To ask for help for a middle aged woman who needs a fancy dress costume?

[BlessYourCottonSocks]

As in me. For ruddy world book day. Any suggestions for a size 18/20 menopausal woman will be gratefully received.

I need to be:-

1. Instantly recognisable to teenagers (CBA to spend the day explaining who I am to them)
2. Cool. Hot flushes combined with windows that don't open more than an inch means my favoured costume would probably be a bikini at the moment - if I didn't fear I would traumatise most of my students irreparably.
3. Comfy. See weight/age/menopause.

I'm frankly lacking any brilliant ideas (other than asking the gurus of Mumsnet for help). I've been Cruella in the past. And Professor McGonagall. I'm not bothered about looking an idiot, particularly - I have little dignity at the best of times.

Not sweating and being recognisable would basically do me. Any suggestions gratefully received!

I love the Miss Havisham idea, I would make a fake dusty wedding cake with mice on for my desk. I do prop making though so go all out for fancy dress.

Miss Haversham it is, folks!

Managed to find a lot of Halloween cobwebs and spiders along with old net curtains so I can rig up some kind of 'wedding gown from hell' look!

Draped in cobwebs and with a wedding cake I should be a sight to behold. Many thanks one and all for the suggestions - I shall bear some in mind for next year too!

Havisham Spelling!

I've taught 'Great Expectations' for GCSE in the past.

Such a fun idea. Really good book character. :)

Dennis the menace - black shorts: boots and red and black striped top

You could buy white chocolate mice and casually eat a few while at your desk.

Yes! Peanut. Liking it...

I need stopped clocks in the room too.