- Hermione Granger represents intelligence, loyalty, and empathy. She deconstructs prejudice against her gender and her background by performing to the best of her abilities at all times.
- To dress up like Hermione, don a gray pleated skirt, a gray sweater and white collared shirt, and a red and gold tie. Carry around a stick for a wand. If you can get hold of a black robe, put that on as well!
- Molly Weasley stands for nurturing and motherhood. Some may consider her frumpy and sheltered as a stay-at-home mom, but she made her choice to stay home and she adores her family. And yet she has powerful magical abilities which are not hindered by such a choice.
- Dye your hair red if it isn't already, or put on a wig. You may want to curl it and tease it out. Actual clothes do not matter so much, as long as they're mismatched and look pretty like they've come from a thrift shop. If you aren't as plump as she is, consider some stuffing or a pillow to put under your shirt.
- Tiana demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness in the face of peril. She does not expect anything to fall into her lap. Rather, she works hard for all she gets and she holds high ambitions!
- You've got a couple of choices—dress up like a frog wearing a skirt or try to imitate her gorgeous green gown at the end. Make sure you add a tiara and gloves!
- Katniss Everdeen symbolizes strength and a grounded outlook on life. Despite immense trials, she maintains an admirable calmness. She does what she must to survive and yet she also retains her sense of morality.
- Again, this character provides a few options. You could wear her Hunger Games getup (black jumpsuit or tracksuit with a backpack and arrows, or something like that) or you could find a dress that looks like it's on fire.
- Wendy Darling treasures childhood and adventure, but she learns to grow up and move forward in life. Although initially all she wants to do is stay young, she quickly recognizes the need to progress and she acts on that realization.
- This costume is probably the easiest out of the five. Find a light blue nightgown and slippers and tie your hair back with a ribbon!
Who would you dress up as if you had to pick an inspiring female figure, and why? Who do you admire? What messages do you think we should send to others about the kind of people we should be emulating? What messages have some of your costumes in the past sent to others, consciously or not? It's something I never thought about much before, but it's interesting and important to consider.
Kelsey Allan is a senior studying English and editing.
Kelsey Allan is a senior studying English and editing.