While certain Halloween [1] costumes risk catching a chill on your evening out, there are plenty of well-known characters you can be that require piling on the layers. Whether it's a Disney villain [2] known for their signature cocoon coat or long cape or a celebrity [3] who's partial to wearing cozy pieces (i.e. Billie Eilish [4]'s stylish designer tracksuits or Ariana Grande [5]'s oversize hoodie), your shopping will be minimal when it comes to DIYing any of the looks ahead.
One method of dressing warmly on Halloween involves starting with a key item and researching some recognisable costumes that depend on that piece. For example, if you have a big, glamorous furry coat to utilise [6], you may want to consider being Cruella De Vil from "101 Dalmations" or Britney Spears [7]'s iconic "Dump Him" street style moment could be calling your name.
On the other hand, it can be easy to stay in character while piling on accessories to keep you snug. You can wear a palm-print maxi dress over nude tights and a long-sleeved bodysuit to emulate Jennifer Lopez's renowned Versace moment at the Grammys [8] without anyone questioning what you're going for. And you could trade in your spandex sports set for a colorful nylon tracksuit with high socks and still pull off the '80s [9] workout enthusiast with ease.
Ahead, check out 39 ideas for staying warm on Halloween.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Britney Spears in a "Dump Him" Tee
There's no other way to say it: this is one of Britney Spears [10]'s most iconic looks. Find a camel-coloured jacket with shearling, wear a baby-blue tee with the words "dump him" on it, and sport your favourite joggers or other early-aughts silhouette. Not only will you be comfortable, but you'll also stay pretty toasty.
Cruella de Vil
Throw on your most luxurious white faux-fur coat and black dress, then swipe on some red lipstick. The key to this costume is the bigger the coat, the better. Carry around a stuffed dog, or use your own pet dog as an accessory.
Kylo Ren From Star Wars
Tights, a long-sleeved dress, and a warm cape will turn you into a chic version of Kylo Ren from Star Wars in no time at all. Complete your outfit with gloves and boots if the weather dips.
Santa Claus
This traditional outfit can keep anyone warm in December, so you better believe it will keep you warm on Halloween [11]. A big red jacket, red pants, and a fuzzy hat are all you need to make this look complete.
Scarecrow
An oversize flannel shirt is the main article of clothing you need to be a scarecrow. If you're somewhere really chilly, make sure to get one that's made with heavy fabric. Pair that with a straw hat and overalls, and you'll be ready to take things outside.
'80s Workout Girl
Colourful, cute, and comfortable, you can't go wrong dressing up as an '80s workout girl. You'll need a bright workout set, a pair of sweats, and a large scrunchie. If you're really feeling it, you can add blue eyeshadow and leg warmers.
Anna From "Frozen"
It only makes sense to have a "Frozen" character on this list. Anna knows how to brave the cold, and she does so in the most striking attire. Wear a long, warm skirt with a long-sleeved teal and black shirt. Then, find your warmest cranberry-coloured coat.
Leopard
You can style this look in a variety of different ways, but our favourite is by pairing a leopard-print dress with a heavy, long-sleeved black turtleneck or shirt. Complete the look with leopard ears and comfortable black boots.
Thing 1 or Thing 2
Pair a "Thing 1" or "Thing 2" shirt with the cosiest red joggers you have. After you bundle up, wear a blue wig and red lipstick to make your outfit a masterpiece.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande [12] is known for her oversize sweatshirt looks, and damn, do they look warm. Find a bright-pink oversize sweatshirt, and pair it with black leggings or knee-high black boots. Make sure to re-create her high ponytail and winged liner, and add a lollipop as your accessory.
Sugarplum Fairy
Wear a fluffy white robe and sparkly headpiece, and finish the look with pastel eye makeup in powdery shades.
Alexis and Moira Rose From "Schitt's Creek"
Dress to impress when you copy these "Schitt's Creek [13]" looks. Wear a long-sleeved floral dress for Alexis (you can pair it with a scarf if you get chilly), and wear an all-black ensemble for Moira. The more intricate, the better.
Baby Yoda
Green tights, a brown sweater, and green gloves will turn you into The Child in no time. If you're in a colder climate, feel free to wear a large brown coat over your sweater to really stay warm.
