If there’s any way to get a teacher excited about Halloween, it’s to gather inspiration from some of the best literary Halloween costumes out there! Whether you’re a dedicated English teacher or just a self-proclaimed “word nerd,” we bet there’s something here to get your creative juices flowing and get you psyched about the impending arrival of one of our favorite holidays—and maybe even educate your students at the same time!
Below are some of the most brilliant ideas for literary Halloween costumes we’ve seen on Instagram!
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Mary Poppins
This costume is practically perfect in every way. You can also use it as an excuse to invest in one of our favorite teacher bags. Here’s how to get the look:
- Jelord Felt Derby Bowler Hat, under $10 from Amazon
- White Aster Daisy Spray by Ashland, under $5 from Michaels
- Soophen Adjustable Length Bow Tie, under $10 from Amazon
- Women’s Classic Career Shirt, under $15 from Walmart
- Women’s Casual Office Long Sleeve Blazer, under $20 from Amazon
- Urban CoCo Women’s Flared A-Line Pocket Skirt, under $25 from Amazon
- Signare Tapestry Foldable Tote Bag, under $30 from Amazon
Source: @travelingconfaith
2. Ten Apples on Top
Make a quick DIY apple headband with cheap supplies and voila! Here’s how to get the look:
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Source: @teachinginstripes
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3. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Students will gobble this one up. Here’s how to get the look:
- Mouse-A-Like Ears Headband & Tail Costume Set, under $5 from Etsy
- Amazon Essentials Crew Neck T-Shirt, under $20 from Amazon
- Control Top Tights, under $5 from Old Navy
- Casual Denim Bib Overalls, under $35 from Walmart
Source: @teachingontables
4. Rainbow Fish
Those scales are fabulous! We also love how these teachers made it a group costume. Here’s how to get the look:
- American Apparel Women’s Fine Jersey Classic T-Shirt, under $10 from Amazon
- Basic Felt by Creatology, under $1 from Michaels
- Mermaid Reversible Sequin Ribbon by Create It, under $10 from Michaels
- Honeystore Women’s Tulle Tutu, under $20 from Amazon
- Clear Plastic Ornaments, under $10 from Amazon
- Scunci Comfort Plastic Headbands, under $5 from Walmart
Source: @mrs_specialeducation
5. Madeline
Perfect for teacher besties. (P.S. check out more teacher group and partner costumes!) Here’s how to get the look:
- AUSELILY Women’s Short Sleeve Swing Dress with Pockets, under $30 from Amazon
- Peter Pan Detachable Collar, under $15 from Etsy
- Yellow Straw Hat, under $20 from Amazon
- Grosgrain Ribbon by Celebrate It, under $5 from Michaels
- Chiffon Scarf Square Neck Scarf, under $10 from Amazon
Source: @hellomrsrogers
6. A Bad Case of the Stripes
How fun is this colorful rendition of Camilla Cream?! Here’s how to get the look:
- TAG Face & Body Paint, under $15 from Amazon
- Grosgrain Hair Bow Clip, under $10 from Amazon
- Floerns Women’s Long Sleeve Rainbow Striped T-Shirt, under $20 from Amazon
- Comfy Lace Camisole, under $15 from Amazon
Source: @mrsvillasra
7. Charlotte’s Web
Wilbur and the web from E.B. White’s famous book. This costume requires a book-loving friend to join in on the fun with you—but maybe that makes it even better? Here’s how to get the look:
