40 Fun Book Character Costumes That Bring Your Favorite Storybooks to Life
Adults, kids, and teachers alike can DIY (or buy at the last minute) these get-ups inspired by classic literary heroes and villains.
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Dressing up in October is a time-honored tradition that never gets old. For some, it means dressing up as their favorite horror movie characters and make-believe monsters. For others, it means DIY-ing something creative and cool or paying homage to the movies, TV shows and books you love. While we've got ideas for TV and movie character costumes, this story is for all you bookworms.
When it comes to choosing your favorite book character costumes, you can go classic a la Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, or go a bit more unique and pull inspiration from books from your childhood like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie or Captain Underpants. Luckily, whatever avenue you choose there are fun costumes you can buy or create yourself that adults and kids can adjust to their age, making them appropriate whether you're hitting up a Halloween party, dressing up for the office, or sending your little one off to school.
Every book lover knows that stories have the power to transport us to exciting new worlds, and with one of these cool looks, your Halloween will be transformed into a magical night.
'Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi
You can create an adult or child version of this fairytale-based puppet. It's easier than you think. The long nose that grows when you lie? Not included.
Get the tutorial from A Beautiful Mess »
RELATED: Best Disney Couples Costumes
We can easily help you find the perfect Goldilocks costume (and even a few onesies for the three bears should they tag along) but we have to caution against eating porridge (or in this case candy) without permission.
At least this time when you (or your little one) dress up in a ball gown, you won't have to worry about having it turn into rags at the stroke of midnight.
Take it back to the roaring '20s with a nod to an era of glitz and glamor, most famously referred to in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic. Time to channel your inner flapper girl. The only thing you need? A male partner to play opposite to your Daisy Buchanan.
'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' by Laura Numeroff
"If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk." And if you give a kid a piece of Halloween candy, he'll definitely be asking you for more! A pair of overalls and some mouse ears easily create this unique book character.
You don't have to like green eggs and ham to rock this Dr. Seuss getup.
Follow the yellow brick road (and by that, we mean the trick-or-treating route), and you're sure to find some sweet treats along the way. Ruby red slippers would be nice, but we'll settle for a few candy bars.
'Nancy Drew' by Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew had great detective skills and great style. Since Nancy's sleuthing adventures are set in the 1930s and '40s, her style is classic and fairly modest, so a plaid skirt and cardigan should do the trick. If you really want to make it clear who you are, carry around a magnifying glass — hey, you might have to solve a case yourself come Halloween!
'Pippi Longstocking' by Astrid Lindgren
Dress up as everybody's favorite kooky redhead in a pigtailed wig and patchwork dress.
'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein
You don't need next-level sewing skills to pull off this Shel Silverstein-inspired costume for Halloween — right down to the no-sew felt apple trick-or-treat bag.
'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle
It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes' famous deductive reasoning to understand why his character makes for a great Halloween costume. If you already own a houndstooth coat, all you need is a few detective-appropriate items from Amazon to complete the look.
Prove that science is fun by getting into character as Miss Frizzle.
'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll
Head down the rabbit hole — just make sure you're not late for any important dates! This costume is easy to put together with a few strategic Amazon purchases.
Anne Shirley has captivated readers for generations — and now you can channel her imaginative nature by dressing up as her in an Edwardian-era dress and pigtails.
Calling all male teachers looking for an easy costume idea! Don Waldo's signature red-and-white T-shirt, then stand in a crowd and see if anyone can find you! Bonus points if you have your students call you Waldo for the day.
'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie
For those on the hunt for a couple's costume, Tinkerbell and Peter Pan make for a pretty simple DIY.
Get the tutorial from Brit + Co. »
RELATED: Creative and Easy Halloween Couples Costumes to DIY
Fans of Pete the Cat won't lose their cool in this Halloween costume inspired by the grade-level book.
'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien
Journey into the realm of fantasy as you become the wizard Gandalf, thanks to some strategically draped gray blankets, a beard, a wig and a pointy hat.
With you dressed as Miss Trunchbull and your daughter dressed as Matilda, you'll be an unstoppable literary duo this Halloween.
'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins
The odds will be ever in your favor in this Katniss Everdeen costume — all you need is a toy bow and arrow to complete the all-black ensemble.
RELATED: Best Movie and TV Character Costumes You Can Easily DIY
Lauren (she/her) is the executive digital content director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she oversees online content and strategy for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and other Hearst titles, including SEO, video, social media and e-commerce efforts. She has almost 20 years of experience writing and editing beauty, lifestyle, home, health, entertainment and product review content. She graduated from NYU with a degree in journalism and history.
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