For women, Star Wars costumes used to mean one thing: Princess Leia. There were variations within the theme — Danish side-bun Leia, Hoth Leia, gold-bikini-slave Leia — but you get the picture. Basically, it was buns and a white tunic or nothing.
Thankfully, that's no longer the case. The arrival of the female-centric The Force Awakens in 2015, and Rogue One in early December, mean that women's costume horizons have broadened, at least as wide as the galaxy far, far away. There's badass Jedi-in-training Rey, rebel alliance pilot Jyn Erso, alien Maz Kanata, and yes, Princess Leia. Don't be fooled, though: She's a general now. (For those wondering where Queen Amidala is in all this, don't. Let's pretend he prequels never happened.)
Of course, you could also just throw gender norms into the pit of Sarlacc and dress up as whomever the hell you want. To help inspire your Star Wars sartorial mission, we've put together a collection of some of the coolest, most outrageous costumes of all time. May the Force be with you.
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Padme
For real fans, the devil is in the details.
Photo: Elaine Thompson/AP/REX/Shutterstock
Darth Vader & Storm Troopers
Nothing says "Join the Dark Side" like a group costume.
Photo: REX/Shutterstock.
Obi Wan Kenobi
The Force has no gender. Grab a brown robe, add a lightsaber and get your Jedi on.
Photo: Nick Skinner / Daily Mail/REX/Shutterstock
Princess Leia
Who says Star Wars fans have to be human?
Photo: David Caird / Newspix/REX/Shutterstock.
Darth Vader/R2D2
Whether you choose the Dark Side or the Rebel Alliance, these tights will get you where you need to be with minimal effort and maximum style.
Photo: ThinkGeek.
Yoda
Would you ever have guessed that Hoda Kotb was hiding under that epic mask?
Photo: NBCNewswire/Getty.
Double Darth Maul
Friends who Star Wars together, stay together.
Photo: Thierry Zoccolan/Getty.
Rey
Various shades of beige? Check. Inherited lightsaber? Check. Adorable sidekick droid? Check.
Photo: Matt Cowan/Getty.
Princess Leia
Don't let her virginal robes distract you. This princess is no pushover.
Photo: Matt Cowan/Getty.
Rebel Alliance
Overthrow the Empire in style.
Photo: Ollie Millington/Getty.
Wookies
Who says Wookies can't be badass and pastel?
Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty.
Queen Amidala
We'd rather not acknowledge the existence of the prequels, but this costume is too amazing to pass over.
Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty.
BB-8
Miniature droids are the best droids.
Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty.
BB-8
But this adult version is pretty sweet, too.
Photo: Ollie Millington/Getty.
Storm Troopers
For when you need a family-friendly costume.
Photo: Ollie Millington/Getty.
R2-D2
Find yourself someone gold to beep at, and you're all set.
Photo: Ollie Millington/Getty.
Ewok
More fur equals more fun.
Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty.
Darth Vader
Who says women can't rule the Dark Side?
Photo: Chesnot/Getty.
Darth Vader
Show the haters you mean business — think pink!
Photo: Robyn Beck/Getty.
Jawas
Scared to run into an ex? You're literally covered.
Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty.
Kylo Ren
Move over, Adam Driver: We can take it from here.
Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty.
Darth Maul
Why have one lightsaber when you can have two?
Photo: Bill Wechter/ Getty.
Bounty Hunter
This costume will keep your friends (and foes) in line.
Photo: Ollie Millington/Getty.
Princess Leia
Saving the galaxy is hard work. Even the most intrepid heroines get tired sometimes.
Photo: Robert Gauthier/Getty.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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