If your ideal Halloween night involves dressing up, taking a bunch of pictures with your friends, and casually mentioning the clever inspiration for your costume, this one’s for you. And, look, while there is absolutely nothing wrong with the classic cat ears or angel wings, sometimes your bookshelf has better costume inspo than the Halloween aisle at your local big-box store. From heroines who would absolutely have a Letterboxd account to characters whose wardrobes deserve their own Pinterest boards, literary characters give you endless ways to make your Halloween look feel a little more you.
Whether you are a die-hard Jane Austen girl, a fantasy reader who has emotionally moved to Prythian, or a bookworm who loves a spooky read, there is a character out there for you. I mean, what better way to show off your superior reading tastes than with your costume? Plus, most of these looks can be recreated with pieces you already own, which means more money for Halloween plans, cozy blanket, and whatever fall drink you’ve been waiting for all year.
So brush up on your favorite book, because these 10 literary Halloween costumes are about to make you the main character this Halloween season.
1. Jo March from Little Women
If you have ever wanted to dramatically announce that you are going to become a writer and then disappear into your room with a notebook, Jo March is your girl.
Jo’s look is perfect if you want something literary without feeling overly costume-y. Think a white collared shirt, dark vest, long skirt, boots, and a slightly messy updo. You can also add a little black ribbon around your neck for that unmistakable Jo detail.
2. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice
Calling all Jane Austen girlies: Halloween is your excuse to dress as if you live at Pemberley. Elizabeth Bennet is a particularly cute option if you want your costume to feel romantic and timeless. Look for an empire-waist, Regency-style dress, add a simple shawl or ribbon, and style your hair in a soft updo. Bonus points if you spend the entire night pretending to be unimpressed by everyone’s romantic advances.
3. Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby
Daisy Buchanan is for the girlies who believe Halloween should involve sequins, pearls, and a dramatic entrance. The easiest way to nail this look is with a flapper-inspired dress, pearl accessories, a feathered or sparkly headband, and a bold lip. The 1920s-inspired aesthetic gives you plenty of room to make this costume glamorous without needing an exact recreation of Daisy’s wardrobe.
4. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games
For those who want to look cute but also remind everyone that they would, in fact, survive the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen’s look is surprisingly easy to recreate. Start with a black or olive jacket, dark pants, boots, and her signature side braid. A Mockingjay pin is the detail that makes the costume instantly recognizable. If you want to go all out, add a bow-inspired accessory for some extra arena energy.
5. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter
You already know Hermione would have had her Halloween costume planned three weeks ago. The classic Hogwarts uniform is an easy win: white button-down, pleated skirt or dark pants, striped tie, black robe, and a wand. If you want to make it more distinctly Hermione, carry a stack of books and give your hair a little extra volume.
6. Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Want something more whimsical? Alice is one of those costumes that is recognizable without requiring a ton of explanation. A blue dress, white apron, black flats, and a black ribbon or headband are basically all you need. If you’re feeling extra, carry a tiny teacup or stuffed rabbit.
7. Coraline Jones from Coraline
If your Halloween aesthetic is more “cute but mildly terrifying,” Coraline is calling your name. The beauty of this costume is that you can recreate it without looking like you’re wearing a traditional Halloween costume. Grab a bright yellow raincoat, blue wig or temporary hair color, red shoulder bag, and boots. Add Coraline’s dragonfly hair clip if you want to go all in.
8. Princess Buttercup from The Princess Bride
For the romantic girls who would absolutely choose true love over literally anything else, Buttercup is your answer. Go for her iconic red peasant dress, loose curls, and simple accessories. If you’re dressing with your bestie or partner, they can go as Westley for an adorable literary duo.
9. Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre
For those who want their Halloween costume to look like it belongs in a moody period drama, say hello to Jane Eyre. Jane’s wardrobe is understated, which actually makes this a pretty easy costume to recreate. Look for a long black, gray, or dark-colored dress with a high neckline and simple silhouette. Add a book, a ribbon, or an old-fashioned-looking bag, and you’re ready to wander around Halloween parties looking like you’ve just escaped Thornfield Hall.
10. Natalie Heller Mills from Yesteryear
For one of the most topical literary costumes of the year, consider dressing up as the head wife in charge of Yesteryear Ranch, Natalie Heller Mills. Don a neutral-toned prairie dress, put your hair in an effortfully messy braid, and grab a loaf of sourdough to carry around with you all night while you judge everyone else around you for their less “authentic” costumes.