Skip Nav
Love It. Save Your Favorites Now.
39 Iconic Female Characters You Can Be For Halloween This Year

Pop Culture Halloween Costumes For Women 2018

39 Iconic Female Characters You Can Be For Halloween This Year

Dolores from Westworld
Image Source: HBO

We get it: deciding on a Halloween costume each year has the potential to drive you nuts. If you're overwhelmed by the sheer volume of pop-culture-inspired ideas out there, we're here to help. Why don't you narrow it down to being one of your favourite female characters from 2018's biggest movies and TV shows? That way you can trick, treat, and fight the patriarchy all at once. See all the best options ahead.

1 Lara Croft from Tomb Raider

Lara Croft from Tomb Raider
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Pull your dark hair back in a ponytail and then put on a white vest top, khaki cargo pants, a brown utility belt, and dark boots. Wrap your hands in light cloth and sling some arrows over your back so people know you're not messing around.
1 / 39

2 The Fish Nuns from Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The Fish Nuns from Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Baggy, white long-sleeved dresses that are belted with a brown rope, along with a white cloth to drape over your head. Wear a necklace with a wooden charm on it and carry around a broom (or a Porg toy!).
2 / 39

3 Queen Elizabeth II from The Crown

Queen Elizabeth II from The Crown
Image Source: Netflix
  • What to wear: A white gown with matching white gloves, a blue sash, and a tiara, of course. Your jewels should blind all the commoners.
3 / 39

4 Inmates from Orange Is the New Black

Inmates from Orange Is the New Black
Image Source: Netflix
  • What to wear: Regardless of which beloved character on the Netflix hit you decide to be, you'll probably need the same basic few things — a white t-shirt under an orange or khaki jumpsuit and plain slip-on shoes. Stick a name tag on your shirt if you want people to know which Litchfield inmate you are in particular, and make sure to add personal touches (Red = a white bandana around her bald spot, Taystee = always reading books, Alex = thick glasses).
4 / 39

5 Maeve from Westworld

Maeve from Westworld
Image Source: HBO
  • What to wear: A reddish-purple corset with a white blouse layered underneath a black velvet jacket. Pair it with black trousers and a metallic bag to stand in for her pistol, then put your hair in a half-up, half-down style.
5 / 39

6 Offred from The Handmaid's Tale

Offred from The Handmaid's Tale
Image Source: Hulu
  • What to wear: A red hooded cape and dress, brown boots, and a large white headpiece that covers your face.
6 / 39

7 Cheryl from Riverdale

Cheryl from Riverdale
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A tight, black off-the-shoulder crop top and choker with a short tartan skirt and bright red lipstick. Finish it off with a long red wig if your hair isn't Cheryl's colour already!
7 / 39

8 Olivia from Scandal

Olivia from Scandal
Image Source: ABC
  • What to wear: Celebrate the final season of Scandal by going as Washington DC's resident fixer, Olivia Pope. You'll need the chicest white trench coat you can find, a sleek wig, and wide-legged trousers and high heels also in a white or tan colour.
8 / 39

9 Ruth aka Zoya the Destroya from GLOW

Ruth aka Zoya the Destroya from GLOW
Image Source: Netflix
  • What to wear: A metallic red one-sleeved leotard with a black belt that has a gold star on the clasp. Tease your hair as high as it can go into a mohawk of sorts and wear dark lipstick and makeup.
9 / 39

10 Okoye from Black Panther

Okoye from Black Panther
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Other than rocking a badass attitude, the easiest way to be Okoye for Halloween is wearing a red dress with sparkly details on the bodice and gold wrist cuffs and carrying around a silver spear.
10 / 39

11 Domino from Deadpool 2

Domino from Deadpool 2
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Domino is all about the leather, baby. A black leather vest that's mesh in the front can be tucked into tight black leather trousers that have holsters on either side. She also rocks some elbow-length fingerless leather gloves in a dark brown colour and has a distinct white marking on her left eye. Hopefully you're feeling lucky!
11 / 39

12 Anastasia from Fifty Shades Freed

Anastasia from Fifty Shades Freed
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Anastasia has plenty of looks throughout the movie, from a yellow bikini to a flirty silver minidress. She also wears this white and black, work-appropriate ensemble. What's a constant in all of her attire is her brown wavy hair with a fringe — if you have those, people will be way more likely to realise who you are.
12 / 39

13 The Dynamos from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

The Dynamos from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Blue flared jeans with ruffles on the bottom paired with denim waistcoats, colourful sashes at the waist, and microphones to belt out ABBA's greatest hits.
13 / 39

