8 warm Halloween costume ideas for kids in Michigan's cold weather
Anyone who grew up in Michigan knows Halloween costume planning includes one important question: Can you fit a winter coat over or under the costume?
Even if it was 70 degrees the day before Halloween, there was never a doubt a cold front would roll in just in time for trick-or-treating.
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Parents know they've got to keep those trick-or-treaters warm, but hiding a pricey costume under a coat is pretty annoying.
Here are some Halloween costumes Michigan parents should consider that will keep your kid warm, but not hide their costume for those Instagram-worthy moments.
Farmer
Pair a Sherpa-lined flannel shirt with a pair of overalls and winter boots. A pair of thin pants could also be hidden under the overalls. Be prepared and have a thinner flannel shirt on hand just in case Mother Nature decides to gift a warm Halloween evening.
Astronaut
Astronaut suits are always puffy and you can fit a sweatshirt and sweatpants underneath without looking odd. Plus, astronauts wear boots and gloves, so there's an extra warm bonus.
Animals
There's nothing odd about seeing a bear, deer or squirrel with a little extra plush this time of year. It's almost winter and furry creatures are stocking up to keep warm. You can do the same with animal costumes. They're often made of slightly heavier fabrics and can have plenty of room for additional clothing underneath. Some have hoods to keep ears warm and adding matching gloves will protect fingers from the cold.
Construction worker
You could really just consider any profession that works outdoors in the winter, but a construction worker is a good place to start. Combine overalls or heavy jeans and a Carhartt-type jacket with an orange or yellow safety vest. Be on the lookout for fleece-lined pants. This costume is another one where boots and gloves are right on brand. Other workers to consider: Firefighter, mechanic, sanitation worker.
Princess
If your kid is determined to wear a Disney princess dress, "Frozen" is probably the way to go. An Elsa dress leaves room for pants underneath and a white, fluffy dress coat will fit right in with the look. A similar dress coat would also work with other princess costumes like Belle, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Anna from "Frozen" wears a cape that can help keep kids warm, or it could also be swapped for a fluffy coat. Long gloves can also compliment a princess dress.
Ghost
Go more traditional with a ghost costume. Their sheet-like structures have plenty of room underneath for multiple clothing layers. Matching white or black gloves and boots are easy to add.
Pumpkin
Keep the traditional vibe going with a round pumpkin costume that is perfect for packing layers inside. A green, orange or black coat and pants will complete the look. Gloves are also easy to add here.
The Clauses
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are always outfitted with the warmest coats, pants, boots and gloves for the chilly North Pole weather.
You could use Tim Allen in "The Santa Clause" as inspiration and swap out the traditional Santa hat for a knit one. It's also easy to add a scarf with this look.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Warm Halloween costumes in cold weather: Easy ideas for kids
