Over the past decade, adults have embraced Halloween as much more than a children’s holiday. In fact, adult-themed activities, with real scares, gore and sex appeal now seem to outnumber kiddie haunted hayrides and “not-too-scary” haunted houses. As the office and business environment continues to become more casual, businesses and corporations are embracing Halloween and throwing costume balls of their own.
If you’re heading to a corporate Halloween bash this October, here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to make sure your corporate-ready costume is a success.
Do: Dress Up
Feeling shy or worried about looking “goofy” or “unprofessional” at your corporate Halloween party? Relax, take a deep breath and grab a costume.
The truth is, the people who look most out of place at corporate Halloween parties are those that choose not to dress up at all. There is no reason that you can’t find a costume that is fun and professional at the same time. You don’t have to do a ton of planning, DIY crafting or spend a huge amount of money. There are plenty of quick, simple and topical costumes that are easy to make, easy to wear and will help you enjoy the party without feeling too silly. Worst case scenario, grab a name tag and notebook and go as a “the new guy”.
Don’t: Dress Up as The Boss
Or anyone else in the office, for that matter. Even if your boss has a very distinct style and a great sense of humor, it’s very difficult to dress up as someone without them feeling like the joke’s on them. Your other co-workers may think it’s hilarious, but if the boss doesn’t feel “in on the joke” it can make things painful for everyone involved.
There is one scenario where it’s alright to dress up as a fellow team member, and that’s when you team up with a co-worker and agree to dress up as one another. Unfortunately, as soon as the two of you aren’t standing next to each other the costume loses a lot of its luster. If you don’t plan on spending the entire evening hand-in-hand, go for another costume idea.
Do: Go as a Recognizable Character
You might have an amazing costume ready to go featuring your favorite lesser known character from an even lesser known webcomic, but that doesn’t make it right for the company party. There is no worse way to spend an evening than explaining to dozens of coworkers who you’ve dressed up as while they look on with confused faces.
Sticking to characters and costumes that are easily recognizable and allow your co-workers to enjoy the show without having to Google you.
Don’t: Go as a Politician or Religious Figure
While you may have strong feelings about a certain political or religious figure, your coworkers may not feel the same way. One man’s hilarious costume is another man’s offensive joke. Even if you wouldn’t think twice about offending others at a private party, a corporate Halloween environment is a different story. While your costume lasts one night, a coworker’s hurt feelings may last for the rest of your time together.
Note: Going as a celebrity is a different matter altogether. While some in the office may or may not be the biggest fan of a certain actor, rapper or television personality, few will be truly offended by your costume, even if the character is a bit “controversial.” Use your best judgement, stay away from celebrities who have recently committed crimes (Read: NFL), and have fun.
Do: Plan a Group Costume
One of the best ways to avoid feeling embarrassed about your costume at the corporate Halloween party is to go in a group costume with a few of your coworkers. Popular costumes include local sports teams, television show casts and office supplies that come in packs (crayons is a personal favorite).
One thing to be conscious of is choosing a costume that might lead to someone feeling left out. For example, there are only four Ninja Turtles. If there are five members of your office “team”, choose a group costume that allows for you all to feel included.
Don’t: Go as a “Sexy” Anything
Do you see a common theme with our “Don’t” list? Keep it professional.
Sexy costumes are more popular for men and women today than ever before. More and more of us are hitting the gym and Halloween is a chance for us to show off our beautiful bodies. That’s fine for a private party, but at a corporate event you never want to show more skin than would be appropriate for a Tuesday morning meeting.
Even if your lack of clothing is done for comic relief rather than sexy appeal, it is better to stay covered up. You just never know who may feel inappropriate around a scantily clad co-worker, even if it’s the least sexy thing you’ve ever seen.
Do you have a favorite past Halloween costume? What are you going as this year? Share your ideas in the comments.
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