65 Work-Appropriate Halloween Costumes That Show You Mean Business
Dress to impress (and still meet the dress code).
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Bringing a little holiday spirit to the office can make your 9-to-5 feel a lot more fun and festive, especially on Halloween! Whether you're gearing up for an office Halloween party, a costume contest, or just want to join in on the eerie excitement, you'll need a Halloween costume that's both spirited and appropriate. To help you strike that perfect balance, refer to this list of the best work-appropriate Halloween costume ideas that are equal parts creative and professional.
Here, you'll find plenty of inspiration for easy Halloween costumes that strike the perfect blend of playful and polished. Prepare to make everyone smile with a punny "Smart Cookie" outfit or a crafty Pac-Man '80s costume. You could even go all-in on the "office" theme by dressing up as a bouquet of pencils or actual characters from The Office! If a best friend costume is more your thing, ask your work wife to join in on the fun: You two can channel Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire in an unforgettable Western costume.
Whatever you choose, you're bound to have a good time if you approach the whole thing with a positive attitude. Just remember not to go too scary or too skimpy and you'll be fine. And think of it this way: You're about to get a bonus day of spooky celebrations and get paid for it, too!
More easy costume ideas to DIY:
Chef Costume
Grab your work husband and whip up this super simple chef costume. Just get matching double-breasted jackets and classic toques to capture that master chef aesthetic. Add a playful touch with a wooden spoon or faux menu tucked in your pocket!
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Cosmic Brownie Costume
You'll be the sweetest treat at the office party with this cute cosmic brownie costume. Get the look with a brown dress, model magic clay rainbow chips, and, of course, a cosmic brownie box!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Gaston Costume
Calling all Disney fans! Step into the role of everyone's favorite over-the-top villain from Beauty and the Beast with this easy Gaston costume. Channel his larger-than-life ego with a red shirt, black belt, brown boots, and yellow gloves. Don't forget the slicked-back hair (or wig) to complete the look!
Get the tutorial at Color Me Courtney.
Cat Costume
This costume is the purr-fect pick for your office Halloween party. Just grab your favorite black outfit and top it off with a pair of DIY cat ears made of a headband, jewelry wire, and furry fabric. For a little extra flair, use makeup to draw on some whiskers and a cute nose!
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Elphaba Costume
With Wicked having hit big screens just last year, your costume will be instantly recognizable. Slip into green tights and gloves, and the only thing left to paint green is your face!
Get the tutorial at Color Me Courtney.
Cruella de Vil Cotume
Embrace your dark side this Halloween as Cruella de Vil with a standout black-and-white wig! Pair it with a bold red lip and a daring outfit to capture the essence of the effortlessly stylish villain.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
Dunkin' Iced Coffee Costume
If Dunkin' fuels you to get through the workday, this costume is made for you! Wear a tan outfit featuring the iconic logo, and add mini acrylic ice cubes for a playful touch.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam.
Mother Earth Costume
Celebrate Halloween sustainably by transforming into Mother Earth with pieces you already own. Slip into a flowing dress, add some faux flowers for a natural touch, and top it all off with a pretty flower crown.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
'80s Prom Costume
Hit up your local thrift store for a funky dress, and dust off your crimper for this totally tubular prom look! And don't forget to pile on the bold makeup—it's all about going big or going home.
Get the tutorial at Twist Me Pretty.
Burn Book Costume
Own the office this Halloween as the ultimate queen bee in a Mean Girls–inspired Burn Book costume. Throw on a pink dress, add some iron-on letters or DIY patches, and get ready to channel your inner Regina George with total confidence.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Hippie Costume
Bring the good vibes to the office with an easy, '70s-inspired costume! Dig out your grooviest outfit, then top it off with a fun DIY headpiece for a retro look that spreads peace, love, and style.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Ice Cream Costume
Keep it cool this Halloween with a sweet and simple DIY ice cream costume! Decorate a T-shirt with colorful sprinkles and accessorize with a cherry headpiece for a look that's equal parts fun and delicious.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Barbiecore Costume
Be a Barbie girl in a Barbie (okay, corporate) world with a pretty pink costume! Mix and match pink pieces from your closet and pile on the rosy accessories for that signature Barbie flair.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Beehive Costume
This cute bumblebee costume will have the whole office buzzing! Dress in yellow with bee decals, then finish the look with black gloves, flower earrings, and a playful headpiece.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Belle Costume
Channel the storybook charm of Belle's provincial life with this timeless costume. Wear a blue dress, white apron, and comfortable ballet flats for a simple yet instantly recognizable look.
Get the tutorial at Brit+Co.
Cactus Costume
You'll look sharper than ever when you dress up as a prickly cactus this Halloween! All you'll need to get the look is an all-green outfit, white yarn for the spikes, and multicolored yarn for the flower headband.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Casey Becker Costume
Dial up the horror movie nostalgia with this Casey Becker costume inspired by the iconic character from Scream. Embrace the '90s vibe with a cropped blonde wig, a tan sweater, and jeans. Don't forget to bring a faux knife and phone for added authenticity.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite.
Gilmore Girls Costume
Step into the world of Stars Hollow with this Gilmore Girls costume featuring the iconic uniform! Channel Rory Gilmore's academic style with a preppy plaid skirt, a white blouse, and a sweater adorned with the Chilton crest. Complete the look with knee-high socks and a cute continental necktie.
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Greenhouse Costume
This one's for all the green thumbs out there! Transform into an adorable greenhouse this Halloween with a green dress, iron-on flowers, a watering can full of faux blooms, and a cardboard house hat.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Pink Ladies Costume
Get ready to rock this Halloween with a Pink Ladies costume straight out of Grease! Slip into a sassy pink satin jacket with the Pink Ladies logo, and pair it with a black top, leggings, and some retro accessories for that classic '50s vibe.
Get the tutorial at Camille Styles.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
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