14 Eleven from Stranger Things

Eleven from Stranger Things
Image Source: Netflix
  • What to wear: There are a few versions of Eleven you could be (Government Prisoner Elle, Hamburger-Eating Elle, Eggo-Stealing Elle, etc.), but let's stick with the newest. If you're not planning on shaving your head or cutting your hair anytime soon (pause and think about how much time it'll save you in the morning before deciding), slick whatever hair you already have back in an '80s punk style. Then smear on the black eye makeup and rock a black t-shirt, a black blazer (with the sleeves rolled up), and ripped black jeans with boots. As a bonus, dribble some fake blood out of your nose and carry around an empty box of Eggo waffles.
14 / 39

15 Rey from Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Rey from Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A grey cloak on top of a dark vest top, which can be layered under a drapey grey cloth that you cinch with a wide brown leather belt. Finish the look with grey capris, a lightsaber, and calf-length grey boots. Don't forget her multiple-bun hairstyle!
15 / 39

16 Claire from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Claire from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A green v-neck t-shirt under a green jacket paired with brown trousers and knee-high brown boots. Don't forget the fringe and a little toy dinosaur!
16 / 39

17 Black Widow from Avengers: Infinity War

Black Widow from Avengers: Infinity War
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: You're gonna need black cargo pants with knee pads as well as a black jacket that zips up the middle and has belt details all along the front. Top it off with a short blonde wig since Black Widow is no longer a redhead.
17 / 39

18 Betty from Riverdale

Betty from Riverdale
Image Source: The CW
  • What to wear: A tight jumper with a white collared shirt underneath and jeans. Pull your hair back into a perky little pony and plaster a smile on your face. Bonus: you could be "Snake Dance Betty" and rock black, lacy lingerie underneath a baby blue button-down shirt and light pink skirt.
18 / 39

19 Tahani from The Good Place

Tahani from The Good Place
Image Source: NBC
  • What to wear: Make sure your long hair has the perfect amount of curl and cascades down your shoulders, and wear a pearl necklace with a fancy floral dress in brocade or silk with pastel heels.
19 / 39

20 Elastigirl from Incredibles 2

Elastigirl from Incredibles 2
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Rock a red bodysuit under some high-waisted black briefs and knee-high black boots. Then add the Incredibles logo on your chest, a black eye mask, and a brown bobbed wig.
20 / 39

21 Josie from Riverdale

Josie from Riverdale
Image Source: The CW
  • What to wear: Go full kitty rock star with a leopard-print bodysuit, tail, and cat ears. You also obviously need a mic to belt it out.
21 / 39

22 Veronica from Riverdale

Veronica from Riverdale
Image Source: The CW
  • What to wear: Think updated Blair Waldorf. A tailored but flirty dress (i.e., plenty short), plus a string of pearls and heels.
22 / 39

23 Vice Admiral Holdo from Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Vice Admiral Holdo from Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A curly purple wig paired with a mauve, high-necked dress. Add some shiny bangles to each wrist.
23 / 39

24 Eleanor from The Good Place

Eleanor from The Good Place
Image Source: NBC
  • What to wear: A short blonde wig with a checked shirt and jeans as well as a halo headband OR devil horns.
24 / 39

25 Morgan from The Spy Who Dumped Me

Morgan from The Spy Who Dumped Me
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A black bra under a white vest top, black trousers, black suspenders, and blond curls. Make sure you have a Vienna guidebook handy.
25 / 39

26 Nakia from Black Panther

Nakia from Black Panther
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Nakia is always in shades of green, so go with an olive-toned dress that has a high neck, cutouts, and long sleeves. Also bring along a gold clutch full of secret spy trinkets from Wakanda.
26 / 39

27 Sophie from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Sophie from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A wavy blond wige with a colourful poncho and blue jeans.
27 / 39

28 Rose from Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Rose from Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Once you've got your fringe and flippy chunks of hair in order, put on a brown flight suit cinched at the middle with a silver belt. Wear a brown scarf on top and brown boots on the bottom.
28 / 39

29 Mantis from Avengers: Infinity War

Mantis from Avengers: Infinity War
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A pair of flesh-coloured antennae on your head, a black wig, and a metallic green minidress.
29 / 39

30 Detroit from Sorry to Bother You

Detroit from Sorry to Bother You
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Once you've found funky trousers, a colourful button-up or graphic tee (bonus points if it says "The Future Is Female Ejaculation"), and a printed blazer, you need to make sure your hair is of the orange/pink variety. And, of course, procure some statement earrings with extremely chill phrases like "KILL, KILL, KILL" and "MURDER, MURDER, MURDER."
30 / 39

