The 17 Most Feminist Halloween Costumes For 2016

WASHINGTON – MAY 27: Loretta Cooper (L), Director of Development of the Smithsonian Institution, dresses as Rosie the riveter and shows off her muscle during the National World War II Reunion event at the National Mall May 27, 2004 in Washington, DC. Tens of thousands of World War II veterans are expected to attend the official opening ceremony of the National World War II Memorial on the Memorial Day weekend. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Rosie the Riveter

Is Rosie the Riveter a Halloween costume that you’ve seen plenty of times before? Yes. But, is Rosie the Riveter a cultural icon for working women in America and should be bowed down to every day? Yes. I can’t make a list of feminist Halloween costumes without including Rosie. And, the costume is classic. Easily and cheaply done.

She is the female equivalent of G.I. Joe, and represents a movement of feminism all on her own. She’s powerful and competent. She’s working in a field dominated by men. She’s getting dirty. She’s an inspiration to us all. A song titled, “Rosie the Riveter” was even written by John Jacob Loeb and Redd Evans in 1943:

"“She’s a part of the assembly line, she’s making history, working for victory, Rosie the Riveter.”"

As American men were enlisting during World War II, industries were left without workers and were taking an economical blow. This lead to the introduction of women in the work force, putting Rose the Riveter on posters across the country, yielding the tagline we all know and love, “We Can Do It!”

This costume is simple, yet means so much to this movement. Wrap a red banana in your hair. Throw on a denim shirt. Show your muscles, and show the strength that a woman has.