Bookish Halloween Costumes
By Courtney Holliday
Still searching for your perfect Halloween costume? Here are some bookish suggestions to inspire you! If you end up wearing one of these costumes or using them as inspo, please tag us on socials and let us see your brilliance.
Specifically Spooky Characters
The easiest route to go (apart from characters from movie adaptations—always a good choice!) is the one that leads to an already creepy feel. Think Gideon or Harrow from Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, Benji turning into a biblically accurate angel from Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White, or classic Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Stephen King’s books are filled with fun characters to cosplay, like the twins from The Shining.
Favorite Children's Book
I love this idea! People will know who you are and get a hit of sweet nostalgia. I’m thinking of Junie B. Jones, Madeline, Where the Wild Things Are, A Case of the Stripes, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You can create a fun and recognizable costume that will bring everyone joy.
Slutty Classics
Okay, this one might be my favorite. Take anything classic, like an author, a book, a character, and just make it slutty for no reason. That’s the true essence of Halloween. Some of my favorites I’ve seen are Edgar Allen Ho, slutty Shakespeare, and yassified Mr. Darcy.
Library Lover
Want to go out for Halloween and also support and talk about the library all night? Dress as a sexy librarian, your favorite on-screen librarian like Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or D.W., or Arthur with their library card.
Favorite Trope or Genre
This is a more vague concept, which makes it easier to execute at the last minute! You can dress as your favorite genre, like historical fiction, romance, or sci-fi. I love the idea of wearing a library or bookstore label like “Romance Section.” You can grab a friend and be a black cat and golden retriever, grumpy and sunshine, or throw on a sleeping bag and be “one bed at the inn.”
I encourage you to shop your own closet, borrow, or shop secondhand for these costumes! Putting something together from scratch is so satisfying. Go forth and have a bookish Halloween!