Women's Halloween costume ideas for 2018 from film and TV...

Every year I try and look back at the past twelve months film and television costume exhibits I've been lucky enough to see in person and select some ideas for the annual Halloween festivities. This year I've gathered together some fantastic female costume inspiration from the worlds of sci-fi, superheroes, wrestling, ice skating and horror.

Wasp

First up is the super-suit worn by Evangeline Lilly as the formidable winged 'Wasp' in this year's Ant-Man and the Wasp movie from Marvel Studios.

Louise Frogley was Costume Designer on this kick-ass heroine's look working from Andy Park's concept art.

Okoye

Next is the Dora Milaje costume worn by Danai Gurira as 'Okoye' the fierce general of Wakanda's female warrior security force in the solo Black Panther movie from Marvel Studios.

I can't help but feel this African tribal armour designed by Ruth E. Carter would make for a fantastic group costume look this Halloween.

Qi'ra

Emilia Clarke traded fantasy and dragons for outer space chic this year as the enigmatic 'Qi'ra' in Solo: A Star Wars Story and her costume designed by David Crossman and Glyn Dillon would make for a great science fiction look this Halloween season.

If this outfit isn't for you, then maybe you could try Emilia Clarke's Game of Thrones costume instead.

Val

One of my favourite characters, and costumes, from Solo: A Star Wars Story was the cool outfit worn by Thandie Newton as the scrappy 'Val' in the sci-fi prequel origin story. Val's tailored leather jacket, faux fur scarf and goggles ensemble would make for a striking look this Halloween.

Tonya Harding

Margot Robbie was nominated for an Oscar for her role as figure skating champion Tonya Harding, but her ice skating outfits from the movie designed by Jennifer Johnson also deserve a medal.

Joi

If you're a fan of science fiction then maybe the futuristic fashion of Blade Runner 2049 will inspire you this Halloween. Ana de Armas played the A.I. character 'Joi' and sported this look designed by Renée April in the sci-fi sequel.

Valkyrie

If you were a fan of Thor: Ragnarok then maybe you'll be tempted to don the warrior garb of Tessa Thompson's 'Valkyrie' this year, and if not this look, then maybe her other out-of-this-world costume from the Marvel movie designed by Mayes C. Rubeo and concept artist Andy Park.

Mrs. Which

Fans of Disney's big screen adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time can also draw inspiration from all the costumes designed by Paco Delgado featured in the movie, including this outfit worn by Oprah Winfrey as the gigantic 'Mrs. Which'.

Zoya the Destroyer

Meanwhile if you're looking for a timely, tongue-in-cheek parody outfit this Halloween, then maybe Alison Brie's faux Russian wrestler 'Zoya the Destroyer' would be the perfect costume considering the current political climate.

If not then maybe another of Beth Morgan's 80s-themed wrestling costumes from Netflix's TV dramedy, GLOW, like Betty Gilpin's patriotic Liberty Belle costume, would appeal.

Assassination Nation

And finally for this collection of Halloween costume inspiration, I couldn't help but feel that Rachel Dainer-Best's red PVC trench coats from Assassination Nation would make for an ideal group costume idea.

If nothing featured here strikes a chord with your sensibilities, then maybe these other women's costumes from film and TV from previous years will help spark your creativity and imagination.

Plus be sure to take a look at these actual on-the-street looks from previous West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval festivities to inspire you.

10 Femme fatale women's costume ideas for Halloween 2014...

This past twelve months since last year's Halloween celebrations I've had the good fortune to see many wonderful original outfits worn by some of Hollywood's leading ladies and more than a few iconic heroine and female villain costumes from the big and small screen. I myself indulged my inner geek at West Hollywood's annual Halloween Carnaval as a zombie bride in honour of my wedding last year and my love of The Walking Dead TV show. If that's not your cup of tea, be sure to check out these ten costumes from different genres spied at exhibits around L.A. for some Halloween inspiration (because it's never too early to start pulling your look together).

Maleficent

This year Disney cleverly cast Angelina Jolie as the perfect 'Maleficent' and brought the untold origin of Sleeping Beauty's nemesis to the big screen. This translation of the dark fairy's iconic christening curse costume by Anna B. Sheppard was spotted on display at the El Capitan Theatre in June this year.

