Women's Halloween costume inspiration from the big and small screen for 2015...

Around this time of year I always get lots of visitors looking for Halloween costume inspiration, or for detail shots to help them complete an authentic look for a particular costume or character. If you need some help deciding what to wear for this year's Halloween festivities, maybe these female-friendly film and TV costumes I've spotted on display in the past twelve months will provide some ideas and inspiration.

Captain Phasma

First up is the fantastic chrome Stormtrooper costume worn by Gwendoline Christie as 'Captain Phasma' in the forthcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie. The armoured-look may be a bit of a departure from all the other figure-hugging catsuits and flowing gowns, but you'd certainly stand out as a strong, powerful force to be reckoned with.

Rey

I'm sure there will be plenty of Star Wars costumes new and old parading around this Halloween season, plus at conventions. If you don't fancy playing the villain, maybe the heroic female-lead, 'Rey' (played by Daisy Ridley), from the new Episode VII installment will be more your cup of tea.

Both of these out-of-this-world costumes designed by Michael Kaplan were spied on display at Disney's D23 Fan Expo at the Anaheim Connvention Center on August 14, 2015.

Black Widow

If you were hoping for something more super-heroic then you're in luck, as this sleek 'Black Widow' costume worn by Scarlett Johansson in this year's Avengers: Age of Ultron movie was spotted on display at ArcLight Sherman Oaks cinema back in April this year.

Costume Designer Alexandra Byrne was responsible for updating her look and I especially liked the illuminated piping they added to Natasha Romanoff's iconic black catsuit (or is that spider-suit).

Scarlet Witch

Another costume I loved from the Avengers sequel was this modern take on the 'Scarlet Witch', played by Elizabeth Olsen. She's the perfect Halloween character as she mixes the comic book genre with witchcraft.

This edgy outfit was photographed on display next to her on-screen brother's Quicksilver costume at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood when the movie was released in May.

Cinderella's Fairy Godmother

I know all the costumers out there will love this fabulous 'Fairy Godmother' gown worn by Helena Bonham Carter in Disney's live-action Cinderella movie from Spring this year.

If you like this Sandy Powell designed dress be sure to check it out in more detail, plus additional fantastic costumes from Cinderella on display at the El Capitan Theatre when the film opened in cinemas.

The Witch from Into the Woods

Sticking to fairytales and if it's a witch you want to dress as this spooky season, why not try to emulate Meryl Streep's glamorous 'Witch' gown from Disney's Into the Woods musical adaptation.

But if you're more of a darker soul, maybe her evil Witch movie costume also designed by Colleen Atwood would be more to your liking.

Into the Woods Red Riding Hood

If you'd rather play the fairytale heroine, maybe 'Red Riding Hood' costume from the same movie would appeal more (which was also on display at Hollywood's infamous El Capitan Theatre).

Plus for a different Red Riding Hood look be sure to check out these Once Upon a Time TV costumes for even more storybook inspiration.

Jenny Flint and Madame Vastra

Doctor Who fans may like to recreate the looks of his Victorian London era friends, the reptilian Silurian detective 'Madame Vastra' and her equally adventurous wife 'Jenny Flint'.

These intrepid members of the Paternoster Gang wore these kick-ass period-inspired lace and leather-corseted outfits designed by Howard Burden in the season eight opener, 'Deep Breath'.

If you're a Whovian, you should also take a look at more costumes on display at the Doctor Who Experience exhibition in Cardiff Bay, Wales.

NASA Astronaut from Interstellar

And again, it doesn't all have to be frocks and revealing garments, if you're a science fiction fan for a change of pace you could emulate Anne Hathaway's NASA spacesuit from Interstellar (designed by Mary Zophres), and bodly go to parties as an astronaut.

This cool costume was snapped on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema when the movie was released last November.

Red Queen gown from Alice Through the Looking Glass

But if you were going to pick a gown, then maybe it should be a royal one, like this costume fit for a queen, a 'Red Queen', from next year's Alice Through the Looking Glass movie. If you liked the gown which was on display at the 2015 D23 Expo, be sure to check out the other costumes designed once again by Colleen Atwood.

Now if you're still looking for inspiration, be sure to also check out these women's Halloween costume ideas from last year, from 2013 and from 2012 - want to be Gamora, Catwoman, Lady Sif, Poison Ivy, Mary Poppins, Cruella de Vil or a Wicked Witch, then take a look.

Whatever you decide there's still plenty of time to source materials and sew, glue and construct your perfect Halloween look, and if you doubt the lengths that people go to creating their costumes, then just take a look at some of these looks from West Hollywood's Halloween Carnavals past.

Meanwhile if it's men's Halloween costume ideas you're looking for, stay tuned in the days to come.