The Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Teachers

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

Mary Poppins costume for teachers

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:

Source: @travelingconfaith

2. Ten Apples on Top

Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Teachers

Make a quick DIY apple headband with cheap supplies and voila! Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @teachinginstripes

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3. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Mouse costume idea for teachers

Students will gobble this one up. Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @teachingontables

4. Rainbow Fish

Teacher costume ideas

Those scales are fabulous! We also love how these teachers made it a group costume. Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @mrs_specialeducation

5. Madeline

Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Teachers

Perfect for teacher besties. (P.S. check out more teacher group and partner costumes!) Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @hellomrsrogers

6. A Bad Case of the Stripes

Classroom costume ideas

How fun is this colorful rendition of Camilla Cream?! Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @mrsvillasra

7. Charlotte’s Web

Teacher in Charlotte's Web costume

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:

Source: @krishaleanne

8. Where’s Waldo?

Where's Waldo costume for classroom

Students won’t have any trouble finding our red-and-white-striped friend at this school! Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @mrsvandorp

9. Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland school Halloween

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:

Source: @rebelpoetz

10. Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus

Magic School Bus Teacher costume

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:

Source: @birderincrime

11. Bruce Bogtrotter from Matilda

Matilda costume ideas for teachers

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

Dr. Seuss Lorax teacher costume

Make your own pool noodle Truffula Tree. It’s soooo easy! Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @thepineappleteacher

13. Fly Guy

Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Teachers

Hi! 👋 Grab a black marker, some poster board, and flex your artistic skills for this fun costume. Here’s how to get the look:

White Poster Board, under $5 from Michaels

Source: @mrsvillasra

14. Pinkalicious

Pinkalicious teacher costume

I could get used to waving a wand around all day. Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @thepoppinpineappleteacher

15. Winnie the Pooh and Friends

Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Teachers

Straight from the Hundred Acre Woods! Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @pencilsbooksandcurls

16. Dragons Love Tacos

Dragons love tacos costume idea for teachers

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

Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Teachers

Extendable ears?! Love potions?! So much mischievous fun to be had with this costume. Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @robyngbernecker

18. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a wimpy kid teacher halloween

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.

Source: @tooschool_forcool

19. Piggie and Gerald

cute piggy and gerald teacher costumes

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

chicka chicka boom boom costume teacher

A told B, and B told C this costume is adorable—and so easy to put together! Her’s how to get the look:

Source: @thebeachclassroom

21. The Hungry Caterpillar

the hungry caterpillar costume idea for teachers

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:

Source: @afafzaidan

22. Arthur and Buster

Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Teachers

A great excuse to wear jeans. Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @alleeinda

23. One Fish, Two Fish

costumes based on books for teachers

Another fun and easy spin on a Dr. Seuss classic. Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @courtseenontv

24. Sophie from The BFG

sophie from the bfg teacher costume

This costume basically combines Halloween and Pajama Day. Don’t forget the Dream Jar! Here’s how to get the look:

Source: @mrs_braithwaites_class

25. Baba Yaga

baba yaga costume idea for teachers

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:

Source: @olivemonteart