There are plenty of great literary-inspired Halloween costumes out there, but here are some we’d like to see.
1)The Lady of Shallot, inspired by Tennyson’s 1832 poem and John William Waterhouse’s 1888 painting.
This costume is comprised of a medieval dress (or any other long dress) and a makeshift boat. We like the cardboard option posted below. Just write “The Lady of Shallot” on the side, and you’re set!
Waterhouse’s “The Lady of Shallot,” based of Tennyson’s poem of the same name.
Medieval-style dress, available from camelotcostumes on Etsy
Cardboard boat, which could be secured around waist.
2) Mr. Collins, from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Here, you’ll want to find a clergyman’s habit, or even a white shirt and black jacket, with the collar turned up. Check out Tom Hollander’s and David Bramber’s renditions below. For props, be sure to have a copy of Fordyce’s Sermons on hand. If you don’t regularly collect old religious texts, create a cover for another large tome. If you’re a fan of Hollander’s adaptation, bring a bowl of boiled potatoes, or simply declare food items “excellent” or “exemplary,” especially during awkward silences.
Tom Hollander as Mr. Collins in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
David Bramber playing Mr. Collin’s in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
3) Malvolio, from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
We’re particularly fond of this minor character, especially regarding his attire and mannerisms in Act 3, scene 4. Dress formally, but be sure to roll up your pants, revealing yellow, cross-gartered knee socks. Also, spend the night grinning ridiculously at fellow party-goers.
Stephen Fry’s Malvolio and Mark Rylance’s Olivia, Belasco Theater’s 2013 production.
Patrick Page as Malvolio, The Old Globe’s Summer Shakespeare Festival production, 2009
4) Mrs. Dalloway, from Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway (1925)
For this costume, pair a dress and hat with a bouquet of flowers. When people mention your flowers, simply state, “These flowers? Bought ’em myself.”
Two women, 1920s
Got a great literary costume suggestion? Post it in the comments or tweet it to @owntheboards. It’s never too early to start next year’s list!
Check out these other great sites for literary costumes:
22 Literary Halloween Costumes for Duos
5 DIY Literary Halloween Costumes
17 Awesome Literary Halloween Costumes
The Best Halloween Costumes From Books