19 of the Best Literary Halloween Costumes for Book Lovers

We’re all about coordinating our costumes with our BFFs and channeling our favorite celebs on October 31. But since we’re bibliophiles, it’s also a perfect time to recreate some of our favorite characters from the stories we love. Whether they’re childhood favorites or novellas that scared the heck out of us, we’ve rounded up 19 bookworm-approved literary costumes for your Halloween weekend.

1. Alex from A Clockwork Orange: Before it was a movie that scared the eff out of us, it was a novella that put Goosebumps to shame. For a feminized version of Alex, opt for a white outfit and thick false eyelashes for your bottom lash line. Viddy well. (via Designlovefest)

2. Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians: All good Disney movies were inspired by even better books. This evil villain has her own song and would be oh-so fierce this Halloween. Bonus points if you tote around a cute puppy. (via Brit + Co)

3. Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games: Excuse us while we freak out over this makeup. We’re in love with this interpretation of the bubbly District 12 escort. (via Miranda Hedman)

4. Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland: We’re all mad here. Keep this costume simple with an all-black ensemble and look to this photo for makeup inspiration. (via Deviant Art)

5. Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter Series: Luna Lovegood is truly a girl after our own heart: creative, fun and a total daydreamer. And admit it — you’d love to get your hands on a copy of The Quibbler and search for nargles. (via Deviant Art)

6. Pippi Longstocking: This nine-year old gal had superhuman strength, a whole lotta spunk and completely insane pigtails. Channel her energy this Halloween with some overalls and a hanger hair hack. (via Brit + Co)

7. Nancy Drew: Chances are, you solved many a mystery alongside Nancy Drew in your childhood days. Why not take a trip down memory lane with a costume this year? Most of these pieces are probably already in your closet! (via Ashley Brooke Designs)

8. Eloise: This Eloise costume is fashioned out of basic pieces that you probably already have. And we’re totally down for any Halloween costume that requires our dog’s participation. (via I Literally DIY)

9. Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland: Here’s another nutty character from one of our childhood favorites. With the right hairstyle or wig, this look would be a cinch to pull off. Be sure to brush up on your riddles before getting into costume. (via Brit + Co)

10. Marla and Tyler from The Fight Club: We all swooned over Brad Pitt as bad boy/split personality Tyler Durden, but we also totally admired Marla Singer’s DGAF attitude. This would make an awesome couple’s costume, but Marla is also badass enough to fly solo, don’t you think? (via Carlos Adama Photography)

11. Party Girls from The Great Gatsby: Grab some of your accessories and pile ’em on — you’ve got a party at Jay Gatsby’s to attend. (via Glam Radar)

12. Irene Adler from Sherlock Holmes Series: Although Irene Adler only appeared in one Sherlock Holmes short story, she leaves quite an impression. Opt for your highest heels and your best smirk. (via Deviant Art)

13. Max from Where the Wild Things Are: We’ve dreamt of being the kings and queens of the Wild Things since we were little. Major bonus: This costume could totally double as a pajama set. If you have a little one who still needs a costume, try this one out instead. (via Flattery)

14. Scarlett O’Hara from Gone With the Wind: Going for something a little more classic? This Scarlett O’Hara costume is all about layers upon layers and effortless elegance. (via LifeLookLens)

15. Madeline: Take a page from Madeline’s style book and opt for this cute, simple costume. That’s all there is; there isn’t any more. (via Classy in the Classroom)

16. Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter Series: Who wouldn’t want to dress as Hogwarts’s most captivating ghost? (via Kate Johns)

17. Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus: We all spent some serious time daydreaming about a magical field trip that would take us somewhere amazing. Recreate the magic as the Friz herself. (via Imgur)

18. Fleur Delacour from the Harry Potter Series: You’ll probably encounter a few Hogwarts school uniforms while you’re out and about over Halloween weekend. Do something a little different and go as the It girl of Beauxbatons Academy instead. (via Buzzfeed)

19. Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Cat in the Hat: Cause a little mischief with your BFF with these adorable Dr. Seuss-inspired costumes. Believe it or not, you can hack this costume with a red maxi skirt, paper and a bright blue wig. (via Brit + Co)

What literary figure is your costume of choice? Share in the comments!

My niece just got done telling me, "Aunt Haley, I can't believe you've only seen the movies! The Harry Potter books are SO much better!" Obviously, I know she's right — everyone tells me the books are better, but I just can't seem to find the time to dig into what feels like such a massive literary undertaking. And while that probably sounds dramatic, I know I'm not alone, which is why I'm so excited about the upcoming Harry Potter audiobooks!

Varietyreports that Audible and Pottermore Publishing are set to release all seven book recordings with a mighty cast of actors for each character. While the beloved books and the incredible stories within won't change, we can't wait to see — or er, hear — what new life these actors breathe into them. Here's everything we know about the updated Harry Potter audiobooks!

Who's recording the new Harry Potter audiobooks?

Image via Warner Brothers Pictures

None of the voice actors for the Harry Potteraudiobooks have been announced yet. All we know is that there are 100+ actors involved in this exciting production.

When are the new Harry Potter audiobooks coming out?

