Saturday, September 14, 2013

10 Halloween costume ideas for women from the movies and TV...

More often than not I find the costumes for women in movies so much more dramatic than the outfits for their male counterparts. Maybe it's because of the influence of fashion through the ages and the elaborate styles worn during the different time periods, or maybe costume designers just find women more interesting to create looks for. I'm no stranger to donning a classic superheroine costume myself, check out my zombie Wonder Woman costume from last Halloween, but if you're looking for some inspiration to help create your own Halloween outfit this year, take a look at this eclectic collection of garments from the big and small screen.

Red Riding Hood
Once Upon a Time Red Riding Hood costume
Fans of ABC's Once Upon a Time TV series will love 'Ruby's' Enchanted Forest take on Red Riding Hood, with its medieval peasant skirt and iconic red cloak.

If you like this, be sure to also take a look at Snow White and 'Cora's' Queen of Hearts Once Upon a Time fairytale costumes on display at Disney's D23 Fan Expo 2013.

Wicked Witch of the West
Wicked Witch Oz Great Powerful costume
From fairytales and fables to a land filled with magic in Oz The Great and Powerful and another iconic character from literature updated, this time the Wicked Witch of the West played by Mila Kunis in Disney's Wizard of Oz prequel tale.

If you're more of a good witch, be sure to check out Michelle Williams Glinda costume from Oz The Great and Powerful on display too.

Hansel & Gretel Witch
Hansel Gretel Witch Hunters Tall Witch costume
One of my favourite brainless fantasy-action films earlier this year was Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, which starred Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner as the famous fairytale siblings given a grownup twist and purpose.

I loved the costume design on the movie by Marlene Stewart, especially the inventive witch costumes in Hansel & Gretel, including this woodland witch outfit and Famke Janssen's Grand Witch 'Muriel' gown.

Jolly Holiday Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins Jolly Holiday movie costume
Speaking of magic of a far less dark variety, Disney's D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center in early August also had a special showcase of Mary Poppins costumes and props to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the magical iconic nanny's film debut.

This 'Jolly Holiday' outfit may have been missing a her satin waist corset, but it was still great to see up close and not hidden away behind a reflective display case.

Mary Poppins Mrs Banks Suffragette
Mrs Banks Suffragette Mary Poppins movie costume
Global women's rights seem to have once again been in the spotlight following some questionable remarks in the last U.S. Presidential election campaign and the atrocities continuing to be committed against women around the world by other nations.

Therefore this Suffragette costume from the original women's rights movement in the early 1900's, worn by Glynis Johns as 'Mrs. Banks' in 1964's Mary Poppins, still seems very timely and looks quite easy to replicate with its 'Votes for Women' sash.

The Great Gatsby
Great Gatsby red movie dress
Stepping back in time again and following the popularity of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby this year, I think we'll see a lot of Roaring Twenties flapper dresses and outfits at Halloween parties and parades this year.

Be sure to also check out these other original costumes from The Great Gatsby on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema in May 2013.

The Lone Ranger's Red Harrington
Red Harrington Lone Ranger saloon dress
If you're a fan of the Wild West and like the look of saloon bar girls, then maybe you'll opt for a costume like this worn by Helena Bonham Carter as 'Red Harrington' in Disney's remake of The Lone Ranger.

Lady Godiva of Coventry
Lady Godiva of Coventry movie costume
If it's flowing gowns you like, maybe you'll take a leaf out of the Lady Godiva of Coventry from the 1955 movie.

You could either go for this Anglo-Saxon dress style which was spied at Universal Studios Hollywood in their costume and prop archives exhibit in July, or for the more exhibitionist 'riding naked horseback with flowing hair' look that the historical figure is infamous for.

Queen Nefertiti
Queen Nefertiti Doctor Who costume
More inspiration from the past comes from TV's Doctor Who and the seventh series 'Dinosaurs on a spaceship' episode, which saw the time-traveling alien 'Doctor' bring Egyptian Queen Nefertiti along for the ride as one of his temporary companions.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High cheerleader
Fast Times Ridgemont High cheerleader costume
And if you're feeling like you have some team spirit this Halloween, there's always the classic cheerleader costume with pom poms for a fun look, like this outfit from the 80's movie comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. You can always add zombie or ghost makeup for a spookier twist for Halloween.

If you're still undecided and need more inspiration, be sure to also check out these Halloween costumes ideas for women from last year's movies, including the likes of Catwoman, Cruella de Vil, Maid Marian, Dejah Thoris and more besides.

Whatever you decide, there's still time to make, create or source your Halloween look, so get sewing, gluing and shopping now.

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