Best Science-Themed Halloween Costumes for Staying Warm Outdoors

By Lauren Koenig

​Halloween is going to look very different this year, but if you’re going to a safe, outdoor, socially distanced gathering, there’s no reason you can’t still have the best costume.
 
But, “how will anyone even see my costume?” you might ask. “It’s going to be SO COLD.”
 
Never fear, coming up with a good costume last minute should be the least scary part of your Halloween. Scientista has several ideas to keep you covered.  

Biologically Realistic Animal Onesie
 
Onesies might be so 2015, but now’s the perfect time to reuse and revamp. Take your animal onesie to the next level by adding realistic details, like a matching animal face mask, or a biologically accurate accessory (e.g. some Eucalyptus leaves or other greenery for your koala, a trash bag for your trash panda/raccoon). You can even study up on typical vocalizations or behaviors of your animal of choice and wow the crowd with your imitation. Swathed in some thermal layers underneath, you’ll finally get a chance to enjoy this costume along with everyone else, since you won’t be passed out from heatstroke at a crowded indoor event.  

But it's not a costume if it's all year round

Ann Bancroft, photo courtesy of the Ann Bancroft Foundation

​Intrepid explorer
 
Scott, Hillary, and Norgay may be the names that come to most people’s minds when it comes to the top explorers willing to risk extreme cold. But take the time to read up on some of the bravest women who risked their lives to reach the remote parts of the planet and show up on Halloween armed with information, a buff to cover your nose and mouth, and your warmest parka (bonus points if you have a husky). For inspiration, learn more about Ann Bancroft, Rosie Stancer, and Felicity Aston. While some stories of their perseverance and grit make 127 hours seem like a (very misfortunately timed) walk in the park, make sure to bring good boots and hand warmers so you’re not cutting off your own toes from frostbite.   

Sharknado
 
Are you a crafty marine biologist/sci-fi disaster film fan? If so, dressing up as Sharknado should be as easy and rewarding for you as it was for a Hollywood CGI expert to inject copy/paste sharks into a water spout. Okay, maybe the movie was a little ridiculous, but you can stir up some real goosebumps by telling your friends that not only do scientists think a sharknado might happen due to climate change, but miniature sharknados have been reported for years! 

Can you believe this series has made over $4 billion?

Wear a gray coat, if you have one, or pick up some cotton or decorative cobwebs from a craft store to wrap around your body (make sure to dispose of them properly). Then, attach plush marine life to your coat and voila – you’re a warm weather front ready to crush this Halloween party. ​

Scientists think he picks blue because it brings out his natural coloring. Very chic

Bird nest
 
This is another “stick things to a coat” idea, but an easy, last-minute costume - no need to even brush your hair! Wear a dark-colored coat and arrange twigs, leaves, or wreath materials from a craft store all around your body. Perch a stuffed animal bird somewhere in the mess or combine feathers and make-up to become the baby bird, waiting for your parent to return with some tasty worms (we prefer the gummy kind, but to each their own). Your regular face mask can help support a paper beak. For extra artistic points, add some blue everyday items to transform your nest into a bowerbird’s trophy.    

The Solar System
 
This is a classic science-themed Halloween costume that’s incredibly adaptable for the cold weather – after all, there’s no heat in space, right? Wear dark clothing and string up some planets (painted Styrofoam balls) with wires wrapped around you in elliptical circles. An added benefit is that the planets’ orbit paths will grant you a little more space to socially distance. Add a yellow headband and now you are the sun. From near and far, everyone will realize that everything does, indeed, revolve around you!

School science solar system kits are easy to find online if you can't get to a localcraft store

​​And for those of you social-distancing in warmer climates, not only are we very jealous, but we recommend checking out some of our previous Halloween posts for even more science-themed costumes and experiments.
 
Let us know how you celebrate Halloween this year. Be sure to share your costumes with us on twitter @Scientista_Talk, IG @scientistafoundation or Facebook.   

Lauren Koenig

Lauren is the Editor-in-Chief of the Scientista Foundation and a graduate student at Michigan State University studying electric fish. Since obtaining her B.A. in biology from Vanderbilt University, she worked on several wildlife research projects throughout North and South America. She is excited to work with Scientista to increase accessibility to research and expand outreach efforts geared for women in STEM. When she is not dealing with unrequited love from her research animals, Lauren enjoys wildlife photography, kayaking, and dance.  ​