Every year, when Halloween rolls around, girls and women are put in the sometimes uncomfortable position of picking a costume. As feminists, it can be difficult to choose a costume that is fun for the holiday, but sticks to your feminist values. Although female Halloween costumes are notorious for showing lots of skin, that doesn’t mean that your costume has to! And on the other hand, just because some women feel hypersexualized in costumes on the never-ending list of “sexy” costumes, it doesn’t mean that you can’t choose a costume that makes you feel sexy! In the end, wear whatever makes you feel most confident and comfortable. After all, Halloween is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Can’t think of any costumes that check all your boxes? Take a look at this list of 15 costumes for feminists. Whether you want to show some skin, make people laugh, or pay homage to your favorite feminist– there’s a costume for you!
- Offred
The Handmaid’s Tale was one of the year’s hottest television series. Winning 8 Emmy’s and a variety of other awards, the Hulu series brought attention to women’s issues in a dystopian world that are sadly becoming relevant to society today. Slip on a long red dress and a white bonnet to portray Elisabeth Moss’ haunting character—maybe your costume will prompt an awesome feminist discussion!
- Wonder Woman
With a box office of over $820 million, Wonder Woman has made a valiant return into popular culture. Throw on your own rendition of the Wonder Woman costume and remind everyone that female superheroes can kick ass too!
- Beyoncé, Kesha, Lady Gaga, or other well-known feminist celebrities
These pop stars are known for not only killing it on stage, but delivering powerful messages about feminism. Put together any of their iconic looks to remind people that feminism is all the rage these days!
- Daenerys Targaryen, or other badass Game of Thrones women
Game of Thrones has shaken up modern television. If you don’t watch it, I guarantee someone close to you does. So channel your inner Mother of Dragons and rule the party.
- Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe Simone Biles, Billie Jean King, or other well-known female athletes
Who says only guys can dress up in sportswear?! Whether you put on a soccer uniform, fun leotard, or a cute tennis skirt, you’re sure to hit it out of the park.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
This 90s hit show introduced many girls’ to their first feminist hero. Take it back a couple decades with some red leather pants and gothic accents and go hunt the endless supply of people dressed as vampires for Halloween night.
- Hermione Granger
While Harry Potter’s title character may be the main focus of the seven HP books, no one can forget the genius and unwittingly hilarious Miss Hermione Granger. Put together a schoolgirl outfit complete with grey knee socks and some untamed locks and Accio your friends to show off your HP knowledge.
- Katniss Everdeen
When Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, she became one of the most prominent heroines! Show off your bravery (and possible archery?!) with your own version of any of the famous Katniss costumes.
- Leslie Knope or Liz Lemon (or Amy Poehler or Tina Fey!)
These comedians played two of the funniest female characters while proving to be true role models to modern day women. Whether you’re more of a Leslie or a Liz, your humor is sure to shine in these awesome costumes.
- Amelia Earhart
Nothing says “feminist icon” like being the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. All you need is a leather jacket and some aviator goggles to portray this historic figure.
- Ellen DeGeneres (or one of Ellen’s famous costumes like “Karla” Kardashian)
She was the first person to star as an openly gay character on prime-time TV. And now, 15 seasons later, she’s one of the biggest comedians in the world. Whether you want to rock a classic Ellen outfit with a blazer and sweater vest or attempt to dress up like one of her many “characters,” I’m sure you’ll make Ellen proud.
- Cleopatra
At only 17 years old, she became one of the most powerful rulers Egypt had ever known. And taking the throne in a time when only men were deemed fit to rule makes her a feminist icon to many. Have some fun with Egyptian-style makeup and beaded jewelry to embody this historical look.
- Hillary Clinton
She almost became the first female president of the United States. And she also happens to have a signature, and easy to copy, style. A short blonde wig, some glasses, and a bright-colored pantsuit is all that you need to recreate the former First Lady’s look.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ah, the “notorious RBG.” Having recently called herself a “flaming feminist litigator,” I think her status as a feminist icon is pretty set in stone. Grab a black graduation gown, some glasses, and a gavel and you’re all set to embody the Supreme Court Justice.
- Rosie the Riveter
A cultural icon representing the working women of World War II, Rosie’s costume is easy to replicate. A blue shirt with rolled up sleeves paired with a red bandana and some red lips completes the costume that defined the feminists of the 40s.