If you were a fan of the live-action movie, be sure to check out these other original costumes and props from Maleficent on display.

Gamora

Guardians of the Galaxy continues to be the surprise hit of the Summer with it's unique mix of humour, action and sci-fi, grossing over $586 million to date, so it wouldn't surprise me if there were more than a few green-skinned Gamoras trick or treating, or partying on Halloween this year.

Zoe Saldana may have portrayed the universe's most dangerous woman, but her alien fashion designed by Alexandra Byrne also helped bring the cosmic Marvel heroine to life, like this outfit on display at ArcLight Sherman Oaks cinema when the movie opened in August.

Buy the 'Gamora' fancy dress costume: Disguise Women's Marvel Guardians Of The Galaxy Gamora Deluxe Costume, Black/Green, Small/4-6

Lady Sif

Jaimie Alexander appeared in both Thor movies and also guest-starred as 'Lady Sif' on an Asgardian-themed episode of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., so it was a thrill to see her battle armour costume on display at ArcLight Sherman Oaks in November last year.

What's more, I also got to meet Jaimie Alexander in person for a publicity signing for the first Thor movie at Golden Apple Comics store back in 2011.

If you're looking for a strong Marvel warrior woman costume this Halloween, this is the ensemble designed for the big screen by Wendy Partridge is the one for you.

Poison Ivy

In addition to more recent comic book movie costumes, I also had the opportunity to check out the Batman 75th Anniversary exhibit at Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour Museum this July which contained a treasure trove of original costumes and props from all seven Batman movies to date.

Even though 1997's Batman & Robin was a bit of a stinker, I loved seeing the rather fabulous costumes from the movie designed by Ingrid Ferrin and Robert Turturice, including one of Uma Thurman's 'Poison Ivy' costumes, which would be the perfect villain chic look for any comic or cosplay convention or Halloween party.

Catwoman

Speaking of Batman's rogues gallery, one of the highlights of the exhibition was Michelle Pfeiffer's sexy 'Catwoman' catsuit provocatively posed.

This skin-tight, slightly S&M black latex costume was designed for Tim Burton's 1992 sequel, Batman Returns, by Bob Ringwood and Mary Vogt. This outfit is a bit of a costume masterpiece and would certainly be a head turner.

Batgirl

If you're looking to be a superheroine this year, then maybe Alicia Silverstone's 'Batgirl' movie costume from Batman & Robin will inspire you.

I loved how because the costumes were out from behind display glass cases you could see every detail of the outfits, plus the hair and waxwork features were a nice touch too to help imagine the entire look.

Queen Elizabeth I

If comic book and fantasy movies are not your thing, maybe this fantastic Queen Elizabeth I period gown from Doctor Who's 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor, is the inspiration you are looking for.

Joanna Page starred as the English royal from centuries past and the ornate dress was designed by series costumer, Howard Burden.

If this is your kind of film fashion, be sure to explore more period gowns and outfits from movies such as The Duchess, Anna Karenina, Les Misérables, Jane Eyre and more here at Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props.

Doctor Who's River Song

If you're a fellow Whovian, then you'll probably love this adventurous 'River Song' costume worn by Alex Kingston in the two-part finale of Doctor Who's fifth season, 'The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang'.

Ray Holman was Series Costume Designer on these particular episodes of the beloved British science fiction show, but both costumes were on display at the Doctor Who Experience exhibition in Cardiff Bay, Wales in December 2013.

Back to the Future Part III's Clara Clayton

For more time-traveling inspiration, what about this Western festival dance gown worn by Mary Steenburgen as 'Clara Clayton' in 1990's Back to the Future Part III movie.

This Old West look plus other Clara Clayton Western costumes designed by Joanna Johnston were photographed on display at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park's ever-changing costume and prop archive exhibit with treasures from the big and small screen.

American Hustle's Sydney Prosser dress

And finally, some inspiration from a more recent time and this plunging 70's dazzling disco dress worn by Amy Adams as 'Sydney Prosser' in American Hustle was quite possibly the most fabulous outfit of the year.

Michael Wilkinson was responsible for creating the 70's era looks of the fashion in the David O'Russell movie and if you like this dress, be sure to also check out Jennifer Lawrence's retro costume from American Hustle too.

Hopefully all these different looks have given you some ideas, but if nothing here inspired you, be sure to also check out these Halloween costume ideas from the movies and TV from last year.

