DIY BOOK CHARACTER COSTUMES

Looking for a fun costume idea to bring your child’s favorite storybook character to life? This list features over 20 easy, DIY book character costumes you can make at home! Some costumes are more elaborate than others, but I promise there are plenty of simple ideas that use items you likely already have, plus a few accessories (Amazon is a great resource). You can keep it easy or go all out with a full DIY approach—whatever works best for you!

‘CURIOUS GEORGE’ BY MARGRET REY AND H. A. REY

The Man with the Yellow Hat costume gets even better when paired with a friend or fellow teacher dressed up as Curious George!

DIY Librarian Costume

If your book-loving kiddo can’t pick just one character, why not have her dress up as a stylish librarian? A library card canvas tote makes the perfect on-theme bag for carrying treats!

DIY Tween Luna Lovegood Costume


This Luna Lovegood costume is perfect for tweens! Let her mix and match clothes from her own closet, and she can even help craft a felt scarf to complete the look.

DIY Anne: Anne of Green Gables

Let your child embody the lively, free-spirited Anne Shirley with this charming Halloween costume! Dress her in a cute green dress, add a straw hat, and style her hair in pigtails. Just be sure not to call her “Carrots”!

DIY Peter Pan: Peter and Wendy

This charming costume is the perfect reminder for your little adventurer to never grow up!

DIY Dorothy and Glinda Costumes: The Wizard of Oz

If you haven’t dived into The Wizard of Oz book series yet, now’s the perfect time! Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch make enchanting costumes for best friends.

DIY Wocket in Pocket Costume: There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!

Dr. Seuss is a treasure trove of delightful Halloween costume ideas, and this one is no exception! Inspired by the whimsical creatures from There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!, your child can bring the book’s playful wordplay to life with this fun and easy costume.

DIY Willy Wonka Costume: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Are you a big kid who can’t resist candy (even while trying to eat more kale)? Embrace the sugary whimsy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by transforming yourself into Willy Wonka himself!

DIY Lorax Costume: The Lorax

Here’s a Halloween costume that’s ideal for your little planet protectors! If they can’t get enough of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, dress them in orange shirts, furry glasses, and give them signs that say, “Save the Truffula Trees!”

DIY Giving Tree Costume: The Giving Tree

This book may be a tear-jerker, but you can celebrate those heartwarming moments by teaming up with your little one for Halloween! Dress as the boy in a small pair of overalls, while you don an all-green outfit adorned with felt leaves to represent the tree.

DIY Luna Lovegood Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

There’s no one sassier in the Harry Potter series than Luna Lovegood, and this costume perfectly captures her essence! With her copy of The Quibbler and oversized sunglasses, your girl will transform from a Muggle to a Hogwarts student in no time.

DIY Tin Man Costume: The Wizard of Oz


The Wizard of Oz was a beloved book long before it became a movie, and your child can pay homage to this timeless story with a Tin Man costume! A little silver spray paint and some cardboard can work wonders to create this iconic look.

DIY Mr. Fox Costume: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Download blogger Rachel Faucett’s printable mask template, grab your sewing machine, and get ready to craft this classic costume inspired by the beloved book!

DIY Hedwig Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Whooooooo can create this seriously adorable Harry Potter Hedwig baby costume? The best part is, it’s a no-sew project, so the answer is everyone!

DIY Baby Max Costume: Where the Wild Things Are

Let the wild rumpus begin! With this DIY book character costume, your baby will look just like Max, adventuring among monsters and other fearsome creatures.

DIY Musketeer Costume: The Three Musketeers

Gather two more kids from the neighborhood and whip up three of these easy costumes together!

DIY Waldo Costume: Where’s Waldo?

If you’re an avid crocheter (or want to be one), this DIY Waldo hat is a simple project to tackle. Pair it with a red-and-white striped shirt and round black glasses for the complete look!

DIY Nancy Drew Costume

Channel your favorite teenage detective with this fun costume! Start with a yellow cardigan in the perfect shade, a white collared shirt, and a plaid yellow pleated skirt. Complete the look with a yellow headband, a vintage flashlight or binoculars, and a couple of classic Nancy Drew books as accessories.

