Book Week shouldn't feel like one more thing to mark. The teacher costumes here are built to be worn for real: through the parade, playground duty and a full afternoon of lessons. Each one gives you the clothes, hair, makeup, props and shoes, so the character comes from the whole outfit and not from one novelty hat. Most start with closet basics or a thrift find plus a little felt, cardboard or paper. There are picture-book animals for the little ones, classic heroines and famous teachers for older readers, and a few you can throw together the night before. I've kept every one of them school-appropriate, from the quiet nods to the full-colour ones.
Match the Book to the Age You Teach
A costume only works if your own class knows the story. I sort characters by who will recognise them before I think about clothes.
- Preschool and reception: bold colour and one animal feature win. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pete the Cat, the Gruffalo and Goldilocks are read to this age constantly, and children name them from the colour alone.
- Lower primary: picture books with a joke. The Cat in the Hat, Olivia, Amelia Bedelia, the Paper Bag Princess and the crayons give children something to explain back to you.
- Upper primary: chapter-book characters and famous teachers. Matilda, Miss Honey, Miss Trunchbull, the BFG and Fantastic Mr Fox land best with readers who have finished the books.
- Mixed-age schools: Waldo, Mary Poppins and Dorothy are known by almost everyone, partly because of the films.
If your staff dress up as a group, pick one book or one author so the parade tells a story. A Roald Dahl staff room or a full box of quitting crayons is far more fun for children than a random line-up, and it makes the photographs easier too.
1. Miss Frizzle Costume With Space Print Dress
Miss Frizzle needs a busy dress, and I'd rather make one than hunt for it. A knee-length navy dress with felt planets, stars and rockets tacked on with a few stitches looks right and lets you pull the shapes off afterwards. Purple tights and blue flats or ankle boots add colour from the floor up. Loose waves in your own hair work, or a bright orange-red wig in a soft shape. Pink blush and a berry lip are cheerful without being stagey. Planet earrings, a toy school bus and a few science books finish it. Leave the dress loose enough to reach the top of the whiteboard; science teachers and librarians tend to get the most out of this one.
2. Matilda Costume With Blue Dress And Books
Matilda is the easiest costume here to make from what you own. A plain blue knee-length dress, a red cardigan, white ankle socks and black Mary Janes or supportive flats are the full outfit. A neat bob, or a dark brown bob wig, with a red ribbon headband sets the age. Light blush and a natural lip keep you looking like a keen reader rather than a grown-up. The prop is where she becomes Matilda: a few children's books tied with ribbon, or a small chalkboard with a sum on it. I sometimes add a homemade library card on a lanyard, since it also hides the real staff badge underneath.
3. Miss Honey Costume With Floral Midi Dress
Miss Honey is for the teacher who wants to look soft and put-together rather than costumed. Choose a modest floral midi dress in pale blue, cream or yellow and layer a light cardigan over it. Low-heeled pumps, loafers or ballet flats need to be ones you've already broken in, because you'll be standing for the parade. Hair falls in a smooth shoulder-length style, a half-up twist or natural waves; rosy blush and a soft pink lip are all the makeup. Carry a stack of exercise books, a wooden ruler and a little jar of paper flowers. A handwritten card reading "You Can Do It" gives children a clue and suits her completely.
4. Miss Trunchbull Costume With Gray Tracksuit
Miss Trunchbull is the one that makes the staffroom laugh, and she's comfortable because she's sportswear. A grey sweatshirt with matching sweatpants or track trousers, a wide brown belt at the waist, thick grey socks and sturdy black lace-up boots make the frame. Pull your hair into a hard, high bun or wear a brown bun wig. Strong brows and a little contour under the cheekbones give her severity without frightening a five-year-old. I'd carry a foam trophy, a whistle or a bundle of fake papers, never a real hammer. Pin on a handmade "Crunchem Hall" badge. Play it big in the parade, then lose the whistle and belt for lessons.
5. Cat In The Hat Costume With Striped Hat
Most of the Cat in the Hat is plain black clothing, so the effort goes into three pieces. A long-sleeve black top and relaxed black trousers, a large red bow tie and a white oval felt chest panel set the base, with black sneakers or cushioned boots underneath. A soft black tail fixed firmly at the waist and the tall red-and-white striped hat make him readable. I give that hat a lightweight foam or card lining so it stands up instead of flopping over by lunch. Hair goes under it, or wear a short black wig. White face makeup kept to the cheeks, a black nose and simple whiskers are enough. A blue book or two light fishbowl cut-outs make the reference clear.
