Calling all book nerds! Halloween is the perfect time to bring your favorite characters to life and dress up as someone straight out of your favorite story. Whether you’re heading to a Halloween party or just showing off your literary pride, we’ve got the perfect costume ideas inspired by beloved books. From classic novels to modern fantasy, here are some creative Halloween costumes for book lovers.
Matilda – Matilda by Roald Dahl
Everyone’s favorite bookworm! Dress up as the smart and charming Matilda with a simple blue dress and a red ribbon in your hair. To complete the look, carry a stack of books to show off Matilda’s love for reading. If you want to add a fun touch, bring along a toy newt to reference the famous prank she pulled on Miss Trunchbull. Matilda’s look is understated but instantly recognizable, making it a great option for bookworms who want a cute and comfy costume that still packs a literary punch.
Hermione Granger – Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
You can’t go wrong with dressing up as one of the most iconic witches in literature! Channel your inner Hermione Granger by donning a Hogwarts robe and a Gryffindor scarf, and don’t forget to carry a wand—Hermione’s signature tool. If you really want to get into character, curl your hair for that wild, bushy look Hermione was known for in the early books. For an extra touch, carry around a book titled Hogwarts: A History, because of course, Hermione would never leave home without it!
Jay Gatsby – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
For those looking for something a little more glamorous, channeling Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby is the perfect way to add a touch of 1920s flair to your Halloween costume. All you need is a tailored suit, slicked-back hair, and a bow tie to capture Gatsby’s suave, mysterious aura. Bonus points if you can perfect the brooding look of a man who’s been throwing parties just to catch a glimpse of his lost love. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right out of a Fitzgerald novel and into the world of jazz, prohibition, and opulence.
Katniss Everdeen – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Step into the shoes of the Girl on Fire this Halloween by embodying Katniss Everdeen’s strong, survivalist spirit. A simple black leather jacket paired with cargo pants and boots will get you started. Add a toy bow and arrow to complete the look, and don’t forget to braid your hair like Katniss’s signature style. You’ll be ready to take on the Capitol—or at least the Halloween festivities—while channeling one of the most empowering female leads in YA fiction.
Coraline – Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Step into the eerie world of Coraline with this spooky costume idea. To pull off Coraline’s look, all you need is a yellow raincoat and a bright blue wig to represent her signature outfit. Carrying a small black cat stuffed animal is a fun touch that references her loyal companion in the book. If you want to make it extra creepy, sew some large black buttons onto your costume to channel the unsettling ‘Other World’ where Coraline faces off against the Other Mother. It’s the perfect mix of quirky and spooky!
The Mad Hatter – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Get wacky and whimsical with the Mad Hatter’s signature style. A large top hat, mismatched colorful clothes, and a giant bow tie will have you looking like you’ve just stepped out of Wonderland. For added flair, carry a teacup and saucer to evoke the famous tea party scene. The Mad Hatter costume allows for a lot of creativity, so don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors to really embrace the madness. It’s a fun and recognizable costume that will stand out at any Halloween party.
Elizabeth Bennet – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
For a timeless and elegant look, dress as the witty and headstrong Elizabeth Bennet. A Regency-style dress, paired with soft curls and maybe a bonnet, will transport you straight into the world of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. This costume is perfect for those who love historical fiction and want to embody a literary heroine who’s as sharp as she is charming. If you really want to commit, practice your best banter for the night—Elizabeth Bennet is known for her wit!
Lisbeth Salander – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
If you’re looking for something with a bit more edge, Lisbeth Salander is the perfect costume for channeling a darker literary character. With her all-black outfits, combat boots, and fierce attitude, Lisbeth’s look is all about embracing a tough, rebellious vibe. A black leather jacket paired with ripped jeans and a graphic tee will get you most of the way there, and you can add temporary tattoos or accessories like a faux nose ring to really complete the look. Lisbeth’s fierce, no-nonsense persona will make you the coolest one at any Halloween gathering.
