The first Thursday in March, much like the first Monday in May (as fashion, costume and history enthusiasts will know) is a time for dressing up to the nines in over-the-top ensembles. On both dates, ostentation is key and subtlety is denounced entirely.
That’s right, we’re comparing World Book Day to the Met Gala. They’re practically the same, right? It’s an event where parents, teachers and students come together to sport their best and most original costumes to reflect a greater theme or idea. We think Vogue should be covering it, really.
We know, having to deal with just one costume a year for your annual Halloween celebrations is enough to send you spiralling. However, World Book Day means so much more than a standard, packet bought ensemble designed to spook and intimidate. Rather, this wonderful charity-sponsored day is all about instilling a love for reading and storytelling in children.
World Book Day was founded by UNESCO in 1995 and has been going strong ever since. The annual event is sponsored by National Book Tokens, a charity which pledges tokens for £1 books so that every child can have the opportunity to own at least one of their favourite tales.
To celebrate and encourage children to explore reading for pleasure, teachers and students alike dress up as their favourite childhood literary characters in an effort to encourage the expression, recollection and comprehension of the stories that they love most. Thus, it’s important to show your children or students that it’s entirely cool to love reading by dressing up yourself.
Likewise, the kiddos absolutely adore it. Being able to go to school in fancy dress is one thing, let alone being able to go into school dressed as your all-time favourite character.
Now that we’ve re-ignited your appreciation for World Book Day, we’ve rounded up a selection of some quirky and original costumes for you and the kids to wear come March 2. From characters created by the likes of Roald Dahl and Margery Williams, keep scrolling for more literary fun.
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Children’s Costumes
Fun Shack Kids Detective Costume Kids Victorian History Fancy Dress
Whether your kiddo is a bigger fan of Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew, this versatile Victorian-style detective’s costume can be adapted depending on their particular interest. If it’s Sherlock, leave as is. If it’s Nancy Drew, add a plaid skirt and some funky tights to the mix.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
Elmer Patchwork Costume (1-8 Years)
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is an absolute Children’s Book classic, and this costume is the perfect option for the littlun that likes to stand out. The set features an all-in-one alongside a matching headpiece and one touch fastenings for the easiest of dressing.
Buy now £4.20, Tu
Paddington Bear Fancy Dress Costume
Anyone else fancy a marmalade sandwich right about now? This simply adorable all-in-one Paddington costume will be the envy of everyone as soon as World Book Day rolls around. The crew neck and easy slip-off hood ensures the costume remains comfortable and breathable and – if you weren’t already sure of it – the ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you’ detachable tag will remind everyone of just who your costume represents.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Kids Cat in the Hat Jumpsuit
One of the most famous literary cats in history certainly has to be Dr Seuss’s Cat in The Hat. This fuzzy jumpsuit features the cat’s defining white fur tummy panel and oversized neck bow. The cat tail is fastened with a velcro release, so it can be easily removed if it bothers your little one. The extra large striped top hat is sure to be a show-stopper.
Buy now £19.19, Smiffys
World Book Day Granny Burglar Costume
Gangsta Granny by David Walliams has been a hit amongst the kids since its release back in 2011, but our love for this comedy fiction book was reignited in 2021 when Walliams released a unexpected sequel. For a low-budget, yet effortlessly hilarious World Book Day costume, this Redstar Fancy Dress kit has everything you need to dress up as the infamous Gangsta Granny.
Buy now £12.95, Amazon
Medieval Knight Costume
Whether they’re a fan of King Arthur, Narnia or pretty much any Disney Princess film – this medieval knight costume is a great way to get your child excited about World Book Day. This piece comes with a mock-chainmail hooded top, faux belt and trousers.
Buy now £14.99, Smiffys
Roald Dahl Matilda Kids Costume
Since the recent release of Matilda: The Musical in cinemas, we’re sure your kids have been belting the catchy pop-rock showtunes popularised by the West End hit. If that sounds like your household as of late, why not dress up your child as the original titular character from Roald Dahl’s wonderful, inspiring novel this World Book Day?
This set includes Matilda Wormwood’s iconic blue dress, a matching headband and various accessories which reference the original book.
Buy now £19.00, Amazon
Black And Red Striped Jumper Costume
For the little one who finds the whole dressing up thing rather intimidating, this low maintenance Dennis the Menace costume will keep them comfortable during the World Book Day festivities. The simple black and red striped jumper is immediately indicative of the famed comic book character – teachers and students alike will have no trouble recognising Mr Menace.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Miffy Floral Costume
Little ones who are obsessed with the famed bunny rabbit Miffy will be rejoicing over this delightful floral costume for World Book Day. This officially licensed outfit includes both the pictured posy-adorned dress and the hooded Miffy hat – complete with the cutest of ears.