Get making, shopping and hunting for your perfect Halloween look before it's too late.

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.

10 women's Halloween costume ideas from the cinema screen in recent times...

With store shelves stacked with Halloween candy and decorations, you can't help but start to get in the spooky season spirit. The other day I shared some costume ideas for men from films from the past year and today it's time for some women's costume inspiration from the big screen.

Shug Avery costume

from The Color Purple

If you're looking for something empowering and eye-catching this Halloween, maybe take inspiration from 2023's vivid musical reinterpretation of The Color Purple and Taraji P. Henson's 1920s independent jazz singer  'Shug Avery' in her bold and shimmering red dress, gloves and feathered headdress.

Francine Jamison-Tanchuck was Costume Designer on the film and this outfit paid homage to Aggie Guerard Rodgers designs from the original 1985 movie.

Captain Monica Rambeau costume

from The Marvels

If you're feeling more like you want to be a superhero this year, then the black and white super-suit worn by Teyonah Parris as 'Monica Rambeau' in 2023's The Marvels will help you shine brightly.

Lindsay Pugh was Costume Designer on this underrated MCU entry directed by Nia DaCosta and you can check out more heroic costumes from The Marvels. 

Dar-Benn costume

from The Marvels

For something more villainous Zawe Ashton's Kree Supremor 'Dar-Benn' from The Marvels may help you show off your evil side this Halloween.

As above Lindsay Pugh designed this sci-fi comic book outfit from the movie that followed the events of the first Captain Marvel film, WandaVision and the Ms. Marvel TV series.

Navarro costume

from Alien: Romulus

For more out-of-this-world futuristic looks, then maybe take some fashion inspiration from Aileen Wu's hauler pilot 'Navarro' in 2024's science fiction horror sequel, Alien: Romulus.

To complete this cool leather trousers and jacket look designed by Carlos Rosario, just add an alien "facehugger" to your face for the ultimate accessory and be sure to take a look at more screen-worn costumes from the latest Alien film on display.

Dr. Volumnia Gaul costume

from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

You could always be inspired by the outlandish fashion of The Capitol of Panem, channeling your inner mad scientist with this costume worn by Viola Davis as the cruel gamesmaker 'Dr. Volumnia Gaul' in 2023's The Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

Make sure you check out the other screen-worn costumes from the movie, including those worn by Rachel Zegler and Hunter Schafer, designed by Trish Summerville.

Bella Baxter costume

from Poor Things

Academy Award winner Emma Stone brought another iconic character to the big screen in 2023 with the introduction of 'Bella Baxter' in Poor Things.

Her take on a Victorian woman resurrected with an infantile brain in the tradition of Frankenstein's Monster was made all the more eccentric with the help of Holly Waddington's Oscar-winning costume designs. Massive sleeves should all the rage this Halloween.

Ariel costume

from The Little Mermaid

For a more fairytale princess outfit, look no further than Halle Bailey's 'Ariel' costume from Disney's 2023 reimagining of The Little Mermaid.

Costume design legend Colleen Atwood was responsible for the looks of Rob Marshall's live-action adaptation based on the beloved 1989 musical fantasy animated feature. 

Priscilla Presley costume

from Priscilla

If you want to dress like a style icon this Halloween, then maybe you could take inspiration from 'Priscilla Presley'.

Cailee Spaeny played the infamous wife of Elvis in the 2023 biopic and Stacey Battat was Costume Designer on the film, some sure to checkout more costumes from Priscilla on display.

Empress Joséphine costume

from Napoleon

For another icon from history, maybe the regal attire worn by Vanessa Kirby as the 'Empress Josephine Bonaparte' in Ridley Scott's 2023 Napoleon biopic will rule this Halloween.

Janty Yates and David Crossman were the Oscar-nominated Costume Designers on the historical epic.

Barbie cowgirl costume

from Barbie

Not only did Greta Gerwig's big screen summer 2023 Barbie movie deliver $1.4 billion at the global box office, but the film starring Margot Robbie as Mattel's titular doll come to life also delivered many Oscar-nominated looks (designed by Jacqueline Durran) and lots of Halloween costume inspiration.

Which Barbie will you be? Cowgirl Barbie, Rollerblade Barbie, Physicist Barbie, Judge Barbie, Mermaid Barbie, President Barbie or even Weird Barbie, the possibilities are endless.

