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30 Amazing Halloween Costume Ideas for Black Women

Your friends will ask why didn't they think of them first.

By Arlette Hawkins
best halloween costumes for black women in 2020
@aliya.will//Instagram

Say it with me: "This will not be the year I wait until the week before to pick my Halloween costume!" Because you're not trying to throw on your cat ears for the second year in a row, right? If you're the organized friend, you might be in charge of putting a group costume together, or you can coordinate with your S.O. or bestie or wear a solo costume—up to you! Here, we've rounded up 30 Halloween costume ideas for Black women because sometimes you just need some inspo to get the creative juices flowing.

There's something for everyone's skill level too, whether you want to use the clothes you already have in your closet or really go all out with the DIY. Keep scrolling to get inspired by the amazing Halloween costume ideas below.

Also, this goes without saying, but keep safety in mind while celebrating this year! Halloween may be very different in the midst of a pandemic, and the best thing you can do is celebrate at home or, if you must, with very small groups of people. Just saying that for the thousandth time for the people in the back.

1

Dionne from Clueless

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Dionne's fashion sense in this flick was honestly just as iconic as Cher's. Case in point? This red and plaid ensemble with the signature hat. You can recreate this pretty easily with items you already own in your closet—although the hat might require some DIY skills. Fun fact: The movie also celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. (And Paul Rudd STILL hasn't aged!)

2

Lizzo

Baby, how you feelin'? If you can play the flute while moving like Lizzo, we are jealous! Lucky for us, she has tons of looks, so you can go with one that's easier to work with your closet or go all out with your DIY magic. But the vocals? Leaving that to her. Flip through this Lizzo-approved gallery for inspo.

3

Zombie Bride

This look is a Halloween classic. Skai Jackson added colored contacts to give it a whole new level of spooky. Find a white dress and smear red dye or fake blood over it to really go in. Add a tulle veil and you're ready for your undead wedding!

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4

The Proud Family

FYI, this Disney Channel hit makes a pretty cool group costume. And you may be inclined to watch old episodes after putting these outfits together. Don't forget about BeBe, CeCe, Suga Mama and her dog, Puff.

5

The Gross Sisters from The Proud Family

We weren't done with The Proud Family. This group of sisters was not to be messed with! (But who can forget that episode Penny gave one of them a makeover?) Pull off this look with blue overalls and white T-shirt—and don't forget the hand gesture. Go the extra mile and tint your hair blue with some temporary dye.

6

Destiny's Child

I don't think they can handle this! Destiny's Child had as many looks as they did hits, but this "Bootylicious" one is definitely a standout. Your trio seriously can't go wrong dressing as DC. Find your golden-yellow fits and accessories to match. The most difficult decision might be deciding who gets to be Kelly, Michelle, or Bey.

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7

Love & Basketball

Channel Quincy and Monica for a #relationshipgoals couple costume. It's adorable together, but can also fly solo for ladies (and gents) who have a basketball and jersey. (If it's from the same school in the film, you might even earn extra candy.)

8

Nyota Uhura from Startrek

Not only rock a costume that's ~out of this world~, but add a little historical context. Lieutenant Nyota Uhura was one of the first Black woman characters in a show that had a non-domestic job; she worked as a translator! Whip out that little red dress and replicate the accessories. After your Halloween night out in, Netflix and Trek some episodes.

9

Maleficent

Clearly, you may have some cute competition with this costume, but can you blame her? Remix the Maleficent look with various black clothes you have in the closet, little black dresses included. With the help from your artsy friend, you can DIY the statement headpiece—but if you choose to buy one we won't tell.

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10

Scar from Lion King

Okay, I know we're not supposed to like Scar because of what he did to Mufasa....but I can't deny his flair for the dramatic. If your makeup skills are on point, you can definitely channel the lion. The outfit can be all black, all brown, or a mix of neutral colors.

11

Clover Cheerleader from Bring It On

Bring. It. On. Literally. You have to know at least one of the cheers from the movie to make this costume complete! This is another costume you can DIY...but again, for those of us who are not True Jackson, VP, you can buy something similar online.

12

Beyoncé's "Kitty Kat" Music Video

Oh, to be Queen Bey for a day. This costume will have you bumping her B'Day album while getting into character. Pull this look off with a cheetah-print bodysuit, heels, and makeup (with a fierce cat-eye liner look, ofc).

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13

Beyoncé and Solange

Okay, true, we were not done with Beyonce costumes because Beyonce is life and so is her sis. Beyoncé's "Formation" ensemble and Solange's "Seat at the Table" album cover is perfect for a two-person Halloween costume. Rolling solo and can't decide which one to pick? Whatever accessory you find around the house first will help you choose.

14

Susie from Rugrats

This iconic Rugrats character definitely kept Angelica in check! Bring her to life with a yellow and purple 'fit, and red accessories. If the kiddos ask you who you are, introduce them to the '90s world of Nickelodeon cartoons. They'll thank you later.

15

Storm

Bring on the lightning and thunder with this Marvel character's costume. Tint your hair silver, and wear a badass black dress with gloves and that "X" on the front so everyone knows you mean business.

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16

Nurse

Is it even Halloween if you don't see at least one nurse costume? If you're out of ideas a classic red-and-white dress and matching red accessories will look cute. Don't forget your stethoscope!

17

Avocado or the great Tabitha Brown...or both.

Two of my favorite things in one photo—well, three if you count her cute dog! Tabitha Brown as avocado toast is a fun idea for a food-inspired Halloween! (And a great idea for tomorrow's breakfast, tbh.) Plus, if you're celebrating Halloween in a chilly city, this costume will keep you warm.

18

Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog

Princess Tiana was Disney's first Black princess, but you don't have to kiss any frogs to achieve this look. Find a green strapless dress, tiara, accessories, and you'll nail it.

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19

TLC

TLC is another trio that defined a generation, and obviously, this is just ONE of their many iconic outfits. Go all out like this group in strappy black outfits with knee pads and gloves.

20

Lady Liberty

Lady Liberty has arrived! A statement costume in more ways than one, it's easy to recreate with a green, draped dress, headpiece, and torch. It's also a nice reminder to everyone to vote in this coming election!

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