Buy now £16.99, eBay
Peter Rabbit Fancy Dress Outfit
A big competitor for the most famous literary bunny rabbit is most definitely Peter. This funky costume set by George features a hood with 3D ears and a bushel of carrots, while the all-in-one bottom half boasts some of the character’s defining accessories – including a slogan badge and a crossbody satchel bag. Soft to the touch and 100 per cent polyester, your child will be comfortable and cosy all day long.
Buy now £21.99, Amazon
Adult costumes
Smiffys Victorian Nanny Costume
Starting off with a true classic, this three-piece Mary Poppins costume by Tu is the perfect World Book Day ensemble for the teacher who doesn’t wish to stray too far from their usual garb. Embody the most magical governess of all time and impress your school cohort by sporting this fantastic value and high-quality fancy dress.
The set includes an Edwardian style blue dress, a fancy miniature hat on an Alice band, and a felt handbag to match. It’s 100 per cent polyester and machine washable, so you’ll have no trouble re-using this for other occasions once World Book Day is over.
Buy now £26.60, Amazon
Tree Costume
We don’t know about you, but Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree was one of our childhood favourites. Since it’s World Book Day, why not go big? Dress up as the titular tree from the world-famous children’s picture book and teach your littluns about the 1964 classic that they might not have ever heard of. If you truly want to go all-out, we recommend purchasing a punnet of apples to give out amongst your class for both a healthy snack and some added fun.
Buy now £28.99, Amazon
Claude Dog Accessory Kit with Ears
If you didn’t already know, Claude the Dog is an absolute classic series written by Alex T. Smith and a favourite amongst the kiddos. Purchase this inexpensive accessory kit with ears and DIY the rest for a great value costume this World Book Day. All you’ll need to go alongside the dog ears, beret and sponge nose is a plain red tee and a white scarf with some black polka dots. Easy squeezy.
Buy now £11.99, Struts
Adult Willy Wonka Movie Costume
Embody Gene Kelly’s iconic Willy Wonka from the 1971 film adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s most famous books. You’ll be feeling incredibly dapper in this costume set featuring a waistcoat with an attached mock shirt, a velvet blazer and a brown top hat to complete the look.
Buy now £49.90, Fancy Dress
Roald Dahl Golden Ticket Adults Costume
Want to do a group costume with your best pals? Scoop up some of these officially licensed Roald Dahl Golden Ticket outfits (or five, to be accurate) and you’ll be the talk of the school in the best way possible. We just hope you can decide who gets to be Willy Wonka… we’ll leave that one to you.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Teacher World Book Day Caterpillar Costume
We find the fact that costumes referencing Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar are usually only made for children utterly unacceptable. As such, you can imagine our delight when we came across this handmade dream, for adults! If you’d like to reference one of the most iconic children’s books of all time on March 2, we’ve got you covered with this pick.
Buy now £48.00, NOTHS
Adults Crazy Cat Costume Set
For a low-budget yet much adored costume, this set by Cazaar has everything you need to embody one of the Dr’s best-loved characters, including a face paint kit for the nose at whiskers. You’ll look absolutely puuurfect.
Buy now £9.99, Cazaar
Ancient Greek God Costume set
Whether you prefer Zeus, Poseidon or any other Greek God mentioned in Rick Riordan’s acclaimed Percy Jackson book series, this ancient Greek God costume is the perfect blank slate for extra customisation. Pair it with a makeshift lightning bolt or a trident depending on your mythological figure of choice and prepare to be wowed.
Buy now £18.71, Amazon
Gothic Frock Coat
If you’re looking for a truly out-of-the-box and unique costume idea for World Book Day, this Victorian-inspirated green coat would make the perfect base for a wonderful Wind in the Willows -inspired costume. Dress up as Mr Toad by adding these vintage motorcycle goggles and a statement checked bow-tie. You’ll be a ‘glorious, stirring sight!’
Buy now £34.99, Amazon
Octopus Costume
A strangely large number of children’s books feature an octopus protagonist, making this hilariously unique costume a versatile winner. Put away those stockings stuff with socks, for you won’t need to DIY a costume this year.
Buy now £40.99, Smiffys
Carded Guard Costume
Reference Lewis Carroll’s beloved Alice in Wonderland with this fantastic Carded Guard unisex costume from Smiffy.
Buy now £14.59, Amazon
3 Blind Mice Costume Set
A brilliant costume for a group of best friends, this fairy-tale costume simply requires the all-black outfit to match.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