‘Pinocchio’ by Carlo Collodi

You can make an adult or child version of this fairytale-inspired puppet costume, and it’s easier than you might think! Just remember, the long nose that grows when you lie is not included!

‘Cinderella’ by Charles Perrault


This time, when you (or your little one) dress up in a ball gown, you won’t have to worry about it turning into rags at the stroke of midnight!

23 CREATIVE COLLEGE HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS

Halloween is one of the most thrilling times of the year, especially in college, where parties and events abound. To make sure you stand out, you’ll need an amazing costume. Fortunately, we’ve curated 23 spooktacular Halloween costume ideas just for you. Whether you’re aiming for a classic clown, a beloved movie character, a sweet angel, or a fearsome demon, we’ve got you covered. Dive in and find the perfect costume for an unforgettable Halloween!

101 DALMATIANS INSPIRED COSTUME

Our first costume idea draws inspiration from 101 Dalmatians. One person can dress up as the iconic villain Cruella de Vil, while another can become a playful Dalmatian with spots. This Disney-themed duo is a fantastic choice, and if you have more friends, you can even expand the group to include more Dalmatians, just like in the movie!

MATCHING SUGAR SKULLS

Next, we have another matching costume idea. These two friends are wearing matching outfits and sugar skull makeup. The only difference is that one sugar skull design has a pop of pink and the other blue. This is another easy to wear and create costume. Recreate this sugar skull makeup or choose your own. You can find sugar skull makeup tutorials online.

THE PURGE COSTUMES

Another popular costume idea is inspired by the movie The Purge. For an easy-to-create version, each person can wear a black top and skirt with boots, paired with a mask from the movie. This look is perfect for both solo wearers and groups. You can easily find Purge masks online to complete the ensemble.

CUTE COLLEGE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

If you’re after a more unique costume, consider dressing up as Girl Scout cookies. These two are sporting scout uniforms with cookies featured prominently on the front. It’s a cool and quirky idea, perfect for those who want to celebrate Halloween in a fun and non-scary way. You can recreate this look or choose your favorite cookie to feature on your costume.

SCARY RED RIDING HOOD

This next costume is a creative twist on Red Riding Hood. She wears the classic red cape, complemented by stunning makeup. The Halloween twist comes with red, bloody claw marks from the wolf, adding a spooky edge. This costume perfectly balances cute and creepy, giving you the best of both worlds for a memorable Halloween look.

HALLOWEEN BUNNIES

If you want to make a statement this Halloween, consider this standout costume idea: Halloween bunnies with a fierce twist. One bunny sports a black costume, while the other goes for red, both featuring bats and blood for a dramatic effect. You can recreate this look with a friend, each choosing a different color, or go solo as one of the bold bunnies.

GANGSTER CLOWN GROUP

Clowns are a classic costume choice, but they’ve had a modern twist with the rise of the gangster clown. To rock this look, each person can don a simple outfit paired with distinctive gangster clown makeup. There are plenty of makeup tutorials available online to help you achieve the perfect look. You can either recreate one of these styles or team up with friends to pull off the full gangster clown ensemble.

SCHOOL GIRL COSTUME

Another popular costume idea is a schoolgirl look, featuring a tartan skirt and a white shirt. If you prefer to avoid anything scary and just want a fun outfit for a party, this is a great choice. You can find various styles online, including less revealing options if you prefer a more modest look.

SCARY WITCH COSTUME IDEA

A witch is a Halloween classic, but this version takes a darker turn. The costume features a black dress and hat, complemented by eerie makeup and a Ouija board design on the chest. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a good scare and want to make a chilling impression this Halloween!

THE PURGE COLLEGE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

If you liked the The Purge costumes from earlier, check out this variation. This time, they’re wearing matching outfits with sinister light-up masks. These glowing masks add an extra layer of creepiness, making them perfect for Halloween. You can either coordinate with a group or go solo with this eerie look. Light-up masks like these can be found online.

LARA CROFT HALLOWEEN COSTUME

If you’re a fan of Tomb Raider, this costume idea is perfect for you. Channel Lara Croft with an outfit that includes a top, shorts, boots, and her signature braid. It’s a fun and recognizable look that will stand out at any Halloween event. You can either recreate this classic version or choose your favorite Lara Croft look from the movies or video games.

