Attention, amateur sleuths! This Nancy Drew costume is the perfect book character costume for women because you can pull from your closet and/or re-use the component pieces you purchase. You’ll love the classic look of this young female detective. Get DIY ideas below.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Nancy Drew Costume
Nancy Drew is one of the most iconic literary characters. Her style is classic, vintage, preppy, feminine, and very American.
Nancy typically wears stylish yet practical clothing for her investigative work in the Nancy Drew books. Her outfits often include tailored blouses, skirts, and blazers. She usually does not wear a hat.
To dress like Nancy, you can take inspiration from real life! In fact, I curated this literary costume based on items from my personal closet. This Halloween costume also makes a great Book Week costume for teachers and would complement a boy’s Encyclopedia Brown costume nicely.
DIY Nancy Drew Costume Ideas Decoded
Nancy Drew Book
Nancy Drew is one of the most popular book series of all time! Carry one with you or re-read one to get into character.
Accessories: Magnifying Glass and Flashlight
Like Nancy, carry an old-fashioned magnifying glass or flashlight, which you may already have at home. If not, above are a few options that match the aesthetic.
Cable Knit Sweater
It’s hard to imagine a sweater more classic than a cable knit sweater. It’s so Nancy Drew, and you will likely re-wear it too!
Plaid Skirt
This brown plaid knee-length skirt is the perfect aesthetic for this costume, and the elastic waistband makes it comfortable and versatile.
Loafers
Top off your costume with comfortable, timeless loafers by Sperry, which are the most comfortable shoes I own. There is tons of padding inside, and they really mold to your foot.
(They run true to size.)
Pearls
Nancy Drew would have clutched her pearls while solving mysteries, and you will too! Here is a simple option if you need pearls.
You can also choose pearl earrings in addition to or instead of a necklace.
Satchel Purse
Lastly, finish your costume with a satchel purse, perfect for carrying your investigative gear and the evidence you gather! (Wink)
Shop the Post
These easy Nancy Drew costume ideas blend vintage style with modern sensibility for those who want to pay homage to the timeless mystery heroine of our favorite children’s books. Pull these (or similar) items from your closet or purchase them now, then re-wear them again!
More Female Book Character Costumes
If you are searching for more adult book character costumes, check out the following posts for women:
- DIY Hermione Granger Costume
- DIY Eloise at the Plaza Costume
- DIY Olivia the Pig Costume
- DIY Madeline Costume
- DIY Pippi Longstocking Costume
- DIY Fern Charlotte’s Web Costume
- DIY Coraline Costume
- DIY Junie B. Jones Costume
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
