Are you thinking of joining in on the Mardi Gras fun at the library this Saturday, but hesitant because of the costume piece of the puzzle? You can always ‘come as you are’, but I’d like to suggest some really easy author and literary character costume ideas for your inspiration.
You could come as Madeline, Virginia Woolf, or Mark Twain, but those costumes require some specific clothing. Here are some ideas which can come straight from your closet without any special purchases.
Let’s start with a fun one: Nancy Drew. Throw on your favorite twin set, loafers, knee highs and head band and then simply grab a flash light and magnifying glass and you’re good to go. Check out a copy of one of Nancy’s mysteries and it’ll be super obvious who you are.
If you want a younger sleuth, try Harriet the Spy. You’d have a super comfortable evening in this costume: high tops, jeans, and a hoodie. Complete your ensemble with the obligatory magnifying glass, binoculars, flashlight and a notebook for chronicling all of your fun.
Did you read Wild? This would be a sporty costume: Dig out your hiking boots, or maybe just one, and get your back pack, compass, and water bottle or map. Bingo, you’re Cheryl Strand. And you’ll have a very comfortable and athletic evening to boot.
Simply don a pig snout to be one of the villainous swine from George Orwell’s Animal Farm. This is a super easy costume but, on second thought, it’d make it hard to eat and drink all evening. This costume has the added appeal of disappearing into your pocket when you’re tired of the get-up.
For the super lazy: Just get yourself a red “A” and slap it onto your long dress. Bingo, you’re Hester from the Scarlet Letter. Better still if you’re pregnant… This would be an elegant get up which would surely spark many a conversation. There. Done.
For the even lazier: Find yourself a name tag which says: “Hello. My name is…” and instantly become Ishmael from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. This is nothing short of brilliant because it is not only easy, but quite high brow as well.
How about the wildly popular Fifty Shades of Grey? Surely you’ve seen the photo of the fellow who has taped all sorts of paint chips onto his white t-shirt? Here it is. So fun! So easy! This just involves a trip to the paint store and some scotch tape.
How about Bridget Jones from Mad About the Boy? This costume has the added advantage of doubling as your home movie attire for after the gala. No need to change clothes and you even have the wine and ice cream ready to go! Will someone please tell me why you need spanx with your pajamas?
Yet another easy idea: Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman. The problem here is that you’ll need an orange jump suit and that’s not your typical closet staple. Maybe you’ll have to sneak out to the Good Will and just buy anything orange.
I love this idea: dress like you’re in the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This would simply mean only wearing black, white, and red and perhaps painting your face white. This would be a very striking ensemble fit for a gala.
There are so many good ideas for easy literary costumes. Be sure to don one and come to this fun gala. Remember, it’s Saturday March 1 at 7:00 pm at the Main Library. Tickets cost $10 through Brown Paper Tickets or at the door. Enjoy a taste of Everett’s finest restaurants, coffee courtesy of Bookend Coffee, and a cash bar.
The WIld Snohomians will be playing for your listening and dancing enjoyment, and there will be prizes for the best costumes!
As always with Friends events, all proceeds will benefit library services for children and adults. Past Friends events have helped fund the Summer Reading book prizes, the teen area at the Main Library and book group sets.
I hope to see you there!
Be sure to visit A Reading Life for more reviews and news of all things happening at the Everett Public Library.
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