This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Akron chapter.

With Halloween right around the corner, settling on an unforgettable costume is on the minds of many.

The past year has been one filled with an unrelenting news cycle that could easily take the “holiday spirit” out of anyone. For women especially, current events have left a permanent mark on our identities and how we see the world. Though the news might feel inescapable, there is a way to channel those lingering feelings into a one-of-a-kind, statement-making Halloween costume that asserts feminism at the same time.

The costumes below are mostly of the DIY variety, seeing as it remains a difficult task to find these outfits at the Halloween store. But rather than throwing on that same costume you’ve used for the past few years, take the opportunity to be creative, assertive, and unapologetic about affirming your girl power!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (“RBG”)

The Supreme Court Justice is an icon for women everywhere.

Amelia Earhart

The fearless first woman pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic is a figure we admire decades later.

Serena Williams

2018 has been the tennis pro’s year, no doubt. With her return to the league after a difficult pregnancy, Serena has not been afraid to speak up about motherhood and the double standards of race in professional sports.

Kathrine Switzer

If you love athletics or running, consider honoring Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with her own bib number in 1967. Kathrine registered for the race when women were not permitted to compete, passing her registration by using only her first and middle initials. During the marathon itself, the race director attempted to physically remove her upon noticing she was a woman. Kathrine’s boyfriend and a group of fellow runners helped fight off the director, and she went on to finish the race in full.

Sabrina

With Netflix rebooting the series about our favorite teenage witch, this costume will have you ready to cast your favorite spell.

Elle Woods

There’s a lot to work with on this costume! Get inspired by the pink-loving, Harvard lawyer. Even Reece Witherspoon herself has had fun playing her iconic role over the years.

Hermione Granger

Brilliant, resourceful, and endlessly heroic are just a few words to capture the essence of Hermione Granger.

Leslie Knope

There’s simply no one better than our favorite zany Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation. (*Added idea: bring waffles to eat throughout the night as a nod to Leslie’s favorite food!*)

Dr. Ellie Sattler from Jurassic Park

The ever-intelligent paleontologist is the true feminist hero against both men and dinosaurs.

Birth Control Pills

With women’s reproductive rights coming under attack more and more each day, don’t be afraid to share with the world how much you love the freedom to control your own body and life.

Voting Ballot/Ballot Box

In a similar vein to birth control, voting rights are being increasingly targeted and suppressed, specifically against people of color, women, and young voters. Show just how much you love voting and how excited you are to cast your ballot in the upcoming election by dressing as a voting ballot or ballot box.

Ghostbusters

Get your girl gang together & power up to fight the Halloween spookies!

Feminist Costumes for a Statement-Making Halloween