Halloween is swiftly approaching, and though our celebrations may look very different this year, there’s no reason why we can’t still partake in our favorite tradition of all: dressing up. No other custom offers the same opportunity for creativity and fun. If you’ve been unexpectedly invited to a virtual party and concocting a costume idea simply slipped your mind, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite audio and literary Halloween costumes based on some great listens that you can pull together with household items, clothing from your closet, and easy-to-find makeup and accessories. Though some of these might require a little bit more effort and resources than others, you’re sure to find a Halloween look on this list that you can prepare in no time. Happy haunting!
Costumes for Children Based on Kidlit Favorites
Book character costumes for kids are always a hit for Halloween parades, trick-or-treating, and classroom events alike. These cute costumes are great ideas for any little listener. (We find that they're also great options for any educator looking for a great teacher costume!)
Peter from Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day
If you’re searching for the perfect closet costume for your little one, it doesn’t get much better (or easier!) than the puffy red coat and hat made iconic by protagonist Peter in Ezra Jack Keats’s joyful The Snowy Day. Whether or not it will be chilly enough for some snowfall in your area, this adorable getup captures all the whimsy of childhood and excitement for the winter months to come.
What you’ll need: Head to toe red clothing—coat, sweater, pants, beanie, whatever you have on hand—and some faux snow (cotton or paper snowflakes work best; we find they’re perfect for putting snowballs in your pocket “for tomorrow” with no risk of melting!).
The Snowy Day
Peter wanders around his neighborhood enjoying the snowy city weather....
Paddington Bear from Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington
Our favorite polite little pal, Paddington Bear has been a staple of children’s literature for decades. Young listeners and parents alike can’t get enough of the well-meaning but mishap-prone bear—and with good reason. Paddington’s journey encourages kindness, understanding, acceptance, and emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and finding the goodness in everyone you meet.
What you’ll need: Drag that winter coat out of the closet—to dress up as Paddington, your kiddo will need a blue coat, a floppy red hat, and an old, beat-up suitcase. And if you want your costume to be as accurate as possible, remember that “bears like marmalade” and make your sandwich accordingly.
A Bear Called Paddington
Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Darkest Peru when the Brown family first met him on Paddington Station....
Charlotte from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web
A testament to the power of friendship and the compassion that should be shown to all animals, Charlotte’s Web (performed by author E.B. White!) is one of our all-time favorite kidlit listens. At the very heart of the story is the titular Charlotte, our favorite eight-legged friend who befriends runt of the little Wilbur and sets out to save the pig from being sold off for meat.
What you’ll need: Eight long spindly legs (you can use a spray-painted pool noodle or some twisted cardboard tube!) and some paper or felt spiderwebs—extra points if you spell out “SOME PIG” in the webbing!
Charlotte's Web
This beloved Newbery Honor Book by E.B. White, author of Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, is a classic of children's literature. Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter. A tender novel of friendship, family, and adventure that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. Illustrations in this ebook appear in vibrant full color on a full-color device and in rich black-and-white on all other devices. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts.
George Plimpton narrates.
Foley from The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends
Hello-ee-oo-and-howdy-do! If your kid can’t get enough of the Audible Original podcast starring Foley and the rest of the Sesame Street gang, this costume is kind of a no-brainer. The perfect Halloween look for little monsters who love to perform, this is a great choice for preschoolers and it’s super easy for a busy parent to put together.
What you’ll need: Your kiddo can start by pulling on their fuzziest, most purple sweater and grabbing a toy microphone (affix googly eyes to really bring Mikee to life!). Then, help them with styling their hair into a spiky little twist and spray with green temporary hair color. (And if your little one has a plush of their favorite Sesame Street pal to bring along, all the better!)
The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends
By Sesame Workshop
Narrated by Lindsey Briggs, Tyler Bunch, Ryan Dillon, a full cast
The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends
Hello-ee-o-ee-o! Meet Sesame Street’s newest furry and friendly monster....
Costume Inspiration from Classics and Storybooks
If you prefer to go old-school in both your listening library and your Halloween looks, we have some great choices for you. Both storybook character costumes and outfits fit for a bibliophile abound in our collection below.
Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a listener with only a few days left until Halloween must be in want of a costume…and we have you covered. Quick-witted and self-assured, Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect choice for any Austen fan—or anyone just dying to try out some of the styles and airs of the Regency era.
What you’ll need: Any sort of empire-waisted dress with a piece of ribbon tied beneath the bust, plus some ringlet curls. (And don’t forget your “lively, playful disposition”!)
