Carbon Costume Women
Thelma the Cigarette Girl
In The Aviator, Howard Hughes has a brief flirtation with Thelma (Josie Maran), the cigarette girl in a supper club. Cigarette girls worked in speakeasies and clubs during the 1920’s, offering cigarettes, cigars, or other novelties from a tray they carried around their neck. Similar to a cocktail waitress, this tipped position was given to young, attractive women who were typically dressed similar to saloon girls, flappers, or burlesque dancers. Due to their portrayal in film, cigarette girls became a staple and grew in popularity until the end of Prohibition, when they moved to public nightclubs. Thelma’s outfit is similar to a belly dancer and can be achieved with similar clothing, though the belly dance skirt will need to be cut to the appropriate length. Cigarette trays are an expensive vintage item now, but they can be easily made with a shallow box and some ribbon.
Pin-Up Girl
Pin-Up Girl (Laura Margolis) is the classy looking second female killer from The Strangers franchise alongside The Man in The Mask and Dollface. She is recognized by her 40’s female mask, her orange blouse, and large knife she swings.
Barbara Maitland from Beetlejuice
Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) is the wife of Adam Maitland in the 1988 Tim Burton film Beetlejuice. After the two die, they enlist the help of bio-exorcist Betelgeuse to get the family who moved into their home out. For her monster form, remember to get a long brown curly wig and attach it to the mask, since for some reason it is made bald.
Claire Randall
Originally an ex-army nurse from the 1940’s, Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) visits Scotland on a second honeymoon with her husband and accidentally walks through a time portal to the 1700’s on the smash Starz series Outlander. When she stumbles through the portal, Scotland is in the midst of the Jacobite Uprising. She is promptly rescued by a dashing, handsome Highlander named Jamie Fraser. Claire must decide whether to stay with Jamie or return to her husband, all the while navigating personal and world dramas. This guide is for her iconic first episode outfit, a classic 1940’s look.
Olivia Wenscombe
In the Prestige, Olivia Wenscombe (Scarlet Johansson) is the assistant and the lover of magician, Robert Angier. She is sent to spy on his rival, Alfred Borden, but only serves to fuel the feud by playing both magicians against each other. Set in 19th century London, Olivia’s costumes include bustiers and corsets with embellishments, stockings, and other accessories commonly found on burlesque dancers.
Ashildr
Originally a Viking child encountered by the 12th Doctor on the BBC series Doctor Who, Ashildr (Maisie Williams) became immortal after the Doctor resurrected her from death. She took advantage of her immortality, traveling the world and assuming many aliases – so many that she eventually took the simple name “Me”. She lives to the end of time and then, due to the wonderfully pliable time laws of Doctor Who, encounters the Doctor once again. This is for her outfit in the episode ‘Face the Raven’, when she is mayor of a London town inhabited by aliens. For the tattoos, use body paint or a handy eyeliner pencil.
Relena Darlian
The foster daughter of Vice-Foreign Minister Darlian on the anime TV series Gundam Wing, Relena Darlian is actually Relena Peacecraft – heir to the throne of the Sanc Kingdom. She learns of her true identity after a random encounter with gundam pilot Heero Yui, which also launches a series-long romance between the two. As the main female lead of the series, she grows from a somewhat timid, reluctant participant to a determined, driven young woman. She is often seen in her trademark school uniform.
Dollface
Dollface (Gemma Ward) is the leading female killer from The Strangers, most notable for her big-eyed baby doll mask and knocking at the door asking if Tamara is home, along side The Man in the Mask.
River Song
The wife of the Doctor and daughter of Amy Pond and Rory Williams, River Song (Alex Kingston) has an illustrious parentage on the BBC series Doctor Who. She first appears as the wife of the 11th Doctor, but because of her warped time line and supernatural abilities due to TARDIS DNA within her she makes multiple appearances across seasons. Professionally she is a Professor of Archaeology, but most of the time she is either seeking out the Doctor or being forced to harm him by his enemies. To capture her image, go for a long tunic with black leggings, wild hair and an infectiously cheerful personality.
Clara Oswald
Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) acts as the companion to the 11th and 12th Doctors on the smash BBC TV series Doctor Who. She is a beautiful, mysterious character with multiple incarnations, including a Dalek. After she joins up with the 12th Doctor she decides to become a school teacher and proceeds to fall in love. Unfortunately, she begins to become increasingly reckless, which leads to unexpected outcomes. This guide covers her fan-favorite red outfit with high tops and a funky utility belt.
