13 Halloween costumes that scream girl power

Halloween is this Friday, which is a little scary only because I KNOW like half of you haven’t bought a Halloween costume yet. It’s okay. I haven’t either. Halloween is the same for me every single year: I get really excited about it from August to September. I ogle at all the pumpkins at the store and the pumpkin recipes on Pinterest, and I longingly wish for Halloween to come sooner because Halloween is just the greatest.

During my pre-Halloween mayhem, I think of all these fun costume ideas in my head without bothering to write them down because I am a genius. Except that I’m not and I forget them. So before I know it, it’s two days before Halloween and I’m stress-eating a bag of mini Snickers.

I know I’m not the only one who does this! If you’re feeling last-minute Halloween stress, we have some amazing costume ideas for you. They celebrate some of our favorite fictional and historical women of strength, tenacity, and overall badassery. These are women aren’t afraid to stand out, stand up for themselves, and pave the way for others and, since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, you should definitely dress like them on Halloween.

1. Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation 

Leslie Knope, Deputy Director of Pawnee’s parks department (and eventually Council Woman and Regional Director of the National Parks Service), knows how to work hard. But she also knows how to be a great friend, wife, boss, and co-worker. And professional breakfast eater.

Costume essentials: gray blazer, blonde wig, a framed photograph of Hilary Clinton.

2. Amelia Earhart

Amelia, the first female pilot to fly over the Atlantic, was truly one of the most courageous women of our time.

Costume essentials: aviator hat, goggles

3. Tina Belcher from Bob’s Burgers

Melodramatic, achingly romantic, and always a little bit nervous, Tina Belcher is truly a modern feminist mentor for us all. She may not be perfect, and she may not be as confident as her sister Louise, but Tina ALWAYS stays true to herself no matter what. She also knows that she’s super, duper fly, and if people don’t see that, then there is clearly something very wrong with them.

Costume essentials: blue t-shirt, dark blue skirt, socks, Converse, and glasses

4. Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 

Lisbeth is an incredibly complicated, tough character. Hacker extraordinaire, Lisbeth will not hesitate to destroy you if you mess with her or the ones she loves. Oh, and she knows how to ride a motorcycle.

Costume essentials: black leather jacket, short black wig, fake piercings, a LOT of black eyeliner

5. Jem from Jem and the Holograms

A musician, owner and manager of Starlight Music, and an eternal fashion icon for us all, Jem is truly one of the best female cartoon characters to come out of the ’80s.

Costume essentials: pink wig, bright leggings, a lot of pink make up

6. Madeline from Madeline

Madeline, our childhood hero and imaginary BFF, may seem small, but girl is she mighty! Infinitely curious and brave, Madeline finds adventure where she goes. And if there is none, she creates it.

Costume essentials: short red wig, blue dress with white collar, yellow hat, white gloves

7. Olivia Pope from Scandal

Olivia Pope, White House crisis manager and fashion guru, is truly a force to be reckoned with. Emotionally complex and career-driven, it’s hard to mess with this lady.

Costume essentials: a beautiful trench coat, business casual pants, heels, and either a glass of wine (eh, make it a bottle) or cup of tea

8. Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy Summers was chosen to slay Vampires. And that’s a pretty hefty responsibility. Using her magical strength and clairvoyance, Buffy and Rupert, Willow, and Xander go up against brutal vamps.

Costume essentials: basically anything you wore in the ’90s + wooden stake

9. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games

Our Mockingjay is about to lead an entire society into a full blown war against The Capitol this November, so  yeah, Katniess is pretty fierce. Not only does she know how to work a bow and arrow, but girl’s got smarts and compassion.

Costume essentials: either a brown leather jacket or wetsuit, bow and arrow, and hair in iconic Katniss braid

10. Powerpuff Girls from Powerpuff Girls

Sweet, determined, and kind of cheeky, the Powerpuff Girls didn’t let anyone get in their way or destroy their beloved town. Or their toys.

Costume essentials: either a blue, pink, or green dress and black belt, OR you can just cheat and go here.

11. Emma Swan from Once Upon a Time

Emma Swan, aka The Savior, aka Lost Girl, is all kinds of complex. A mom, princess, superhero, and girlfriend, Emma is constantly up against evil force after evil force, whether it’s Regina, Pan, the Wicked Witch, Mr. Gold, or her greatest obstacle: herself.

Costume essential: blonde big, red leather jacket, brown lace-up boots

12. Annalise Keating from How to Get Away with Murder

Although How to Get Away With Murder just started, we already know Annalise Keating is going to be a ruthless, amazing character to follow. Keating is a tough woman faced with tough choices, I mean, her husband may or may not be involved in a murder. Aside from solving cases and defending murderers and liars, she also a class to run. Oh, and she always manages to look on point. 

Costume essentials: red leather jacket, pencil skirt, heels

13. Michonne from The Walking Dead

I don’t know about you, but I was thrilled to find out Michonne’s back story in last season’s The Walking Dead. I won’t spoil it for you just in case, but know this: Michonne has been through hell and back. But she’s a survivor through and through.

Costume essentials: clothes that look like they haven’t been washed for a few months, Samurai sword

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