Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages: you get to dress up, eat candy and party. Picking a costume can be tricky, though. Even though it is 2016, several costume stores still don’t promote feminist costumes. And even though part of the fun of Halloween is pretending to be someone else, it is important to retain and uphold feminist values. Here are some ideas for doing just that.
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Many costume stores, sadly, still do not offer professional costumes for women. But don’t worry; this one you can make on your own. Wear a button down blouse, a blazer and long pants and carry a notepad and camera. You may also carry the newspaper that you would choose to work for. Have fun with it and make a press badge using a lanyard you have lying around.This is a sophisticated and fairly rare costume and it is also very empowering because of its professional nature.
Marie Curie
If you’re more of a science person, then perhaps you might want to think about dressing as Marie Curie. As one of the most influential scientists of her time, Curie broke barriers in her field discovering radium and polonium. She truly proved that women can do anything that men can do, setting a secure foundation for today’s scientists both female and male alike. This costume is a cool one, because it’s not only a science costume but it is also very vintage since she lived in the 19th century––make sure to wear a dress in the style of the time, and also carry around a laboratory flask or some test tubes.
Lisbeth Salander
If you want to go for a dark, Goth look, dressing as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an awesome costume option. She is strong, smart and can kick some serious butt. In addition to her physical strength, Salander’s personal strength is immense: she’s rebellious, confident and doesn’t care what people think. She’s never afraid to stand up for herself and is a wonderful feminist character for that reason. Wear all black clothes, dark makeup, a spiky necklace and a fake nose ring (if you don’t already have one). And you can certainly buy a short black wig as well.
A Suffragette
Why not go back in time and represent the women who fought for voting equality? These tenacious people are an important part of American history, asserting the Constitution’s statement that everyone is truly equal and deserves equal rights. This is also a good costume for anyone who feels passionate about politics. It reminds people of how far our nation has come, and who knows, you might even inspire your indifferent friends to vote.
Hermione Granger
In the way of feminist characters, I must say Ms. Granger is not only a definite must, but undeniably a classic one at that. Her intelligence and cleverness are radiant; she is even portrayed by an actress who has made major strides in feminist activism. Hermione is a dedicated student, an avid book lover and an amazing witch. Granger is a wonderful role model and inspiration to young women, proving Emma Watson’s philosophy that “girls should never be afraid to be smart.”
Whatever You Choose
The options I’ve mentioned are merely suggestions––you may wish to dress up as one of them, but one of the best parts of being a feminist is free will. Lana Del Rey stated that “a true feminist is a woman who feels free enough to do whatever she wants,” and what can be more empowering than doing what you want? You are an important and equal member of society no matter which costume you choose to wear. I have no doubt you’re going to take Halloween by storm.