TBT: Historical Halloween Costume Ideas (Without Cultural Appropriation)

TBT: Super Awesome People™ in History.

The CDC may have warned against traditional Halloween celebrations this year, but whether you’re hosting a virtual Halloween party or propelling sweets down to socially-distanced trick-or-treaters with your DIY candy chute, you’ll need a fun costume for maximum holiday enjoyment.

BUT FIRST, A DISCLAIMER!

Here’s the thing. It’s really easy for a Halloween costume—especially one tied to a historical period or a real person—to be offensive. There are SO MANY articles about how to AVOID being racist or culturally appropriating with your costume, and I’ve linked to a few below. But the basics are pretty simple.

  • 1.) No blackface. No brownface. No yellowface. PERIOD.
  • 2.) Cultural traditions are not costumes—especially religious/spiritual regalia that are not part of your heritage.
  • 3.) Be *especially* mindful if you want to dress as someone from a marginalized culture that was historically (or is currently) oppressed.
  • 4.) “Historical” costumes from big-box Halloween stores/Disney-fied versions of historical characters are likely offensive. Doubly so for the “sexy” versions of the costumes.
  • 5.) And finally (if you can do it sensitively), dress as a specific person—not as a cultural stereotype.

More About Cultural Appropriation (and Historical Accuracy):

BUT YOU CAN STILL HAVE FUN WITH IT!

If you’re like me, you’ve really leveled-up your sewing game this year (thanks, homemade face masks!), and a little craftiness will help you DIY a costume that is far less insensitive (and probably more accurate) than what the big-box stores sell. Here are ideas for pet costumes, kid costumes, and adult costumes featuring Super Awesome People™ in History.

Horatio the Cat!

Horatio the Cat was first featured in a post here. This adorable fuzzball has donned many elaborate costumes while promoting the collection of the Centre County Library in Pennsylvania. Check out a few of his clever disguises below and follow @centrecountylibrary on Instagram for more costume ideas.

Kids Costume Ideas (No-Sew)!

The clothing store Primary has lots of DIY ideas for kids costumes (baby to age 12). The costumes are super-cute and easy to make “last-minute”, if you have the materials you need—some of which are products you can buy directly from their online store.

And here’s another Ruth Bader Ginsburg DIY kid costume from Alpha Mom. And yes, I think everyone should dress as RBG this Halloween. Need even more inspiration?

Even More Super Awesome People™ Costume Ideas!

These costumes are modeled by adults, but they can be easily adapted for kids or pets.

Or you could take the Getty Museum Challenge and go as a famous work of art!

Here are a bunch of ideas for awesome art recreations you can do in lieu of a traditional Halloween costume. Why yes, I *am* obsessed with #betweenartandquarantine.

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