Friday, October 31, 2014

Literary Costumes


We're taking a break from Drinks with Reads today so Kerry Hammond can tell us all how to whip together a last minute literary themed Halloween costume. Happy Haunting! 

As sad as it is, it’s generally frowned upon for adults to dress up in costume and walk the streets. But Halloween is that one time of year when it’s encouraged. Why not take advantage of the season and come up with a fun, yet literary costume idea. You can dress as your favorite author, or better yet, a character from a book. Here are just a few ideas for those looking for a literary Halloween. I found quite a few costume ideas and accessories for purchase (at prices that won’t break the bank) on Candy Apple Costumes. You can also get great ideas from the site and hit your local thrift stores to create the look by yourself.


Sherlock Holmes is always a recognizable costume. You can find a pipe and magnifying glass from any costume shop. Pair it with a cape and deerstalker hat and you’re good to go. If you’ve got a friend, he or she can go as Watson. We all know from watching Elementary that Watson works as a Joan, not just a John.





If you’re a fan of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, there are a lot of costumes you can find to dress in the style of the Roaring 20s. Girls can go as flappers and call themselves Daisy Buchanan. Guys just need a suit and fedora and viola, you’ve got Jay Gatsby. Call everyone around you “Old Sport” and you’ll be a hit. I found some neat and inexpensive accessories for these costumes on Candy Apple: cigarette holder for the ladies and shoulder holsters with toy guns for the guys. 



If you want to go more fun and juvenile, there are some great Where’s Waldo and Where’s Wenda costumes at Target online. You can create these on your own by finding a red and white striped shirt and socks, and any black glasses from a costume shop. A hat with pom-pom ball is really a must, though, to pull it all together.


Lastly, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are always a favorite of mine. My husband and I attended a murder mystery dinner one year and costumes were encouraged. I found the clothing and most accessories at a local goodwill, found the cane and bowler hat at a costume shop, and purchased the pince nez and lapel pin on Ebay. Hercule won the best costume award.

No comments:

Post a Comment