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You're so much more than just sexy.
By D'Vaughn McCrae — Written on Oct 13, 2021
Every fall, women are bombarded with an endless array of sexy Halloween costumes and very little else in the way of dress-up options.
From sexy cop to sexy nurse to a very creepy sexy Brownie, the sultry (and sometimes totally skanky) Halloween costume offerings are almost endless. Heck, you can't even dress up as a crayon without being a sexy crayon.
We think this whole sexy Halloween costume thing has gotten a bit out of hand. And we're not alone — Even some guys are starting to see the insanity of women's sexy Halloween costumes.
While there's nothing wrong with being sexy or wanting to feel sexy, there are plenty of bada$$ Halloween costumes for women that are pretty refreshing, especially for those of us out there who want our Halloween experience to be about more than just being sexy.
Here are 27 of our favorite costumes that celebrate more than a woman's body — they celebrate her strength, creativity, cunning and character. Be a rebel this year!
27 Best Badass Halloween Costumes For Women
1. Joan Jett
Grab a kick-a** black mullet and some leather, and pay a tribute to one of the awesome women who first showed the world that girls could be rock stars!
Check prices and reviews for 80s Joan Jett wig on Amazon
2. The Bride from 'Kill Bill'
There's no question that Uma Thurman as the Bride, Beatrix, the main girl from "Kill Bill," is a hottie, but there's also no question that her character in this movie is a bada$$ mofo that anyone would be happy to channel this Halloween.
Check prices and reviews for The Bride costume on Amazon
3. The Powerpuff Girls
Sugar, spice, everything nice, Chemical X, and sisterhood — this old cartoon had it right. Grab a group of your besties and dress as Blossom, Bubbles or Buttercup.
Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup costumes available on Etsy
4. Lady Baggins from 'The Hobbit'
If you ask us, Bilbo Baggins would make an awesome woman, too. Make your trek back to the Shire even more bada$$ by dressing as a female Bilbo.
Check prices and reviews for cloak on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for elf ears on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for green vest on Amazon
5. Wednesday Addams
The everlasting Wednesday Addams doesn't put up with nonsense, and neither should you on this pumpkin-packed holiday. Because not only is she morbid and a bit of a sociopath, but she's pretty bada$$ too.
Check prices and reviews for Wednesday Addams costume on Amazon
6. Feminist Lichtenstein
Get yourself some Halloween makeup and channel your inner pop-art artist. Props to anyone who walks around with speaking bubble that reads: "What do you mean you're not a feminist?" or, "I'd rather sink than call Brad for help!"
Check prices and reviews for pop art blazer on Amazon
7. Sophie from 'Howl's Moving Castle'
This Studio Ghibli heroine helped end a war, and learned to love herself along the way. We'd say that's #goals for any strong woman.
Check prices and reviews for Sophie costume on Amazon
8. Michonne from 'The Walking Dead'
Anything involving zombies is perfect for Halloween, but grab yourself a (fake) Katana and let everyone know that Michonne is a super-bada$$.
Check prices and reviews for toy Katana on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for braided wig on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for black vest on Amazon
9. She-Hulk
She may have a milder version of the Hulk condition, but you don't want to make She-Hulk mad. And this is a great opportunity to show off those guns!
Check prices and reviews for She-Hulk costume on Amazon
10. Katniss Everdeen
Katniss knows how to play the right games. Just strap a bow and arrow on your back to prove how being a great archer can save your life.
Check prices and reviews for Katniss costume on Amazon
11. Tank Girl
Tank Girl is a graphic novel heroine from the 80s who lives in a punk post-apocolyptic world. Even if you don't know who she is, she can at least be your creative bada$$ costume inspo!
Check prices and reviews for fingerless leather gloves on Amazon
Bullseye t-shirt available on Redbubble
Check prices and reviews for goggles on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for green military jacket on Amazon
12. Ronda Rousey
You can dress up as any female boxer, but Ronda continues to show us what it means to be a bada$$ in every sense of the word.
Check prices and reviews for Rowdy Ronda Rousey costume on Amazon
13. Female Titan
She took the 'Attack on Titan' manga and video game world by storm, and taught us a bit about the muscular anatomy. Pretty scary, really.
Female Titan cosplay costume available on Etsy
14. Nike, The Greek Goddess of Victory
Fun fact: Nike is the Greek goddess of Victory. You could toss on your toga... or you could walk around on Halloween decked out in all that cool Nike gear you've been wanting to show off. Give someone a mythology lesson along the way!
Check prices and reviews for goddess wings on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for women's toga on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for women's Nike shoes on Amazon
15. Any character from "Orange is the New Black"
There's no shortage of truly bada$$ ladies on this show, and you don't need a ridiculously sexual prisoner costumes. We're keeping it real, just like they did.
Check prices and reviews for scrubs on Amazon
16. Pippi Longstocking
She may not want to grow up, but this strong young lady proves that kids deserve more respect from adults... and that all kids should be best friends with animals.
Check prices and reviews for corduroy jumper on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for red pigtail wig on Amazon
17. Sanderson Sisters
While the Sanderson Sisters from 'Hocus Pocus' may be evil witches, there's no denying the lengths they went to just to remain young. Plus, it's the best Halloween movie ever, hands down.
Check prices and reviews for Winifred costume on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for Sarah costume on Amazon
Check prices and reviews for Mary costume on Amazon
18. Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman, a well known Amazon, fights for your rights in her satin tights. She's also been a source of women's empowerment for decades.
Check prices and reviews for Wonder Woman costume on Amazon
19. Frida Kahlo
Bonus points if you figure out a way to evoke a specific self portrait of hers. Channel Frida's fiery personality and overall bada$$ery!
Check prices and reviews for Frida Kahlo costume on Amazon
20. Princess Zelda
The Legend of Zelda isn't about the main character, Link. In fact, Zelda is a a woman that can kick butt and rule a kingdom like a champ.
Check prices and reviews for Princess Zelda costume on Amazon
21. Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Queen of the 90s underworld, Buffy fell in love with a vampire — and that's ballsy, if you ask us.
Check prices and reviews for Buffy costume on Amazon
22. Xena, Warrior Princess
Another 90s warrior woman that ruled, become Xena in your very own get-up. You get to wear leather! And bonus points if you nail her war cry.
Check prices and reviews for Xena costume on Amazon
23. Rosie The Riveter
She was flexing her muscles back when nice girls wore pearls and heels, and had dinner on the table when their husbands walked in.
Rosie the Riveter costume available at Party City
24. Daria
With sarcasm and a biting intellect, Daria parodies the overwhelming BS that surrounds her. You can even get your BFF to dress up as Jane in her combat boots.
Check prices and reviews for Daria costume on Amazon
25. Hermione Granger
Beautiful and brainy, this level-headed bada$$ saved her friends, all while helping Harry defeat Lord Voldemort.
Check prices and reviews for Hermoine Granger costume on Amazon
26. Daenerys Targaryen
Mother of Dragons, Daenerys quickly changed from a timid and meek individual to a complete and total bada$$, with her very own army and dragons.
Check prices and reviews for Daenerys Targaryen costume on Amazon
27. Princess Mononoke
Another Studio Ghibli heroine, Princess Mononoke runs with wolves and will literally tear your throat out if you mess with the forest.
Check prices and reviews for Princess Mononoke costume on Amazon
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D'Vaughn McCrae is a writer and multimedia journalist.
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