, it (kind of) still fits.
The behind-the-scenes clip shows Momsen, with help from her stylist, carefully squeezing into the child-sized dress for a festive photoshoot. “I’m a little jacked,” she jokes as her toned arms struggle with the tiny puffed sleeves. Instead of altering the precious piece permanently, she cleverly pulls it down for an off-the-shoulder look, pairing it with a tulle underskirt for volume, Cindy’s signature red hooded cape, fuzzy mittens, fake snow in her hair, and—adding her signature rock edge—black combat boots.
“Yes…that is my real Cindy costume from the Grinch movie 🥰 25 years later…it still (kind of) fits 🤣 what a surreal holiday season #whereareyouchristmas,” Momsen captioned the post.
For comparison, here’s the innocent, antenna-haired Cindy Lou Who from 2000:
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This nostalgic moment comes during a particularly “surreal” holiday season for Momsen. The film marked its 25th anniversary in November 2025, and she recently reunited with Jim Carrey for the first time in decades at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. She also re-recorded her iconic song “Where Are You Christmas?” in a rocked-out version for The Pretty Reckless’s holiday EP.
From child star to Gossip Girl rebel to hardcore rocker, Momsen has come a long way—but slipping back into that dress proves some holiday magic never fades. Your heart might just grow three sizes today. 🎄
