6 Feminist Literary Costume Ideas

It’s October, so the search for the perfect costume has begun! This year, why not put something together other than the half-hearted whiskers and cat ears you’ve been sporting in a rush to the costume party? Or maybe you take your costumes seriously and are looking for something extra fierce this year. Well, either way, we’ve got what you’re looking for. There is nothing more fierce than these literary feminist icons that are sure to make an impression!

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via hero.wikia.com

Hermione Granger, Harry Potter Series

While at a double disadvantage in the wizarding world—being both muggle-born and a female—Hermione still constantly outsmarts those that try to bring her down. A fierce activist for equality in the wizarding world, a cunning witch, and top notch friend, Hermione is a bold contemporary feminist icon.

What to wear: Frizzy hair, gray sweater over a white button-up blouse, red and gold striped tie, black pleated skirt, knee-high socks. Oh, and make sure to carry a big leather-bound book!

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via The Federalist

Atticus Finch, To Kill A Mockingbird

Yes! Men can be feminists, too! A fighter for human rights, and a beacon of light among racism and bigotry, Atticus Finch raises his daughter to understand the ideals of universal acceptance.

What to wear: a three-piece suit, round glasses, gelled-back hair.

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via Manderlit

Hester Prynne, The Scarlet Letter

The protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is a long standing feminist icon. Though she is ostracized, abused, and shamed, she transforms a badge of shame into a marker of her identity and resilience.

What to wear: White bonnet, long black dress, white apron, red “A” cut out of felt fabric.

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via mxdwn Movies

Lisbeth Salander, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a gut-churning read, but Lisbeth’s courageous revenge at the end shows her resilience and bravery. Lisbeth is a genius with computers and has been described as a “modern day superhero.” You go, girl.

What to wear: Short black wig, dark eyeliner, fake lip ring, leather jacket over a black hoodie, black skinny jeans, spiked collar.

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via thedailybeast.com

Sylvia Plath, poet

Sylvia Plath rebelled against society’s expectations for her by becoming a poet and author. Sylvia Plath’s poetry is emotional, elegant, and breaks the boundaries set for women at her time.

What to wear: Denim dress with a collar, oxford shoes, burnt-red lipstick, curled hair with a patterned hair band. Also, carry a copy of her book The Bell Jar.

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via History Things

Jane Austen, author

Jane Austen not only broke the female gender roles of her time by excelling in her literary pursuits, but she also did so while writing admirable heroines into her novels. The strong female characters she depicts value women’s equality and independence—ideals that were way ahead of their time.

What to wear: A long, pastel dress, white bonnet, french braids that end in a low bun. Carry your favorite Jane Austen novel with you—there’s more than a handful to choose from!