Image via Warner Brothers Pictures

According to Variety we'll get these new Harry Potter audiobooks in "late 2025." However, we won't get all seven audiobooks at once — each will come out sequentially.

Are there any other Harry Potter audiobooks?

Image via Audible

The original 1999 audiobooks, performed by Stephen Fry and Jim Dale are always a crowd favorite among Potterheads. Outside of the original books, Audible has other audiobooks available in the Harry Potter universe. They include:

  • “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” read by Jude Law
  • “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” read by Natalie Dormer
  • “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” read by Eddie Redmayne
  • “Quidditch Through the Ages” read by Andrew Lincoln

For more pop culture news, be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Header image via Warner Brothers Pictures

From running on 3 hours of sleep to constant diaper changes, mamas do so much. We've teamed up with @diapergenieofficial for a special Mother’s Day gift to make things easier for new moms: receive a FREE Diaper Genie Select Pail with square refill technology, plus enough refills to get you off to a great start! The giveaway will consist of one Select Pail + four Jumbo Refills for an associated value of up to $118. Say goodbye to diaper odors in style with this sleek, easy-to-use pail. The winner will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card to shop for all their baby and household needs. Check the deets below!

Enter to win a new Diaper Genie Select Pail and four Jumbo Refills here. Giveaway ends on May 31. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 5.

Good luck mamas! #DiaperGenie #MothersDayMagic

Harry Potter is one of my go-to comfort movies when I need a dose of nostalgia. I own a replica of Hermione Granger's Yule Ball earrings, and my Harry Potter Funko figurine sits in my room at all times — including during my Zoom call with Tom Felton. He's excited about Funko's newest collab with Kinder Joy, but is maybe less so about my Harry Potter house scarf, which confirms I'm a Ravenclaw instead of a Slytherin like him ("That looks blue to me," the actor, who played Draco Malfoy, jokes).

He might tease his cast mates on Instagram for the fact they're also not in Slytherin, but rest assured, it's all in good fun. "There's definitely a group chat, I'm pretty sure it's titled Potterheads," he says with a smile. "It sounds cheesy [but] we do feel like a family. So it's great to see any of them. I golf with the Weasley twins [James and Oliver Phelps] a lot. When I'm lucky enough to see Dan [Radcliffe] in his new plays, it's always great. Rupert [Grint] lives around the corner from me in London, so I see him quite frequently."

Image via Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Reconnecting with the rest of the cast of Harry Potter isn't the only thing that transports Tom Felton back in time — seeing his brand new Funko does too! "Usually when someone...shows me a new version, I'm just like, 'Where did you get it?'" he says. "There's one of Draco in his Quidditch outfit, which immediately takes me back to my broomstick days. But they all have their own unique little charms."

Funko is currently collaborating with Kinder Joy, which Tom and I agree feels like the muggle version of the Hogwarts Express trolley ("You get excited about the chocolate, and then after that, you get the Easter egg surprise inside"). He also says both brands bring up plenty of memories from his 10-year stretch at Hogwarts.

Image via Warner Bros.

And as it turns out, Tom Felton and I have very vivid memories around the same movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. My local children's museum hung larger-than-life posters promoting the film, and I remember feeling how much emotional weight this particular movie held, especially as we neared the end of the story. The 2009 film catapulted the series into its final two installments, and played a huge role in Draco Malfoy's arc.

"[At the time,] we weren't privy to where our characters were going so all I did really was just focus on who [Draco] was in that particular film," Tom says. "Which is why shooting Half-Blood Prince was probably the most enjoyable. To see the the reason why Draco is, well, the way he is, I thought it was very impactful and I'm amazed at the subtleties that fans pick up on now about his story. It's a very multi-layered character."

Image via Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

While Tom Felton says Draco's not a good guy, he also believes the character doesn't want to end up like his father. "I think he would rather make peace than start another fight," he tells me. "He's done enough fighting...I think it's time that he chilled out a bit."

For his own relaxation, Tom recently made a trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden (where the cast filmed the series) "just to sort of pop in and see home."

"I spent like three hours...just walking around and seeing how much people enjoy it," he says. "There was a teenager with her mom taking a picture of my costume and I couldn't help but photo bomb thinking it was, you know, a nice surprise or it would be funny. But I was quickly ushered [away] by her mom saying, 'Would you mind?' So I thought that was quite funny."

Even if you haven't made the trip to London to see the Studios in person, you probably recognize them from Max's Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special, where Tom Felton reunited with the rest of the Harry Potter cast.

"I think the 20-year reunion was the reminder of, crikey time flies," he continues. "We're all bona fide adults now, but still feel like kids, I think, at heart because as soon as you put us all in the room together, we just go back to who we were when we first met. So that's a nice feeling."

​Rapid Fire With Tom Felton

Image via Tom Felton/Instagram

Brit + Co: You record your own music, but what are you listening to right now?

Tom Felton: It changes day to day. I mean, my staple answer is the Beatles because I never get bored of it. George Harrison being my — well, not favorite Beatle, you can't really pick one, but you know what I mean — I listen to a lot of his stuff. I love Ed Sheeran's work, huge fan of him. I recently discovered a new artist, Ren. Really think he's very skillful so I've been enjoying his music too.