Roxanne From "A Goofy Movie"
As long as you have the makeup and hair down, you can become P.J.'s love interest in moments. And the makeup, while colourful, doesn't look too hard, either. As for the outfit, you can wear a cosy black sweater dress or a long-sleeved turtleneck and jeans. Done and done.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish [14] rocks oversize looks all the time, meaning dressing up as her for Halloween [15] is bound to be comfortable. Wear a co-ord flannel or crew neck jumper, and top it off with a baggy jacket if you need an extra layer for warmth.
Kim Possible
Kim Possible rocks cool camo trousers with a black long-sleeved shirt, and you can, too. If you're cold, you can add a black jacket over your outfit.
The Terminator
Easy and simple, being the Terminator is about as cool as it gets. Wear a black leather jacket with a black shirt and pants, and pair your look with dark sunglasses or draw on cool face makeup. Your work here is done.
Slytherin Student
A white collared shirt, green striped tie, and black blazer will turn you into a Slytherin student from Harry Potter [16] in no time. If there's a chill on Halloween [17], you can throw on a big, black coat instead of a blazer.
Anna Wintour
Fashion is what defines this cool costume. Be Anna Wintour by wearing a chic coat with big sunglasses, carrying your finest purse, and rocking the editor in chief's classic bob hairstyle.
Witch
A Halloween [18] classic, being a witch is just about as timeless as it gets. Wear a long black dress, and pair it with a matching black coat if the temperature dips. Grab a witch hat, and wear dark makeup to complete the look.
Chanel Oberlin From "Scream Queens"
The more over the top, the better. Be Chanel by wearing a fuzzy pink coat, a black skirt, and heels. You can add tights if you get cold.
Sansa Stark From "Game of Thrones"
A fuzzy grey coat, a grey or black long-sleeved shirt, and pants will turn you into Sansa Stark. Pull back a couple pieces of hair or copy her iconic braid to make this costume come to life.
Rue From "Euphoria"
Head into your closet and pick out an oversize red zip-up, wear it over an oversize graphic tee with black sneakers, and keep your hair slightly undone. Then, just find yourself a Jules.
Jennifer Lopez's Versace Dress
While J Lo's iconic Versace dress [19] from the 2000 Grammys does reveal skin, if you come across a long-sleeved dress with a palm print, you can always wear tights for added warmth or a nude-coloured bodysuit underneath the maxi.
Teen Wolf
Scary, spooky, and totally easy, dressing up as a werewolf for Halloween [20] is a one-and-done kind of costume. Add a varsity jacket and jeans to your long wild hair, and you're ready to howl in the moonlight.
Little Red Riding Hood
All you really need to convince as Little Red Riding Hood is an XL red cape. Wear it over a long-sleeved dress with a red lip, warm tights, and boots to stay extra warm.
Winnie the Pooh and Piglet
Turn these cute characters into cold-weather icons when you copy these cool looks. Find a bright-yellow pair of sweats for Pooh, and pair them with a warm red sweater. Piglet's look only consists of pink, so find a matching sweatshirt, and you're set.
Woody From "Toy Story"
A yellow long-sleeved flannel with blue jeans and brown cowboy boots are all you need to become this "Toy Story" character. Top off your look with a cowboy hat and a cow-print vest.
Clark Kent
Save the day all while staying warm this holiday when you dress up as Clark Kent. Find a nice pair of dress trousers, put on a Superman shirt underneath a white button-down, and make sure you're wearing glasses. If you're cold, you can just toss on a jacket over your button-up.
Plague Doctor
Be a historic plague doctor by wearing a large black overcoat, a top hat, and a Venetian long-nose mask. This costume is sure to give people chills.
Neville Longbottom From Harry Potter
Throw on an elaborately patterned cardigan, a button-down shirt, and jeans and carry a blood-stained sword to pull off this Harry Potter [21] character. Bonus points if you have a large fake snake.
Princess Leia From Star Wars
Rather than wearing an airy white dress, you can actually bundle up to be Princess Leia in a cosy turtleneck, thick trousers, fuzzy shearling boots, and a quilted vest. As long as you're wearing neutrals and your hair is fastened up properly, you'll pull off the look easily.