Staff Writer By day, Emily Wenstrom is a content marketing specialist. By early-early morning, she is E. J. Wenstorm, an award-winning sci-fi and fantasy author whose debut novel Mudwas named 2016 Book of the Year by the Florida Writers Association.. Her Chronicles of the Third Realm War series includes Mud (#1), Tides (#2), Rain (#0), and more to come. Follow her on Twitter @ejwenstrom. View All posts by Emily Wenstrom
Emily Wenstrom
But hey, it’s 2021. There’s a pandemic (still) on, the world is (still) burning, and things are hard. If Halloween snuck up on you and you need a quick fix to find a great Halloween costume this year (or just don’t have the energy for anything elaborate)…hey, friend, I feel that.
The good news is, there’s still plenty of fun options you can pull together at a moment’s notice, and everything on this list is super easy, too. From the Wimpy Kid to the Wandaverse to Ms. Marvel, don’t worry, there’s something on this list of easy book character costumes for you.
Here are 20 easy bookish Halloween costume ideas:
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Easy Book Character Costumes for Kids
Eloise, from Eloise by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight
This precocious little troublemaker is one of my all-time favorites, and her iconic look is actually very simple. Just pull together a white button-down top, a black skirt, black suspenders, white socks and black flats. Leave hair awry and tie back with a red bow. Hope your child doesn’t acquire the attitude.
Stella Diaz from Stella Dias Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez
This sweet middle grade protagonist is a pillar of courage and heart! I’d opt for the classic look of the first two books of the series, with a black tee, blue jumper, black leggings. Top it off with a hair band and red flats, and don’t forget the infectious attitude.
Greg Heffleyfrom Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
This extraordinarily popular character is in fact quite easy to bring to life! All you need is a white T-shirt, black shorts, and a black backpack. To take it over the top, add this printable mask from Penguin.
Elizabeth from Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko
This scrappy heroine has a distinct style that is easy to replicate. Fashion your own paper bag princess dress with this tutorial from Mama Papa Bubba.
Max from Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Another iconic but surprisingly simple costume! There are two ways to take it easy with this one. If you have the time and budget, grab an adorable costume kit from Etsy and call it good. But if you’d rather DIY, I’ve still got you. All you need is a white onesie or sweatshirt and sweatpants set, and some construction paper to fashion a crown and tail. Thanks to Franklin Springboro Public Library, you can use this printable template for a simple guide.
Betsey Biggalow, from Magic Betsey by Malorie Blackman
I don’t have a tutorial from this one, but I don’t think you need it to bring to life this delightful character from a Children’s Laureate. Drape a purple cape or blanket over a white button-up top and jeans, and top it off with a top hat and magic wand. To go the extra mile, cover the hat with white construction paper and decorate with yellow stars.
Sam Wu, from Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts by Kevin Tsang, Katie Tsang, and Nathan Reed
Another character with a distinct but easy look, and an especially appropriate set of books for the Halloween season! (Don’t miss this book reading video from the authors.) To bring Sam to life, just pull together green pants, a blue top, and green glasses (or create your own from construction paper using the round template from this First Palatte printables set).
Alice from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Sir John Tenniel
We can all recognize Alice in a flash from her blue dress and pinafore. Polka Dot Chair offers several ideas on how to bring this character to life with no-sew creativity.
Easy Book Character Costumes for Teens
Lara Jean from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
With the trilogy adaptation concluded earlier this year on Netflix, Lara Jean’s signature look should be recognizable with her trademark stripes, florals, sweaters, skirts and scrunchies. Add her five crushes’ names on envelopes to carry with you to make it crystal clear.
T’Challa from Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet by Ta-Nahisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze
There’s a few options for this one, but if you want to keep this as easy as possible, I advise black pants and a fitted mock neck top, and investing in an elegant cosplay jacket to layer over them like this one. If you’re crafty, you may be able to make your own with these sewing patterns from Mood Sewciety.
Mystique from Mystique by Brian K. Vaughan, Jorge Lucas, Michael Ryan, and Manuel Garcia
The cool thing about Mystique is that she could be anyone, or anywhere — in this particular comic she’s even taking on the role of an undercover spy. Go true mystique with some blue leggings, top, and face paint, or keep it lowkey as Mystique under cover as a high school student, party guest, or known figure by dressing however you wish, but with the added touch of Mystique’s glinting yellow eyes.
Waldo from Where’s Waldo by Martin Handford
For a low maintenance teen Waldo is chill, easy and comfortable. Grab a red and white striped tee, knit yourself a Waldo hat with this pattern from Ravelry, and pop on a pair of dark-rimmed round glasses.
Kamala Khan from Ms. Marvel: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson, Sara Pichelli, and Adrian Alphona
This superteen’s signature look can be emulated with a black lightning tee, a brightly printed scarf, a denim skirt, and red tights. A tutorial to help you pull it all together can be found at White Hot Room.
Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Sir John Tenniel
This is one with a lot open room for creativity. Keep it simple with a red dress, red lipstick and a deck of cards, or get elaborate with dramatic touches like a deck of cards collar, crown, or makeup tutorials from Hative.
Nancy Drew from Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene, Mildred A. Wirt, and Russell H. Tandy
Channel this classic teen super sleuth with a 1960s-style dress and a magnifying glass. Get in character by styling your hair with some extra flip and a headband. This costume guide from Costume Wall can give you some ideas.
Miles Morales from Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man by Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli, Chris Samnee, and David Marquez
The clutch factor for this one is a navy hoodie with red detailing, but you can dial up the impact with a Spidey mask or other iconic details. For a full DIY approach, this video from The Costume Kid is a great resource.
