How long does the phase where your DD refuses to take off her 'princess' outfit and what developmental purpose does being a princess serve if any?

[Malaleche]

I have daily struggles to persuade DD1 3.5 yo,who thinks she is a princess, to take off her 'long dress' (a dressing-up item) when it's time to go out or to bed. Sometimes I hide it for a few days but then feel sorry for her and allow it to reappear. Do all litle girls go through this highly irritating phase? Does it serve any purpose in the developement of her self-image? Will I stunt her developement if I refuse to go along with it?

Princess fever, I like the term. My dd recently referred to herself as 'Princess xx'!! Nobody taught her that, deffo not me!!!!
I can't wait to explain to her friends that she's got princess fever. Sorry for being a copycat!

It must be genetic.I have avioded Disney like the plague & not encouraged pink frilliness at all,but dd1 (3.5) is obsessed by princesses.Cinderella is her all time favourite & she doesn't want to wear trousers because princesses don't!

I've given up & just go with it for now.

one of my earliest memories is having a pink fairy dress hanging in my wardrobe and thinking it was amazing - i guess i was 5 or so! don't know why some girls like that stuff but oh well!!

ps im not very girly now!