by Erin Lindsay
26th Oct 2018
26th Oct 2018
We all know the tired old Halloween costumes that are trotted out every year – witch, vampire, and of course, for women, basically anything if you put the word ‘sexy’ in front of it. Why not make things a little more exciting this year, and dress up as someone that you actually admire? Feminists throughout history have made their marks socially, personally and, lucky for us, visually too – there are plenty instantly recognisable famous feminists that you can dress up as this year (and with minimal stress too).
Elle Woods
“You got into Harvard Law School?” “What, like it’s hard?” A feminist mantra for the ages. Elle Woods is the ultimate pink-wearing, fashion-loving, sharp-as-a-tack feminist that we all know and love. You probably have all the elements of her look already in your wardrobe (just throw on everything pink), but if you need some help, check out the outfit we’ve curated below.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman was all the rage last year thanks to Gal Godot’s brilliant reinvention of the character, but a world-saving Amazonian warrior never goes out of style for Halloween. This is kind of hard to recreate with bits around the house, so you might as well go the full monty with the costume (plus, it’s more fun that way).
Rosie the Riveter
Even though she’s not strictly a real person, what Rosie the Riveter represents still cements her as a feminist icon. Used as a poster during World War II, Rosie was a symbol of the thousands of women who worked in factories and shipyards while the men were away. Used widely now as a symbol of feminism, Rosie is also one of the easiest costumes in the world to use at Halloween (I know – I’ve dressed up as her twice).
Lisa Simpson
I love Lisa Simpson. Not at all phased by her clueless (but well-meaning) family, Lisa blazes her own trail in life, full of books, art, animals, beauty and sarcastic comments. A girl after my own heart. Add a Malibu Stacey and a steaming speech about the internalised misogyny of mass-produced dolls for extra marks.
Frida Kahlo
Widely considered as one of the most important Mexican artists in history, Frida Kahlo became a feminist icon simply by being herself. After being disabled by a tragic accident, Kahlo turned her attention to art and dedicated her life to it, portraying women and femininity in honest ways that many others shied away from. Her use of vibrant colours and surreal aesthetics have become instantly recognisable, as has her own image. Use plenty of red lipstick, and fill in a unibrow and moustache too.
