30 DIY Halloween Costumes For Empowered Ladies

Image via Columbia Pictures

Abby, Holzmann, Patty or Erin – Ghostbusters

Why They’re Awesome: After much fanfare about “ruining childhoods” and “political correctness,” Paul Feig’s all-female Ghostbusters reboot opened this summer. And guess what? It was amazing. Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones absolutely crushed it. They were all very unique characters, united for a common goal. And they were all hysterical. For years, the dark corners of the internet have been claiming that women aren’t as funny as men. And, though it’s been proven over and over that those people are ignorant and sexist and dumb, this big-budget franchise movie is just another addition to the growing juggernaut of female comedy.

What You’ll Need: The Ghostbusters wear brown jumpsuits, ostensibly taken from the MTA. But if you can’t find a jumpsuit, a shirt and pants combo or even brown scrubs could also work. The bright, reflective lines down the jumpsuit can be recreated with orange and white duct tape. Then, it’s mostly about the smaller details to indicate which Ghostbuster you’re going for. Thick, black framed glasses for Abby, circular yellow shades and a funky blonde hairdo for Holtzmann, a silver ‘Patty’ necklace (possibly handmade with wire) for Patty, etc.

Next Level Move: Make your own proton pack! Paint an empty cardboard box black, and add a plastic or fabric tube attachment. On the other end of the tube, attach a paper towel roll, also painted black. Then add some fabric arm straps on one side of the box. Add some buttons and other scientific details to the other side. And if you want to really go all out, make it light up! Cut some holes in the box to simulate buttons or other lighted details. Then stick a battery-powered light rope inside the box and let it shine whenever you’re fighting paranormal forces!