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World Book Day Costumes

Finding World Book Day costumes the night before is a rite of passage for UK parents, so we’ve made it easier. Here you’ll find favourite storybook characters for kids, plus easy costumes for teachers and adults, with prices from around £7.

Many of them double up for a party later in the year too, so they’re not a one-day wonder. Need a bigger choice? Browse all kids’ fancy dress or check the size guide before you order.

Buying guide ↓ Kids’ Fancy Dress Boys’ Fancy Dress Girls’ Fancy Dress Princess Dresses Fancy Dress Accessories
Girl reading a book wearing a red superhero cape
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Buying guide

Picking World Book Day costumes your child will love

The easiest win is a character from a story your child has loved for ages. They’ll be asked about it at school, and it’s far more fun when they can bring the character to life. Classic picture books, Alice in Wonderland, wizarding school robes and hide-and-seek characters in red and white stripes are always popular, and a little caterpillar or ladybird costume works brilliantly for younger kids.

Character ideaBest forCostume tip
Classic picture book charactersNursery and receptionBring the book in so the teacher can link it to story time
Alice in WonderlandPrimary school girls and boysAlice’s blue pinafore and white apron gets you most of the way
Wizard or witchOlder kids and teachersA robe and wand is quick, comfy and fits over uniform
Striped hide-and-seek characterAdults and last-minute costumesGlasses and a bobble hat do a lot of the work
Hungry caterpillar or ladybirdToddlers and little onesChoose something soft and light they can sit in all day

Easy costume ideas for busy mornings

Quick fixes with accessories

Don’t worry if you haven’t got a full outfit. A hat, a cape or a simple accessories kit from our fancy dress accessories range can turn everyday clothes into a recognisable character in minutes. A brown jumper and ears makes a bear, and a pink tutu and horn makes a unicorn from a fantasy tale. A little unicorn headband is also handy for children who won’t wear a full outfit. A colourful fancy dress wig or some face paint adds the finishing touch.

Knights, pirates and heroes

Lots of kids’ favourites feature knights, pirates and superheroes too, so it’s worth looking at our pirate costumes and superhero costumes if your school is relaxed about comic characters.

Boys, girls and fairy tales

For more character choice by age, take a look at our boys’ fancy dress and girls’ fancy dress ranges. Pretty fairy-tale princesses count as well, so our princess dresses are a safe bet.

Costume ideas for teachers and adults

Teachers and school staff often join in, and grown-up characters are surprisingly easy to pull off. Crayon sets, wizard robes and stripy character kits are comfy enough for a full day in the classroom, and a gangster look from our 1920s fancy dress range suits fans of classic stage musicals. Browse our women’s fancy dress and men’s fancy dress for more ideas.

A few honest tips before you buy

We’ve covered the fun part, so here’s the practical stuff.

  • Order early. Popular sizes sell out fast in late February.
  • Budget costumes can run small and feel thin, so size up if your child wants a jumper underneath.
  • Licensed characters cost more than unbranded “inspired by” versions, which are usually fine for a school day.
  • Check your school’s rules on masks, props and footwear.
  • Lay everything out in one place the night before so nothing goes missing on the school run.

In this guide

  1. Picking World Book Day costumes your child will love
  2. Easy costume ideas for busy mornings
  3. Costume ideas for teachers and adults
  4. A few honest tips before you buy
  5. Questions people ask

Shop related

Not sure on size?

Costumes often run small. Check our guide before you order.

Size guide →

Questions people ask

Quick answers about world book day costumes: sizing, quality and what to buy. Still unsure? Our size guide and theme pages have more help.

Browse all themes →
What is World Book Day?

World Book Day is a yearly celebration of reading, held in the UK and Ireland on the first Thursday in March. Many schools invite each child (and often staff) to dress up as a favourite character, and pupils usually receive a book token too.

What are easy World Book Day costumes?

Characters with one strong signature item are easiest: a wizard’s robe and wand, a stripy top and bobble hat, a pirate hat and eye patch, or a simple animal headband. Pair them with clothes you already own and you’re done.

What can teachers wear on the day?

Teachers tend to go for a comfy costume they can work in all day, like wizard robes, crayon costumes or a classic children’s book character. Group costumes where a whole year team dresses from the same story are always a hit with kids.

Does a World Book Day costume have to be from a book?

That’s the idea, but most schools are flexible, especially for younger children. Superheroes and princesses usually count because they appear in loads of books and comics. If in doubt, check with your school first.

How do I pick the right size for a kids’ costume?

Go by your child’s height rather than age, as sizes vary between brands and many run small. Our size guide explains how to measure properly.

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