More than just a horror film trope, the ‘final girl’ — the last girl or woman who survives to confront the killer and tell the story — can be seen as a representation of women’s empowerment. Thus, a previous post celebrating Women in Horror Month in February highlights modern final girls who exhibit the empowering traits we have come to know and look up to, from Emily Blunt’s portrayal of a brave mother, Evelyn, in ‘A Quiet Place’ to the resourcefulness of Sharni Vinson’s Erin in American slasher film ‘You’re Next.’
With Halloween coming up, you might be in search of final girls to whom you want to pay homage through your costume. So, here’s how to recreate some of the iconic looks from the genre’s best final girls.
1. Laurie Strode from ‘Halloween’
It only makes sense to start the list with perhaps one of Jamie Lee Curtis’ most recognisable characters, the courageous Laurie Strode, who has been battling Michael Myers throughout the entire ‘Halloween’ film franchise. To steal her look from the first instalment in 1978, make sure to wear 70s fashion staples, which include high-waisted flare jeans, and a light blue, fitted button-down shirt. Of course, it wouldn’t be Laurie without the equally 70s voluminous hairstyle and your weapon of choice.
2. Sidney Prescott from ‘Scream’
By starring in another franchise, ‘Scream,’ which subverted the slasher genre into something more meta and satirical, Sidney Prescott has also become one of horror’s most beloved final girls. Throughout the first ‘Scream’ film, Sidney was a walking symbol of 90s fashion, with her most memorable look being a denim jacket over a lilac top, dark-wash denim jeans, and a pair of black leather boots. You can accessorise and match this denim-on-denim ensemble with one of the 90s-inspired handbags from River Island: a black zip detail shoulder bag or a black croc embossed chain cross-body bag. Don’t forget the fake blood from your forehead down to your cheek to fully embody Sidney.
3. Grace Le Domas from ‘Ready or Not’
Introduce a spin on the conventionally innocent final girl by channelling Grace Le Domas, the bride who narrowly escapes her fate after learning about her in-laws’ murderous match of hide-and-seek. Search for a lacy wedding dress from the thrift store, put your hair in a braided up-do, and swap the usual bridal heels for a pair of Converse trainers to emulate Grace’s casual chic look as she finds herself in a game of bloody revenge. Then, pay homage to the final girls who came before you by soaking your dress in a mix of dirt and blood with a bandolier over your shoulder.
4. Dani Ardor from ‘Midsommar’
This Ari Aster film takes the term cult classic to a whole new level, as female protagonist Dani, in the midst of her grief and depression, becomes the surviving May Queen of the sinister Hårga cult. Aside from her white and blue embroidered dress, Dani perfectly blends in by wearing a traditional flower crown — which you can either buy pre-made or create from scratch with a bunch of dried wildflowers like larkspur and globe amaranth to truly bring out the cultish vibes.
There are many other final girls you can look into as the horror genre continues to evolve and expand, but these are the best ones we have in mind.
Bloody Flicks 