Shopping for modest Halloween costumes for girls can seem both frustrating and overwhelming to say the least as a parent. When you search ‘costumes for girls’ you’ll likely find a plethora of either princess costumes or descriptions with the word ‘sexy’ in it. While those options are perfectly acceptable, many parents and girls would like to have more options to choose from. Wouldn’t it be nice to have more costume choices that empower young women to dress like their heroes and role models as well?
The Search for Fierce and Formidable Female Fashion
I have spent hours DAYS combing through Amazon and found what I believe are more versatile options for girls and young women to choose from. Not just for Halloween but for other costume parties such as “Dress like your favorite author or book character’ days at school or for dress up play.
The importance of dress up and play
It’s important for our youth to have someone to look up to and emulate so they can feel empowered to be the best version of themselves. Playing dress up and wearing costumes can provide young women with the confidence and knowledge to learn more about women in history that they admire and revere. I hope you find this list helpful and will be able to use it as a reference for some time. Please share it with other parents and educators who are also seeking for these resources. The costumes listed below through Amazon may differ over time and change out but the concepts and ideas are still of value and can always be revised as needed.
Costumes of important women throughout history
While this is not an exhaustive list and could clearly include so many more important women throughout history; the following are costumes I found on Amazon, that closely matched the women’s attire of that time. If you feel inspired, also consider checking your local thrift stores or estate sales for period costumes.
Susan B. Anthony was an American social reformer and women’s rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement.
Consider your own cultural background when choosing a costume
**Some of these costumes listed may be better suited for those from the culture they represent so please be sensitive to that.
**Cleopatra was the last active ruler of Egypt; a diplomat, naval commander, linguist, and medical author.
**Frida Kahlo de Rivera was considered one of Mexico’s greatest artists.
Amelia Earhart was the very first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She received the US Distinguished Flying Cross for this accomplishment.
**Sacagawea (spelling varies based on sources) was a Lemhi Shoshone woman whose knowledge and courage was a huge part of the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Annie Oakley was an American exhibition sharpshooter starting at a very young age.
**Katherine Johnson is an African-American mathematician whose calculations at NASA was integral to developing human spaceflight in America. Her fascinating life story was featured in the acclaimed film ‘Hidden Figures’.
Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of World War II, representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards while men were at war.
Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing.
So MANY amazing women of NASA aerospace we could highlight including; Sally Ride who was the first American woman in space and **Dr. Mae Jemison who was the first African-American woman in space.
Joan of Arc was proclaimed a Saint of the Catholic Church and led the French against the English in the Hundred Years War.
Audrey Hepburn was not only an amazing actress but a humanitarian and UNICEF ambassador long after she retired from acting.
Louisa May Alcott authored several classics such as Little Women. She worked as a Civil War nurse, fought against slavery, and registered women to vote in local elections years before the 19th Amendment was ratified.
Martha Washington served as the first First Lady of the United States.
Betsy Ross was credited for taking part in the creation of the first US flag.
Maria Von Trapp was a nun who was hired as a tutor for the Von Trapp children. She married their father, Captain Von Trapp, and they become world famous singers featured in the acclaimed Broadway musical and film 'Sound of Music'.
Marie Curie was the first person ever to receive two Nobel Prizes and the first woman to receive one. (this is a more modern labcoat than she likely had, however)
Statue of Liberty-aka Lady Liberty; a living symbol of freedom to millions around the world!
Saint Helena found what was believed to be the True Cross and other relics while in Jerusalem. She was famous for her kindness and as the mother of Constantine the Great.
Esther of the Old Testament, risked her life to save her people from destruction.
Anne Boleyn is considered one of the most famous and fascinating queens in English history.
Abigail Adams was the wife and adviser of John Adams, and mother of John Quincy Adams. She was also the first Second Lady and the second First Lady of the United States.
**Indira Gandhi was an Indian politician and stateswoman and the first female Prime Minister of India.
As the Western United States was formed, there were MANY strong and courageous American pioneer women. Many endured great hardships and loss and still persevered. 
Mercy Warren was one of the most educated and brilliant women of her time. Author of a number of political plays featuring government leaders including a satire of the Boston Tea Party event.
Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. (of course, you won't need the cap for this costume) Could also be a Ruth Bader Ginsberg costume.
Queen Victoria reigned over the United Kingdom for 63 years and was also given the title Empress of India.
Emily Howell Warner was the first female pilot to be hired by a scheduled US airline.
Women of Woodstock-Strong female activists from the 60's who paved the way for generations to come.
Fierce and Formidable Female Career Costumes Ideas
She can shoot for the stars with this NASA Rocket Scientist costume.
Having good bedside manners are very important to patients and female physicians have some of the best!
Her future will be right on track with this train conductor costume she's sure to enjoy long after Halloween is over!
The world of veterinary medicine is becoming more and more female. This costume company will even embroider your future veterinarian's name on it!
Zoology is a very important and noble profession and female zoologists are no exception!
For the future brain surgeon who has a mind of her own!
Is she obsessed with NASCAR and the INDY 500? She'll be lightning fast in this race car driver costume!
Some of the most renowned chefs in the world are women. She'll be cooking up a storm in this chef's costume with these fun accessories!
It wasn't easy finding a police officer costume for girls picturing a girl in pants and not a skirt. Did you know female police uniforms used to require skirts? Imagine chasing down criminals in a skirt! Sure glad that much has changed!
Fierce, female and a firefighter! This fun Firefighter costume comes with a helmet, badge, fire extinguisher, bullhorn, and reusable name tag.
Many women are breaking through what has long been a man's world in the world of magic with their fantastic feats of illusion! This magician costume will surely keep them guessing how she does it!
A few More Honorable Mentions
Keep in mind that this list consists of mere suggestions based on my extensive searches on Amazon. It is by no means an exhaustive list and there are truly MANY more worthy women mentioning. Feel free to make more suggestions in a comment for others to see. I do hope that this gives you more ideas of ways to teach our young women about our history and the career fields that will hopefully ignite their passion for what the future holds for them. Many fictional characters can be admirable role models for young women everywhere. Below are some suggestions to choose from as well.
The future is female!
What are YOUR favorite costumes on this list?
Leave a comment below; we would love to hear your thoughts!
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As the founder of Why Not Mom; a unique online directory of mom-owned boutiques and mom-invented products, Tonia has strived to create a unique organization of female business owners, creating a diverse network that assists each other in driving more business to one another, in addition to providing tools and resources to achieve success in their business endeavors. It is her passion to make Why Not Mom the world’s largest online directory of women-owned businesses in the pursuit of strengthening families and supporting small business owners worldwide.
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