World Book Day, arguably the most imaginative annual charity event held in the UK and Ireland, will soon be upon us. Kids get to decree their favourite book character and parents have the fun job of putting together a pre-approved costume, usually having to meet some pretty high standards. (We feel the pain of the mum whose little one insisted on attending as ‘Norman The Slug With The Silly Shell.’)
For teachers, the choice is perhaps a little more limited with the necessity of adhering to ‘age appropriate’ attire being a major consideration. Stephen King’s Pennywise or Stieg Larsson’s Lisbeth Salander are probably not the wisest of options – although we’re still on the fence when it comes to both Gollum and The Child Catcher. (Please send pictures if either of these villains make the cut for your World Book Day outfit.)
If you’re determined to be more organised than the forgetful Dad who sent his children to school as pages from the Argos catalogue, take some inspiration from our customised list of World Book Day Costume Ideas For Teachers:
Harry Potter
Transform PE into Potions Class or Design & Technology into Defence Against the Dark Arts by opting for a Harry Potter themed costume. Whether you’re Team Harry or Team Voldemort, instant recognition is guaranteed. Perform a couple of spells and rehearsed chants to really freak out the class.
The uber talented face and body paint artist Simone Cleary transformed herself into 3 ‘alternative’ Harry Potter characters, all relatively easy to replicate for World Book Day. (The characters, not the intricately designed body paint!) Simone wears the Dolores Umbridge Wig to complete the cruelest of Hogwarts teacher’s ensemble. Head-to-toe pink, teacup and saucer and cat adorned jewellery is your go-to get up.
The Autumn Orange Wig pictured is ideal for the Ginny Weasley character. A Hogwarts robe is essential while the Quidditch–worthy broomstick is optional.
Our favourite, oft-forgotten Harry Potter alternative character has to be Moaning Myrtle. Greyed uniform, matching translucent skin in an attractive shade of death, plus a pair of round frames does the trick. Simone cleverly reproduced the school girl style pigtails using the versatile clip in half wig hairpiece in shade ‘Brunette Is Best’.
The eternally loved Hermione Granger character will always be a favourite among the kids and her distinctively messy ‘un-done’ hairstyle has been replicated in detail to create the Adult Hermione Granger Wig. Alternatively, the Brown Fairytale Fantasy Wig adds some oomph to any 'clever witch' costume.
Probably the most entertaining witch to impersonate from the Harry Potter world. The heinous Bellatrix Lestrange is ideal for any teacher looking to embrace a big character for World Book Day, and really have some fun in class. All black, or the quirky Azkaban jumpsuit, a Bellatrix Lestrange Wig and a short temper are mandatory.
Gisel cleverly adapted the Hermione Granger Wig for her incredible Professor Trelawney design. We think the class may be in 'graaaave danger' of more homework with this choice.
Alice's Adventures In Wonderland
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Lewis Carroll’s classic. Villains, heroes, plus a weird and wonderful supporting cast provide plenty of options, with both traditional and modern Wonderland themed costumes widely available.
The bright and bold Mad Hatter is a popular choice for lovers of colour and creativity. Simon finished off her beautiful interpretation with the Female Mad Hatter Wig.
Makeup wiz Nastia wears the Malibu Angel Lace Front Wig to complete her Alice In Wonderland costume.
Character chameleon Elly wears the Red Fairytale Fantasy Wig as the finishing touch to her glam Queen of Hearts costume.
Looking for some help with your Wonderland themed makeup? Check out Courtney Little’s YouTube channel for a full series of tutorials.
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz
The innocent protagonist from the beloved story will always be a popular choice for World Book Day. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there is an array of eccentric characters to consider including flying monkeys, witches of both evil and virtuous persuasions, and of course Dorothy’s main squad.
Petra wears the Dolly Wig to complete her super sweet Scarecrow look, Isabelle wears the Retro Betty Wig (and some impressive green body paint) while Kim’s insane lion design features the Blonde Curly Afro Wig.
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
We're fully onboard with strolling into class as the White Witch armed with a bag of Turkish Delight to bribe share with your students. And if you're feeling really adventurous, you could always opt for a full-blown lion or the wardrobe itself. We're keeping everything crossed for you to find Narnia hiding in your desk drawer.
Giulia wears the Candy Doll Wig. Julia wears the Peach Angel Lace Front Wig. Simone wears the Lauren Silver Wig.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Want to outfox your students with a clever costume? The perfect excuse to strut around the classroom in a snazzy suit, plotting your next chicken heist / pop quiz. Get practising your whisker twitches and witty comebacks.
Isabelle wears the Red Fairytale Fantasy Wig.
