Features | 5 Halloween Costume Ideas From Classic Literature

Features | 5 Halloween Costume Ideas From Classic Literature

• Monday, 29 October 2018

Halloween is nearly here again! And if you're still looking for the perfect costume then I am here to help with five ideas taken from great works of classic literature, so you can proudly show off your love of the spooky season and classic literature in wonderful, scary harmony.

1. The Picture of Dorian Gray

For this first costume you are going to need a nice suit, a picture frame (can be made from cardboard) and some good old fashioned face paint. Now, Dorian Gray is, of course, a notorious dandy, so the key to this costume is to make your outfit splendid and your face horrible. Use that face paint to make yourself look as terrifying as the portrait in Dorian's attic and use the frame to... well, to frame your terrifying face. Don't forget to match your pocket square to your socks!

2. Miss Havisham

All you really need for the perfect Miss Havisham costume is a wedding dress, so hit up your local charity/second hand shops and try to find the oldest wedding dress you can. If it doesn't look old enough, a few tea stains and strategic rips can help. A veil would be an excellent accessory for this outfit, although probably harder to find second hand, but definitely remember to only wear one shoe for true authenticity! Finally, dust your face with a light layer of talcum powder to attain that look of not having been outside for years.

3. Dr. Frankenstein

Who is the real monster in Mary Shelley's classic novel? Dr. Frankenstein or the creature he creates? My money is on the doctor, and his costume is devilishly simple. A smart, work appropriate suit and lab coat are all you really need to make this mad scientist come alive.

4. Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most intriguing characters, and could be an excellent fit for your Halloween costume this year. Don a dress worthy of such a Lady, cover your hands in fake blood, and spend the evening trying to convince all of your friends that their problems would be solved if they would only murder the people standing in their way!

5. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Looking for a double costume for you and a friend? Look no further. One person dresses as Dr. Jekyll, a respectable gentleman in only the finest clothing, and the other as his alter ego, Mr. Hyde, a devilish man who embodies all of Dr. Jekyll's worst impulses. For added effect, never be seen in the same room at the same time.

Who will you be dressing as this Halloween?