Brit + Co: Harry Potter is our ultimate comfort watch, what's yours?

Tom Felton: I wanna say something that [Harry Potter director] Chris Columbus has done, like Home Alone is a very comforting film. I mean, even The Borrowers, to be fair, was pretty cool. The Simpsons was a big one.

Image via Warner Bros.

Brit + Co: Would Draco get along with any of the other characters you've played?

Tom Felton: It depends how old Draco was, but long answer short, no. I played the Boogie Man in a film called Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting and he's a bit of an evil rock star. So, maybe they would meet up once a week to play chess together.

Brit + Co: Who's your dream future co-star?

Tom Felton: I mean, I'd work with any one of my fellow wizards and witches again. I suppose off the bat I would say Jason Isaacs just because I love working with him and you learn so much [from him]. But I think also there is a secret desire for me and Daniel [Radcliffe] to be in a film together where he plays the villain and I get to be the good guy.

Did you watch Harry Potter growing up? Let us know your favorite Tom Felton + Draco Malfoy moment on Facebook!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Lead image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading books in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.

Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.

Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 24 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 16 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Image via Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Image via Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Header Image via Amazon

Growing up on the Outer Banks means I've gone through my fair share of swimsuits. All it takes is one summer of surfing wipeouts, sun bathing, swimming, and hitting up the shops (because you really do everything in a bathing suit on the OBX) to know exactly which bathing suit brands are worth buying — and which are cheap enough to avoid forever. I took to social media to ask real Outer Banks locals which bathing suit brands they can't get enough of. Keep reading for all the details!

Target

Image via Target

I know y'all love Target just as much as I do — and along with their home decor, cute shoes, and comfy clothes, their bathing suit options are some of my friends' favorites. Target's got a ton of diverse and affordable swimwear options that is full of different styles, sizes, and prices. That means there's something for everyone! I'm obsessed with this Underwire Bralette Bikini Top and High Waist High Leg Extra Cheeky Bikini Bottom.

Aerie

Image via Aerie

Aerie is perfect for Outer Banks fans because it's one of the most-used bathing suit brands on the show! This store balances style with comfort and casual, and TBH half the swimsuits are cute enough to be tank tops. Their bathing suits will make you feel confident and add a pop of color to your summer wardrobe! This Smiley® String Triangle Bikini Top and Cheekiest Tie Bikini Bottom are a great place to start ;).

​Old Navy

Image via Old Navy

Old Navy is a great place to shop for affordable basics, and that definitely extends to swimsuit season. Their bathing suits come in a range sizes, and they're durable, classic, and super affordable (a lot of them are under $20!). They also have just enough Americana edge to live out your '00s rom-com dreams. I can't stop looking at the Zip-Front Bikini Swim Top and High-Waisted Bikini Swim Bottoms.

Body Glove

Image via Body Glove

Body Glove is one bathing suit brand that's just as functional as it is stylish, and it's also equal parts feminine and sporty for any gal who's always on the go. The Free Flow Eli One-Piece Swimsuitis one of my favorite suits because it's so colorful and it's also supportive, which you absolutely need when taking part in a treasure hunt.

AlySwim

Image via AlySwim

If you're looking for the true Outer Banks experience, then you should grab a suit made by someone who grew up there! AlySwim is totally customizable, and a lot of the suits are reversible so you get two looks for the price of one. With trendy patterns and vibrant colors, bathing suits like the Blue Hawaiian Eva Top and Bottoms will make a bold statement.

Rey Swimwear

Image via Rey Swimwear

The bathing suits from Rey Swimwear are as classy as they come, and it feels like there are endless options for colors, patterns, and silhouettes. There are also options for longer torsos, which is such a blessing for us #TallGirls. Sarah Cameron would be all over this Marie bathing suit!

More Bathing Suit Brands OBX Locals Love

Image via Kenny Flowers

Maaji is the thing of our '90s dreams, and each bathing suit will make you feel the summer magic we crave all year long. I love the Hot Magenta Adhara V Wire Bralette Bikini Top and Sublimity Regular Rise Classic Bikini Bottoms!

Left on Friday is for the minimalists. But just because the swimsuits are simple and elegant doesn't mean they're boring — and the asymmetrical silhouette on the Shoreline Suit proves it.

Kenny Flowers immediately reminds me of Palm Royale every time I look on their site because of the old school vibe and bright colors. I NEED the Acapulco Underwire Bikini Top and High Waist Bikini Bottom!!

Lime Ricki is the place to go if you're looking for modest swimsuits that will also turn heads all summer long. The bold prints and bright colors are both nostalgic and playful, and it's also a really accessible brand. Celebrate your individuality in a suit like the Shell Stripe Ruffle-Strap One Piece.

Korni Jeane lets you mix and match different vibes to create a bathing suit that's unique to you and your personal aesthetic. I'm confident Kiara would love this Bandeau Top and All Ruffled Up Bottoms.

Every cute bathing suit needs equally cute accessories so check out The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked next!

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Lead image via Kenny Flowers