Halloween is just around the corner, and there’s still time to pull together a fabulous costume to impress your friends and family! When searching for inspiration, there's no better place to find it than between the pages of a book. Here’s a short list of fictional characters, both new and classic, whose looks you can rock as we roll into October.

Gideon Nav

Gideon the Ninth by Tasmyn Muir
🎧 Audiobook

Combining science fiction adventure and grisly murder mystery, Gideon the Ninth follows a swordswoman and her necromancer commander as they compete to solve a series of challenges inside a treacherous gothic castle. Gideon’s bravado and humor are sure to win hearts, and her formal makeup is perfect for a creepy Halloween look. This costume is sure to impress established readers and potential new fans alike.

What you’ll need: Dressing as Gideon is as easy as it is eerie. Break out your favorite all black outfit, black boots, and mirrored sunglasses. Then apply some facepaint in Gideon’s distinctive skull design. Just don’t forget to invest in some makeup remover for the end of the night! To go the extra mile, you can also add a short orange wig or apply some temporary hair dye.

Lucy Wenestra

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White
🎧 Audiobook

Many of our favorite Halloween monsters started on the page before hitting the big screen, including characters such as Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Dracula. You could go the traditional route with these enduring favorites, or you can update your look by referencing a modern adaptation. Lucy Undying is a fresh retelling of the story of Dracula, centering on his first victim as she adjusts to her vampiric afterlife.

What you’ll need: This costume calls for the most gothic red dress you can find. You can pump up the look with matching lipstick, and if you’re feeling gory, get creative with fake bite marks and blood. Finish it off with a set of fangs so you can seem as ferocious as possible while snacking on your favorite Halloween candy.

Elizabeth Zott

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
🎧 Audiobook

This contemporary feminist novel became an international bestseller in 2022, and the TV adaptation aired last October. Lessons in Chemistry tells the story of an aspiring chemist in the 1960s who accepts a job hosting a televised cooking show after a series of misogynistic events expel her from the scientific community.

What you’ll need: Start with a shirtwaist dress, heels, and an apron. Then add in some props that highlight the intersection of science and baking, such as beakers and a notebook. Complete the look with a yellow #2 pencil stuck through your hair or tucked behind your ear. A recipe for success!

Simidele

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
🎧 Audiobook

Set off the coast of West Africa in the mid-1400s, Skin of the Sea blends history and mythology. Simidele is a Mami Wata, whose purpose is to bring the souls of the drowned into the afterlife. However, after a choice to save a young boy sets off an avalanche of unexpected consequences, she must undertake a perilous journey to set things right.

What you’ll need: Simidele’s tail, which is gold and pink, transforms into a wrapper garment when on land. Although this makes for a much more convenient outfit, you could still consider adding some large sequins or other details to the skirt to suggest scales. She also wears a sapphire necklace on a gold chain, as do the other Mami Wata. For an even more decorative look, you can accessorize with pearls, shells, and seaweed.

Murderbot

All Systems Red by Martha Wells
🎧 Audiobook

If you think scarier is better when it comes to Halloween costumes, then this one’s for you. The Murderbot Diaries series tells the story of a sentient robot designed to be a brutal killing machine—until they manage to gain autonomy and become hooked on TV instead.

What you’ll need: The seriously crafty among you can try your hand at fashioning armor out of EVA foam. However, you can also go a long way with a motorcycle helmet and some protective gear, such as arm and shin guards. Adding a SEC UNIT label somewhere on your outfit will drive home the point and make this a truly killer costume.

Harry Dredsen

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Add a little magic to your wardrobe by dressing as Chicago’s favorite wizard. The Dresden Files is a long-running fantasy series featuring wise-cracking private investigator Harry Dresden as he grapples with vampires, faeries, demons, and all other kinds of supernatural mayhem.

What you’ll need: Because of the contemporary setting, costume pieces should be relatively easy to find. Harry typically wears a long duster, jeans, and pentagram amulet. He also carries a tall staff. You can have fun choosing a graphic t-shirt—maybe one with your favorite quote or reference from the books. As an added touch, be sure to bring along Bob, the talking skull that lives in Harry’s basement.

Couples costume: Westley & Buttercup

The Princess Bride by William Golding
🎧 Audiobook

There are plenty of literary couples that a determined duo could emulate, but Westley and Buttercup are among the most recognizable. The Princess Bride is a timeless story of danger and heroism, friendship and revenge, and of course, true love.

What you’ll need: Westley’s most iconic outfit is as “the man in black.” As is implied, this costume involves an all-black ensemble, including a black mask to keep your identity mysterious. Have a prop sword (whether left or right handed) ready in case you need to engage in a duel.

Buttercup has a bit more variety in terms of outfits. You can choose to follow the film’s costuming and adopt a billowing red dress and golden hairpiece. Or you can turn to other moments, such as the royal wedding, for inspiration. As long as your gown looks like something a princess would wear, you’re free to do as you wish.

Group costume: The Hobbits & Gandalf

The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
🎧 Audiobook

The Lord of the Rings is an everlasting favorite. The story follows a small group of heroes on their quest to destroy the One Ring, a powerful magic artifact that could spell the destruction of their whole world. Characters like Frodo or Gandalf make iconic individual costumes, or you can gather your friends to recreate an entire fellowship!

What you’ll need: For an easy Frodo, break out your smartest vest, shirtsleeves, and rolled-up trousers. A grey or green cloak will keep out the October chill, and a leaf-shaped Lothlorien pin can make your costume look even more authentic. Most importantly, find a chain strong enough to stand up to any thieves who might try to steal your most treasured, precious ring.

For a classic Gandalf, you will need a set of long grey robes, a tall, pointed hat, and a long grey wig and beard. Optional accessories include a pipe or a gnarled staff. Last but not least, you could also use a pair of platform shoes to loom over your friends.

*Title availability may vary by library & region.

For more ideas, browse your library’s digital collection available on the Libby app.

Show off your literary Halloween costume and tag us on Instagram @libby.app. Happy costuming!

RELATED READ: Halloween countdown: 31 days of frightfully fun reads