Pride and Prejudice
One of Jane Austen’s most beloved works, Pride and Prejudice, is vividly brought to life by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl)....
Dorian Gray from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray
Few classics hit a note quite like The Picture of Dorian Gray. The odd, fascinating tale of a man driven by narcissism and a desire to indulge in all of life’s pleasures and beauties has an ending so twisted that it’s impossible not to be enthralled. Equal parts eerie and glam, the soulless Dorian Gray (and his ever-aging portrait) make for an exceptional closet costume.
What you’ll need: To portray literature’s most famous hedonist, make sure you’re “exquisitely dressed”—for men in Victorian England, that means vest, top hat, and ascot. Then, take a photo of yourself, age and blemish with an editing app, print, and carry it with you.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a disturbing tale of a young man's uncanny ability to remain both young and beautiful while descending into a life of heartless debauchery....
Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations
Dickens crafted a truly unforgettable character in the creepy yet compelling Miss Havisham. Despite having been jilted at the altar, Havisham insists on remaining in her wedding dress and keeping the sweets she meant to serve her guests waiting on the table. The classic spooky bride always makes for a good Halloween costume—and in our opinion, it’s even better when it’s based on such a phenomenal story.
What you’ll need: If you or your mom still have a wedding dress stashed away in the closet, now is a perfect time to take it out of storage—and you won’t even need to dust it off. Pair your faded dress with a veil, stark white hair, and “but one shoe on”—and be sure to wear your best far-off, forlorn expression.
Great Expectations
One of the most revered works in English literature, Great Expectations traces the coming of age of a young orphan, Pip, from a boy of shallow aspirations into a man of maturity....
The White Rabbit from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
If you’re looking for a quick and recognizable costume, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a truly terrific place to start. From the Mad Hatter to the Queen of Hearts to Alice herself, there is such a colorful cast of characters in this storybook favorite that it’s difficult to choose just one—but we especially love the energy and peculiarity of the White Rabbit.
What you’ll need: Grab some bunny ears (which are easy to pull together with a headband and some cardboard!), “white kid-gloves” and “a large fan,” and a pocket-watch for keeping track of the time. (Wouldn’t want to be late, now would we?)
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Spooky and Scary Costumes Based on Horror and Thrillers
At its core, Halloween is about thrills, chills, and all that goes bump in the night. If you prefer your costume to be on the spookier side, check out a few of our favorite scary book costume ideas.
Georgie Denbrough from Stephen King’s It
Oh, Georgie. The opening scene of Stephen King’s It is indicative of the horrors the story holds, but nothing could have prepared us for that. The first victim of the narrative, Georgie meets a violent and unfortunate end when his origami boat finds its way into a sewer drain, where Pennywise the Clown just happens to be lurking. What results has haunted us ever since.
What you’ll need: A paper boat (bonus points if you can get your sibling to make it for you!) and a “yellow slicker” with “red galoshes.” If a gory, frightening costume is more your style, you can tuck up one of the arms of your raincoat and apply fake blood to mirror poor Georgie’s fate.
It
There are novels about the dark underbelly of small towns, and then there’s It, which puts an ancient shape-shifting monster in the sewers beneath Derry, Maine and has it terrorize a tight-knit group of children. It is one of King’s creepiest novels (it has evil clowns, how can it not be?) but it’s not just effective in its scares. It’s also an accomplished look at troubled kids coming of age and the non-supernatural darkness that can lurk behind the innocent facades of some towns. By the way, now’s a good time to check out It before the upcoming film adaptation hits theaters this year.
The Monster from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
A classic horror tale that also instills a lesson or two about the need for connection and the dangers of unhinged pursuits of knowledge or power, Frankenstein is an annual Halloween must-listen. And if you’re looking for a costume that comes together quickly and requires nothing but makeup, Frankenstein’s monster is a foolproof choice.
What you’ll need: Frankenstein’s creature is among the horror canon’s original monsters, so don’t be afraid to get a little grotesque with this one. Jaundiced skin, “straight black lips,” “watery eyes,” and all of the scars that accompany being reanimated.
Frankenstein
Narrator Dan Stevens ( Downton Abbey) presents an uncanny performance of Mary Shelley's timeless gothic novel, an epic battle between man and monster at its greatest literary pitch....
FBI Special Agents Mulder and Scully from The X-Files: Cold Cases
Okay, so technically this one isn’t a literary costume per se, as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully first made their appearance in the television cult classic The X-Files. But the dynamic believer-skeptic duo are also the lead characters in one of our favorite listens ever—the Audible Original Cold Cases—so we’ll make an exception.
