11 Feminist Halloween Costumes That Show Who Run The World

by Sarah Bunton

Oct. 3, 2016

If you're anything like me, this time of year can be a little bit tricky when it comes to balancing your views on gender equality and celebrating a holiday which historically has treated the female form as a sexual object. But who says feminists can't have fun, too? As it turns out, with a bit of imagination and creativity, you can find plenty of feminist Halloween costumes which won't compromise your beliefs. Dressing up as an iconic feminist figure can make an empowering statement and start some great conversations, too.

From first wave feminist leaders, like Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth, to modern-day celebrities taking on the cause, like Laverne Cox and Emma Watson, there is no shortage of inspiration when it comes to choosing who you want to dress up as this year. One of the perks about the intersection of Halloween and feminism is that it's a time when you can be whoever you'd like and be celebrated for it.

So if you're getting frustrated sorting through sexist outfits in stores, you've run out of ideas, or you just want to do something completely different than you've done before, then check out these fabulous, fierce feminist Halloween costumes for your daily dose of empowerment and inspiration.

1Beyoncé

Beyoncé definitely made a statement with her Superbowl look and she rocked the boat with Lemonade as she unapologetically embraced her culture. You can recreate it with an animal-friendly, studded jacket , black leotard, fishnet stockings, thigh-high boots, fake ammo, and a fierce wig. It is worth mentioning, however, that when a person, movement, or moment is connected to a certain culture, you don't want to appropriate anything that belongs to them.

2Rosie The Riveter

Rosie the Riveter Costume, $39, Amazon

One of the first figures that comes to mind when you think of feminism is probably Rosie the Riveter. Inspiring many women to join the workforce and show that they could do anything men could, you'll feel unstoppable in this Rosie the Riveter costume. Yes we can.

3Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The notorious RBG has been a feminist role model to generations of people, so it's no surprise she would be an inspiring individual to dress up as. All you need are some statement glasses, a low-styled bun wig, animal-friendly pearl earrings, and a lace collar with a black graduation gown to look like the incredible Supreme Court Justice. Bonus points if you bring along your own gavel to keep everyone in check.

4Rey From 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

Rey Costume, $50, Party City

When many young children are looking for a strong female character to look up to, the character of Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens filled that need. You can kick butt in this Rey costume and keep an eye out for anyone who needs rescuing.

5Ghostbuster

Ghostbuster Costume, $50, Party City

The internet lost its collective mind when Ghostbusters was rebooted with a female cast. And it wasn't all praise. But the Ghostbusters cast proved that it's just as good as busting costs and bursting our guts with laughter as a man. Channel your inner fierce fighter with an iconic Ghostbusters costume.

6'A League of Their Own' Character

A League of Their Own Costume, $50, Amazon

The film A League of Their Own was actually based on the real life All-American Professional Baseball League which had similar origins as Rosie the Riveter because it represented women stepping up to the plate (pun intended) while the men were fighting in World War II. You can pay tribute to their legacy with this A League of Their Own costume which will be a home run (pun intended, again).

7Lisa Simpson

Lisa Simpson Costume, $55, Jet

Perhaps one of the most memorable cartoon feminists is none other than 8-year-old Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons. Continually standing up for gender equality, animal rights, and environmental causes, you'll be the definition of an activist in this Lisa Simpson costume.

8A Suffragette

Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons

Victorian-Style Blouse, $23, Amazon | Long Gown, $20, Amazon | Ankle Boots, $20, Amazon | Victorian Hat, $13, Amazon | Suffragette Button, $3, Cafe Press

Taking it way back to when women were fighting for the right to vote, you can make your own Suffragette costume with a Victorian-style blouse, long gown, retro ankle boots, classic Victorian hat, and a Suffragette button . Can you believe it hasn't even been a hundred years yet since women got the right to vote?

9Hermione Granger

Hermoine Wig, $17, Amazon | Hermoine Granger Costume, $60, Amazon

Proving that a young woman doesn't have to play the role of damsel in distress, Hermione Granger showed that she was every bit as capable as the young men at Hogwarts. So if you feel inspired to dress up as this fictional yet feminist character, just pick up this Hermione wig and a complete Hermione Granger costume which you can customize to your measurements.

10Dr. Mindy Lahiri

Perhaps one of the best qualities about this TV character is that she shows the audience a woman can still be totally professional and feminist but also love to wear pretty dresses and watch rom-coms. You'll need a white lab coat, black-framed glasses, a colorful dress, shiny black heels, straight black wig, and some statement earrings, obvi.

11Leslie Knope

Another of television's memorable feminists is Leslie Knope. In the episode, "Pie-Mary" of Parks and Recreation, Leslie famously said, "men's rights is nothing," so that's where this costume inspiration comes from. To get the look from that episode, you'll need a black button-up shirt, gray blazer, gray trousers, a medium length blonde wig, black pumps and a Knope button to show your support.