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The only thing more fun than dressing up in a costume on Halloween? Getting lost in a good book. And if you're a bookworm who also happens to love Halloween, then you know that you'll find plenty of inspiration for costume ideas in fiction. Whether you're a teacher in need of some inspiration for Halloween or a parent planning for book character dress-up day at school, we have plenty of book character costume ideas for both kids and adults that you're sure to love. The best part: Everyone else is sure to appreciate your costume, too.
From characters inspired by classic fairytales, like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, to far more modern fictional icons, like Katniss Everdeen and Harry Potter, we've got book character costumes that'll appeal to just about anyone. And don't worry if putting together DIY Halloween costumes isn't your thing — our list includes costumes that you can simply buy in time for the big day, too. Read on for all the best book character-inspired costumes for toddlers, tweens, teachers, and everyone in between, ranging from Fantastic Mr. Fox to Captain Underpants to Clifford the Big Red Dog.
1
Holly Golightly
The iconic character of Holly Golightly was first introduced in Truman Capote's novel Breakfast at Tiffany's, and you can easily channel Holly with a black dress, pearls, and an updo.
2
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Mr. Fox is one of Roald Dahl's most iconic storybook characters, and dressing up as him will ensure that you're warm and cozy all Halloween night long.
Get the Fantastic Mr. Fox Costume tutorial at Rachael Jess.
You'll take everyone on a trip to the past when you're dressed as the kooky Miss Frizzle from Joanna Cole's The Magic School Bus.
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4
Coraline
If you've already got a yellow rain slicker and boots at home, then taking on Neil Gaiman's classic character Coraline just requires a blue wig (or some blue hair dye, if you really want to commit).
5
Nancy Drew
Want to spend Halloween night solving mysteries like Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew? Then all you need is a plaid skirt, cardigan sweater, and magnifying glass.
Get the Nancy Drew Costume tutorial at The Homesteady.
Dressing up like fearless French schoolgirl Madeline simply requires a blue cape and yellow hat just like Ludwig Bemelmans' character always wears.
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7
Little Red Riding Hood
If you're feeling ready to take on the Big Bad Wolf, then simply layer a red hooded poncho over a red dress to become the classic fairytale character Little Red Riding Hood. Don't forget your basket of goodies!
8
Peter Pan
You're never too old (or too young!) to dress up like J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan, and all it takes is an all-green ensemble and a red feather for your cap.
Get the Peter Pan Costume tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
RELATED: 26 Adorable Baby Halloween Costumes
Fans of Marcus Pfister's Rainbow Fish will love that this costume doesn't require any other pieces (though, of course, you can feel free to accessorize however you'd like).
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10
Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren's spunky character Pippi Longstocking is best known for her eclectic ensembles, so as long as you're willing to mix and match patterns, this costume is a breeze to put together.
11
Captain Underpants
If your kid gets a kick out of Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants series, then this clever DIY costume is a must.
Get the Captain Underpants Costume tutorial at Where the Smiles Have Been.
Not only is this Eric Carle-inspired costume totally unique — it's also amazingly affordable and requires no other accessories.
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13
Dorothy
Before she was brought to life by Judy Garland, Dorothy was a character from L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and you can become a Kansas farm girl yourself with a blue gingham dress and pigtails.
RELATED: 20 Wizard of Oz Costumes That Are Affordable and Timeless
14
The Mouse King
Though best known as a ballet, the story of the Nutcracker was actually inspired by E. T. A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and what could be more fun than dressing up as the king of the mice for Halloween?
Get the Mouse King Costume tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.
15
UNDERWRAPS Clifford the Big Red Dog
You don't have to be as tall as a house in order to dress like Norman Bridwell's larger-than-life character, Clifford the Big Red Dog.
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16
Cat in the Hat
If you're looking to add a fun twist to the classic cat Halloween costume, then you can just put on an all-black ensemble, draw on some whiskers, add a red-and-white-striped hat, and become a Dr. Seuss character.
17
Cinderella
You'll look magical all night long (even after the clock strikes midnight!) if you dress up like the classic fairytale character Cinderella, complete with a pair of "glass" slippers.
Get the Cinderella Costume tutorial at Studio DIY.
RELATED: Best Disney Couple Costumes 2022
Pretty much everyone is familiar with Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, and dressing up your little one as the fearless Max is sure to be a hit.
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19
Katniss Everdeen
An all-black ensemble, a bow, and a long braid are all you need to become the fierce Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games.
20
Pinocchio
Before Walt Disney made him famous, Pinocchio was a character created by Italian author Carlo Collodi, and dressing up as the mischievous marionette is easier than you think.
Get the Pinocchio Costume tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Corinne Sullivan
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