What you’ll need: The most important element of this costume is the badge (this time for the FBI)—and you’ll have no trouble finding printable replicas online. Grab your best field agent-appropriate suit and a nice, bright flashlight. For Mulder, don’t forget your sunflower seeds, and a Scully costume wouldn’t be complete without a refined dubious eyeroll.
The X-Files: Cold Cases
By Joe Harris, Chris Carter, Dirk Maggs - adaptation
Narrated by David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Willliam B. Davis, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund, Bruce Harwood
The X-Files: Cold Cases
The series that had a generation looking to the sky gets a breathtaking audio reprise in an original full-cast dramatization featuring actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson....
Death from Neil Gaiman's The Sandman
When Neil Gaiman's acclaimed comic book series The Sandman was adapted as an Audible Original by audio engineering icon Dirk Maggs, the result was dang near transcendent. And while there are a slew of characters to model your Halloween look after (from the mop-topped immortal king of dreams Morpheus to the trench-coated, chain-smoking antihero John Constantine), it's hard not to have a soft spot for Death herself.
What you'll need: Tease either a black wig (or your hair, if it's already dark!) as high as humanly (or, uh, Endlessly) possible. Apply white concealer, winged eyeliner with a swirling Eye of Horus motif, a silver pendant, and dress in your punkiest attire. The more black and leather, the better.
The Sandman
By Neil Gaiman, Dirk Maggs
Narrated by Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Neil Gaiman, James McAvoy, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, Michael Sheen
The Sandman
The Sandman is a wholly unique audio experience, featuring the acting talents of acclaimed performers Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, James McAvoy, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, Michael Sheen, and Neil Gaiman himself. While The Sandman was initially a comic book series, a talented cast of performers breathes new life into the audio production.
In the world of this story, the Sandman, or Lord Morpheus, is the immortal king of dreams and the imagination. A cult has taken him from his realm and imprisoned him on Earth. But now that he’s finally escaped imprisonment after decades, the Sandman has to rebuild his dominion. To do that, he has to find the three tools
that will restore his power and his kingdom. Join along on the quest.
Out-of-this-World Costumes from Sci-Fi and Fantasy Epics
Whether you're into bringing back dinosaurs, warding off evil, or traveling through space and time, you're bound to find the perfect costume hidden in one of these sci-fi/fantasy treasures.
Claire Randall from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander
The Outlander series has captured the hearts of countless listeners, and it’s not hard to see why. Former combat nurse Claire Randall is transported back in time from a holiday with her husband in 1945 to 1743 Scotland, where she meets a dashing highlander…and a whole host of trouble.
What you’ll need: Style your hair into wild, unkempt curls. Wear your best midcentury-style frock (the simpler, the better) and a plaid wrap to keep you warm until your very own Jamie Fraser arrives.
Outlander
This stunning blend of historical romance and time traveling adventure has captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world....
Arthur Dent from Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
This is one of our favorite book character costumes because you won’t even have to change out of your pajamas. To capture the essence of everyman Arthur Dent, just roll out of bed, gather a few props, and work on an expression that says, “I’ve just found out that my best friend is an extraterrestrial and that my home planet is set to be destroyed to make way for an intergalactic bypass.”
What you’ll need: A towel (“the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have”), your very best bathrobe and slippers, and an unfinished cup of tea.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Ship: Heart of Gold
Quote: "In the beginning, the Universe was created. This had made many people very angry and was widely regarded as a bad move."
One of our favorite, most frequently quoted sci-fi/humor franchises, and my first foray into the genre.
Bilbo Baggins from J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit
The sprawling universe of Tolkien’s Middle-earth all began with an average hobbit who ventures out on a rather extraordinary journey. Bilbo Baggins is a character who is full of so much heart and joy that we wish we could be him every day…but we’ll settle for Halloween.
What you’ll need: Grab a gold ring and make sure you have it handy in your pocket. Some easygoing, rustic attire and a rucksack will fit nicely for the simple life of Hobbiton. Toss on a cloak or shawl (Bilbo wore “a dark-green hood” that was “a little weather-stained”) and draw some hair on your toes (don’t even think about wearing shoes!).
The Hobbit
Like every other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than a quiet evening in his snug hole in the ground, dining on a sumptuous dinner in front of a fire....
Dr. Ian Malcolm from Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park
While Ian Malcolm has become synonymous with Jeff Goldblum due to his exquisite performance in the 1993 Steven Spielberg film adaption, book Malcolm isn’t far off. He’s just as eccentric, just as egotistical, and maybe just a little bit less of a rockstar. We love him anyway.
