It’s Halloween time and this year’s celebration might feel the most normal (whatever normal means) since the pandemic. With indoor events, lounges and nightclubs opened back up, this is the year to show out in your costume! My pet peeve for Halloween, however, is buying an actual costume set for a party or event and then never seeing or wearing it again. It just stays in the depth of my closet because no one wants to repeat a Halloween costume! If you hold the same sentiments on traditional costumes, then this list is for you. I am highlighting some of my fave TV ladies of color, honing their iconic styles for some costume ideas that use pieces that can be worn even after October 31st.

Garnet: Now I know that many of you may be saying “Li LeE, ThIs a CarToOn aBoUt gEmStOnEs…iNaNiMaTe oBjEcTs... tHeRe iS nO rAcE...” Yes, the brilliant show creator of Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar, created this seaside, imaginary world of crystal gems that have amazing magical powers and are on a mission to save the Earth. You wanna know who else is magical? BLACK WOMEN! Garnet may be a gem but her strength, her regality, her voice (on loan from Afro-British singer/songwriter, Estelle), and flawless fro all read Black woman. Nonetheless, Garnet shows us that protecting the universe can still be versatile and absolutely stylish. The outfit consists of some navy blue leggings, a hot pink puff sleeve bodysuit, and a structured corset belt to not only snatch the waist but snatch back the universe from the corrupt! All these pieces can and should be staples of your closet. Last but not least, the true marker of Garnet, her iconic stunner shades. These shades not only protect your all-knowing third eye, but turn you into a baddie on the beach in no time.

Dionne Davenport: Though we can argue that Stacy Dash has been problematic in the past few years, her Clueless movie and TV show character, Dionne Davenport, was nothing short of iconic and played no side fiddle to her blonde bestie. Dionne was always supportive, genuine, and in fashion (also, her and Murray were definitely my #couplegoals back in the day). To achieve a Halloween look that won’t have you looking like L7 (a total square… the ’90s were weird #shrug), simply get you a plaid skirt set that you can dress up with a pair of heels or down with some combat boots after Halloween. If you don’t want to commit to a full skirt suit, just a plaid skirt will certainly do. Pair either with a white shirt and red sweater vest to really pop the outfit. If you really want to fool anyone that you are the newest student at Bronson Alcott High (high school in Clueless), get you this funky fascinator that is reminiscent of Dionne’s iconic hat. After Halloween, this fascinator will be a great addition to any formal or semi-formal outfit when you want to be a head-turner. Now, grab your flip phone and practice your “As Ifs” and “Whatevers” because you are Dionne ready.

Olivia Pope: Now Olivia Pope has long since been a style icon and how could she not! Who do you know that can juggle an affair with a sitting president, handle a scandal of a fallen elected official, date a hot yet scarily dangerous CIA agent, and open bottles of Cab Sav so effortlessly without spilling a drop? Trying to pull off this costume look is definitely doing double duty of portraying this super polished fixer, and adding some killer (no pun intended) pieces as closet staples! Other than working on your Kerry Washington cry face, to execute this look just pair a great white/cream long coat with light-colored pants and a satin shirt. Do not forget your purse to breeze into the doors of the Oval Office for a presidential rendez-vous. On November 1st, however, that bag can hold all your hand sanitizer, stylish face masks, holiday shopping coupons and circulars (can you believe Christmas is right around the corner?!?).

Cookie Lyons: Last but certainly not least Cookie Lyons, the matriarch of the Lyons family, is the epitome of a bad a$$ woman. Who else can come out of years in jail and seamlessly take the reins of her family and a multi-billion dollar music label? Cookie’s style oozes new money and ‘I am showing it off, honey!’ Her fearlessness is not only shown through her business deals and bumping up against anyone who messes with her Lyon cubs, but also in her fashion. For your Halloween soiree, sport true luxury with a faux fur vest that screams I AM RICH B*TCH (NeNe voice) without breaking the bank. Outside of the 31st, this can be paired with some jeans for a luxe yet casual look. No matter what your size, pair the vest with a sexy animal print dress that will make Lucious say “Boo Boo Kitty who?” Lastly, throw in some gold hoops that set the outfit off in true New York fashion. Cookie is not afraid to make bold style choices in color and prints and, let’s be honest, we all need a little Cookie in our lives to remind us to take charge and live without fear.

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