Halloween in college is the time to be something you're not and impress everyone with your amazing creative costuming skills. And no one loves competing in a battle of wits or entering the minds fictional characters more than English majors. This October, put that incredible imagination and wordplay ability to good use by going out as a popular author, villainous character from your favorite series, or dressing up like a human pun! Here's a few costume ideas that'll be sure to show off your literary prowess:
1. Edgar Allan Poe
The original Goth: nothing invokes the spooky Halloween atmosphere more than the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Don a mustache, black overcoat, and of course don't forget to accessorize with an ominous raven companion. If anyone questions who you are just repeat, "Nevermore."
2. Miss Havisham
Centuries before Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, Miss Havisham from Dicken's "Great Expectations" put the "death" into " 'till death do us part." Put on a ripped veil, line it with cobwebs and don a bridal gown that's been yellowed with age and decaying dreams.(groom, sadly, not necessary).
3. Holden Caulfield
Everyone dressing up like something they're not? Salinger's Holden Caulfield would totally think Halloween is a holiday designed for phonies. If you feel like really getting under his skin, go as Holden himself. All you need is a red hunting cap and a catcher's mitt to rescue all those kids from the rye fields.
4. Hamlet and Yorick
Instead of carrying a pumpkin or sleeping bag around to collect all your candy, why not bring along a human skull instead? Throw in a few angsty monologues about the human condition and no one will doubt your commitment to the Bard.
5. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald
Looking for the perfect couple's costume? Embrace the roaring 20's by having you and your significant other go as two titans of the literary social scene: "Great Gatsby" author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda.
6. Rory Gilmore
Rory was an inspiration to an entire generation of bookworms. Over 7 seasons of "Gilmore Girls" she references an astounding 339 different books and even ends up pursuing an English degree at Yale. Pay homage to the youngest Gilmore this Halloween by recreating her Chilton school uniform with a blue blazer, plaid skirt, black knee highs. Give it that signature Rory touch by slipping on a pair of Converse.
7. Matilda
Another icon to library loving kids everywhere, Matilda channeled her amazing brain into actual super powers! Recreate the look of this beloved Roald Dahl character by placing a red bow on the top of your head, slipping on an old-fashioned '60s striped dress, and carting around a toy wagon packed with books!
8. The Portrait of Dorian Gray
Looking for a truly creepy matching costume idea to do with your BFF this October 31st? Have one person go as the dapper and gorgeous Dorian Gray while the other person paints themselves to look like his hideous and sinful self-portrait.
9. The Oxford Comma
There are few issues that get an English major more heated than the ongoing debate over whether or not the Oxford Comma is "necessary" when writing out a list. If you want to represent Team Oxford Comma, all you need is a plain white sweater some black felt. Extra pun points if you add a pair of oxford shoes to the outfit as well!
10. Scout's Ham Costume
While all the other little girls long to dress up like princesses and ballerina's, "To Kill a Mockingbird's" Scout wore her ham costume in the school play with with pride. Channel Scout's uniqueness and tomboy confidence by making your own Christmas ham suit!
11. Boo Radley
Those looking for a no-hassle Halloween option should take their inspiration from this "To Kill A Mockingbird" character. Get out of that boring costume party by telling everyone you're going as Boo Radley this year and you never have to leave your house.
12. A Barista
Beat everyone else to the "unemployed English major" punchline by going as one of the employees at your local Starbucks. Hey, at least we always have our cleverness and sense of wit to fall back on.
