The big day — October 31 — is just around the corner. If you’re still searching for a Halloween costume, I get it. Not everyone is like me and has their costume planed out and purchased by Labor Day. (I know.)
So, if you need a little help planning your outfit this year, consider the following suggestions. Each idea is based on badass women horror movie icons — past and modern — who are worth emulating this Halloween.
Before proceeding, note that a few of these costume descriptions include film spoilers. So, if you’re intrigued, please watch the films. They’re all worth a watch this Halloween season.
Jennifer, Jennifer’s Body
Jennifer, in the aptly named Jennifer’s Body, was a boss bitch before boss bitches were a thing (circa 2009). She’s technically a terrible friend to her buddy, Needy, but Jennifer knows Needy well. However, the night Needy and Jennifer head to a local bar to see up-and-coming band Low Shoulder, Jennifer … changes. Sadly, that change isn’t for the better, but is sure does make for an amazing film.
Channel Jennifer’s inner, sexy bad bitch by wearing her signature ensemble: low slung jeans, a heart hoodie that’s paired with a heart necklace and earrings and a rose lip. The look is subtle enough to work at the most low-key Halloween party and sexy enough to work on cam.
Here’s an excellent screen grab of the costume/look, as well as a musical homage below.
Sally, Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Texas Chain Saw Massacre is quite possibly the ultimate horror movie. It’s gritty and bloody, and it introduced the world to the horror genre’s first final girl: Sally.
In the film, Sally, her brother and friends are on a trip to visit her grandfather’s grave. Sadly, the grave-bound crew encounter a group of cannibal psychopaths who are hellbent on killing — and eating — them all.
To dress like Sally — and honor the final girl who survives and lives within all of us — simply don a pair of white bell bottoms and a blue halter top sans bra. If you’re going for the pre-chain-saw look, forgo the bloody makeup. The look is perfect for anyone who has fans who are into retro, vintage styling and girl-next-door personas.
Here’s Sally at the end of the film, and you can see the blood-free earlier look here.
Noelle, M.F.A.
Nolle, the lead in the just-released horror film M.F.A., is a modern-day vigilante. After Noelle is raped by a romantic interest on a date at a party, she is involved in his accidental death. After witnessing the “tragedy,” Noelle “transforms.”
To dress like Noelle, slap on a pair of frayed, high-waisted jean shorts and a black crop top, obtain a pink bob wig and find a glittery butterfly mask.
To be honest, the costume is pretty solid on its own; no backstory needed. However, you will know your costume is based on a woman who takes justice, albeit not legal justice, into her own hands.
Here’s the poster for M.F.A., and you can see Noelle’s butterfly mask here.
Sarah, The Neon Demon
The Neon Demon is a modern tale about “what it takes” to make it as a model. The film is a terrifyingly beautiful representation of how women are treated — and sometimes how they cope — when threatened with Hollywood ghosting.
Although Sarah isn’t the lead in The Neon Demon, she is the character who undergoes the creepiest and most Halloween-appropriate change in the film. To achieve her look, simply wear a latex skirt and black halter, and add sunglasses. If you’re going to commit to total transformation, consider holding a bloody eyeball. However, we’re not sure how well that look would go over with your cam fans.
This woman did an excellent job with her Sarah costume hair. See a grab from the film here.
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
Image © Irum Shahid.
