In September, the infamous costume retailer Yandy released a sexy version of the iconic red gown with white bonnet from the award-winning show, The Handmaid’s Tale for Halloween. This immediately sparked outrage. It is undeniable that the company who created this was  tone-deaf to the costumes perception. The long red dress and white bonnet is worn only by female characters who are treated as property and used for their fertility. By sexualizing the symbol of oppression to commercially attractive standards, the sexy costume underlines the dystopian concept in the show: that the only valuable aspect of a woman is her capability of being sexy.

Going as a sexy Handmaid is not okay in my opinion. But maybe we shouldn’t judge women if they want to wear sexy costumes for Halloween.

Throughout history, women have been told they shouldn’t flaunt their sexuality or else they would be looked down upon. Except, typically, on Halloween. Sexy Halloween costumes for women have become a norm in our society. It’s a rare opportunity for women to avoid being slut-shamed. That, despite dressing overly sexy, their “slutty” appearance is just a costume they can shed. In a way, Halloween offers some freedom for women to be sexy. Women shouldn’t be embarrassed for their showing off their sexuality nor should they feel they can only be sexy for one holiday per year.

Yandy’s statement for removing the sexy Handmaid’s costume touts that it was supposed to be “an expression of women’s empowerment.”  Seems like an oxymoron from a site that sells culturally offensive sexy costumes and just twisted sexualized versions of memes, Yandy might have a point. If women want to wear sexy costumes on Halloween, they should be allowed to. If women want to wear sexy outfits on a daily basis, they should be allowed to. Sexy outfits are not an invitation for sexual misconduct. And a woman should feel empowered when she feels sexy. She should not feel ashamed.

There are worthwhile caveats to mention. Unfortunately, some still think that when a woman wears something sexy, she wants “some.” It’s the same case for Halloween costumes. Much of society is all too eager to police women’s appearance and their sexuality. The other issue is that Yandy, media, celebrities, and societal perceptions display common ideas of what “sexy” looks like and what sexy is. It’s not always short skirts, low cleavage, sky high heels, etc. Whether it’s a Halloween costume or a weekend outfit, every woman should define what sexiness looks like for herself.  What makes a woman sexy is up to her, not what is manufactured by a costume company.

So go be a sexy princess or bunny if you want to. And do it on your terms, you sexy person.