6. Where’s Waldo Costume With Striped Shirt
Got only tonight? Waldo comes straight out of a wardrobe. A red-and-white striped long-sleeve shirt, straight blue jeans or navy trousers, red-and-white socks and brown lace-ups or sneakers. A red-and-white knit beanie over tucked hair and round black frames without lenses are the two pieces that matter; lens-free frames also stop glare in photos. Keep makeup natural. A cardboard cane is optional, and I usually leave it at home for a busy classroom. A small crossbody satchel and a rolled paper map finish the traveller look. In the parade, drift between groups and let the children try to spot you.
7. Mary Poppins Costume With Blue Skirt Suit
Mary Poppins is a tailoring job, so get the jacket fit right. A navy jacket with a matching ankle-length skirt goes over a high-neck white blouse, ideally with a ruffled collar or a red ribbon bow. Black tights and low-heeled button boots are the feet; an ankle-length skirt means you'll want a heel low enough to manage stairs. A tidy low bun under a small black hat with faux daisies, pinned through the bun. Rosy cheeks, defined lashes and a red lip are classic. Carry a carpet-style tote, a closed black umbrella and a paper tape measure labelled with good qualities, which children enjoy reading. White gloves for the parade, off for teaching.
8. Alice In Wonderland Costume With Blue Dress
Alice stays practical if you keep the dress modest and the props flat. A knee-length blue dress with a white apron over it, white tights or ankle socks and black Mary Jane flats with supportive soles. A black ribbon headband on blonde hair, or a shoulder-length blonde wig. Soft pink cheeks, mascara and a rosy lip are enough. A small teacup, a white rabbit plush, or oversized playing cards cut from poster board are all light to carry. I like a tiny empty bottle with a "Drink Me" tag tied on, because readers spot it straight away. Choose an apron with pockets so your pens and keys have a home.
9. Mad Hatter Costume With Colorful Tailcoat
The Mad Hatter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a thrift-shop treasure hunt. A bright tailcoat or an oversized blazer over a patterned vest and white blouse, cropped trousers, striped socks and sturdy lace-ups. The top hat is the star: dress it with ribbon, paper flowers and a handmade price card, and add a hat elastic so it stays put. Tease your hair around it, or wear a curly orange wig. Peach blush, colourful eye shadow and defined brows keep it playful rather than dark. An empty teapot or a light teacup fixed to a tray is a good prop. Clashing purple, green, orange and teal is the point; the outfit should look deliberately odd but still cover you properly for school.
10. Willy Wonka Costume With Purple Coat
Willy Wonka is a polished outfit with jokes in the details. A purple velvet-look coat over a bright patterned vest, a white shirt and tailored brown or black trousers, plus a colourful bow tie and comfortable dress shoes or boots. A tall brown top hat and a light painted cardboard cane finish the silhouette, which is what children recognise across the playground. Short hair goes neatly under the hat, or a smooth brown bob wig gives a different version of him. Rosy cheeks and a berry lip are plenty. I'd make the sweets from foam or wrapped cardboard; real ones will get eaten or confiscated.
11. Gruffalo Costume With Brown Faux Fur
The Gruffalo looks friendly when the features are soft and the colours are warm. Start with a brown sweatshirt and joggers or leggings, then fabric-glue or stitch purple felt circles down the back for his prickles and add a soft fabric tail at the waistband. Brown sneakers or flat boots. A brown hood or headband carries felt ears, orange eyes and two small stuffed horns; I fill the horns with toy stuffing rather than card so nobody gets poked. Warm brown makeup on the forehead and cheeks, a black nose and whisker dots finish the face, with no sharp teeth. Carry a plush mouse or the picture book. You can peel off layers if the room heats up.
12. Very Hungry Caterpillar Costume With Green Layers
Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar works from tunic to toes in two colours. A green tunic over dark green leggings or trousers, with lighter green felt circles across the front to suggest the segments. Red sneakers or green slip-ons. Use a red beanie or hood as the head and fix purple felt antennae firmly at the top; antennae on a beanie should be stitched, because glue gives way once the knit stretches. Green eye shadow, pink cheeks and a small red lip. Felt fruit with holes punched through, either carried or strung on a light garland, is the clue every preschooler gets. The block colours read from the far end of the hall.