ANGEL AND A DEVIL

Next up, we have two timeless college Halloween costume ideas: an angel and a devil. The angel costume is all white and charming, while the red devil outfit is bold and edgy. You can pair up with a friend to complete the duo or choose to go solo as either the angel or the devil. This versatile option is perfect for a quick and easy last-minute costume choice!

SEXY NUN HALLOWEEN COSTUME

Another popular costume idea is inspired by nuns, especially after the release of The Nun. If the demonic look isn’t your style, you can opt for a more fun and party-friendly version. There are many nun costumes available online in various styles, so you can choose one that fits your vibe and enjoy a Halloween that’s both festive and entertaining.

RING MASTER AND CLOWN

Here’s another circus-themed costume idea: a clown paired with a ringmaster. These costumes are perfect for those who enjoy a creepy circus vibe. You can either buy complete costumes or DIY your own. For an extra touch of spookiness, consider adding contact lenses, fake blood, and other dramatic effects. Whether you choose a classic or a more terrifying look, these costumes are sure to make an impression.

SEXY CLOWN COSTUME IDEA

Our next costume features a classic yet spooky clown. This look combines traditional clown makeup with a bold costume for a creepy effect that’s perfect for parties. It’s a great option for last-minute events and can even be DIYed if you’re in a pinch.

SCOOBY-DOO GANG

One of our favorites is this Scooby Gang costume! Here, friends are dressed as Velma, Daphne, and Shaggy. If you have a larger group, you can also include Fred to complete the team. This fun and nostalgic idea is perfect for fans of the show and movies. You can either buy complete costumes online or go the DIY route for a personalized touch.

CREEPY DEMON COSTUME

Sticking with the scary theme, this creepy demon costume is sure to make an impact. It features blood stains on the face and neck, a bloody cross on the forehead, and red horns created from the hair. Once you’re in the dark at a party or Halloween event, this makeup and costume will undoubtedly send chills down everyone’s spine!

SUN AND MOON GODDESSES

If you’re after a unique costume idea, consider dressing as a sun or moon goddess. One costume features bright orange and red tones with a rhinestone sun, while the other uses cool blue makeup with a rhinestone moon. This bold and spiritual look is both striking and elegant, ensuring you’ll stand out from the usual spooky crowd.

SIMPLE MUMMY COSTUME

Our next idea is a simple yet fun mummy costume. Instead of a full-body wrap, this stylish version features a bandage top and skirt. To achieve this look, start with a crop top and skirt, then wrap bandages around them. You can sew, glue, or tie the bandages in place for a chic and effortless mummy look

VENOM COSTUME IDEAS FOR WOMEN

If you’re a fan of the movie Venom, this costume idea is for you. These two are dressed as Venom in different colors, offering a unique twist on the character. It’s a fun and standout option for franchise enthusiasts. You can find Venom costumes online, and if you prefer, one person can go as black Venom while the other dresses up as Eddie Brock for a complete duo look.

CREEPY CLOWN

Next up is another eerie clown costume. This one features classic clown makeup enhanced with rhinestones and white contact lenses for an extra spooky effect. The makeup is striking and can be paired with any outfit. You can find clown makeup tutorials similar to this look online, and rhinestones and white contact lenses are readily available for purchase.

BLACK ANGELS

Next, we have a dark twist on angel costumes. Both costumes feature black outfits with a striking black dripping face illusion, completed with black wings. This look is perfect for showcasing a more mysterious or edgy side this Halloween. You can find wings online and check out dripping makeup tutorials to achieve the complete effect.

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER QUEENS

Last on our list of college Halloween costumes is a striking black and white look. One person wears all white, while the other opts for black. Both have their faces decorated with pearls or rhinestones and feature web designs. This unique idea lets you showcase either your light or dark side this Halloween, making it a memorable and versatile choice.

CONCLUSION

We hope these fantastic college Halloween costume ideas have inspired you! From spooky to quirky, there’s a range of options to help you stand out at any Halloween event. Whether you’re looking for a classic look with a modern twist or something completely unique, we’ve covered a variety of styles to suit your taste. Embrace your creativity and choose a costume that reflects your personality, ensuring you have a memorable and fun Halloween celebration!