- Pink Pig Costume Pajamas, under $25 from Walmart
- Eds Industries Cape Costume, under $10 from Amazon
- Glitter Ribbon by Celebrate It, under $10 from Michaels
Source: @krishaleanne
8. Where’s Waldo?
Students won’t have any trouble finding our red-and-white-striped friend at this school! Here’s how to get the look:
- Women’s Red and White Striped Long Sleeve Shirt, under $20 from Walmart
- Red White Knitted Beanie, under $10 from Amazon
- Costume Glasses, under $10 from Amazon
Source: @mrsvandorp
9. Alice in Wonderland
It’s time for a (tea) party! We found an adult Cheshire Cat costume for those without any babies to volunteer for the role. Here’s how to get the look:
- Jolly Jester Costume, under $30 from Walmart
- Smiffys Women’s Wonder Princess Costume, under $30 from Amazon
- Tooplab Cheshire Cat Onesie, under $25 from Amazon
- Bunny Ears Headband, under $10 from Amazon
- Skeleteen Jumbo Gold Clock Necklace, under $15 from Amazon
- Mad Hatter Hat with Hair, Collar, and Bow Tie Costume Kit, under $25 from Amazon
Source: @rebelpoetz
10. Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus
We wouldn’t blame anyone having a whole closet filled with Ms. Frizzle-inspired dresses, but they’re especially perfect for Halloween! Here’s how to get the look:
- ZABERRY Women’s Long Sleeve Planet Print Dress, under $30 from Amazon
- Magic School Bus Liz Lizard Stuffed Purse, under $20 from Amazon
Source: @birderincrime
11. Bruce Bogtrotter from Matilda
Bonus: You get a free pass to eat as much chocolate cake as you want. Here’s how to get the look:
Source: @justtryingtoteach
12. The Lorax
Make your own pool noodle Truffula Tree. It’s soooo easy! Here’s how to get the look:
- FabricLA Shaggy Faux Fur Fabric, under $10 from Walmart
- Fruit of the Loom Long Sleeve Orange Shirt, under $15 from Walmart
- Lush Moda Women’s Orange Leggings, under $15 from Walmart
- Bright Foam Noodle, under $10 from Amazon
- Neon Pink Duct Tape, under $5 from Walmart
- Primary Colored Tissue Paper, under $20 from Walmart
Source: @thepineappleteacher
13. Fly Guy
Hi! 👋 Grab a black marker, some poster board, and flex your artistic skills for this fun costume. Here’s how to get the look:
Source: @mrsvillasra
14. Pinkalicious
I could get used to waving a wand around all day. Here’s how to get the look:
- Hanes Women’s Perfect V-Neck T-Shirt, under $10 from Amazon
- Simplicity Tulle Tutu Skirt, under $20 from Amazon
- AKOAK Star Wand, under $10 from Amazon
Source: @thepoppinpineappleteacher
15. Winnie the Pooh and Friends
Straight from the Hundred Acre Woods! Here’s how to get the look:
- Hanes ComfortBlend EcoSmart T-Shirt, under $15 from Amazon
- Black Grosgrain Ribbon by Celebrate It, under $5 from Michaels
- Bright Felt Sheets by Creatology, under $10 from Michael’s
- Pooh & Friends T-Shirts, under $35 from Etsy
- Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and Pooh Ears, under $25 from Etsy
- Simplicity Tulle Tutu Skirt, under $20 from Amazon
Source: @pencilsbooksandcurls
16. Dragons Love Tacos
And students love teachers who dress up like taco-loving dragons. Here’s how to get the look:
Source: @applestoapplique
17. Fred and George Weasley
Extendable ears?! Love potions?! So much mischievous fun to be had with this costume. Here’s how to get the look:
- Dark Orange Short Hair Wig, under $20 from Amazon
- Gray Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Cardigan, under $25 from Amazon
- Simplicity Harry Potter Gryffindor Iron-On Patch, under $10 from Amazon
- Tinabless Striped Tie 2-Pack, under $10 from Amazon
- Light Up Magic Wizard Wands, under $15 from Amazon
- Red Construction Paper by Creatology, under $5 from Michaels
Source: @robyngbernecker
18. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Don black pants and a white top (or vice versa) and put your printer to work on some quick masks—or show of your drawing skills on some poster board.