13. Rainbow Fish Costume With Shimmering Scales
Rainbow Fish doesn't need a big structure, just good scales. A blue long-sleeve tunic with blue leggings or wide trousers is the base, with overlapping felt or fabric scales in turquoise, purple, green and silver stitched across the tunic. Blue sneakers or metallic flats. A low ponytail, or a blue bob wig with small fin-shaped clips. Shimmery blue eye shadow and a little silver highlighter keep the face friendly. A light cardboard fin covered in blue fabric sits on the back with soft straps. Carry one shiny silver scale to stand for sharing. I'd never use loose glitter on this; it gets everywhere and you'll be cleaning it out of the carpet for weeks.
14. Paper Bag Princess Costume With Crown
The Paper Bag Princess is cheap, funny and carries a strong message. Make a sleeveless tunic from brown kraft paper over a plain tan dress or long brown tee, and tape it from the inside with clear tape along every seam; paper splits first where it bends, at the shoulders and hips. Brown leggings with neutral sneakers or ankle boots underneath. A deliberately messy ponytail or bun with a little grey temporary colour at the ends gives the smoky look. A smudge of grey eye shadow on the cheeks is enough soot, with no realistic burns. A slightly bent gold paper crown and a plush dragon or a castle sign finish it. Bring a spare paper tunic in your bag just in case.
15. Little Miss Sunshine Costume With Yellow Dress
Little Miss Sunshine is mostly yellow plus one round panel. A bright yellow knee-length dress over yellow tights or leggings, with yellow flats, sneakers or low boots to match. The circle body is a light yellow foam-board panel on soft shoulder straps, with a big smile and simple features painted or glued on. Two high braided pigtails tied with red ribbons, or a brown pigtail wig, and peach blush with a coral lip. A yellow headband and a small storybook help. Foam board scuffs and dents in a crowd, so I tape the edges, and I'd keep the panel ending above the knee so you can still sit, walk and kneel.
16. Day The Crayons Quit Costume In One Color
The Day the Crayons Quit gives you a costume in a single colour. Pick a shade and wear shirt, trousers, socks and sneakers all in it. Two black paper bands around the shirt mimic the wrapper, and a pointed cardstock crayon hat on soft elastic sits on top. Match your eye shadow or eyeliner to the colour and leave the rest plain; hair goes under the hat or gets temporary hair chalk in the same shade. Carry a big handwritten letter explaining why your crayon has quit, plus a cardboard crayon label. This is my favourite staff group idea, because each teacher picks a colour and the line-up looks like a full box.
17. Max Wild Things Costume With White Pajamas
Max from Where the Wild Things Are is cosy, and that helps on a chilly Book Week morning. A white hooded onesie, or a white sweatshirt with relaxed white trousers, gets soft grey felt ears stitched to the hood and large white buttons down the front. A flexible fabric tail fixes at the back. White sneakers or soft grey boots are safer than slippery costume feet on hall floors. A gold paper crown over the hood and a painted cardboard-tube sceptre are his signature pieces. Tuck your hair away and keep makeup to rosy cheeks and a small black nose. You can move freely in it all day.
18. Olivia Costume With Red Striped Shirt
Olivia comes together in black, white and red. A red-and-white striped shirt under a black pinafore or a knee-length black skirt, red tights and black ballet flats or sneakers. Pink felt pig ears go on a red headband; I double the felt so they keep their shape. Pull your hair into a bun or ponytail so the ears stay visible. Pale pink blush, a small pink nose and light eyeliner are friendly. Carry a red handbag, a few art books or a cardboard framed painting. Black-and-white gloves add a graphic touch for the parade. The base is ordinary clothing, so you can teach in it without thinking about it.
19. Pete The Cat Costume With Blue Outfit
Pete the Cat lets you wear a tracksuit all day and still be in costume. A royal blue sweatshirt with matching joggers, leggings or trousers, and red sneakers for his famous shoes. A soft blue tail at the waistband and triangular blue felt ears on a headband, with hair kept close or under a blue beanie. Blue face paint at the temples, a pink nose and simple whiskers. I put big yellow felt eyes on the sweatshirt rather than on your face, which keeps you readable to students. A big handmade button or a cardboard guitar is the prop. Keep every attached piece light so you aren't fiddling with it between lessons.
