When a costume gives us the opportunity to become anyone we want, who could we choose but our favorite book characters? These ten stories have some of the best of the literary world for fun fashion and signature looks, perfect for your next dress-up inspiration.
Olivia
Though we’re not living in a mostly monochrome world like this spunky childhood character, Olivia the pig’s signature outfit would still stand out anywhere. With black and white striped stockings, a wide white collar, and her pop-of-red dress, Olivia’s getup makes a recognizable costume. While these components make up her original look, variations of all kinds are also at hand — the book series features other outfits for Olivia, including fairy princess, ringleader, and marching band looks.
Peanuts
The power of a Peanuts costume comes in numbers, unless it’s Charlie Brown in his classic black and yellow t-shirt that you plan to go as. What may seem, at first, like a group in simple shirts and dresses can become the iconic squad of Charles M. Schulz’s comics with only a few key accessories, such as Linus’s security blanket, Lucy’s football, or perhaps a mini-sized version of Schroeder’s piano. Head-bopping, feet-shuffling dance moves are sure to help as well. For those looking to contribute to a group costume from a slightly different angle, Charlie Brown’s faithful canine companion, Snoopy, makes a good option. The versatile beagle can also make up one half of a two-person costume, with either a Charlie Brown or Woodstock counterpart.
Curious George
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat make a perfect pair not only in the books by H. A. Rey and Margret Rey, but also as a recognizable and goofy Halloween costume. Though Curious George is the star of the book series, it is his yellow-clad friend, with outfit features including a wide hat and polka-dotted tie, that really makes a statement look. One can’t forget entirely about the lovable monkey, however, and could be sure to include him in a solo costume in the form of a stuffed figure.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Though Alice’s humble blue frock and white apron were made popular by Disney’s adaptation of the story, her outfit in the movie is a close imitation of illustrator John Tennel’s vision as seen in the novel’s illustrations. While only a few simple pieces can make a recognizable Alice, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland also provides an opportunity for a lively ensemble costume. Pink and purple stripes and some cat ears, a waistcoat and a pocketwatch, or a garish, oversized tophat and bowtie would make Cheshire cat, white rabbit, and Mad Hatter costumes to please any crowd.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
While in the genre of kooky characters with tophats, Willy Wonka of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presents another fantastic option. If again taking inspiration from its film adaptations, the costume might also include a rather severe bob, a la Johnny Depp’s Wonka, or a battered briefcase, apropos Chalamet’s version of the character. Regardless of details, the oversized hat, as well as a cane and purple velvet frock coat, are sure to bring to mind the mysterious man at the heart of Dahl’s beloved novel.
Paddington
This sweet Peruvian bear makes a charming costume with only a few components. A red hat and blue buttoned coat make up the most essential parts of his look, with a sticker-adorned suitcase adding another level of authenticity. Perhaps the most important detail to dressing up as Paddington, however, is his tag: “Please look after this bear. Thank you,” written in your most careful and loving script. After all, it’s the bear’s transcontinental journey, and enduring love for his Aunt Lucy, that make him the character we know and adore.
Sherlock Holmes
Dressing up as Sherlock Holmes is as simple as donning a deerstalker hat and fashionable cloak. With a magnifying glass to embody Holmes’s investigative nature, anyone can quickly evoke Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic character. The detective is also an ideal candidate for a two-person costume, if one party is willing to assume the role of humble sidekick as Watson.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
For those with a sense of adventure and creative streak, this famished character presents an opportunity to get inventive. Versions of the very hungry caterpillar’s segmented body in its various green hues include anything from multi-colored clothing to getups fashioned from paper plates or construction paper. With a hat, or perhaps even face paint, for his wide green eyes, and some form of purple antenna, the illusion of the character can be pulled off. To take it a step further, some of his favored snacks would make a fitting accessory.
Pippi Longstocking
This costume comes from a personal affinity for Pippi’s wild look. Patched denim, stripy stockings and shirts, and well-worn boots are all within the realm of the young girl’s fashion sense, but there’s no definitive Pippi outfit, so the freedom to mix it up is all yours. However, one key aspect you won’t want to miss is her wacky, gravity-defying braids. If you’re anything like I once was, with long hair and the help of someone with DIY know-how, a sturdy wire of some nature can give the braids their unusual structure (always proceed in crafting with caution!). However you fashion her, a Pippi Longstocking costume should be full of spunk, like Astrid Lindgren’s beloved character.
Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood has become ubiquitous in TV, movies, musicals, and a slew of other media, but we can’t forget that she got her start in the pages of a fairytale. The only thing you really need to dress up as this naive and sweet character is right there in the name: a red riding hood. While it’s easy to also create a two-person look with a menacing Big Bad Wolf or loving Grandmother, Little Red can stand alone as a classic storybook figure and Halloween costume.
Characters in these books range from insects you might find on the underside of a leaf to the larger-than-life members of a zany tea party, but their looks are all equally remarkable. This collection proves literature has the power not only to teach and shape us, but to win us best-dressed at any Halloween party!
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Find other books with our favorite childhood storybook characters on the Bookshop Mini Bookworms Delightful Recommendations list!