Sherlock Holmes – Sherlock Holmes Series by Arthur Conan Doyle
Solve mysteries in style with a Sherlock Holmes-inspired costume. A deerstalker hat, a long trench coat, and a magnifying glass are must-haves to pull off the classic detective look. Add a pipe and maybe even carry a notebook to jot down your ‘clues’ throughout the night. Sherlock Holmes is a beloved character with a timeless appeal, making this costume a hit for anyone who loves solving puzzles and getting into the mystery spirit.
Daenerys Targaryen – A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
Rule Halloween night as the Mother of Dragons herself! A flowing, silver-blue dress and a wig of long, braided platinum hair will transform you into Daenerys Targaryen, one of the most iconic characters from Game of Thrones. To take the costume up a notch, carry a small dragon plush or figurine to show off your queenly power. Daenerys’s blend of strength, grace, and determination makes this a perfect choice for those wanting to channel their inner ruler this Halloween.
Bilbo Baggins – The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Embrace the adventure of Middle-earth by dressing as Bilbo Baggins. All you need is a cozy waistcoat, a button-down shirt, and some brown trousers. Don’t forget to go barefoot to truly capture the hobbit vibe (or wear foot-shaped slippers if it’s chilly!). Complete the look with a map of the Shire or even a replica of The One Ring. This costume is perfect for fans of Tolkien who want to add a whimsical, adventurous touch to their Halloween look.
Willy Wonka – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Channel the eccentric chocolatier with a colorful Willy Wonka costume! A purple velvet jacket, a top hat, and a cane will give you Wonka’s signature look. Add in some quirky, over-the-top accessories like large round glasses or colorful gloves, and carry a bag of candy to hand out to fellow party-goers.
Miss Havisham – Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
For those who love a gothic vibe, Miss Havisham is a perfect choice. Dress in an old, tattered wedding gown and veil, and dust yourself with some white powder to give that decayed, haunted look. Miss Havisham’s tragic story of heartbreak makes for a beautifully eerie costume that’s bound to turn heads at any Halloween gathering. Carry a bouquet of dead flowers for added effect, and you’ll embody one of literature’s most famous ghostly brides.
Nancy Drew – Nancy Drew Mystery Stories by Carolyn Keene
Step into the shoes of the beloved teenage sleuth, Nancy Drew. A retro-inspired dress or skirt with a button-up blouse, paired with a headband and a magnifying glass, will give you the classic Nancy Drew look. You can even carry around a notepad to jot down ‘clues’ as you go about solving the mysteries of the night. This costume is perfect for those who want a simple yet iconic literary look, with a nod to the vintage detective style.
The White Witch – The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Embrace your inner ice queen as Jadis, the White Witch of Narnia. A flowing white gown, a silver crown, and frosty makeup will give you the cold, regal look of the powerful antagonist. If you really want to capture the spirit of the White Witch, carry a faux wand or a Turkish Delight box to tempt your fellow party-goers. This costume is perfect for fans of fantasy who want to channel a formidable villain from one of the most beloved book series.
Aelin Galathynius – Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Step into the fierce and fiery role of Aelin Galathynius, the assassin-turned-queen from the Throne of Glass series. Aelin’s costume can feature a mix of regal and battle-ready elements: a flowing dark cloak, leather armor or a corset, and a toy sword or dagger to represent her skills in combat. Don’t forget to add some fire-inspired accessories, like flame designs on your costume or jewelry, to reflect Aelin’s magic. If you want to go all out, braid your hair in a warrior style and add a crown to represent her queenly status.
Which Character Will You Choose?
With so many fun options straight from the pages of your favorite books, the hardest part of Halloween might just be deciding who to dress up as! Will you go for a fierce hero, a mysterious villain, or maybe even a magical creature? The possibilities are endless when it comes to bringing your favorite literary characters to life. So, which one are you going to choose this year? We’re dying (in a totally non-spooky way) to see what you come up with! Share your costumes with us and let’s make this the most bookish Halloween ever!
Happy haunting, book nerds!