Easy Book Character Costumes for Adults
Wanda Maximoff from Marvel Comics
The new show offers up tons of options, but you can pull together your own retro Scarlet Witch vibes wth a red leotard and cape, and bubble gum pink tights. If you want an even more relaxed look, tap into the show’s Modern Family vibes with some old sweats and a plaid bathrobe. Be sure to occasionally break the fourth wall.
For inspo, a check out the WandaVision coloring book or the full breakdown of Wanda’s many iconic looks on the show can be found at SyFy Wire.
James Bond from Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
To channel the vibes of 007, dress in your sharpest tux, act suave, and for bonus points, add a gadget or a Walther PPK model from Etsy designer
Offred from The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
To make a statement with the Handmaid’s Tale’s foreboding dystopian future, all you need is a bright red cloak and a handmaid’s signature bonnet, which you can create with the help of this video tutorial from Evie Willox.
Nick Fury from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Hydra Reborn by Scott Lobdell and Eliot Brown
It’s not easy to look this badass while running the world’s greatest organization of spies, unless you follow this simply DIY tutorial from Costume Wall. With a sleek long black jacket, black top and utilitarian pants and boots, you’ll be ready to kick ass in no top. Don’t forget the eye patch.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information and can provide insights on a wide range of topics. While I have personal experiences or emotions like a human, I can provide factual information and answer questions based on available data.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Easy Book Character Costumes for Kids:
- Eloise from "Eloise" by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight: To dress up as Eloise, you can wear a white button-down top, a black skirt, black suspenders, white socks, black flats, and tie your hair back with a red bow.
- Stella Diaz from "Stella Diaz Has Something to Say" by Angela Dominguez: For Stella's costume, you can wear a black tee, blue jumper, black leggings, a hairband, and red flats.
- Greg Heffley from "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney: To dress up as Greg Heffley, you can wear a white T-shirt, black shorts, and carry a black backpack. You can also add a printable mask from Penguin to complete the look.
- Elizabeth from "Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko: Elizabeth's costume can be created by fashioning a paper bag princess dress. You can find a tutorial on how to make it online.
- Max from "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak: To dress up as Max, you can wear a white onesie or sweatshirt and sweatpants set. You can also create a crown and tail using construction paper. A printable template can be found online.
- Betsey Biggalow from "Magic Betsey" by Malorie Blackman: To dress up as Betsey Biggalow, you can drape a purple cape or blanket over a white button-up top and jeans. Top it off with a top hat and magic wand. You can cover the hat with white construction paper and decorate it with yellow stars.
- Sam Wu from "Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts" by Kevin Tsang, Katie Tsang, and Nathan Reed: Sam Wu's costume can be created by wearing green pants, a blue top, and green glasses. You can also create your own glasses using construction paper.
- Alice from "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll and Sir John Tenniel: Alice's costume can be created by wearing a blue dress and pinafore. There are several no-sew creative ideas available online.
Easy Book Character Costumes for Teens:
- Lara Jean from "To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before" by Jenny Han: Lara Jean's signature look includes stripes, florals, sweaters, skirts, and scrunchies. You can also carry envelopes with her crushes' names written on them.
- T’Challa from "Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet" by Ta-Nahisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze: To dress up as T'Challa, you can wear black pants, a fitted mock neck top, and layer an elegant cosplay jacket over them.
- Mystique from "Mystique" by Brian K. Vaughan, Jorge Lucas, Michael Ryan, and Manuel Garcia: Mystique's costume can be created by wearing blue leggings, a top, and face paint. You can also dress as Mystique under cover as a high school student, party guest, or known figure.
- Waldo from "Where’s Waldo" by Martin Handford: To dress up as Waldo, you can wear a red and white striped tee, knit a Waldo hat, and wear dark-rimmed round glasses.
- Kamala Khan from "Ms. Marvel: No Normal" by G. Willow Wilson, Sara Pichelli, and Adrian Alphona: Kamala Khan's signature look can be emulated with a black lightning tee, a brightly printed scarf, a denim skirt, and red tights.
- Queen of Hearts from "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll and Sir John Tenniel: The Queen of Hearts costume can be as simple as wearing a red dress, red lipstick, and carrying a deck of cards. There are also more elaborate options available online.
- Nancy Drew from "Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock" by Carolyn Keene, Mildred A. Wirt, and Russell H. Tandy: To dress up as Nancy Drew, you can wear a 1960s-style dress, carry a magnifying glass, and style your hair with a flip and a headband.
- Miles Morales from "Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man" by Brian Michael Bendis, Sara Pichelli, Chris Samnee, and David Marquez: Miles Morales' costume can be created by wearing a navy hoodie with red detailing. You can also add a Spidey mask or other iconic details.
Easy Book Character Costumes for Adults:
- Wanda Maximoff from Marvel Comics: To dress up as Wanda Maximoff, you can wear a red leotard, a cape, and bubble gum pink tights. For a more relaxed look, you can wear old sweats and a plaid bathrobe.
- James Bond from "Casino Royale" by Ian Fleming: To channel the vibes of James Bond, dress in a sharp tuxedo and add gadgets or props like a Walther PPK model.
- Offred from "The Handmaid’s Tale" by Margaret Atwood: To dress up as Offred, wear a bright red cloak and a handmaid's signature bonnet.
- Nick Fury from "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Hydra Reborn" by Scott Lobdell and Eliot Brown: To dress up as Nick Fury, wear a sleek long black jacket, black top, utilitarian pants, and boots. Don't forget the eye patch.
Please note that the information provided above is based on the search results available at the time of writing.
