In college, less was more when it came to Halloween costumes. I would walk out in my fairy costume, which was just a sequin green minidress with wings, without a coat on, in 50-degree weather. It was either brave the cold or risk having a stranger spill jungle juice on my jacket, so I braved it. I survived all four years of wearing barely-there costumes, huddling with my friends as we waited for car rides to parties. Fast forward to post-college life and I can not imagine leaving my house on October 31 in anything other than my puffer coat. (If I leave the house at all. Grandma life is the best.) I now pick out my costumes based on the level of warmness it provides. A koala animal onesie? Very warm. A "sexy" Alice in Wonderland dress? Not so warm.
Whether you're taking your nieces and nephews on a social distance trick-or-treating or hosting something virtually with friends this season, I came up with several cute yet cozy and warm Halloween outfit ideas for you. The looks all center around a jacket, coat, blazer, and even a robe. If you hate the cold, join me in staying covered up on Oct. 31.
1. North West
Who's the most fashionable child star in the Kardashian family? That would be North West. She's worn many memorable outfits, which I have recounted here, including this monochrome orange look. It was bold, daring, and required a true fashionista to rock it. Whether you chose to play the role of North or Kim on Oct. 31, you already won the costume contest.
Time for Me orange coat, $89
Urban Outfitters jumpsuit, $100
2. Hilary Swank From 'Away'
Space gurus and enthusiasts, channel your inner Hilary Swank and slip into an astronaut suit for Halloween. You will be warm, since you are covered from head to toe and now's the perfect time to show off everything you know about the universe. Plus, that helmet serves as a barrier between you and the rest of the world.
Astronaut costume, $51
Astronaut helmet, $63
3. Katie Holmes and Emilio Vitolo
Katie Holmes and Emilio Vitolo are arguably one of the hottest, at least most written about, couples to emerge at the end of 2020. The two have been spotted all over NYC, so if you're a fan of their relationship or pop culture gossip, you may want to grab your SO and dress up as Holmes and Vitolo.
Coach navy coat, $269
H&M sweater, $25
Levi's jeans, $26
Amazon mules, $23
4. Damien From 'Mean Girls'
COVID-19 has postponed all your Halloween plans, but you still want to pay tribute to the holiday. Dress up as Damien as this outfit screams both "I'm in a mood" and "I just can't be bothered today."
Nike hoodie, $65
Livho sunglasses, $15
5. Carrie Bradshaw
Who else watches Sex and the City reruns to unwind from a long day of work? If your favorite character is Carrie, you'll have to dress up like her on Oct 31. Luckily, she doesn't lack in the coats department and has worn every style under the sun. We love this furry outerwear, however, for its classic vibe. Style with gloves and you'll be nice and toasty all night long. (Don't forget to get a Brooks Brothers promo code for those gloves.)
H&M faux fur jacket, $30
Brooks Brothers gloves, $97
6. 'Sister, Sister'
Netflix just started airing this '90s sitcom, and we're reminiscing over every one of Tia and Tamara's iconic outfits on the show. This one definitely stands out: matching denim vests and hats? A do, at least for Halloween night.
Denim vest, $60
Buckle henley top, $27
Etsy denim rose hat, $40
7. Rachel Green From 'Friends'
Rachel was always the trendsetter on Friends, so maybe you want to channel her fashionista energy for Halloween. Go for this cow print jacket and skirt look. Make sure you have a bunch of fashion magazines tucked under your arm.
Collection B cow print coat, $89
Theory white skirt, $258
Chinese Laundry white boot, $80
8. Lara Jean From 'To All the Boys'
For those of us who can't wait for the third installment of To All the Boys, cushion the wait time by dressing up as Lara Jean. This scene of her and John Ambrose is from the second movie, P.S. I Still Love You. The only accessory you need is a bright smile and cupcakes.
