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, amiright? 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.

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1. Mary Poppins

This costume is practically perfect in every way. 

 

2. Ten Apples on Top

Don’t you love when you buy something for a costume that you’ll wear again?? This shirt is super cute and on sale now at Loft. Make a quick DIY apple headband with cheap supplies (apples and headbands) from Amazon, and voila! 

 

3. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Students will gobble this one up. 

 

4.   Rainbow Fish

Those scales are fabulous! We also love how these teachers made it a group costume. 

 

5. Madeline

Perfect for teacher BFFs (P.S. more teacher bff costumes over here. )

 

6. A Bad Case of the Stripes

How fun is this colorful rendition of Camilla Cream?!  

 

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?

 

8. Where’s Waldo?

Students won’t have any trouble finding our red-and-white striped friend at this school!

 

9. Alice in Wonderland

It’s time for a (tea) party!

 

10. Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus

What teacher wouldn’t want to emulate the beloved Ms. Frizzle for a day? Now that you can stream this classic series on Netflix, this Halloween is the perfect time to bring it to life. Get the dress here. 

 

11. Bruce Bogtrotter from Matilda

Bonus: You get a free pass to eat as much chocolate cake as you want.

 

12.   The Lorax

Make your own pool noodle Truffula Tree. It’s soooo easy.

13.   Fly Guy

Hi! ? 

 

14.   Pinkalicious

I could get used to waving a wand around all day. 

15.   Winnie the Pooh and Friends

Straight from the Hundred Acre Woods. 

16.   Reading Rainbow

Love this clever idea! Each teacher picks their favorite book and dresses in the color of the cover. 

 

17.   Dragons Love Tacos

And students love teachers who dress up like taco-loving dragons. 

 

18. Fred and George Weasley 

Extendable ears?! Love potions?! So much mischevious fun to be had with this costume. 

 

19. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Procrastinators, this costume is for you. Whip out your black and white and print off these masks.

 

20. Piggie and Gerald 

Our favorite elephant and piggie! 

 

21. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

A told B, and B told C this costume is adorable.

 

22. 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… 

23. Arthur and Buster

A great excuse to sneak jeans in. 

 

24. One Fish, Two Fish

Another fun and easy spin on Dr. Seuss classic. 

 

25. Sophie from the BFG

Don’t forget the Dream Jar! 

We’d love to hear—what are you planning to be for Halloween? Come and share pictures our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Planning a group costume with your department or teacher BFF? Check out these awesome ideas.