World Book Day 2025 is just around the corner, taking place on Thursday, March 6. It’s the perfect occasion for book lovers of all ages to dress up as their favorite literary characters. Whether you’re looking for a quick DIY costume, something classic, or a fun group outfit, this guide will help you find the best outfit for the day.
Classic Book Characters
For those who love timeless stories, these characters will always be a hit:
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Alice (Alice in Wonderland) – Wear a blue dress, a white apron, and a headband.
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Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle) – A long coat, deerstalker hat, and a magnifying glass will complete the look.
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Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) – Find a purple jacket, a top hat, a bow tie, and carry a cane.
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Matilda (Roald Dahl) – A simple blue dress, red ribbon in your hair, and a stack of books.
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The Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland) – Mix-and-match colorful clothing, a big hat, and carry a teacup.
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The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss) – Wear a black outfit with a red-and-white striped hat and bow tie.
Easy Last-Minute Costumes
If you’re short on time, these are great no-fuss options:
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Where’s Wally? – Red-and-white striped shirt, blue jeans, round glasses, and a red-and-white beanie.
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Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling) – Black robe, glasses, wand, and a scar drawn on your forehead.
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Gangsta Granny (David Walliams) – A grey wig, black eye mask, pearl necklace, and a handbag.
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The BFG (Roald Dahl) – Wear baggy brown trousers, a waistcoat, and make large ears out of paper or cardboard.
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Stick Man (Julia Donaldson) – Dress in brown clothes, draw bark patterns, and attach paper leaves.
Costume Ideas for Parents & Teachers
Teachers and parents can also join in the fun with these creative costumes:
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Miss Trunchbull (Matilda) – Brown cardigan, knee-length skirt, belt, and a strict expression.
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Professor McGonagall (Harry Potter) – A green dress, pointed hat, and a wand.
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The Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland) – A red-and-black dress with heart accessories and a crown.
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Hagrid (Harry Potter) – A big brown coat, a beard, and an umbrella.
Group & Family Costume Ideas
Dressing up as a group? Here are some coordinated costume ideas:
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The Gruffalo and Friends – One person can be the Gruffalo, while others can dress as Mouse, Owl, and Fox.
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Peter Pan & Tinkerbell – A green tunic for Peter, fairy wings and a green dress for Tinkerbell.
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Winnie-the-Pooh & Friends – Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore make for a cute group.
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The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion are all classic choices.
Unique & Fun Costume Ideas
Looking for something a little different? Try these unique character ideas:
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Coraline (Neil Gaiman) – A yellow raincoat, blue wig, and black button eyes.
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Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde) – A Victorian suit while carrying a “portrait” of yourself looking old.
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A Clockwork Orange (Anthony Burgess) – A white outfit, bowler hat, and cane (best for older participants).
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The Paper Bag Princess (Robert Munsch) – A simple paper bag dress and a tiara.
Final Tips for World Book Day Costumes
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Use What You Have – Look in your wardrobe for clothing that resembles your character before buying anything new.
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DIY Accessories – A little creativity with paper, fabric, or cardboard can bring a costume to life.
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Comfort Matters – If you’ll be wearing it all day, choose something practical and easy to move in.
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Have Fun! – The most important thing is to enjoy celebrating books and storytelling.
This World Book Day, step into the shoes of your favorite character and bring literature to life! Whether you’re a student, teacher, or parent, there’s a perfect costume for everyone. Who will you dress as this year?