33 Work-Appropriate Halloween Costumes That’ll Score Major Points at the Office
They're also easy to wear all day.
If you’re anything like us, you’re already counting down the days to Halloween and all the spook-tacular fun that comes along with: binging scary movies, baking delicious Halloween treats, and, of course, dreaming up a one-of-a-kind costume. While you’ll likely want something warm and cozy for trick-or-treating, and perhaps something a little edgy for your neighbor’s Halloween party, the perfect office Halloween costume presents a more tricky conundrum. What can you put on that’s not too revealing, comfortable enough to wear all day at your desk, and will still garner high praise from your colleagues? Something from our collection of the best appropriate halloween costumes for work, that’s what!
From favorite food products (hello, Sriracha!) to beloved Disney characters and historical figures, these work-appropriate Halloween costumes require minimum effort to score maximum points. Waited until the last minute? Our Jolene costume has only two components, or you could Amazon Prime an astronaut suit. Got a little more time to prepare and a lot more love of DIY? Dress up as a picnic blanket or an ice cream sundae. Whatever you choose, your boss will be thrilled by your team spirit, and you won’t feel so out of your element that you’re unable to get any work done. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
So go forth and start and start planning your getup. These work-appropriate options are great for groups and even specific professions, such as nurses. And if you don’t find something you like here, check out our guides to quick and easy Halloween costumes for women and the best Barbie Halloween costumes for further inspiration.
Jolene
If you're looking for a last-minute costume that'll still garner a near universal seal of approval, pop on a red wig and Jolene name tag. (Click here to download our template.) Voila! You're the classic Dolly Parton song.
Hot Dog
Hot diggity dog! Grab three of your best office buddies to create this whimsical costume, which your co-workers are sure to eat up. It doesn't take more than a few simple supplies, like card stock and felt, to create.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Serena Williams
With word the most successful person ever to whack a tennis ball is calling it quits, a Serena Williams costume is more timely than ever. It's inexpensive to put together, too, with cheap racquets available at Amazon if you don't have one handy.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Astronaut
For anyone who's ever wished they could wear a onesie to work, your wish is officially granted. An astronaut jumpsuit combines comfort, ease, and impressiveness into one zip-up package.
Vintage Clown
Clowns are always slightly disturbing, which is why they make such great Halloween costumes. Obviously, makeup is key to creating the effect, as are all those great pom poms everywhere and the poufy collar.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
Lava Lamp
Despite the sheer grooviness of this garb, blogger Sam Ushiro swears it isn't too tough to nail. We say take your time to get all the elements just right, like those shapes on the shirt that replicate the "lava" bubbles with upholstery foam and spray paint.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Sriracha Bottle
What is it about food costumes that make them almost universally hilarious? Maybe it's the entire concept of dressing up like a giant version of your favorite edible. And this one's especially hot!
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Sandy in 'Grease'
This one's for Olivia. The Sandy character in the film Grease is so iconic, especially after her bad-girl transformation, that you only really need to suggest the look. Go for a wide-neck black shirt, fitted black pants, high-heeled red shoes and red lips. Just remember: no smoking in the office.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Ghostbusters
When you need a break // from a ho-hum job // Who ya gonna call? // Ghostbusters! (And even if you can't take a break, this jumpsuit costume can help you pretend you spend your days fighting supernatural forces.)
Party Hat
Get the party started with this inventive, ingenious celebration chapeau that uses a hula hoop to flair out the skirt bottom. The brighter the colors of the dress you use as a base, the better.
Get the tutorial at A Joyful Riot.
Witch in Webbed Cape
This bewitching getup is all about the seriously cool spiderweb cape, which, believe it or, is created without sewing a stitch. Add a tall black hat with a peak and you'll look spooktacular.
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.
Ice Cream Sundae
Here's a "sweet" Halloween ensemble for procrastinators that's easy-peasy to make last minute. Fabric paints are used for the chocolate sauce and sprinkles—just don't forget to add the cherry on top.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Essential Oil
Fads may come and fads may go, but the essential oil craze just many prove eternal. You're probably going to have to slip the costume off while you're at your desk, but it's so clever we're bending our comfy rule.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Galaxy Skirt
You'll shine like all the stars in the sky at work in this flat-out gorgeous DIY skirt. It's not only dusted with colors like purple, blue and gold, it even lights up.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Harry Potter
Dress as a member of your favorite Hogwarts house (Gryffindor, duh!) by combining a few easy Amazon purchases with work wardrobe staples such as a white button-down and closed-toe shoes.
Bandits
You and your work husband will steal the show at the office with this costume so simple (but good) it's almost criminal. We love the crowning touch—those hilarious bags of loot.
Get the tutorial at Say Yes.
Flapper
If you want to go stylish rather than scary this Halloween, let your inner flapper out to play and jazz up work (and everywhere else you go).
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Buttered Toast
The whole staff will be toasting this super soft and squishy foam costume that doesn't take a lot of bread to make.
Make the Costume: Shape two-inch-thick foam into a large square shape, rounding the edges, and spray paint it all over with several shades of brown. A butter pat made from foam and yellow fabric reinforces the visual.
Get the tutorial at Oh Yay Studio.
Mermaid
Get set to win your office Halloween costume contest with this incredible mermaid DIY-er. It's made out of a boatload of everyday supplies, like paper souffle cups and coffee filters.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Mother Earth
This is a simply gorgeous costume uses homemade crepe paper flowers and even a darling DIY bluebird to stunning effect. The subject matter is timely, too.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
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