Credit: Bigstock
Halloween is one of our favorite times of the year and part of the reason is that for one special, albeit probably tipsy, night we can play make-believe and it’s totally acceptable. While it might be easy to just err on the side of being a sexy nurse, hot police officer or whatever you can find at Spirit of Halloween or the Party Store, we suggest going a slightly different route. MadameNoire serves up a few unconventional Halloween costumes to celebrate some amazing African-American women.
Beyonce
Tapping into your inner Beyonce is far from a unique or unexpected Halloween costume choice. She has had so many iconic looks that it seems like every year is a good year to tackle a Bey-inspired costume. But we are really making the case to tackle new mommy Bey as your costume. From the flowing floral dress to the two little munchkins in your arms, you’ll definitely standout in the crowd.
Michelle Obama
It goes without saying that 2017 has made us miss the Obamas more than we ever thought possible. So why not tap into your inner FLOTUS, grab a Barack and hit the town? There are a number of quintessential Michelle looks to choose from, but we’re always partial to her more formal wear.
Nina Simone
Singer. Songwriter. Activist. Overall badass. If you’re looking for a costume to really make a statement, then there is no doubt that channeling the power of Nina Simone could be the way to go. Plus, on a more practical note, you won’t freeze your best assets off in some short little number. Flowy dresses, long-sleeved tops and sweaters are the way to go.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Rihanna attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Huffington Post)
Rihanna
This might not be the most imaginative of costume suggestions, but in a year when Rihanna was everywhere and FentyBeauty is at the top of our must-own list, then dressing up as RiRi seems more than a little appropriate. There is no doubt that Rihanna’s many looks are almost always memorable, but if we’re looking for a true standout this year, we’d have to go with her purple mini-dress that she rocked at the launch of her cosmetics line.
Kerry Washington/Olivia Pope
Get out your white hats, ladies. In celebration of the last season of Scandal, why not consider becoming Olivia Pope for Halloween. Kerry Washington is such a stunner in her designer garb and power ensembles (and let’s not even talk about how on point her hair game is on the show) that if you’re looking for a classic vibe this Halloween, dressing up as this gladiator might be the way to go.
Tracee Ellis Ross/Rainbow Johnson
So we’re a little torn with this one. Actress Tracee Ellis Ross (and her “Black-ish” character Rainbow Johnson) are both style icons, so we feel like you couldn’t go wrong with dressing up as either one this Halloween. No matter who you choose, make sure the colors are bold and bright, the styles are on another level and you embrace those bouncy curls.
Danai Gurira/Michonne
If you’re looking for something a little less stylish and a little more badass, there is no doubt that dressing up as “The Walking Dead” character Michonne is the right move. Played by Danai Gurira (who is primed for a breakout in next year’s “Black Panther”), Michonne has not only shown her physical prowess, but also her mental and emotional strength as her merry band of survivors have braved the end of days and the zombie apocalypse. In addition to rocking some awesome leather, dressing up as Michonne also lets you run around with a fake sword which is kind of cool.
Taraji P. Henson/Katherine Johnson
For the full effect you might need to enlist the help of two of your friends, but a great Halloween costume idea this year could be to recreate the magic of “Hidden Figures.” Donning some 1960s attire and styling your hair and makeup to match, you and your ladies can easily become Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan. Not only will you look cute and sophisticated, but you’ll also be embodying women who had a profound impact on our world.
Nathalie Emmanuel/Missandei
Looking for a creative couples costume this Halloween and love yourself some “Game of Thrones,” we’ve got the perfect suggestion. Get those curls working and find a sexy Westerosi-feeling gown and become Missandei for All Hallows Eve. Of course what will put this look over the top is finding yourself a hot Grey Worm to be your date, but either way this costume choice is perfect for the GOT nerd in you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaZ6y_pBcIn/?taken-by=iamcardib
Cardi B.
If you’re looking to be a little extra this Halloween, then channeling your inner Cardi B. could be just the way to go. A blonde wig down to your booty, sky-high heels and a skin-tight, sexy outfit sound like a good time to us.
