Calling all time-poor, non-crafty mamas… World Book Day is nearly here and you don’t have the sewing (or even hot glue gun) skills to create a costume from scratch, then worry not, as we’ve got you. Scroll down below to see our edit of the best non-sew, non-craft, easy World Book Day Costumes for children. And the best bit? All of these ideas are eco-friendly, as you can wear them again and again for different dress-up occasions and pass them along.
What is World Book Day?
If this is the first year your little one will be taking part, World Book Day is an annual event that celebrates reading. UNESCO established World Book Day in 1995, and little ones are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character. If your little one goes to nursery or school, they will likely be taking part.
The Wizard of Oz | Dorothy
Dorothy is a timeless World Book Day favourite and wonderfully easy to put together from items you may already have at home. A blue gingham dress layered over a white T-shirt or blouse creates the classic look, finished with plaits tied in ribbons and a pair of red or sparkly shoes if you have them. Add a small basket and a toy dog for Toto and your little one will be ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road in style. We love this beautiful dress from Jojo Maman Bebe and how cute is the toy lion?
A note on Dorothy’s red slippers
No Dorothy outfit is complete without a pair of ruby-red shoes. These classic red button-strap slippers are the perfect finishing touch, with their glossy leather finish and traditional fastening giving a storybook feel worthy of the Yellow Brick Road. Handmade from soft leather for comfort and durability, they’re a practical choice for busy school days as well as dress-up adventures. Pair with a blue gingham dress and a basket for Toto to complete the look.
The Snail and the whale | The snail
Ideal for younger children, the tiny snail from Julia Donaldson’s The Snail and the Whale makes a sweet and unusual World Book Day costume. This soft snail dress-up set is comfortable and easy to wear, with a padded spiral shell worn on the back and a soft antennae headband to complete the look. Team it with Wheat’s Saxo Jacket and Sasha Trousers. Perfect for imaginative play long after World Book Day is over.
Alice in Wonderland | Alice
Alice is a magical World Book Day favourite, and this floaty blue chiffon dress is a lovely twist on the traditional look. With its soft cape sleeves, plissé bodice and flowing skirt, it creates a storybook feel that’s perfect for stepping into Wonderland, just add a white apron, a black headband and these cute Mary Jane shoes to complete the costume. Ideal for children who want something comfortable and wearable beyond World Book Day.
Guess How Much I Love You | Little Nutbrown Hare
How adorable is this bunny cape from Rockahula? It’s perfect if your little one loves the sweet tale of Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram. And the best bit? They’ll be able to get more wear out of it with Easter coming up too.
Hester the jester
Bring Ben Shecter’s mischievous and fun‑loving jester to life with this colourful dress‑up set. The Avery Row Jester costume comes with a playful hat and soft outfit in bold hues that feel just right for a character who loves making others smile. It’s comfy to wear all day, perfect for World Book Day itself and for imaginative play long after.
The Little Mermaid | Ariel
Dive into World Book Day with mermaid magic thanks to this enchanting dress‑up set. The Avery Row Mermaid Dress Up Set features a soft, wrap‑around tail, a sea‑blue velvet crown and a pretty shell wand with a pop‑out pearl, perfect for bringing Ariel’s under‑the‑sea world to life. Made from organic cotton and velvet with sparkly embroidered details, it’s comfortable for all‑day wear and sure to inspire imaginative storytelling beyond the big day.
See more shopping edits here.
