Halloween is the best. For nerds like myself, it’s a time to go a little overboard with your fandoms and finally let all that nerdiness bubble to the surface. However, it’s not always the most ~affordable~ occasion. If you’re still struggling to figure out what you should be for Halloween, on a budget, or like to craft, here are some simple DIY costume ideas to inspire your book nerd side this Halloween season.
Simple DIY Halloween Costumes for the Undecided Book Nerd
Live look at our faces trying to get plan our Halloween costumes.
1. A Scythe — Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman
These books are a crowd favorite—and a futuristic grim reaper is the perfect teen character to channel during ~spooky season~. This costume is a robe/cloak with a hood in any color (except black, shoutout to the true fans for knowing Scythedom law) and a big ole’ diamond ring. Don’t worry—I’m sure a ring pop will do just fine! If you need some inspiration, here’s some solid fan art:
If you’re feeling exceptionally into it, you can even add a scythe blade to your getup.
2. Nina — Slayer by Kiersten White
If you’ve read Slayer, you know from the cover that this costume is easy. All you need is a leather jacket, a pair of jeans, and a wooden stake! If you’re not feeling Nina, but love the Slayer world, Buffy is always a fun and easy DIY option, too!
3. Nancy Drew — Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
There are many versions of Nancy Drew to choose from, but the easiest would be plaid skirt, collared shirt, cardigan, and loafers. Throw in a magnifying glass for good measure, and you’re a modern Nancy Drew!
4. Lara Jean and Peter K — To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
These could be done as a couple’s costume or as solo pieces. Again, easy as pie, Lara Jean Covey has several looks you can choose between to bring her to life. See the links below for a few ideas! Peter K. is even easier. Grab a pair of Khaki pants, a hoodie, and/or a letterman jacket, and/or a Henley and jeans, and boom, you’re done. Basically, dress like a typical teenage boy. See below for some Peter K. inspo.
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He’s got Kombucha AND a scrunchie 😂 #toalltheboysivelovedbefore #LaraJeanHalloween
Talk about a cute and easy couples costume!
We’re falling in loooove with these costume ideas.
5. Shadowhunters — The Shadowhunters novels by Cassandra Clare
Finally, an easy DIY teen fantasy costume. The versatility of the Shadowhunters costume is immense: you could be a specific character like Jem, a specific couple with your S.O. like Clary and Jace, or just any other Shadowhunter. Either way, this costume is so simple to put together! Sport all black and some combat boots, then cover your arms and neck with Shadowhunter runes. See below for a few fabulous examples, and if you search this yourself, you’ll find plenty of extras:
Don’t forget Magnus Bane! He might not be a Shadowhunter but he is dating one. (Did someone say COUPLES COSTUME?!)
6. Nimue — Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller
This costume is beyond easy to create, and totally cute. All you need is a simple blue dress, some kind of brown cloak, and to paint some leaves on your cheeks. Grab a sword to complete the look or go without one!
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Easy, comfortable, and so COOL!
7. Rowan and Neil — Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Here’s a super easy and lovely couples’ costume! These two cute lovebirds are just a couple of normal high school teens, so wear your best high school heroes outfit with your boo and find your nearest park bench to recreate this cute book cover!
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8. A K-pop idol — Shine by Jessica Jung
K-Pop fans unite! This is a fun and trendy option for everyone out there with a plaid skirt laying around. There are a million ways to make this costume, so it’s a great go-to for anyone looking to pull something together from their own closet!
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Whatever you decide to DIY, this October you’ll be looking SPOOKTACULAR!