What you’ll need: This is an easy one: “black shirt, black trousers, black socks, black sneakers.” When you have your head-to-toe black ensemble ready, make sure you’ve prepared enough points on chaos theory to last the entire night.
Jurassic Park
I had seen the original movie, and even experienced Jurassic Park — The Ride (with 84-foot plunge and all), having been left entertained and invigorated, but not particularly scared or traumatized. So I approached the book expecting much the same. Over the week or so I spent listening to Scott Brick’s cool and unnerving narration of this sci-fi classic, it started to get into my head and even percolate into my dreams. Yes, I, a grown-up who had not had a nightmare in who knows how long, was shocked awake by being chased by dinosaurs, heart pounding and near tears. No other book has had that effect on me, and I now have an irrational fear of long-extinct creatures I had once regarded with charmed fascination. – Tricia, Audible Editor
Easy DIY Literary Couples Costumes
Looking for a Halloween costume that will fit the bill for you and your beau? No problem. Here are some great options inspired by literary couples and love stories that make us swoon.
Westley and Buttercup from William Goldman’s The Princess Bride
The quintessential offbeat fairy-tale, The Princess Bride offers mad tales of revenge and slapstick adventure alike. But where it really shines is in the romance between the devoted Westley and his true love, Buttercup, who he must rescue from the grasps of Prince Humperdinck.
What you’ll need: For Westley, grab a mask that’s “blacker than raven,” some black boots, a hood, and a black cape. For Buttercup, wear any dress fit for a princess-to-be and ensure your hair is the “color of autumn.”
The Princess Bride
This adventure story has everything you could want: the good guy, some bad guys, the girl, sword...
Baz Pitch and Simon Snow from Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On
When Baz and Simon are paired up as roommates at Watford School of Magicks, they have no way of knowing the monsters they will face—both literal and metaphorical. But the biggest surprise of all doesn’t involve witchcraft at all, as the boys find that the sparks flying between them are too magical to ignore.
What you’ll need: While Simon has curly reddish hair and skin freckled with moles, Vampiric Baz looks the part: a long mop of dark hair, greying skin, and pale grey eyes. Both of the boys wear Watford uniforms—“striped blazers two shades of purple and two shades of green, grey trousers, and red ties”—but if you don’t have those on hand, any prep school-esque ensemble will do. Don’t forget your wands!
Carry On
Rainbow Rowell’s words make my heart overfill with feelings every time. Carry On is no exception. Based on a fictional book series from her previous work, Fangirl, Carry On is heart-warming, adventurous, and above all, magical. Simon and Baz’s story really makes you swoon your heart out.
Ash and Kaisa from Malinda Lo’s Ash
In this retelling of the classic Cinderella story, Ash is left to dream of fairies and an escape from her pained reality after her father’s death leaves her in the care of her vicious stepmother. But when she finds an unlikely confidant in Kaisa, the King’s Huntress, Ash leaves her daydreams behind and enters a world more dangerous, more magical, and full of more possibilities than she ever could have imagined.
What you’ll need: For Kaisa, any clothing you have resembling riding clothes will do nicely; pair with leather gloves and “shining boots." For Ash, be sure to don your fairy cloak—any silvery shawl or scarf will work perfectly.
Ash
Ash is Malinda Lo’s groundbreaking debut novel, a YA fantasy reimagining of Cinderella. The author narrates her story about an orphan named Ash, who dreams of escaping her terrible life with a cruel stepmother to live with the faeries in her tales. Then Ash meets Sidhean, a faerie who is willing to grant Ash’s wish— for a price. Along the way, Ash also encounters Kaisa, the king’s huntress, who treats her with unexpected kindness. Just as Ash realizes she’s falling for Kaisa, her promises to Sidhean complicate her feelings, and Ash is left with a terrible choice: live out her dreams or stay with a newfound but uncertain love.
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games
The romance between Katniss and Peeta is such a complicated slowburn—Peeta’s longtime affection for Katniss is constantly at odds with the whims of the Games and of Katniss’s lingering feelings for childhood pal Gale. But over time, these two connect, grow, and survive together in a way that makes their relationship the kind that’s capable of lasting forever.
What you’ll need: Though their love story occurs long after that initial encounter in the alley behind Peeta’s family’s bakery, we find this costume is best (and most recognizably) accomplished by portraying the characters at two different parts of their story: Peeta wearing a baker’s apron and clutching a loaf of bread and Katniss donning a simple braid, tactical athletic wear, and her signature gold mockingjay brooch.
The Hunger Games: Special Edition
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games....
