Don’t Spook Your Co-Workers: Work-Appropriate Halloween Costumes

Some people love Halloween, and I’m one of them! I get especially excited when Halloween falls on a workday, like this year, because then I can dress up at work!

According to the National Retail Foundation (NRF), I’m not alone in my love of the spooky holiday. Based on the NRF’s Halloween Spending Survey, 43.6% of people “plan to dress up and will spend a total of $2.6 billion on traditional and awe-inspiring costumes.” The survey estimates that a total of almost 158 million consumers will actively celebrate Halloween this year. That’s down from last year’s high of 170 million people, but it’s nothing that should scare retailers. The average participant is expected to spend $75.03 on décor, costumes, candy and fun, also down from last year, but by less than $5.

So if you’re one of the 43.6%, and your work allows costumes, what should you wear? Following are some work-appropriate Halloween costume do’s and don’ts to help guide you.

Halloween Work-Costume Do’s

Take Your Lead from the TV — Orange is the New Black and Duck Dynasty are popular shows, and the look for both isn’t that complicated. Some orange coveralls or some camouflage and you’re more than halfway there. Just be sure to checkout the don’ts below so you’re choosing a look that’s work-appropriate.

Go Sporty — From NASCAR to the NFL, choose your favorite professional athlete and proudly wear the uniform. You can go simple, just wearing your favorite player’s jersey, or you can take it all the way, donning the entire uniform. But a word of advice, save the cheerleader look for after work.

Show Your Special Powers — Superheroes are always a good go-to costume as long as the outfit isn’t too revealing. Why not be creative and come up with your own superhero for work? For example, if you’re the company accountant, you could show up on Halloween as “Calculator Man” able to add multiple columns in a single spreadsheet!

Halloween Work-Costume Don’ts

Avoid Politics and Religion — Some may never consider the pregnant nun costume appropriate, but work is definitely not the place to wear that costume. Leaving your political and religious views outside the office is a good idea every day of the year.

Keep It PG — Almost any costume can be turned into an inappropriate look when it’s too tight, too short, too low-cut, and just plain too revealing. If you couldn’t wear a regular shirt, pair of pants or skirt in that style on other days of the year, don’t think you can get by with it on October 31st.

Be Prepared to Make a Quick Switch — Because you’ll be at work, it’s possible that something could come up that would require you to change into regular work clothes. A client could drop in. The bank might call and request that you stop by. Whatever the cause, if you’ve died your hair pink or painted your entire face with hard-to-wash-off face make up, you may not be able to take the meeting.

Hopefully these Halloween costume tips will help you celebrate at work in a way that improves morale and doesn’t scare your boss or co-workers.

What are you wearing to work on Thursday the 31st? Or do you have any Halloween costume do’s and don’ts you’d like to share? Leave us a comment below, tweet us your tips or post a picture of your work-appropriate costume on the 123Print Facebook wall.