If you're like me, your Halloween 🎃 costume ends up being an after thought 💬 or something that you put together in an hour or two, despite having the best intentions. I always promise myself that I'll plan better next year, only to fall into the same habit over and over again.
As a black woman, shopping for costumes is a constant struggle for me, which is why it always ends up being last minute. It's really easy to think about a clever costume that you *know* you will totally kill, but being able to find one that actually compliments your gorgeous skin and incorporates your sexy hair 💇 without having to hide it is where things get tricky. That's why I made this promise to myself this year:
You WILL find a costume that completely slays (without your friends having to spend 30 minutes ⏰ trying to guess who you're supposed to be).
Here's how you can do the same!
1 Member of the BeyHive
Okay ladies, now let's get in formation. This is your chance to show off your creative side. What's needed: A yellow and black dress 👗 (like a bee🐝, get it?) plus ➕ any Beyoncé memorabilia.
To my fellow Walking 🚶 Dead 💀 fans, this one's for you! There is greater badass than Michonne, so why wouldn't you want to be her? The best part about this halloween costume 👻 is that you probably own most of her outfit in your own closet. Now all you'll need is a plastic sword for extra brownie points.
3 Black Panther
Show off your pride with black leather and dark lipstick 💄. If you're like me 👌 and you're into all black everything all of the time, you're already halfway there.
4 The Wiz
Don't be afraid to go full out with your beat face 💁🏿. You can even make it a group thing!
5 The Incredible Iron Man
When I saw the original design for the teenage Iron Man, I couldn't stop applauding 👏 just how fierce she looked. I love 💓 that more female superheroes are getting screen time 🖥.
6 The Lioness
Two words: Braid Out. If you're a naturalista, your beautiful curls will really make this next look.
7 Janet Jackson Circa Poetic Justice Era
No one does box braids better than the original Queen 👑.
8 Flapper Girl a La Josephine Baker
Channel this beautiful brown-skinned goddess and her dark and dramatic Hollywood 🎥 inspired look. Get your gel (or a slightly curly wig) ready so you can slick back your hair.
9 Tia & Tamera Mowry
Grab your bestie for this iconic and totally sweet 🍯 costume.
10 Whitley from a Different World
Rollnecks, pencil skirts, twin sets and pearls ... Bonus: Dress your boyfriend up as Dwayne for ultimate #couplegoals 😎😍.
11 Annalise Keating from How to Get Away with Murder
Short wig? Check ✔️. Blazer or business suit? Check ✔️. Take-no-prisoners attitude? Check, check, check ✔️.
12 Lieutenant Uhura from Star Trek
Be a part of the Starfleet with this quirky costume 🖖. A short red dress and black knee high boots is all you need.
13 Jenelope from Bring It on
Bring on major throwback feels in Jenelope's cheery uniform ✌️.
14 Catwoman
The best thing about this last minute idea 💡 is that it's super easy to pull off. You can pick up cat 🐱 ears and an eye mask at almost any clothing store.
15 Niobe from the Matrix
Keep it simple but sexy 😉 in bantu knots and a matching leather set. Your friends won't be ready for all the slayage going on 😏!
16 Diana Ross
Right off the bat, I knew that this was THE costume I just had to have. Rocking your fabulous fro and a sparkling ⭐ dress 👗 is a must for this one.
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Pair your Diana Ross-inspired ensemble with her signature bold eye makeup and extravagant lashes to make your eyes pop. Don't forget a microphone to channel Miss Ross's superstar essence. The key is to own the stage with as much grace and poise as the diva herself. If you're in a group, have your friends dress as the Supremes for a show-stopping group costume. Emanate confidence, and you’ll have everyone believing you’re the boss for the night. Keep an eye out for those Motown beats, and be ready to dazzle on the dance floor!
17 Penny Proud from the Proud Family
90s kids, brace yourself for this one. Growing up, who wasn't in love 💞 with Penny's bomb 💣 cardigan and skirt combo?
