No matter how laidback and relaxed your company is, figuring out a clever Halloween costume that is also work-appropriate can be a bit of a headache. In fact, it can be even more difficult to navigate the waters of unspoken rules and expectations as you enter the office on All Hallows’ Eve. To pull off an HR-approved look, you’ll want to steer clear from anything too revealing, too tight, too raunchy, or too graphic.
You’ll either want to strike the fine balance between clever and cute or hilariously funny—which means you’ll have to come up with something well-thought-out. Playing it safe with a work-appropriate Halloween costume doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your originality, it simply means dressing up in something you wouldn’t be nervous to see your boss in!
So, if you’re looking to steal the show and win the best-dressed contest in your workplace, try these awesome Halloween costume ideas!
1. Vampire
No need to go all out with fake flood and gory makeup—all it takes to pull off a vampire costume is a quick peruse through your favorite all-black garments for a spooky look.
What you need:
- Black dress
- Black cape
- Black elbow-length gloves
- Fake fangs
2. Rosie the Riveter
Let the people know just how “Girl Power” you are when you step into your office as the iconic Rosie the Riveter.
What you need:
- Denim chambray long-sleeve
- Red bandana
- Blue jeans
- Women’s Chelsea boots
- Red lipstick
3. Black Cat
Though some may frown upon bringing bad luck into the office, Halloween is all about taking chances! What better way to embody that spirit than dressing up as a black cat?
What you need:
- Black long sleeve shirt
- Black leggings
- Cat tail & ears
- Painted on whiskers
4. Harry Potter
Live out your dreams of attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by dressing up as “the Boy Who Lived”, Harry Potter.
What you need:
- White button-down shirt
- Wooden wand
- Black trousers
- Black robe
- Gryffindor scarf
- Painted-on forehead scar
5. Dwight Schrute
Anyone who has ever seen or heard of The Office knows Dwight Schrute well. As Assistant to the Regional Manager, you’re sure to be on the receiving end of countless high fives.
What you need:
- Yellow button-down
- Brown tie
- Sliver-rimmed glasses
- Brown trousers
6. Where’s Waldo
Everyone spent at least part of their childhood looking for the ever-elusive Waldo. Though his distinctive outfit should make him fairly easy to locate, it still has a fun, distinctive flair.
What you need:
- Red and white striped long sleeve
- Thick, round black glasses
- Red beanie
- Blue jeans
7. Bob Ross
Famed for painting gorgeous scenery and soothing the soul, Bob Ross is an iconic cultural figure that harbors a special place in any artist’s heart.
What you need:
- Paint palette
- Blue button-down
- Flare jeans
- Curly hair wig
8. Snapchat Lenses
Snapchat’s many inventive lenses are capable of turning your everyday face into wildly outlandish creatures in an instant. Our favorite is the puking rainbows filter that turns your tongue into a river of rainbows and your eyes into giant black pools. If you’re in need of guidance, head to YouTube for easy-to-follow video tutorials.
What you need:
- Makeup (and lots of it!)
- Makeup brushes
9. Anna Wintour
Always dreamed of being a fashionista rather than an office-bound blue-collar worker? Halloween is the best time to channel that energy, even it’s just for a day. So why not dress up as the editor-in-chief of Vogue herself?
What you need:
- Tweed jacket
- Sheath dress
- Big sunglasses
10. Wednesday Addams
No one does spooky quite like Wednesday Addams. The favorite daughter of the Addams Family, Wednesday is every bit creepy and kooky.
What you need:
- Black dress
- White-collared shirt
- Black tights
- Combat boots
- Two side braids
11. 80s Active Barbie
Barbie’s slogan “you can be anything” is a wonderful thing to remember this Halloween season, especially when you decide to channel your inner plastic doll and become Barbie herself.
What you need:
- Pink leggings
- Black Barbie logo tank top
- Sweatbands
- Leg warmers
- Pink lipstick
12. Eleven from Stranger Things
Stranger Things has become one of the most popular sci-fi horror TV shows in recent history, and it’s largely thanks to the genius writers (looking at you, Duffer Brothers!) and the performance delivered by Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven. Somewhere between creepy and endearing, Eleven is the perfect Halloween costume for last-minute scramblers.
What you need:
- Pink dress
- Blue bomber jacket
- Fake bloody nose
- Eggo waffles
What are your favorite Halloween costumes? Let us know in the comments below!
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I love the Hippie costumes!
I’ve always wanted to be a Where’s Waldo. Some fun costumes.
As a fitness instructor, I am loving the 80s Active Barbie! I will need to dress like this next Halloween!