Fairytale Princess
Any of the classic fairy tale princess characters make a great pick, particularly for infant classes. Embrace full on princess attire for a day, a far cry from the everyday pantsuit and flats combo, and behold a class of the best-behaved children in the kingdom, enchanted by the presence of a real-life princess! (We do not make any guarantees about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information.)
Cat wears the Belle Beauty Wig. Cassie wears the Cinderella Wig. Carla wears the Rapunzel Wig. Anna wears the Snow White Wig. Zoe wears Village Belle Wig. Jules wears the Ariel Wig.
The Hundred and One Dalmatians
Cruella de Vil - A true villain with plenty of versatility in regards outfit choice. Easy to put together at home using a monochrome colour scheme and some faux fur accessories. Screaming ‘I want those puppies’ all day might be kind of fun too.
Tatiana wears the Cruella Deville Wig.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Mrs. Lovett – The perfect excuse for English Literature and History teachers to clarify the eponymous character’s Dickens origin, and the fact that Sweeney Todd is most definitely not a real life historical figure, right…?
Another miscreant portrayed brilliantly on the big screen by Helena Bonham Carter and reimagined spectacularly by Giulia. The photo artist featured the long red crimped wig and fabulously creepy, severed finger meat pies by Lady Scream.
The Great Gatsby
Daisy Buchanan – Ranked impressively at number 4 on the ‘Greatest Books Of All Time’ list, The Great Gatsby serves as ample justification to break out the tassels and sequins. The leading lady may be a rather hateful character, quite literally a weed, but she certainly has style!
Morgan wears the Daisy Wig.
Peter Pan
Tinker Bell - Convince a class of little ones that you are in fact a magical being armed with a wand and pixie dust. The ability to transform ‘learning time’ into ‘play time’ is at your disposal, while the amount of homework can be magically halved (or doubled). A well-rehearsed explanation as to the absent flying skills is recommended.
Lily wears the Tinkerbell Wig.
Scooby-Doo And The Haunted Castle
Looking to bring some mystery-solving vibes to your classroom? Why not go full Scooby-Doo gang on World Book Day?
Velma, Daphne and the big dog himself are the standout characters (while Shaggy's laid-back style might be tempting, showing up with the munchies might raise a few eyebrows at the PTA meeting - plus, your attempts to blame everything on the dog probably won't fly with the Head.)
Solenn wears the Deep Crush Wig, the Autumn Orange Wig and the Bronze Beauty Lace Front Wig.
Mary Poppins
Undoubtedly a favoured pick for World Book Day, Mary Poppins is the practically perfect choice in every way.
The more traditional outfits have been picked up by the supermarkets and online costume stores, owing to the success of the film sequel, and our Mary Poppins Wig has been designed with precise detailing, depicting the ‘up-do’ hairstyle of the most famous British nanny impeccably. Don’t forget the all-important talking umbrella, - we've spied several budget replicas on Amazon and EBay.
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Violet Beauregarde just before her big blueberry moment = easy yet impactful. All you need is a track suit, a championship belt, a blonde bob wig and a bit of blue makeup for your nose. Just don't be surprised if your students start eyeing your gum stash or asking if you're feeling a bit... blue.
Charlotte wears the Film Star Fling Wig.
The Queen's Orang-Utan / The Queen's Nose / Gangsta Granny
The late Queen Elizabeth II is featured in more books than you can shake a scepter at. Grab a pastel-colored suit, pop on a wig, and don't forget the signature pearls and handbag. For extra authenticity, practice your royal wave and perfect that polite smile that says, "I'm interested, but not too interested." Bonus points if you can induce the mandatory bows and curtsies on mass.
Nastia wears the Queen Elizabeth Old Lady Wig that doubles as the perfect Gangsta Granny wig.
Little Red Riding Hood
The classic Little Red Riding Hood is a costume that's easy to throw together and instantly recognisable. A clever springboard for lessons about stranger danger or the importance of staying on the path?
We would most definitely recommend swerving the grisly wolf scratch detail, seeing as the ultimate goal is to inspire a love of reading, as opposed to a fear of wild animals moonlighting as family members.
Sara wears the Red Fairytale Fantasy Wig.
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare's classic tragedy provides as much drama and as many plot twists as Game of Thrones, and similarly provides the opportunity to carry around a vial of 'poison' (aka fruit juice.) If anyone asks why you're dressed as a 13-year-old, just tell them you're exploring the timeless themes of teenage drama and poor life choices
Carla wears the Renaissance Wig.
Make our literary dreams come true and tag us in your World Book Day pictures - @star.style.wigs
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