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Even if your boss is down with work-appropriate Halloween costumes, it can become a little tricky to find something that feels right. Simply put, a face full of fake blood might be sort of distracting at that afternoon Zoom meeting. If you're struggling to come up with an idea that's both creative and safe for work, these 40 iconic costumes are sure to do the trick. And hey, they'll also translate to that Halloween happy hour!
Scroll on for the best work-appropriate Halloween costume ideas to rock this year!
Vampire
Brit + Co
Forget the gory makeup and blood capsules — all you need is a large cape, widow’s peak, teeth, and some black lipstick. (via Brit + Co)Aquarium
Brit + Co
Hey, moms-to-be, get a little creative this year and head to the office as an aquarium. The costume is easy to make, so you can get back to the important things, like, you know, growing a tiny human. (via Brit + Co)Angry Bird
Brit + Co
The folks at work are probably pretty familiar with this app. Dress up as your favorite bird and try and break your high score. (via Brit + Co)Catwoman
Brit + Co
This HR-approved ensemble is tame but fierce. Okay, maybe (definitely) leave the whip at home. (via Brit + Co)Purrfect Black Cat
Brit + Co
Cats are always a safe option for the workplace, and this costume is way better than just a couple of painted on whiskers and a tail. Pick your favorite statement necklace and jazz up this Halloween costume staple. (via Brit + Co)Fruit Salad
Brit + Co
Who knew that the office break room treats could be so inspiring? Go as a group or pick your favorite fruit from this colorful bunch. (via Brit + Co)Funny Catwoman
Brit + Co
You’ve probably seen a few crazy cat lady costumes floating on the interwebs, but this version only calls for your most comfortable fall staples and a T-shirt that does all of the talking for you. (via Brit + Co)Sia
Brit + Co
Style an all-black ensemble and snag Sia’s signature hairstyle with this fun and easy wig DIY. (via Brit + Co)'The Grand Budapest Hotel'
Brit + Co
Wes Anderson’s film is just as inspiring as his other works, and the costumes are all completely doable for the office. (via Brit + Co)Pop Art Costume
Brit + Co
This pop art-inspired makeup is actually really easy. You'll get all the bonus points if you spend the day striking random poses. (via Brit + Co)
Pink Sugar Cookie
A Joyful Riot
If you haven't tried these sugary treats yet, you'd better head to the store ASAP. They're totally worthy of their own (work-safe) Halloween costume. (via A Joyful Riot)
'Full House' Mary-Kate + Ashley
Brit + Co
If you love the Full House reboot, pay tribute to the OG Michelle Tanner with a co-worker. (via Brit + Co)Grown-Up Mary-Kate + Ashley
Brit + Co
These costumes call for a serious dive into your local vintage store. (via Brit + Co)Cotton Candy
Aww Sam
An adorable costume that's sure to inspire a sugar rush... or two. (via Aww Sam)
Mime
Brit + Co
This Halloween, put your striped shirt and black denim to good use. The best part? You have an excuse not to talk to anyone you kind of can't stand. (via Brit + Co)
Minion
Brit + Co
Rule the world or just eat a ton of bananas at work in this casual getup. This DIY is easy to execute and will have your co-workers cracking up all day. (via Brit + Co)
Queen of Hearts
Brit + Co
This makeup look calls for items that are probably already in your makeup bag. Just grab a deck of playing cards and get snipping! (via Brit + Co)'The Shining' Twins
Brit + Co
These girls probably have given you a nightmare. If you want to go creepy, this is the perfect SFW way to do it. (via Brit + Co)
Sushi Night
Brit + Co
Take-out sushi at the office is a beautiful thing. Grab some friends and dress as your favorite roll. This DIY shows you how to do it. (via Brit + Co)
Jellyfish
Brit + Co
These mystical creatures call for lots of fringe, tassels, and ribbon. (via Brit + Co)Pink Lady
Brit + Co
Rock an ice-cold attitude and a pink satin jacket at the workplace. (via Brit + Co)Kimmy Schmidt
Brit + Co
We all need a creative way to manage our love of this show. Dressing as our favorite Netflix lady for Halloween may totally do the trick. (via Brit + Co)Holly Golightly
Brit + Co
Play it safe and keep it classic with our Holly Golightly tutorial. P.S. The coffee cup in hand makes it entirely work-relatable. (via Brit + Co)
Carmen Sandiego
Brit + Co
This mysterious lady was a book fair favorite for any ’90s girl. Your co-workers that appreciate a good throwback will definitely agree. (via Brit + Co)
Rosie the Riveter
Brit + Co
This timeless tough girl always makes for a great costume. (via Brit + Co)Pretty Zombie
Brit + Co
The feminine spin on this classic Halloween costume is definitely appropriate for work (and happy hour afterward). (via Brit + Co)
Chiquita Banana
Sugar & Cloth
All you need is an old headband and some small tissue balls to rock this last-minute Halloween look. (via Sugar & Cloth)
Paris
Brit + Co
You may not have any trips in the works, but that doesn't mean you can't spend the day in Europe. (via Brit + Co)
Hilary Clinton
Brit + Co
As long as your power suit can be accessorized with a brooch and a scarf, you’re in business. (via Brit + Co)Scarecrow
Brit + Co
Leave the straw bales at the farm, and put your best overalls forward. (via Brit + Co)'Grace & Frankie'
Brit + Co
What's not to love about this duo costume idea? One of you gets to dress like an art teacher, and the other gets to sip martinis all day. (via Brit + Co)
Clown
Brit + Co
Maybe your workplace rules are a little more strict, but you should at least be able to get away with a giant bowtie and a red nose. (via Brit + Co)'Ghostbusters'
Brit + Co
Get the entire work fam in on this look with a bulk order of khaki jumpsuits. (via Brit + Co)
Belle
Brit + Co
The apron is the perfect place under which to hide candy during your next staff meeting. (via Brit + Co)
'Handmaid’s Tale'
Brit + Co
Easily take the costume off for a legit meeting or work event, and then put it right back on in time for the party. (via Brit + Co)Chill Pill
Studio DIY
Remind Helen — whose desk is by the water cooler — that she needs to loosen up when it comes to her noise complaints. (via Studio DIY)Mary Poppins
Keiko Lynn
Your closet likely already has everything you need for this one, and it gives you a chance to wear a floral hat in October. (via Keiko Lynn)Where’s Waldo?
Brit + Co
Get everyone in on the fun for a candy cane-colored Zoom call. (via Brit + Co)
Which work-appropriate Halloween costume will you be rocking this year? Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more Halloween costume inspo!
This post has been updated.