20. Paddington Bear Costume With Blue Coat
Paddington uses real outerwear, so it doubles as your coat for the morning parade. A royal blue duffle coat over a red sweater and neutral trousers, with brown lace-up boots or supportive shoes. The red bucket hat is what children name him by, and small brown felt ears can sit discreetly just under its brim. Hair under the hat, a soft brown blush, a black nose and a few whisker dots. A small vintage-style suitcase or a light cardboard one with a polite care tag; an empty marmalade jar can ride inside rather than in your hand. On a warm day, swap the coat for a blue cardigan with homemade toggles.
21. BFG Costume With Oversized Waistcoat
For the BFG, size comes from the clothes, not from a mascot suit. Buy everything a few sizes too big at a thrift shop: a loose white shirt under a long brown or olive waistcoat, cropped brown trousers, striped knee socks and sturdy boots. The ears are the most important make. I cut them from stiff felt or card covered in fabric and fix them to a comfortable headband, and I test them for an hour because big ears pull a headband forward. Grey temporary spray or a wig, a little contour for age, and a friendly face. A long gold-painted cardboard trumpet and a jar of colourful paper dreams finish him. Roll the sleeves so the layers stay cool.
22. Sherlock Holmes Costume With Tweed Coat
Sherlock Holmes is classic detective clothing that you could almost wear to a parents' evening. A tweed coat or checked blazer over a white shirt, a buttoned vest and tailored brown trousers, with dark socks and brown brogues or lace-up boots. The deerstalker cap does the identifying; natural makeup and lightly defined brows are all the face needs. Carry a magnifying glass and a small notebook for classroom clues, plus a pocket watch on a chain if you like. Skip the pipe at school. The best use of this costume is a book-themed mystery for the class to solve during the day, and the normal clothing means you'll be comfortable long after the parade.
23. Nancy Drew Costume With Preppy Skirt
Nancy Drew is the quiet choice for teachers who want literary rather than theatrical. A collared blouse, a cardigan and a knee-length plaid or A-line skirt, with opaque tights and supportive loafers or low Oxfords. A smooth shoulder-length bob, soft curls or a practical headband, and neat makeup with pink blush and a rose lip. The props make the character: a magnifying glass, a small torch, a notebook and some homemade clue cards in a structured satchel. Wrap a printed vintage-style book cover around a notebook you already have. Keep to one strong colour, navy, burgundy or forest green, and the outfit reads as a deliberate young detective.
24. Amelia Bedelia Costume With Maid Apron
Amelia Bedelia gives you ready-made lessons, because her literal mix-ups turn into wordplay activities. A modest black midi dress with a crisp white apron and rounded white collar, black tights and cushioned Mary Janes. A small white cap over a bun or a short curled wig, rosy cheeks and a warm pink lip. Carry a feather duster, a recipe card and a list of silly instructions; leave real cleaning products well away from the classroom. I like to pin removable labels onto safe props to act out the jokes, like a paper "draw the drapes" card with a picture of curtains. The black-and-white base is easy to find, and the apron, cap and cards make the connection.
25. Pippi Longstocking Costume With Braided Hair
Pippi brings mismatched colour to the parade. A patchwork pinafore or denim overall dress over a striped long-sleeve shirt, two different knee socks and contrasting lace-up boots. The sideways braids need flexible craft wire hidden inside red hair or a bright red braided wig, with the wire ends bent back and wrapped so they can't scratch anyone. A scatter of freckles, minimal eye makeup and a natural lip. A stuffed monkey or a light cardboard suitcase is the main prop. Sew or pin colourful patches onto the dress. I keep the braids short enough that they don't swipe children, furniture or wall displays as I turn around.
