Halloween is a night of parties, lots of candy, and... a socially conscious feminist message through the medium of costume. As we age, we no longer just care about dressing up; It can also be a celebration that honors those who have paved and continue to pave the way for gender equality. Want to get in on the action but need a spark of inspiration? Don’t worry, here are some great 2017 feminist Halloween costume ideas to get you started.
You do not have to be bound by any of the clothing offered on the site or what people expect you to comply with and wear. One Halloween in preschool, I dressed up as Batman, wearing a plastic six-pack. The next year I became a Pink Power Ranger. Next? Yankees player. after that? Renaissance princess. Women can be superheroes, firefighters, sexy, strong, and even presidents.
This is an exhaustive list of influential women throughout history and today who deserve to be celebrated and recognized. All of these women, their art, and their messages should be heard and appreciated for the progress they have made or are making toward social, economic, and political equality across gender and race. Here are some women and concepts that represent this Halloween.
Rosie the Riveter
Miss Selfridge | Super Soft Card Front Shirt, $42 We can do this! Pinback Button Pin Quote Says "Rosie the Riveter," $2, Amazon | Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Day Embroidered Cow Shoes for Women, $53, Zappos | Washed Bandana, $13, Nordstrom
She is a cultural icon for working women. During World War II, increasing numbers of men enlisted in the military, creating space for women to enter the workforce. Between 1940 and 1945, the share of women in the labor force grew from 27% to 37%. Since Rosie's rise to prominence, women have continued to go above and beyond and excel in the boardroom.
Michelle Obama
Oasis Ava embroidered dress, $40, John Lewis | Sophie black suede high-heeled stilettos, $13, Pretty Little Things | 8mm simulated pearl necklace/16 inches, $10, Saks Fifth Avenue | Deerskin Women's Gardening Gloves, $50, Frontgate
Her wisdom, grace and encouragement embody the powerful versatility of women. She's a lawyer, former First Lady, a bad mom, and the woman behind the now internationally renowned White House Kitchen Garden, promoting locally sourced, ethical, and healthy eating around the world. This Halloween, grab your gardening gloves and your best shift dress and pay tribute to a woman dedicated to making the world a better place in every field she works on.
Martha Roessler's Kitchen Semiotics
Jersey turtleneck top, $50, The Outnet | Kate Rowland tattoo-inspired feminist heart brooch, $10, Trouva | JK Adams Co. rolling pin, $17, Crate & Barrel | Branden Vintage Apron, $35, Joss & Main
As her website describes, Martha Roesler "works in the fields of video, photography, text, installation, and performance. Her work focuses on the public realm, exploring issues ranging from everyday life and media to architecture and the built environment , particularly the impact of these issues on women.” Her 1975 performance The Semiotics of the Kitchen challenged the oppression of women in domestic spaces. Martha's movements became more violent with frustration as she showed off all the tools in the kitchen. When your friends think you dress "just" a baker or "just" a housewife, watch the show and give them a lesson in feminist art.
Gloria Steinem
Zaful | Stretch turtleneck ribbed sweater, $25 Commando Bodysuit, $36, No. 9 | Faux suede button-front skirt, $13, Make Me Chic | The Playa, $43, Revolve | Sharpie permanent marker, $9, Amazon
Gloria Steinem is a feminist, activist, journalist and author. She pioneered the feminist magazine Ms. , which she created and published in the 1970s, which featured articles on domestic violence and other topics. Grab a blank poster board and a permanent marker and write your favorite Steinem quote in bold font.
beyoncé
Kale sweatshirt, $25, Etsy | Vintage Levi’s High Waist Shorts, $29, Etsy | Bridalvenus Wedding Crown and Tiara Flower Bride Princess Queen Crown , $33, Amazon | Nike Adult Streak Volleyball Knee Pads, $25, College Sports + Outdoors
Beyoncé asks, “Who rules the world?” Before we can shout, we’ve already answered, “Girls!” The singer, goddess, and queen is a powerful figure in pop culture who inspires girls of all ages. Women become their perfect selves, support each other, and never give up on their dreams even if they are defeated by their opponents in a talent show. The band is called Skeleton Crew . There are many ways to be Beyoncé, but no matter which one you choose, there's always a crown to add.
Hillary Clinton
Faux pocket embellished lapel blazer , $34, Zaful | Cherry Wide-Leg Pants, $19, Wear All | Ankle strap sandals, $39, Venus | Pearl Long, $47, Bling Jewelry
Since the election, Hillary Clinton has remained a beacon of strength, sanity and hope in a world that now seems decidedly more chaotic than before. She represents the image of a resilient and strong woman who deserves a Halloween costume that fully showcases her strength. Now is the time for pantsuit nation to really shine.
Barbara Kruger Art
Women's Layered V-Neck T-Shirt, $10, Land's End | Petite Navy Striped Lace-Waist Cropped Wide-Leg Pants, $36, New Look | Colico Suede Open Toe Pumps, $50, Authentic | Authentic Sharpie Permanent Marker Pen, $9, Amazon
Barbara Kruger is a conceptual artist who typically takes photos in black and white and overlays them with red, bold statements in a collage-like fashion. Her early collages focused on feminist commentary on themes such as "politics, racial and gender stereotypes, sexuality, and power." Pick up the poster paper and decorate yourself with Krueger's provocative remarks. Maybe it’s about the male gaze?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
White turtleneck ruffled sleeve top, $30, River Island | Black long blazer , $47, Wallis | Dorothy Perkins tall pants , $29, Zalando | Golden Jet Crystal and Greenstone Drop Earrings , $28, Macy's | Yokote Matte Burgundy Women's Glasses, $22, Eye Buy Direct
Ruth Ginsburg was a Supreme Court justice and a self-described feminist. Ruth was a strong advocate for women and liberal causes on a court dominated by conservatives. She reminds us that we can be anything we want, that there is good in this world, and most importantly, we must strive for the good.
Oprah
Vintage plunging work wrap A-line dress, $20, Rose gal | Frozen hoop earrings, $38, Bloomingdale's | Wallace thick flat-top clear non-prescription glasses, $35, Popmap | One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabrielle ·Garcia Márquez, Gregory Labasa, $11, Barnes & Noble
Oprah overcame extreme circumstances to become quite possibly the most respected and beloved figure on television...ever. Her infectious positivity, generosity and empathy are inspiring and deserve to be celebrated. Don’t promise everyone they’ll get a car, but do bring the official selection of Oprah’s Book Club with you.
Broad City
Mesh top by Oh My Love, $29, TopShop | Strappy bra, $5, Charlotte Russe | Light blue floral embroidered acid wash high-waisted chic jeans, $37, paired with chic | Girl Gang hoop earrings, $17, Nordstrom
The women of Broad City represent modern women who are sex-positive, responsible for themselves, and supportive of other women. They are the perfect example of deeply valuing your best friends, nurturing them and putting all their greatness in the spotlight. We need to see more girl-for-girl actions like this. Go out this Halloween and celebrate the women in your life.
your period
Crew Neck Long Sleeve Skater Dress, $27, Chic | Red Ribbed Wool Tights, $38, Bona Drag | Pleated Textured Scarf, $13, M and Co | Tampax Pearl Unscented Super Absorbent Tampons, $8, Amazon
Horrible for many, but natural for women everywhere. There's nothing to be afraid of when you get your period. This is simply your menstrual cycle that adjusts every 28 days. It’s time to normalize your body’s functions once and for all.
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