Don't see anything to inspire you here? Maybe you should check out previous women's Halloween costume ideas from television and cinema from years past.

10 Halloween costume ideas for women from the movies and TV...

More often than not I find the costumes for women in movies so much more dramatic than the outfits for their male counterparts. Maybe it's because of the influence of fashion through the ages and the elaborate styles worn during the different time periods, or maybe costume designers just find women more interesting to create looks for. I'm no stranger to donning a classic superheroine costume myself, check out my zombie Wonder Woman costume from last Halloween, but if you're looking for some inspiration to help create your own Halloween outfit this year, take a look at this eclectic collection of garments from the big and small screen.

Red Riding Hood

Fans of ABC's Once Upon a Time TV series will love 'Ruby's' Enchanted Forest take on Red Riding Hood, with its medieval peasant skirt and iconic red cloak.

If you like this, be sure to also take a look at Snow White and 'Cora's' Queen of Hearts Once Upon a Time fairytale costumes on display at Disney's D23 Fan Expo 2013.

Wicked Witch of the West

From fairytales and fables to a land filled with magic in Oz The Great and Powerful and another iconic character from literature updated, this time the Wicked Witch of the West played by Mila Kunis in Disney's Wizard of Oz prequel tale.

If you're more of a good witch, be sure to check out Michelle Williams Glinda costume from Oz The Great and Powerful on display too.

Hansel & Gretel Witch

One of my favourite brainless fantasy-action films earlier this year was Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, which starred Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner as the famous fairytale siblings given a grownup twist and purpose.

I loved the costume design on the movie by Marlene Stewart, especially the inventive witch costumes in Hansel & Gretel, including this woodland witch outfit and Famke Janssen's Grand Witch 'Muriel' gown.

Jolly Holiday Mary Poppins

Speaking of magic of a far less dark variety, Disney's D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center in early August also had a special showcase of Mary Poppins costumes and props to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the magical iconic nanny's film debut.

This 'Jolly Holiday' outfit may have been missing a her satin waist corset, but it was still great to see up close and not hidden away behind a reflective display case.

Mary Poppins Mrs Banks Suffragette

Global women's rights seem to have once again been in the spotlight following some questionable remarks in the last U.S. Presidential election campaign and the atrocities continuing to be committed against women around the world by other nations.

Therefore this Suffragette costume from the original women's rights movement in the early 1900's, worn by Glynis Johns as 'Mrs. Banks' in 1964's Mary Poppins, still seems very timely and looks quite easy to replicate with its 'Votes for Women' sash.

The Great Gatsby

Stepping back in time again and following the popularity of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby this year, I think we'll see a lot of Roaring Twenties flapper dresses and outfits at Halloween parties and parades this year.

Be sure to also check out these other original costumes from The Great Gatsby on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema in May 2013.

The Lone Ranger's Red Harrington

If you're a fan of the Wild West and like the look of saloon bar girls, then maybe you'll opt for a costume like this worn by Helena Bonham Carter as 'Red Harrington' in Disney's remake of The Lone Ranger.

Lady Godiva of Coventry

If it's flowing gowns you like, maybe you'll take a leaf out of the Lady Godiva of Coventry from the 1955 movie.

You could either go for this Anglo-Saxon dress style which was spied at Universal Studios Hollywood in their costume and prop archives exhibit in July, or for the more exhibitionist 'riding naked horseback with flowing hair' look that the historical figure is infamous for.

Queen Nefertiti

More inspiration from the past comes from TV's Doctor Who and the seventh series 'Dinosaurs on a spaceship' episode, which saw the time-traveling alien 'Doctor' bring Egyptian Queen Nefertiti along for the ride as one of his temporary companions.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High cheerleader

And if you're feeling like you have some team spirit this Halloween, there's always the classic cheerleader costume with pom poms for a fun look, like this outfit from the 80's movie comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. You can always add zombie or ghost makeup for a spookier twist for Halloween.

If you're still undecided and need more inspiration, be sure to also check out these Halloween costumes ideas for women from last year's movies, including the likes of Catwoman, Cruella de Vil, Maid Marian, Dejah Thoris and more besides.

Whatever you decide, there's still time to make, create or source your Halloween look, so get sewing, gluing and shopping now.