L.L.Bean toggle coat, $249
J.Crew sweater, $80
9. 'Always Be My Maybe'
Here's an outfit that will not only keep you warm, but can be easily DIY-ed together from existing pieces in your closet. All you need is a red cardigan, white t-shirt, and white jeans. You can either draw on the Comme Des Garcons design or buy the shirt directly.
a.Jesdani red cardigan, $18
SHOP IT
Comme Des Garcons heart tee, $92
& Other Stories white jeans, $79
SOJOs glasses, $20
10. 'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina'
What's a more appropriate Halloween costume than one from Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina? Dressing up as Sabrina is the perfect mix of mystery and magic for Oct. 31.
Jackets Creator red coat, $149
Lucky Brand polka dot shirt, $14
ModCloth red skirt, $49
11. 'Hamilton'
There are plenty of warm-weather looks to borrow from Hamilton. Peruse Etsy's page to get a full-on costume that will make you look like you just stepped off a set.
Etsy upcycled frock coat, $100
12. Harley Quinn From ‘Suicide Squad’
Okay, so this outfit does toe the line between being covered up and also "I'm feeling kind of cold" if you choose to forgo a pair of bottoms in favor of tiny tiny shorts. At least you have on a jacket, right?
Harley Quinn jacket, $89
Daddy's Little Monster shirt, $25
Etsy red and blue shorts, $28
13. The Devil Wears Prada'
Channel Andy Sachs' laidback journalist vibes in a brown leather jacket, black turtleneck, and dark blue denim. If you've watched this movie a hundred times (no? just me?), then you know the outfit is an iconic representation of who Andy is pre, and even post, Miranda Priestly. Plus, the look gives you a reason to stay in your fall clothes in lieu of skimpier ensembles.
Overland leather jacket, $299
Wolsaba black turtleneck, $20
Everlane jeans, $37
Chinese Laundry slouch boots, $73
Aldo messenger bag, $65
14. Kim Kardashian
There's no one that can rock furry outerwear like Kim K. She has since renounced wearing any real fur (we like the sound of that), though this outfit she wore to a Yeezy Season 3 show might be her most iconic yet. If you're really trying to live your best Kim K lifestyle, dropping $1k for an almost exact replica of her coat wouldn't be extreme, here. For the rest of us with a budget, however, check out an affordable alternative below, plus this and this.
Amazon shaggy coat, $47
Free People bodysuit, $30
Raey fringe skirt, $215
15. 'Hustlers'
Former strip club employees come together to turn the tables on their rich Wall Street clients in Hustlers. Every outfit in this film is so over-the-top good, you'll find plenty of outfit inspo for Halloween. We particularly love J.Lo's rainbow-colored vest and python bag.
Wish colorful vest, $29
Uniqlo crewneck top, $15
Levi's skinny jeans, $44
MVE boot, $33
16. 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
Oct. 31 has arrived and you need to whip up an outfit in a flash. Use Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's for a quick outfit inspo. Toss on your trench coat, black dress, and black heels complete with a chignon that tops all other beehive hairstyles. PSA: You'll definitely need some kind of strong hairspray.
Halogen classic trench, $149
ASOS Design black dress, $45
ASOS Design black pumps, $40
17. Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton is the queen of outerwear and gravitates towards classic coats with peter pan collars or double-breasted button designs. Use Kate's feminine pink look from 2015 as inspiration for channeling your inner royal. Don't forget a matching fascinator.
Sears pink coat, $47
Free Yoka pink fascinator, $14
Steve Madden pumps, $36
18. Meghan Markle
Who could forget Meghan Markle's engagement photo call outfit? If you're a fan of the royal, you'll definitely want to re-create this special look—it was the first time the public saw her engagement ring.
RACHEL Rachel Roy trench, $ 100
M.M.LaFleur green dress, $195
Lulus beige lace-up heels, $44
19. Willy Wonka
Willy Wonka and candy go hand in hand, so dress as this fictional character for Halloween. People won't expect this #throwback outfit and you might just win best dressed at the party. If not, drown your sorrows with a handful of Reese's Pieces.
Purple velvet duster, $104
Tory Burch floral blouse, $99
Brown top hat, $6