Ideas for (staff) World Book Day costumes

[TheMadGardener]

It's that time of year again. Over many years working in schools I've worn many a World Book Day costume. I've been witches, Mr Magnolia, a pirate queen, the Mad Hatter, fairy tale characters, all sorts.

I am now of - ahem - maturer years and do not want to wear anything too ridiculous. The school where I now work is Very Big on dressing up and some of my younger colleagues will be going all out with their costumes.
Can anyone suggest something I can pull together which will make me look not too ridiculous but also not so boring that I look like an old killjoy? What are you going as?

I was Pippi Longstocking one year. Denim pinafore, t-shirt, socks and freckles.

Another year Willie Wonka, in a long velvet coat and top hat.

And another time Thomas the Tank engine, in a blue jumpsuit, painted face, cardboard chimney hat and train number on my pocket. Could be a range of trains depending on jumpsuit colour.

Thomas the tank engine sounds brilliant but would be much too out there for me!

Have sourced a hat and a parrot umbrella to turn a previous outfit into Mary Poppins, seems like a safe bet!

Any costume I wear this year will need to be v low-key as I'm taking my class swimming that afternoon!

Onesies are my friend.. I've been a lion (The Lion Inside) and a giraffe (Giraffes can't dance) in different onesies. Can be a bit warm though...
This year we are doing PJs rather than costumes. So I will wear a onesie again!

@TheMadGardener I was Mary Poppins a few years ago. Fitted jacket, white blouse, long skirt. I found a hat and stitched a flower on and a big bag. I have no idea for Thursday. Im so over this now.

@DrMadelineMaxwell

Any costume I wear this year will need to be v low-key as I'm taking my class swimming that afternoon!

@DrMadelineMaxwell I had this issue a few years ago (having to go swimming on WBD!).

I dressed all in black and went as The Dark from the book by Lemony Snicket. Any good to you?

I have a few options. I have a t shirt which is merchandise linked to a set of books I like to read - not kids books though. I've gone in PJs and dressing gown as Hitchikers before. I have a nice t shirt with a pile of books on and a slogan about reading, which I might wear. And I have a black t shirt that I sewed ladybird wings onto to be the ladybird from James and the giant peach.

They are a lot easier than donning the floor length medieval dress I've worn as a Lord of the rings elf before now!

We're going on a bear hunt - go in normal clothes and take a teddy

I’m in primary so try to keep it child friendly. How about Gangster Granny? You could talc your hair if not grey, don a burgleresque black and white striped top or just grannyish clothing. Make a burgled mask from black card or butcher a black Covid mask some how.

@Benjispruce5

I’m in primary so try to keep it child friendly. How about Gangster Granny? You could talc your hair if not grey, don a burgleresque black and white striped top or just grannyish clothing. Make a burgled mask from black card or butcher a black Covid mask some how.

I did this a year years back - used an old black sock to cut up and with holes in for a mask, a baggy stripey cardigan, long skirt, wrinkled socks, eyeliner wrinkles and went OTT with the dry shampoo. Pinned a 'swag' sign to a spare PE kit bag and was good to go!

Pjs, dressing gown, turkish delight. Easy Edward from Narnia.

Grey and white striped top, cat ears, go as Mog?

I’m Gangster Granny again. Quite easy once you’ve got a wig. Got DD’s 6th form Zoom parent’s evening after school so had better remember to degranny!

PJs and dressing gown - Sophie from the BFG

The snow queen?
Miss cackle/miss hardbroom from the worst witch
Something from alan ahlberg happy families - mrs lather?