Halloween Costumes for Your Little Feminist
I know Halloween is only days away but if your daughter is anything like mine, she is still dreaming about what she could be: princess, mermaid, kitty, feminist icon... I mean, wouldn't you love to see a tiny Gloria Steinem at your door trick-or-treating? Hell yeah. And it's in that spirit that I present a few Halloween costume ideas for the strong female lead in your life.
The longest-reigning British monarch in history, Queen Elizabeth II has poise, grace, intelligence, and reins over 16 Commonwealth countries. Her style is monochromatic in any colour and her outfit usually features a dress, an overcoat, a brooch, a pearl necklace, and a fancy hat, almost all of which I bet you can pull from your mini's closet and yours. As you can see by Petra's royal wave, all it takes is the littlest gesture to really sell the look.
The Queen's dress served another purpose last year for this ode to painter Frida Kahlo whose iconic eyebrows, flower headpieces, and eclectic style are instantly recognizable to those in the know.
Being that she's Canadian and part of the Girl Guide family, astronaut Roberta Bondar was one of my role models growing up and of course, I've passed along her lore to Petra. Ms. Bondar may have been the first Canadian female in space but she was the first neurologist to leave our atmosphere, an achievement unto itself.
My husband wasn't sold on my rendition of Pink but I'm including it anyway because I love that lady and everything she stands for. Apparently, Petra looks equal parts Sandy Duncan here so how about you google Pink and do a better job.
An aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Ms. Earhart is pretty quotable as she was fearless, bold, and inspiring. "Adventure is worthwhile in itself," she said. And, too: "Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail their failure must be but a challenge to others." Those are words that still ring true for our daughters, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men.
An Iris Apfel costume might not get an "ah-ha!" from every door this Halloween, but the "Iris" doc on Netflix served to raise the layperson's recognition of this fashion maven and those who know will applaud. 96 years old and still vital within the global fashion scene, Iris is true to her own style and doesn't discriminate based on a price tag, preferring to use what she has in new ways and peruse thrift shops for inspiration. To put this Halloween outfit together, get out a boa, a stole, or a scarf and add it recklessly to any vibrant frock. Then, add some Dollar Store 'nerd' glasses with the lenses popped out.
And would it even be a list of feminist Halloween costumes without Rosie The Riveter? Bonus that it's possibly the easiest outfit of all time.
There are many strong females I'd be proud to see my daughter emulate. Hillary Clinton (I didn't have the pantsuit), Wonder Woman (I didn't have the no-pants suit)... the list goes on. If you've got a few great ideas of your own, be sure to share because I'd love to enjoy next year's decision-making process this much, too.
xo
