Jump directly to the content

IT'S World Book Day TODAY - with books and reading celebrated around the globe

So channel your inner Alice, Tin Man, Mary Poppins and more with our guide on the best costume ideas to mark the day.

 Thursday, March 5, 2020, is World Book Day
10
Thursday, March 5, 2020, is World Book Day

Costume ideas for adults

With an array of characters to choose from, there's something for everyone on World Book Day.

The purpose of the day is to celebrate the work of authors, illustrators and reading around the world.

So here's some characters you may like to dress-up as...

Alice in Wonderland

 Alice in Wonderland is a favourite of World Book Day
10
Alice in Wonderland is a favourite of World Book DayCredit: www.fancydress.com

Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, written in 1865, is a literature favourite.

For World Book Day, relive Alice's adventures with her iconic look consisting of a knee-length puffed sleeve dress with a pinafore worn over it.

The tea cup adds a touch of realism to the look.

Wally

 Wally's red and white stripes is a favourite on World Book Day
10
Wally's red and white stripes is a favourite on World Book DayCredit: www.fancydress.com

Martin Handford's Where's Wally became a best seller when it was first published in 1987.

For World Book Day, it might indeed be difficult to spot Wally as the character's red and white striped outfit has proven to be a dress-up favourite.

Willy Wonka

 The Willy Wonka character is famous for his purple coat
10
The Willy Wonka character is famous for his purple coatCredit: www.fancydress.com

Appearing in Roald Dahl's 1964 children's novel Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka's costume is one of the most popular.

A top hat, colourful trousers, and oversized bow tie will do the trick.

However, it is the character's famous purple coat which will set you apart.

Princess Jazmine

 Princess Jazmine is one of the most glamorous Disney princesses
10
Princess Jazmine is one of the most glamorous Disney princessesCredit: fancydress.com

You are never too old to fantasise about being a Disney Princess.

Princess Jazmine is one of the most loved and glamorous fairy tale princesses there are.

On World Book Day, step out in this stylish off-the-shoulder number, paired with heeled sandals for that added touch of glamour.

Costume ideas for children

Harry Potter

 Complete the Harry Potter look with a fake scar
10
Complete the Harry Potter look with a fake scarCredit: Argos

Everybody's favourite wizard is a popular choice for World Book Day.

Head back to Hogwarts with the iconic Gryffindor robe, tie and matching scarf.

A pair of round glasses completes the look but Harry Potter's famous scar will be the icing on the cake!

Mary Poppins

 Mary Poppins is a popular choice for World Book Day
10
Mary Poppins is a popular choice for World Book Day

Transform into PL Travers' most loved character with this ensemble.

The hat serves as a great add on to Mary Poppins' legendary style and the black umbrella is sure to bring the character alive.

The Tin Man

 The Tin Man costume will need lots of tin foil
10
The Tin Man costume will need lots of tin foilCredit: Stewart Williams - The Sun

Get ready to break out the tin-foil with one of The Wizard Of Oz's best loved characters.

With the extra help of a grey T-shirt and shorts, get ready to get on down the yellow brick road.

Snow White

 Grab an apple from the kitchen to complete Snow White's look
10
Grab an apple from the kitchen to complete Snow White's lookCredit: Stewart Williams - The Sun

Step into The Brothers Grimm's 1812 fairy tale with this simple look.

Complete the ensemble with a pair of stockings and a red ribbon.

Grab an apple from the kitchen and you're ready to find Prince Charming!

Gangsta Granny

 The Gangsta Granny look must be completed with the right attitude
10
The Gangsta Granny look must be completed with the right attitudeCredit: Tesco

For a modern take on World Book Day, David Walliams' Gangsta Granny is a comedic choice.

What's needed here is a grey short wig, a granny-inspired dress and a black eye mask.

Complete this look with granny's anti-social attitude, and you are good to go.

Topics