31 Shuri from Avengers: Infinity War

Shuri from Avengers: Infinity War
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Put your hair up in Shuri's signature side buns, then rock a translucent orange windbreaker on top of a black vest top and black jeans with silver stripes. Pair with chunky black boots and silver nail polish as well as your most futuristic tablet.
31 / 39

32 Audrey from The Spy Who Dumped Me

Audrey from The Spy Who Dumped Me
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: A short dark wig with a Hawaiian shirt, khakis, and white trainers. Carry around a trophy for effect!
32 / 39

33 Young Donna from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Young Donna from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Think floaty floral tops and sundresses, denim dungarees, and a butterfly necklace. Don't forget to make your hair look fresh from the beach!
33 / 39

34 Debbie aka Liberty Belle from GLOW

Debbie aka Liberty Belle from GLOW
Image Source: Netflix
  • What to wear: A white metallic leotard with red and blue glittery stars on the front with some seriously teased blonde curls.
34 / 39

35 Art3mis / Samantha from Ready Player One

Art3mis / Samantha from Ready Player One
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: You're going to need a bodysuit in a dark colour to be Art3mis, which you can then stripe with bright yellow and blue the way hers is. Then, wear a short, spiky pink wig and pink/red makeup to finish things off.
35 / 39

36 Villanelle from Killing Eve  

Villanelle from Killing Eve  
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear: Villanelle's wardrobe is incredible from start to finish, but we recommend wearing an over-the-top girlie, pink dress with masculine black combat boots. Slick your hair back in a bun, pop the Champagne, and whip up a batch of your best poison.
36 / 39

37 The Belchers from Bob's Burgers

The Belchers from Bob's Burgers
Image Source: Everett Collection
  • What to wear for Louise: A green t-shirt dress, black Mary Jane shoes, and her signature pink bunny-eared hat.
  • What to wear for Linda: A red long-sleeved shirt with a pair of blue jeans and some red glasses. Don't forget a black wig with your ends curled out!
  • What to wear for Tina: A light blue t-shirt over a denim skirt, knee socks and black sneakers, and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses. You'll also need a black wig for this one, as well as a yellow hair clip.
37 / 39

38 Princess Margaret from The Crown

Princess Margaret from The Crown
Image Source: Netflix
  • What to wear: Princess Margaret's costume can go a few ways. You can go formal with a silk princess gown, gloves, and a tiara, or choose a chic, more casual '60s-era dress (still with gloves) and block heels. Regardless of how you go about it, make sure you're wearing red lipstick and winged eyeliner.
38 / 39

39 Dolores from Westworld

Dolores from Westworld
Image Source: HBO
  • What to wear: A white lacy vest top under a silky white corset, paired with a long, blue Western-style skirt. Belt it with a brown leather belt, pull your hair up halfway, and then sling a bandolier over your shoulder.
39 / 39
Mean Girls 2024 Cast on Diversity and Identity in New Film
Crowned
The New "Mean Girls" Cast Looks Different Than the Original — and That's the Point
by Abbey Stone 12/1
Why We Still Love Elf, 20 Years Later
Christmas movies
Why We Still Love "Elf," 20 Years Later
by Victoria Edel 08/12/23
The Cast of Gossip Girl Then vs. Now
Movies
What the Cast of "Gossip Girl" Have Been Up to Since the Show Ended
by Eden Arielle Gordon 07/11/23
Movies About Snow
Movies
The 15 Best Snow-Filled Movies, From "The Polar Express" to The Chronicles of Narnia
by Jada Welch Olson 05/11/23
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Who Is Tigris Snow?
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Everything to Know About Tigris Snow Ahead of "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes"
by Athena Sobhan 04/11/23
Ncuti Gatwa Movies and TV Shows
Ncuti Gatwa
Ncuti Gatwa's Best Movie and TV Show Roles, Including "Sex Education" and "Barbie"
by Amanda Prahl 04/11/23

Now You Know

Which Love Island Couples Are Still Together?

Entertainment

The "Love Island" Couples Still Together Prove Reality TV Can Work as Cupid

by Joely Chilcott 15/1

Entertainment

The Latest "Priscilla" Trailer Highlights the Ups and Downs of Her Relationship With Elvis

by Eden Arielle Gordon 04/10/23

Entertainment

Why Are So Many of Us Personally Invested in Celebrity Breakups?

by Ali Faccenda 03/10/23

Entertainment

Miley Cyrus Responds to Video of Adele Praising "Used to Be Young" at Las Vegas Show

by Eden Arielle Gordon 30/8/23

Latest Entertainment
We're Hiring! Write For Us Advertise With Us Accessibility Contact Archives
Power Your Happy
Terms Privacy Policy
©2024 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.