10 Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Work Appropriate Halloween Costumes

Does your company have a workplace Halloween costume contest? While many companies use this opportunity to have fun and build morale, it's easy to cross the thin line between showing off creativity and making others feel uncomfortable.

With this in mind, it’s worth laying down a few workplace Halloween costume rules to ensure everyone has a great time.

10 Rules for Halloween Costumes Work Appropriate

Here are several work appropriate costume ideas and tips to keep you from making scary HR headlines.

1. Keep it classy.

Avoid any outfits that are skin-baring, risqué or gory. Your pink ladies jacket with bright red lipstick or cat ears with black pants are just fine if you are wanting to be an iconic character; just ensure the rest of your office party costume keeps the ensemble classy.

2. Stay clear of tragic events and religious innuendos.

While you may easily be able to throw together an outfit that represents a Holocaust victim, a Ku Klux Klan member, or a Muslim with a hijab, please don’t. Instead, google easy costume ideas for things you have on hand and make sure they are not offensive. For example, turn your blue dress into a creative costume of a Disney character rather than a church missionary with a black name tag.

3. Don’t be offensive.

Think outside of your sense of humor to consider whether or not your own costume might offend someone. If a person needs a double take to see if you are really wearing what they think you are (or are not) wearing, you have pushed it too far.

For example, it is never okay to dress up in blackface, wear something transphobic, or display a costume that objectifies women or men in general.

4. Avoid culturally-based costumes.

Dressing up as a particular culture is easily offensive if you are not part of that culture, despite being instantly recognizable. For example, stay clear of the kimonos, Native American headdresses, or costumes that represent Mexicans crossing the Wall.

5. No terrorists.

We should all agree that anyone representing a mass shooting is a bad idea. Also, no weapons – fake or real – are appropriate for a workplace Halloween theme party.

6. Don’t wear plastic body parts.

You know what I’m talking about, the plastic bum that sticks out when you bend over, a pair of Dolly Parton look-a-likes, or perhaps something more crass. Workplace costumes should never insinuate any form of flashing or reignite traumatic feelings of harassment, even if you have on a green apron to (mostly) coverup.

7. Consider your job.

Even though it is Halloween, think about the message you are conveying with your choice of costume. For example, what is the message to students if the principal comes to school dressed as a pack of cigarettes? Or how do you inform a patient they have cancer while wearing a purple dress, black gloves, and a clown nose? In other words, be sure your workplace costume is job-appropriate.

8. Think about your future.

Do not dress as anything that could one day come back to haunt you. Someday you may want to run for public office and a “blast from the past” photo might pop up; would you rather have pictures of you blasted as a minion with a yellow shirt and overalls, or a scandalous version of a good housekeeping wife with too much makeup and loads of accessories?

9. Be sure you can still do your job.

Sure, it is great to be the house that fell on the Wicked Witch, but will you really be able to help a customer without access to your hands?

10. Don’t dress up as your coworker.

While it may be funny to some, your coworker may not find it quite so humorous. The same feelings might also be true for your mime costume.

Halloween Party Advice for Employers

Halloween traditions can be fun and memorable and a great way to break out of the monotony of work, but do not make participation mandatory.

Allow workplace costumes to be optional, as some employees may feel that Halloween traditions conflict with their religious or cultural beliefs. Also, avoid calling non-participants “party poops” if they choose to sit out from the festivities. It’s just not worth the backlash.

For more tips on how to make your workplace Halloween festivities a great experience, please contact your certified HR expert. Not a current Stratus HR client? Book a free consultation and our team will contact you shortly!