- Wimpy Kid Family Prints, under $10 from Etsy
- White Poster Board, under $5 from Michaels
- Jumbo Wood Craft Sticks by Creatology, under $5 from Michaels
- White Long-Sleeve T-Shirt, under $20 from Amazon
- Women’s High-Rise Skinny Black Ankle Pants, under $30 from Target
Source: @tooschool_forcool
19. Piggie and Gerald
Our favorite elephant and piggie! These DIY versions are awesome, but there are some cute ready-made items out there, too. Just add pipe cleaner glasses and you’re all set! Here’s how to get the look:
Source: @osdlibrary
20. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
A told B, and B told C this costume is adorable—and so easy to put together! Her’s how to get the look:
- Creatology Foam Glitter Alphabet Stickers, under $10 from Michaels
- Goodthreads Brown Crewneck Cotton T-Shirt, under $15 from Amazon
- ORYOUGO Green Elastic Stretchy Hairband, under $10 from Amazon
Source: @thebeachclassroom
21. The Hungry Caterpillar
I think this costume means you get to chow down on one piece of chocolate cake, one ice cream cone, one pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of salami… Here’s how to get the look:
- Kenz Laurenz Red Cotton Headband, under $10 from Walmart
- Basic Felt by Creatology, under $1 from Michaels
- Port & Company Long Sleeve Kelly Green Shirt, under $10 from Walmart
- Simplicity Tulle Tutu Skirt, under $20 from Amazon
- Fruits and Vegetables Photo Theme Stickers, under $10 from Walmart
Source: @afafzaidan
22. Arthur and Buster
A great excuse to wear jeans. Here’s how to get the look:
- Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Crewneck Sweater (Teal Blue and Mustard Yellow), under $25 from Amazon
- Hanes Women’s X-Temp Performance Red Polo, under $20 from Amazon
- Amazon Essentials Women’s White Button Down Shirt, under $25 from Amazon
- Bunny Ears Headband, under $10 from Amazon
- Aardvark Ears Headband, under $10 from Etsy
- Costume Glasses, under $10 from Amazon
Source: @alleeinda
23. One Fish, Two Fish
Another fun and easy spin on a Dr. Seuss classic. Here’s how to get the look:
- Hanes ComfortBlend EcoSmart T-Shirt, under $15 from Amazon
- Simplicity Tulle Tutu Skirt, under $20 from Amazon
- Iron-On T-Shirt Letters, under $10 from Walmart
Source: @courtseenontv
24. Sophie from The BFG
This costume basically combines Halloween and Pajama Day. Don’t forget the Dream Jar! Here’s how to get the look:
- EZI Long Sleeve Super Soft Stretch Fleece Nightgown, under $20 from Walmart
- Costume Glasses, under $10 from Amazon
- Glass Mason Jar with Lid, under $10 from Walmart
- Equate Beauty Jumbo Cotton Balls, under $5 from Walmart
- Mainstays Flameless LED Tealights, under $5 from Walmart
Source: @mrs_braithwaites_class
25. Baba Yaga
Spare cardboard boxes and a few extra supplies can be put to spooky good use with this take on The House with Chicken Legs—iron teeth and all! Here’s how to get the look:
- Crayola Giant Construction Papers, under $5 from Michaels
- Women’s Large Plaid Oversized Scarf, under $20 from Amazon
- Women’s Long Sleeve Smocked Bodice Dress, under $40 from Amazon
Source: @olivemonteart
26. Junie B. Jones
…and the Stupid Smelly Bus! Here’s how to get the look:
- Women’s Crewneck Light Weight Pullover Sweater, under $25 from Amazon
- Grosgrain Hair Bow Clip, under $10 from Amazon
- Women’s Basic Purple Flared Skater Skirt, under $15 from Walmart
- Teehee Women’s Fashion Knee High Socks, under $10 from Walmart
Source: @emlthompson
27. The Sanderson Sisters
We love that they did it as a Kindergarten team. (And yes, there is a Hocus Pocus book!) Here’s how to get the look:
- Winifred Costume, under $30 from Walmart
- Sarah Costume, under $30 from Walmart
- Mary Costume, under $40 from Walmart
Source: @kinderinbloom
28. Chrysanthemum
One of our all-time favorite name books! Here’s how to get the look:
- Romwe Women’s Floral Print Tunic Dress, under $25 from Amazon
- Mouse-A-Like Ears Headband & Tail Costume Set, under $5 from Etsy
- Grosgrain Hair Bow Clip, under $10 from Amazon
Source: @teachandilluminate
29. Corduroy
A sweet costume for a sweet bear! Here’s how to get the look:
- Women’s Ribbed Corduroy Overalls, under $35 from Walmart
- Time and Tru Women’s Long Sleeve Brown Shirt, under $10 from Walmart
- SeasonsTrading Bear Ears, under $10 from Walmart
Source: @jess.and.cece_thefrenchie
We’d love to hear—what are you planning to be for Halloween? Come and share pictures in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE groupon Facebook.
Planning a group costume with your department or teacher BFF? Check out these awesome ideas.
