Pop culture is a vast and ever expanding landscape. But from viral memes and GIFs to the characters that we let into our homes every week via television, women of color have always been around been around to inspire and slay.
They have been the best parts of our favorite movies and the innovator of our favorite songs. They are icons, both living and deceased, and they are permanently ingrained in our memories.
If you ask me, there is never a wrong time to celebrate women of color. But itโs true that Halloween presents a unique opportunity to honor these women by looking exactly like them.
Here are a few ideas to get you started. And just to stay on the safe side, I would like to remind everyone that yellow/brown/Blackface are never ok. It really canโt be said enough
1. Oprah
Photo: Kobal/REX/Shutterstock.ย If you’re going to be a woman of color, why not be one of the most powerful and influential ones? Oprah’s reputation precedes her as the richest Black woman in America, the Queen of daytime television, and a GIF goddess among other things. Just think about how often you’ve seen this looping image. And you can recreate it.Position a pixie cut wig so that the short part is in the front. Make sure you tease it out so that it mimics the volume of Oprah’s hair.Grab a red suit and some pearls and at every hour on the hour yell “You get a car! YOU GET A CAR!”
Shondaland/ABC Studios USA Television.
Scandal is ending after the upcoming seventh season. And while some people are probably grateful that they no longer have to worry about the crazy antics of politicians in Shonda Rhimesโ fictional D.C., there is no denying that Olivia Pope is a national treasure. And her style is iconic.Hereโs what youโll need to recreate her look, in addition to a knock-off Prada bag.This bouncy wig will capture Popeโs signature blow out. Some wide leg trousers, a power blouse of your choice, and a white suit jacket will get you ready to handle Halloween. Yes, youโll need some pumps.
4. 2000 J. Lo
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If people are going to dress like J. Lo this Halloween, they are probably going to opt for some version of her iconic green Versace dress. But my favorite Jennifer Lopez is more Jenny from the block.This all-white streetwear look is just as recognizable and easy to pull off.All youโll need is a white sports bra, a white bandana from your local beauty supply store, and some white jeans.You can also pull this off as a coupleโs look with someone else in a white tee, Black Detroit Tigers hat, and some dark jeans.
5. TLC
Jim Smeal/Getty.
The hardest part of dressing like TLC is definitely going to be choosing a look. With a career spanning over a decade even before the death of member Lisa โLeft Eyeโ Lopes, there are a lot to choose from.But comfort always takes priority for me, so these oversized overalls from the 90s are perfect.Iโd recommend getting menโs overalls for that baggy look.Stick some condoms on them to promote safe sex just like the members of TLC did. Accessorize with shades and bandanas to taste.
6. Hilary Banks
NBC/Stuffed Dog/Quincy Jones Ent/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock.
Following in the footsteps of A Different Worldโs Whitley Gilbert, Hilary Banks was a pioneer of bad and bougie as the eldest child on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She wasnโt the sharpest tool in the shed, but she was definitely the best dressed.To pull off her staple look youโll need a black bowler hat, no exceptions. I would also recommend a curly wig to wear underneath. You can probably find a womenโs blazer with the shoulder pads at your local thrift store. Just make sure you rock a cute mini skirt and tights because you have to have the bad with the bougie.
7. Janelle Monae
Chelsea Lauren/WWD/REX/Shutterstock.
If youโre an O.G. Fan of Janelle Monae, you know that she has instituted her own uniform by committing to wearing black and white exclusively for public appearances and performances.There have only been a few exceptions to this rule, especially since sheโs been hitting award season, and it makes her stand out in a crowd.Just about any black-and-white ensemble that involves a button-up or bowtie will work to capture Monae. But if you really want to bring it home, get on YouTube to figure out how to mold your hair into her classic updo.
8. Selena
Arlene Richie/Media Sources.
If you can withstand the memory of the late singer Selena without crying, I commend you.
You will also be pleased to know that this costume is readily available online.
9. Super Bowl 2016 Beyoncรฉ
Ezra Shaw/Getty.
When Beyoncรฉ performed โFormationโ for the first time at 2016 Super Bowl, she gave a middle finger to everyone who thought her latest single was too militant. She, along with a hoard of dancers, channeled the Black Panther Party for an amazing performance.Youโll need a black military jacket on top of a black bodysuit or leotard and fishnet tights.Your comfiest black combat boots are perfect footwear.
I found this military belt with bullets that you can layer on top of your jacket for the maximum effect.
10. Aaliyah Iconic Look #2
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty
Another talented entertainer gone too soon, Aaliyah will always be remembered for her classic hits from the 90s and early 00s. She also mastered a unique style that is, in my humble opinion, timeless.Get any lace up crop top and find yourself some briefs with a branded elastic band.This detail is important, as the band will show over your baggy pants.An oversized jacket is optional, but you will need a straight black wig that you can use to cover one eye. Retro sunnies and workman boots will bring it all together.
11. Cookie- from Empire
Chuck Hodes/FOX
A modern-day heroine, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) has reigned as the matriarch and CEO on Empire. Sheโs savvy and over-the-top, with an affinity for bright colors, fur, and gaudy jewelry. Sheโs a fun, but glam, choice for this yearโs Halloween festivities.A colorful faux fur is the starting place.Pair it up with a bodycon dress of your choice, preferably in animal print. Load up on gold jewelry โ big hoops, lots of bangles, a chunky statement necklace, and a few rings should do the trick โ and pick your favorite pumps.
12. Scary Spice
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Honestly, anything spandex and leopard print is a go for the woman I wanted to be for all of my adolescence.Scary Spice is still one of my style inspirations.You can pair your look with black Doc Martens to channel her fearlessness, but can you master her infamous buns?
13. Cleo from Set It Off
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Set It Off is one of the most underrated heist movies ever, and Cleo (Queen Latifah) is one of the most underrated movie characters.May she rest in peace.I say we bring her back to life for one night in October.All you need is a worker jumpsuit, black boots, and cornrows.
14. Missandei from Game of Thrones
HBO
There aren’t many characters of color in GoT so it seems kind of important that we celebrate the ones that are. The ever-perfect is a great choice. She’s actually one of the only choices… but I digress.It’s pretty simple to pull off her look.Find an earth-tone gown like this one and get yourself a Grey Worm! Bonus points if you let your curls bounce freely.