26. Anne Of Green Gables Costume With Pinafore
Anne Shirley's look is practical country clothing. A long-sleeve white blouse under a brown, green or burgundy pinafore dress, with an ankle-length skirt that gives you room to walk and sit. Dark tights and lace-up ankle boots. A straw hat tied with ribbon over two long red braids, your own hair or a natural-looking braided wig. Light freckles across the nose, peach blush and a soft lip. A carpetbag, a slate or a few classic books tied with twine are her props, with faux wildflowers tucked into the bag. Ankle length is lovely for the parade but catches on stairs, so I hem a little shorter for school. Light fabrics keep the layers comfortable.
27. Little Red Riding Hood Costume With Cape
Red Riding Hood is three separates and a cape. A white blouse with a black or brown midi skirt, opaque tights and black ankle boots or ballet flats. The bright red hooded cape is the costume; I'd fasten it with a hook or a short tie rather than a long bow at the throat, which children love to pull. Loose braids under the hood, rosy cheeks and a red-tinted lip. A light wicker basket lined with a checked cloth and filled with paper flowers, fabric bread or children's books. Leave realistic wolf props at home. When the cape comes off for lessons, the basket on your desk keeps the story going.
28. Goldilocks Costume With Yellow Dress
Goldilocks is gentle enough for the youngest classes. A pale yellow or blue knee-length dress with a white apron, cream tights or ankle socks and brown Mary Janes. Soft blonde curls, or a shoulder-length golden wig tied back with a blue ribbon, plus rosy cheeks, a little mascara and a peach lip. Carry a small bowl and spoon in plastic or cardboard. Three plush bears in descending sizes are the clue, and I'd sit them in a basket or on a classroom display instead of carrying them all day. A cardigan covers the shoulders if your school dress code asks for it. No mask, no difficult makeup, no complicated sewing.
29. Fantastic Mr Fox Costume With Rust Blazer
Fantastic Mr Fox suits older grades because it's half animal, half tailoring. A rust blazer or cardigan over a cream shirt and patterned vest, brown trousers and comfortable lace-ups. Pointed orange felt fox ears on a slim headband and a matching fabric tail at the waistband; I stiffen the ear felt with a little fabric stiffener or a second layer so they point up. Keep the tail short. Neat hair, orange-toned makeup at the temples, a black nose and fine whiskers. A canvas satchel of paper vegetables or the novel itself, and a patterned necktie for his dapper streak.
30. Dorothy Gale Costume With Gingham Dress
Dorothy Gale from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz closes the list. A blue gingham pinafore over a white puff-sleeve blouse, white ankle socks and red flats or sneakers instead of heels. Two low braids tied with blue ribbons in brown hair, or a braided brunette wig, with pink cheeks and a soft rose lip. A small wicker basket holds a plush dog and a few fabric flowers. A yellow paper path fixed to a book-shaped sign makes a good parade prop. Loose sequins shed from shoes all day, so I'd use red fabric or removable bows on the toes. She's an easy, comfortable character to teach in.
Paper, Felt and Foam That Hold Up Until the Bell
Many of these costumes rely on a craft piece: a paper tunic, a foam-board panel, a cardstock hat, felt ears. These are the habits that stop them coming apart halfway through the day.
Paper and card
Reinforce every fold and seam from the inside with clear packing tape, and round off the corners of panels and hats so they don't jab anyone in a crowded corridor. Card softens if it gets damp, so if the parade is outdoors and the forecast is grey, cover cardboard props in a layer of clear tape or bring a backup.
Felt and fabric glue
Felt holds well on cotton with fabric glue, but on stretchy knits and slippery polyester it often peels as the garment moves. A few quick hand stitches at each corner fix that. Hot glue is fast for hats and props but turns brittle in the cold and can let go on a chilly morning, so I back it up with a stitch or a strip of tape on anything that matters.
Foam
Thin craft foam is the lightest material for ears, horns and crowns. Keep foam pieces small and attach them on a headband rather than directly to hair. Pack a little kit for your desk drawer: safety pins, a glue stick, tape and a few spare bobby pins.
Who Gets Recognised First at the Parade
The costume that works is the one students name straight away and you can still wear at the last bell. Start from the weather, your school's dress code and the duties on your timetable, then pick a character that fits them; if you have playground duty, choose the coat-based ones. Light props and removable layers beat masks and big structures every time. Tie the costume to a read-aloud, a writing prompt or a classroom mystery so the day does some teaching too. Above all, pick a character you actually like. Children pick up on a teacher having fun with a book, and that is what they remember.
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