With Halloween on the horizon, many of my co-workers have been discussing the annual Halloween party. We work in a pretty relaxed environment, and are encouraged to wear our costumes the entire day. This has naturally led to some discussion about what falls under the appropriate category, yet still leaves room for fun and festivity.
After much discussion, this is the advice I’ve been passing out. Let’s take a look at how to go put together a work-friendly costume that steals the show.
Don’t Even Think About It
Cute? Yes. Work appropriate? Not so much.
We can start off with the things you’re probably going to want to avoid. Anything you would have worn to a college Halloween party is definitely out. Costumes that are labeled as “sexy” shouldn’t even cross your mind as an option — and gentlemen, that applies to you as well. Chip n’ dales costumes can be amusing if everyone is near catatonically inebriated at a frat party, but you can fully expect people to be sober enough to remember everything at a professional function.
You’ll also want to avoid the chintzy stuff your mom made you wear as a child — clown costumes, low quality foam superhero suits, or anything made out of old junk lying around your house.
And finally, steer clear of aesthetically repulsive imagery like excessive gore in consideration of your audience.
Go Elegant and Extravagant
To really stick out as a winner at a work party, you’ll want to show up in something tasteful, elegant, and elaborate. Take your queue from historical masquerades, pop culture, or Greek mythology. Here are a few excellent examples.
So many details!
Steampunk
Steampunk culture is all about elaborate and exquisite neo-Victorian costumes with a fanciful fantastical flair. If you like corsets, mechanics, fancy hats, clockwork, and lots and lots of accessories then steampunk is definitely for you.
Oooooh, fancy!
Masquerade
If you love fancy dresses and want an excuse to be as formal as possible, opt for the old-timey masquerade ball get up. Always a favorite for me it’s elegant, tasteful, and requires relatively little prep time to get into.
Simply the best!
Pop Culture Costumes
Dressing like a pirate, the monopoly guy, Dracula, a Disney princess, or Iron man are all just as acceptable for you as they are for children — with one notable difference. If you want to make a splash, your costume needs to be considerably better than the 20$ Walmart fare that some of your co-workers will inevitably resort to.
[…] By Emma Rae Curtis […]