There’s no doubt about it, Halloween can be an absolute blast! And, if you’re feeling particularly festive (and you’re employed by a somewhat flexible company), you might even want to rock the costume you spent hours working on to the office. I applaud your enthusiasm — and even encourage it!
However, balancing an eccentric holiday with work-appropriate attire can be tricky. So, here are a few key do’s and don’ts you should bear in mind when considering wearing your costume to work. Spoiler alert: your sexy police officer outfit isn’t going to fit the bill.
Don’t Forget to Talk with Your Boss
Even though you might be jittery with excitement about Halloween doesn’t mean the rest of your office feels that way. And, it’s important to remember that upper management really sets the tone for how holidays are handled in the office.
If it’s your first year at a company, you need to make sure you’re in the know about their rules when it comes to holiday celebrations. So, set up a time to have a quick chat with your boss. Perhaps you’ll find out that he put the kibosh on in-office celebrations years ago. Or, maybe he’ll give you the lowdown on the annual office costume contest. Either way, you want to make sure you’re fitting in with company standards.
Do Consult Your Calendar
Before mapping out all of the details for your perfect Halloween getup, make sure to take a quick look at your calendar for that day. Do you have a big presentation or an important meeting that afternoon? People will likely have a hard time taking you seriously when you’re dolled up as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Or, do you need to leave the office for an obligation that day? Chances are, you don’t want to drive down the interstate or meet at a coffee shop dressed as a pig.
If you do have something on your calendar that isn’t well-suited for a costume, don’t feel like you can’t wear anything to the office! Instead, try some sort of simple addition (such as animal ears or a halo and wings) that can be easily removed when necessary.
Don’t Neglect Company Policies
While Halloween is a special occasion — after all, you wouldn’t dress as Grumpy Cat any other day in the office — it doesn’t give you permission to throw all regard for company rules out the window.
So, brush up on your knowledge of your employer’s dress code. Is there a ban on spaghetti strap tank tops of skirts that rest above the knee? Or, are there certain safety requirements (i.e. closed toe shoes, hair pulled back, etc.) that you need to abide by? Keep these in mind when picking out your costume. You’re more than welcome to dress up, but you don’t want to be defiant of company policies.
Do Stay Politically Neutral
You definitely don’t want to find yourself at the center of any heated discussions or office controversy, so remain politically neutral when it comes to picking out a costume.
We all know that politics are the starting point for many arguments and tense dynamics, and you need to ensure that you can have a great working relationship with these people — even after Halloween is over. So, stay away from any politically biased costumes, no matter how funny you think it is. After all, your co-workers might not feel the same way.
Don’t Dress Provocatively
Since you’ve already looked into your company’s dress code, this should go without saying. But, I couldn’t just leave it off of the list. Dressing provocatively is a big no-no in the office.
You should make every effort to uphold your polished and respectable professional reputation — even on Halloween. And, dressing provocatively in front of your supervisor and co-workers just doesn’t send the correct message. So, leave your sexy nurse or Tarzan outfit for your night out or a Halloween party with friends.
Do Continue to Be Productive
Like I said, Halloween is fun — especially if your office hosts some amazing workday celebrations! But, that also means it can be easy to lose focus on your actual work.
Put your nose to the grindstone and ensure that you’re productive, despite the supposed distractions of costumes, treats, and office parties. Even if your office is hosting a get-together in the afternoon, do your best to crank out a good chunk of work in the morning. This shows your boss that you and your co-workers can handle office fun, while still being productive and beneficial employees.
There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of celebration in the office on holidays. But, you still need to keep company policies and your professional reputation in mind. Follow these do’s and don’ts when selecting your office Halloween costume, and you’re sure to be both festive and work-appropriate.
