Halloween Costume Ideas for Cold Weather
If you wear your winter coat over your Halloween costume to go trick-or-treating, you’re probably from Michigan.
By the time October 31st rolls around in the Mitten State fall colors are long past. It gets dark by 6:30pm, and the average high temperatures are in the 40s and 50s, depending on how far north you live. When the sun sets, it can get below freezing. We may have even had our first snowfall already.
So we have to figure out how to stay warm while we go around the local neighborhoods begging strangers for free sugar highs. But we’re a hardy folk up here in The Great White North. Lousy weather is no obstacle. It’s just a good challenge that requires us to use or our creativity and ingenuity.
It’s true that there’s nothing quite as disappointing as covering up your awesome Halloween costume you spent hours making or carefully selecting. Here are some costume ideas that will either fit over all those warm layers or that use a coat as part of the costume.
Ski Bum or Snowboarder – You can suit up in all your winter gear for this one, even your ski pants and winter boots. Be sure to add a ski helmet or an outrageous stocking cap, a pair of ski goggles and wear a lanyard with your ski pass around your neck, so everyone knows you aren’t just cold.
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man – With a new Ghostbusters movie in the works for 2016 a whole new generation is being introduced to the movie’s quirky characters. A bulky costume like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man will leave you with plenty of room underneath to wear a heavy sweatshirt or even a coat. Unless you’re really good with a needle and thread you’ll probably have to purchase or rent this costume.
Chewbacca – Star Wars is another old movie franchise making a comeback. Excitement is already high for the next installment in the series that’s due out this December. You could easily hide a coat under a Chewbacca costume, but you may not need to with all the fur he has. You should be nice and toasty going door to door for candy. This is another costume you’ll probably want to buy or rent, but if you’re handy with a sewing machine you could make it with materials from your local fabric store.
Cruella de Vil – She’s one of Disney’s most legendary villains. Her unique fashion sense makes for a fun costume and includes a fur coat to keep the chill out. You can put this costume together with thrift store finds. You’ll just need an old fur coat and someone’s cast off prom dress.
Eskimo – Put on a parka with a fur-lined hood and your favorite pair of moccasin boots. Some thick, warm mittens and a stuffed polar bear or fishing pole carrying the catch-of-the-day will finish off this look.
Ghost – The classic ghost costume made from a white sheet will fit over and conceal the bulkiest winter wear, and you’ll look hip for choosing a trendy, retro costume.
Mountain Climber – Dress like you’re ready to climb Mt. Everest. You can wear all your winter gear for this too. Carry a few ropes and carabiners with you and a fake axe or pick. You could even bring your backpack along and fill it up with all that candy.
Spy – Dress up like a spy with a trench coat, fedora and sunglasses. The hat and coat will keep you warm and cover up any layers you’re wearing underneath.
Doctor – Dress up like a doctor by wearing a lab coat over a pair of scrubs. A roomy lab coat will hide and fit over a winter coat, and you can layer sweats or long underwear under the scrubs to keep warm.
Hunter – If you or someone in your family is a hunter, you probably have access to lots of warm camouflage clothing and outerwear. Add some hiking boots and an orange hat and vest to your camo and everyone will know what you are.
