Halloween is here, and it’s the perfect time to pay homage to iconic and legendary Latinas as the fall weather comes in and we near the end of the year. A lot of us grew up witnessing trailblazing Latinas in the music, arts, and entertainment industries. This Halloween is the perfect time to educate others about historic Latinas, and it’s the perfect time to learn more about Latinas making history in the Americas and paved the way for the next generation to succeed in their respective industries. Here are five iconic Latinas you can dress up as for Halloween, learn more about, and help raise awareness about for others.
1. Selena Quintanilla (Mexican American)
Selena won her first Grammy in 1991 for her album “Live!” and won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. You can use clothes from your own closet to easily achieve Selena’s iconic look! Channel the Queen of Tejano music by wearing her iconic purple jumpsuit with sequins on it or her classic bustier and high-waisted pants outfit. You can complete your look with red lipstick, hoop earrings, and voluminous curls to pay tribute to this legendary Latina singer. Selena not only influenced the music industry but also set trends in fashion that continue to this day.
2. Frida Kahlo (Mexican)
Frida Kahlo’s art is a Mexican staple and her self-portraits are iconic. This costume idea is a great opportunity to do it yourself by crafting your own flower crown. Embrace this iconic Latina artist’s style with a traditional Tehuana dress, a flower crown, and Mexican statement earrings. You can even make the costume more fun by emulating her self-portraits by incorporating animals like monkeys or cats with your outfit. Don’t forget Frida’s signature unibrow!
3. Rita Moreno as Anita in West Side Story (Puerto Rican)
In 1961, Rito Moreno made history as the first Latina to win an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in West Side Story. Dress up like this Puerto Rican actress’s look in her legendary “America” performance with a purple dress, purple heels, and bold makeup. Add gold hoop earrings and have a sassy attitude as a finishing touch! You can even practice some Salsa moves to go the extra mile with this costume.
4. Celia Cruz (Cuban)
Celia Cruz won two Grammy awards over her musical career and is the first Afro-Latina to appear on a United States coin. Dress up as the Queen of Salsa by wearing a vibrant dress, curly wig, and oversized accessories. Consider including bright colors, feathers, sequins, and rhinestones in your outfit to make it stand out like Celia. Shout her signature phrase, “¡Azúcar!” with a huge smile to bring this costume to life.
5. Karol G (Colombian)
Karol G just won her first Grammy this year for her “Mañana Será Bonito” album. You can use most casual wear from your personal closet to achieve this costume idea. Capture this Colombian Reggaeton star’s bold style by wearing a long wig in a bright color, sporty streetwear, and chunky sneakers. Use your own accessories from home like oversized sunglasses and flashy jewelry to match her vibrant confident attitude!
