Female Book Character Costume Ideas for Halloween
Instead of the usual Halloween picks like monsters, pirates, or witches, why not dive into the world of literary characters for some fresh costume inspiration? If you’re a book lover looking for a creative twist this Halloween, here are some fun ideas for costumes based on beloved female characters from literature.
Childhood Favorites and Beyond
Growing up, my Halloween costumes were inspired by movie characters, but many of those characters originated from books. One of my favorite costumes was Scarlett O’Hara from “Gone with the Wind,” which my grandmother made for me when I was eleven. But adulthood shouldn’t limit our creativity. Here are 30 fantastic literary characters to consider dressing up as:
Unique and Classic Characters
1. Tally from “The Uglies” Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld
– Opt for her look from “The Specials” with its distinctive dystopian makeup. It’s a unique and eye-catching choice, especially with the adaptation in the works.
2. The White Witch from “The Chronicles of Narnia”
– This glamorous yet icy villain is a standout choice for any Halloween event.
3. Anne Shirley from “Anne of Green Gables”
– With many adaptations, you can choose a look that matches Anne at various ages. It’s a timeless and fun costume.
4. Emily Byrd Starr from “Emily of New Moon”
– Another lovely L.M. Montgomery heroine, perfect for a cute and less common costume.
5. Eowyn from “The Lord of the Rings”
– Emulate her powerful and majestic look from the movies for a stunning costume.
6. Galadriel or Arwen from “The Lord of the Rings”
– Elven elegance makes for a beautiful and ethereal Halloween costume.
7. Mulan from Legends
– Draw inspiration from the legendary warrior princess; you can also look to the recent movie for ideas.
8. Elizabeth or Jessica Wakefield from “Sweet Valley High”
– A great twin costume idea from the 1980s iconic series.
9. Elizabeth Bennet or Any Jane Austen Heroine
– Regency era attire is ever-charming. Jane Austen’s characters offer many elegant options.
10. Jane Eyre
– Keep it simple and authentic as the iconic governess from Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel.
11. Hester Prynne from “The Scarlet Letter”
– The 17th-century costume with the notable “A” is sure to catch attention.
12. Scarlett O’Hara from “Gone with the Wind”
– Her opulent style always makes a dramatic impression.
13. Mary Poppins
– Don’t forget the iconic umbrella!
14. Effie Trinket from “The Hunger Games”
– Go for over-the-top outfits and wigs to capture Effie’s flamboyant style perfectly.
15. Hermione Granger or Other Female “Harry Potter” Characters
– From Hermione to Bellatrix, these costumes have enduring appeal.
16. Queen Guinevere from the King Arthur Legends
– The medieval gowns are just divine for any Halloween party.
17. Daisy Buchanan from “The Great Gatsby”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald’s descriptions of Daisy often emphasize her in white with pearls.
18. Holly Golightly from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
– The little black dress and a cat make this a chic choice.
19. Miss Havisham from “Great Expectations”
– An old, tattered wedding dress makes for a haunting and memorable costume.
20. Lady Phryne Fisher from the Miss Fisher Detective Novels
– Channel 1920s glamour with this stylish detective.
21. The Lady of Shalott from the Alfred Tennyson Poem
– Inspired by the beautiful painting by John William Waterhouse.
22. A Handmaid from “The Handmaid’s Tale”
– The red robe and white bonnet are both dramatic and recognizable.
23. Buttercup from “The Princess Bride”
– Choose from her stunning white gown or the more iconic red dress with a gold belt.
24. Jo March from “Little Women”
– A lovely Civil War-era dress captures Jo’s independent spirit.
25. Bridget Jones from “Bridget Jones’s Diary”
– Recreate classic looks from the movies or go for her quirky book-inspired outfits.
26. Elphaba from “Wicked”
– Embrace the green makeup and witchy attire; any black outfit will do.
27. Ella Enchanted from Gail Carson Levine’s Book
– A medieval fantasy dress inspired by the 2004 film is both unique and enchanting.
28. Miss Marple from the Agatha Christie Novels
– A 1950s-style outfit with a grey wig can bring this detective to life.
29. Margaret Hale from “North and South”
– Victorian elegance defines this classic character.
30. Heroines from William Shakespeare’s Plays
– Juliet or other Shakespearean characters are always timeless options.
Bonus: Costumes for Girls
For children, here are some delightful options from beloved children’s books:
31. Fancy Nancy from the picture books by Jane O’Connor.
32. Dorothy Gale from “The Wizard of Oz.”
33. Characters from “The Hunger Games” like Katniss or Rue.
34. Sally Walden from “The Cat in the Hat.”
35. Amelia Bedelia from the books by Peggy Parish.
Each of these characters brings their own charm and offers a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re going for a classic look or something more modern, the world of books is filled with inspiration. So, get creative, have fun, and enjoy embodying your favorite literary characters this Halloween!
