I have girls who liked to dress up, but didn't necessarily outgrow it when they grew up!  Mo older girls, one in particular, have always enjoyed making their own movies. 

They discuss their idea and what they will say, with a lot of making things up as they go, and they have a great time togehter (think: Little Women).  They use our camera to video their movies, which range from kings, queens, and princesses, to servants, paupers and ordinary people.  They've done historical and modern day.

In order to have affordable costumes for these adventures, we turned to yard sales for many of them.  We've found (modest) prom dresses (to outfit our princess) for as little as $5, as well as a period dress.  Yard sales area  great place to find sparkly costume jewelry and mens and womens hats, as well as other accessories to.  Keep your eye out for anything that would be great in movies or pretend play -- parasols, sparkly or "outrageous" shoes, shawls, etc.  We found a great king's crown for about $4, I think at www.lovetolearn.com.  

 Digging through mom and dad's, as well as grandma's,  closets and attic have come up with some great props and wardrobe  additions, too.

 Even though they are all grown up and serious issues are usually the  talk of the day, I love that creativity and a sense of innocence has stayed  with my girls this long, and that they are now passing that on to their  younger sister, who is asking me if we can try to find some of those things  in her size.  A little bit harder request, but we will try.