Strong female characters have been headlining movies, TV shows and dominating pop culture recently. From the iconic Wonder Woman to the classic Rosie the Riveter, women across the United States and even around the world are inspired by these powerful figures. It’s no surprise that with Halloween right around the corner, some of us are still scrambling to find a costume that is both attractive and powerful. Finally, there is a company that understands not all of us want to be a pretty princess or a sexy cop. Costume Supercenter has several unique costume options for the girl who is a #LadyBoss.
1. Wonder Woman
This year we finally got to see Wonder Woman's origin movie. Women around the world flocked to the box office – and for good reason. Gal Gadot was absolutely stunning and audiences everywhere got to experience Wonder Woman in all her strength and female glory. And no, it's not overrated and it never will be.
2. Rosie the Riveter
Another classic American icon, Rosie represented a major shift in American life. During World War II, as the military draft sent many working family men to war, women stepped up and took their place in traditionally-male roles. They filled in the jobs that men left behind, often working on the machinery that helped win the war effort. Not only did this shift lead to more and more women taking roles outside the home, but Rosie the Riveter became a symbol of patriotism and female empowerment in action.
3. Rey (Star Wars)
You can be a lady boss, even in a galaxy far, far away. Science fiction often doesn’t have female leads, so when Rey came bursting onto the scene as the main protagonist of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, female science fiction fans around the world rejoiced. Not only did Rey break barriers in the famous Star Wars franchise as the star, but she remained a strong but complex character who was celebrated by women everywhere.
4. Joan of Arc
You can't talk about female empowerment without bringing Joan of Arc into the picture. This literal warrior, who rose to prominence during the Hundred Years War, rose to challenge in battle in a way that few women, if any, did in that period. She famously fought her way into the decision-making circle, challenging the status quo and demanding respect every step of the way. Plus her armor is pretty dope.
5. Wednesday Addams
Not only is The Addams Family a Halloween classic, but Wednesday Addams is an icon in her own right. Wednesday doesn’t dare to be different from the get-go. She embraces her dark clothes and even darker demeanor as empowering elements of her personality, and a whole generation of women and girls took note. Not only does Wednesday Addams regularly challenge the patriarchy, but she challenges many of society’s status quos, from the WASP-y towns she grows up in to her famous rant against the portrayal of Native Americans in a Thanksgiving-themed play.
6. Maleficent
Maleficent is seen as the “villain” in the Princess Aurora storyline. What’s often seen as a story of revenge against Aurora and the kingdom, can actually be interpreted as a story of survival, as Maleficent rises above the trauma of having her wings stolen from her. Disney-loving women can embrace their love of the franchise without feeling compromised or like they’re playing a weak, prince-dependent princess.
7. Ghostbusters
The all-female reboot of the 1980s classic caused quite a stir when it hit the scene in 2016. Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Kristen Wiig shine in this gender-flipping movie – even their secretary is played by Chris Hemsworth. The fact that these brilliant comedians preserved the hilarity of this male-dominated script didn’t go unnoticed. Plus who wouldn't want to be a Kate McKinnon character for a day.
8. The Rockford Peaches from A League of Their Own
9. Annie Oakley
The famous gun-slinging wild Westerner stood out in a world full of Billy the Kids. This renown markswoman toured the country showing off her shooting skills, dazzling audiences with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show while hitting targets from hundreds of yards away. Showcasing her skills in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Annie Oakley defied convention and succeeded as a woman in this heavily male-dominated space – even her husband served as her behind-the-scenes manager.
BONUS: Wonder Woman at Themyscira
Don't want to go with the traditional Wonder Woman costume? Then go as Diana Prince: Amazon Warrior seen when she is living on the hidden island of Themyscira.