Staying in the Halloween spirit during your 9-to-5 doesn’t have to be a challenge.
Beyond sprucing up your workspace with festive decorations or keeping a stash of candy for your coworkers, there’s another way to join in the fun: work-appropriate Halloween costumes.
Scroll through our list of ideas to get ahead on creating your best Halloween costume yet.
Hippies
Embrace the early ‘70s vibe by dressing as a hippie. Complete your look with a DIY headband and some colorful, flowy attire.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built
Citrus Slice
Turn your plain dress into a fun and fruity citrus slice costume. Add a headband made from felt and cardboard for the perfect finishing touch.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY
Minnie Mouse
This Disney classic is easy to recreate with a red tutu, a black shirt, and a polka dot bow. Don’t forget the yellow shoes to complete Minnie’s signature look.
Get the tutorial at I Am Style-ish
Balloon Animal
Get creative by transforming into a red balloon animal! This costume requires spandex fabric, batting, and velcro for a playful, eye-catching effect.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY
Willy Wonka
Channel everyone’s favorite eccentric chocolatier with this fun and work-friendly costume. You likely already have slacks and a button-down shirt at home. If Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Willy Wonka is on your mind, this costume is perfect for you.
Beetlejuice and Lydia
Pair up with your work buddy to bring this iconic spooky duo to life. These characters are sure to turn heads at the office.
Mario Bros.
Got a long-sleeved shirt and jeans? You’re halfway there! Add suspenders, a hat, and a mustache, and you’ve transformed into Mario Bros. in no time.
Wednesday Addams
Dressing as Wednesday Addams is easy since most of the look relies on her signature all-black outfit and braids. Perfect for an office costume.
Joel from ‘The Last of Us’
With just dark jeans, a plaid shirt, and a backpack, you can channel Joel’s rugged look from the hit series. Bonus: you can repurpose your usual work attire.
Pineapple
If you’re based in a warmer climate, embrace the tropical vibes with a pineapple costume. It’s even better when you get your coworkers involved in a fruity group theme.
Get the tutorial at All for the Memories »
Tetris
This costume is not only fun but easy to DIY using colorful Post-Its. Just make sure not to raid the office supply closet!
Error 404
Work in tech? Show off your witty side with an “Error 404” costume. It’s a surefire hit among your colleagues.
Emily in Paris
Looking chic at the office is easy with a bold red lip and beret—everything you need to channel your inner Emily from Paris.
Space Pals
Chrome is in and what better way to get in on the trend than with this futuristic space costume? You’ll need a ton of silver accessories to complete the look.
Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party »
Dwight Schrute
Turn your regular work clothes into a costume by taking inspiration from “The Office.” Simply dress like Dwight Schrute, complete with glasses and a tie, to stay on-theme at the office.
Care Bears
This cozy, no-sew costume is a hit. Pastel-colored sweats and a bit of DIY magic can easily make this costume work for a team.
Get the tutorial at See Vanessa Craft »
Ziegfeld Girl Costume
Inspired by the 1941 film, this costume is the perfect way to incorporate glam and glitter into an otherwise drab 9-to-5 day. Deck out a white maxi dress with gold glitter and fashion the headpiece out of star cutouts and wire.
Get the tutorial at Keiko Lynn »
Scarecrow
With just some plaid flannel, boots, and overalls, you’ve got a scarecrow look! Level up with a yarn wig and hay arm cuffs.
Get the tutorial at Dream A Little Bigger »
Snow White
A sweet nod to Disney’s classic, the Snow White costume can be pulled together with a few basics from your wardrobe—perfect for those who love the timeless look.
Get the tutorial at I Am Style-ish »
Mime
A striped shirt, black overalls, and white face paint make this costume both simple and effective. And bonus, it’s mostly work-friendly!
Get the tutorial at Dream A Little Bigger »
Popcorn Vendor
Bring some movie theater fun to the office by dressing up as a popcorn vendor. Create treat boxes and serve your favorite flavor to coworkers.
Get the tutorial at DIY Inspired »
Ice Cream Cone
Brighten up the office with this sweet ice cream cone costume. A simple white dress with colorful details will do the trick.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Starbucks Barista
Skip the coffee run and bring Starbucks to work with a green apron and white paint. Bonus points if you get your coworkers involved as frappuccinos or cake pops!
Get the tutorial at Arin Solange At Home »
Minion
Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with coworkers, a Minion costume is simple to pull off with overalls and a yellow shirt.
Tree Headband
Craft a tree-themed headband with branches and glue. It’s a quick, nature-inspired costume that you can take on and off with ease.
Skeleton Costume
Dress in black and create bone shapes with duct tape for a comfortable yet classic costume. It’s easy and won’t disrupt your workday.
Snake Plant
For the plant lover, why not become your favorite desk plant? DIY some crepe paper leaves and attach them to a hat and your shirt for an effortless plant costume.
Bojack Horseman
For fans of the Netflix show, a Bojack Horseman costume, complete with a horse head and casual outfit, is a fun and recognizable choice for Halloween.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts »
Nail Polish
Pick your favorite nail polish color and turn it into a costume by matching your outfit to that shade and adding a fun DIY bottle element.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Mona Lisa
Become a piece of art by transforming yourself into the Mona Lisa. A black dress and a poster frame will have you looking like a masterpiece in no time.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Bjork Swan Dress Costume
Inspired by Icelandic artist Björk’s famous swan dress, this unique costume can be recreated by attaching a plush swan head to a white dress or tutu.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Mr. and Mrs. Fox
Show off your DIY skills by crafting a fox mask to pair with your regular work attire. Represent Mr. or Mrs. Fox while keeping it office-appropriate.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Bop It
For a nostalgic nod to the ’90s, craft a “Bop It” costume. Use foam, spray paint, and elastic to bring this game to life.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Brownie Costume
Indulge your sweet tooth with a brownie costume by attaching pom-poms to a brown dress. This costume will have your coworkers craving dessert!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Cat with Yarn Ball
Turn a regular cat costume into something unique by adding a yarn ball prop. Attach some yarn to your outfit for a playful touch throughout the day.
Goose and Maverick from Top Gun
Coordinate with your work bestie to recreate this iconic pilot duo. Show off your matching pilot uniforms and Top Gun-inspired look.
Formal Apology
For a clever play on words, write “apology” on a sash and drape it over your fanciest dress. Be prepared for a night of saying “I’m sorry” as part of the joke.
Sea Anemone
For a costume that stands out, use long pink balloons to craft a sea anemone outfit. You can even top it off with a balloon crown for extra flair.
Hawaiian Punch
This punchy costume plays on the famous drink. With boxing gloves and a clever punchline, you’ll be ready for both work and play.
Carpool Karaoke
Bring the energy of Carpool Karaoke to work with a costume made from a presentation board designed to look like a taxi. Don’t forget the microphone to sing your way through the day.
Queen of Hearts
Transform into royalty by wearing a red dress or t-shirt dress and a DIY card collar. The collar, made from stapled playing cards, is the key to this regal costume.
Cat Makeup
A simple yet classic costume, cat makeup can go a long way. Pair it with an all-black outfit, and you’re ready to go.
Men in Black
This minimal-effort costume just requires a black suit and sunglasses. Channel your inner agent from Men in Black for a cool and easy look.
Rosie the Riveter
Pay tribute to the iconic WWII-era poster with a red bandana and rolled-up sleeves. It’s a powerful and easily recognizable look.
Green with Envy
Pair up with a friend for this duo costume. One of you can wear green, and the other can label themselves as “envy” for a playful pun.
Brawny Man
If you’re sporting a beard and flannel, just carry around some paper towels to complete the Brawny Man costume. It’s a simple and recognizable look.
Westworld
Get futuristic with a costume inspired by the hit show “Westworld.” Old-meets-new in this modern take, perfect for fans of the series.
Bat Costume
For a comfy costume, cut a black umbrella in half and attach it to a black hoodie for bat wings. It’s creative, cozy, and perfect for a work setting.
Smarty Pants
Attach Smarties candies to your pants with some double-sided tape, and you’ve got a witty “smarty pants” costume. It’s clever and low-effort.
Burrito
Turn your desk lunch into a costume by dressing up as a burrito! Add extra guac, and you’re good to go.
Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton
Coordinate with your work BFF to channel these country music queens. It’s easy to recreate with their signature looks.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite »
Blessing in Disguise
Wear a t-shirt that says “Blessing” and add a cape and some disguise accessories like glasses and a fake mustache. It’s a fun costume with a clever twist.
Flo from Progressive
Show off your supportive side by dressing as Flo from the Progressive commercials. This look is instantly recognizable and work-friendly.
Bread Winner
Carry loaves of bread and wear gold medals to represent the ultimate “breadwinner.” It’s a fun and literal take on the phrase.
When Life Gives You Lemons
Stay positive with this costume inspired by the famous saying. Carry a basket of lemons for a sunny and cheerful look.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Bandits
Dress in head-to-toe black and carry around “money bags” for a simple and effective partner-in-crime look. Perfect for pairing up with a friend.
Kate Middleton
Emulate the Duchess of Cambridge with a chic shift dress and a fascinator. Practice your royal wave for the full effect.
Get the tutorial at Merrick’s Art »
Where’s Waldo
Easily spotted at the party, this Waldo costume is simple to put together with a striped shirt and glasses.
Ceiling Fan
Show your enthusiasm by carrying pom-poms and wearing a “ceiling fan” sign for a costume full of pep and cheer.
Safari
Dress up for a safari adventure with neutral colors and binoculars. This outfit is perfect whether you’re going solo or with a “Tarzan or Jane.”
Get the tutorial at Camille Styles »
Holy Guacamole
For fans of guacamole, this costume features an avocado with angel wings. It’s a heavenly and fun choice for Halloween.
Mary Poppins
Transform into the magical Mary Poppins with a classic outfit and a parrot-head umbrella. Complete the look with a big bag to store all your essentials.
Miss Universe
Even if you don’t win the office costume contest, you’ll still be a winner with this Miss Universe costume. Add a sash and crown for the full effect.
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite »
She Sells Seashells By the Seashore
For a last-minute costume, tape seashells to the inside of a trench coat and become a walking seaside pun.
Smart Cookie
Prove you’re as smart as you are sweet by attaching cookie cutouts to a graduation gown. Show your coworkers how clever you are.
Popcorn
This cute popcorn costume comes with an edible prop! Pair it with your favorite movie theater popcorn for a tasty and fun look.
Picnic Blanket
Dress up as a picnic blanket with iron-on ants, and carry a basket to store your candy. It’s the perfect way to keep the summer vibes going.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Jasper Reed is a seasoned expert in home decor, DIY projects, and nail art. With over a decade of experience, her innovative designs and practical tips have inspired countless enthusiasts. Jasper’s work has been featured in top home and lifestyle magazines, and she is a regular contributor to several online platforms where she shares her passion for transforming spaces and creating stunning nail designs.