How many days of the year are you encouraged to dress and goof around at work? Probably just one — Halloween — and even then, it can be hard to know which office costume ideas are appropriate for the workplace.
We want you to have fun this year, so we‘re taking the work out of it for you. We’ve compiled a list of DIY Halloween costume ideas that are easy to assemble, inexpensive, and perfect for the digital marketer or tech professional.
If your family and friends don’t get your costume, your colleagues definitely will.
55 Office Costume Ideas for Marketing Nerds and Tech Geeks
Computer or App-Related Costumes
Emoji Costumes
Topical Office Costumes
55 Office Costume Ideas for Marketing Nerds and Tech Geeks
Ready to impress your co-workers with your on-brand office costumes? Here are the best office costume ideas we could find.
Computer or App-Related Costumes
1. Incognito Mode
If you’re looking for a dash of mystery and clever internet humor, dressing up as the Incognito Mode logo is your best bet. The costume is simple, and there’s a good chance you already have most of the materials you need around your home.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A black fedora or cowboy hat
Weak or fake reading glasses with a thin frame
A black suit coat and dress pants
A black mask
Dress shoes
A white or black dress shirt
2. Web Browsers
This costume is great because you can either dress up as your favorite web browser on your own or have your friends join in on the fun and make it a group costume.
Either way, it’s a simple and cost-effective costume for your next office party. Just print the browser logos, cut them out, and wear them around your neck with a string or ribbon.
For the rest of the outfit, you can coordinate colors using your home clothes.
3. Alt Text
Alt text isn‘t just the metadata of an image published on the web; you could also say it’s an “alternative” fashion statement with the text to describe the era.
It’s great because you don’t even look dressed up if you have a casual office dress code, so you can just blend in.
To dress as alt text this Halloween, break out your best 90s alternative garb — like black jeans, combat boots, and a flannel.
Then, tape hyphenated text that best describes what you’re wearing, much like an image of your outfit would do online to help search engines read the file.
We edited a sash of alt text onto the alternatively dressed girl below to help you picture your awesome costume.
4. Mobile App
Wander around holding an appetizer — candy, cheese and crackers, chips and dip, or whatever you have on hand — and you can call yourself a mobile “app.”
This costume is also great for introducing yourself and making friends at a party.
5. Ghostwriter
Have you ever written something for somebody else‘s byline? Such is the life of a ghostwriter. Turn your author-less accomplishment into this year’s office Halloween costume.
To dress up as a ghostwriter, grab a white sheet and cut a hole for your head and arms. Dab some black ink spots on the sheet, get a book and one of those feather quills (or just get a feather, I suppose), and boo — you’re a ghostwriter.
6. Whitespace
Whitespace on the internet might denote all the blank space you use to help your design stand out, but on Halloween, “whitespace” isn’t just the absence of space.
Dress in all white, and add a white wig if you’re ultra-committed. Then add a hint of color to the outfit, like a colored tie, scarf, or even a paint splotch.
That color splotch will make the white space more prominent, transforming you into “whitespace.”
7. Anonymous Rhino
I don’t know about you, but seeing an anonymous animal pop up in my Google Doc while I’m in it sends chills down my spine.
Dress up as one of the many animal profiles that Google has created to represent anonymous or unknown users in your document.
8. Error 404 Code
You’ve most likely encountered a funny error 404 page before, and you can make it a funny costume, too. Grab a sheet of paper, write “Error 404: Costume Not Found,” and tape it to your outfit.
9. (Monty) Python
If you’re into programming code, British comedy, and low-effort costumes, being (Monty) Python is perfect.
Dress up in anything remotely snakelike in your closet: olive green clothing, snakeskin accessories, and fake vampire teeth that can serve as your fangs.
Then, to amp up the dork factor on this costume, add two coconuts or a gold chalice to embody Monty Python on his quest for the Holy Grail.
10. Facebook
Grab face paint or eyeliner and write “book” across your cheeks. Just like that, you‘re the world’s most extensive social network for Halloween.
And for your sake, we hope your colleagues get it:
11. Unicorn
Here’s another tech-friendly, double-entendre costume: Be your version of a tech unicorn. Here at HubSpot, we love this tech icon, and you can easily make your version of a unicorn horn with help from this article.
12. Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are nothing to joke about — they can seriously threaten your technology and data security. But on Halloween, you can dress up as a play on phishing emails for an easy DIY costume.
All you need are a stick, a string, and an envelope. Bonus points if you own a bucket hat and vest to complete the ensemble. Check out an amusing version of this costume below.
13. Identify Theft
Similar to the phishing costume above, this cheeky identity theft costume will be a hit in the IT department at the office.
14. Copycat
“CTRL + C” is the popular keyboard command that allows you to copy items from one place to another on your computer. Well, here‘s a technology spin on a classic Halloween costume.
All you’ll need are cat ears, eyeliner-drawn whiskers, and a sheet of paper. Write “CTRL + C” on the paper, tape it to your outfit, and you’re a “copycat.”
15. The Blue Screen of Death
You know the screen, even if you don‘t know the morbid nickname the tech world has given it. This classic error screen is known for signaling the end of a computer’s useful life, and you know it when you see it.
It causes so much stress on site, in fact, that the color alone is scary enough for Halloween.
Believe it or not, there are t-shirts of this ominous screen you can find online. Want to make your own? All you need is a royal blue t-shirt and a printed version of this horrifying error message to pin to it.
16. Map Costume
Get a plain white or black T-shirt and use yellow tape to form roads. You can then personalize the costume however you’d like by adding popular street names in your city or making a map of where the office is located.
You can even get more intricate by finding a T-shirt with a map on it.
17. Dead Battery and Low Wi-Fi
Nothing is more terrifying to marketers than a dead battery or no Wi-Fi. This costume brings every techy‘s fears to life. It’s also pretty simple to create.
Just tape or glue images of dead Wi-Fi and low battery signals onto a black shirt. To emphasize the low-connectivity fears, put on some zombie or skeleton makeup.
Although this can work as a couple‘s costume, this could also be a fun option for office colleagues.
Since both costumes within the set don’t rely on each other to be understandable, an individual could also wear either the dead battery outfit or the no-wi-fi suit and still be easily recognized.
18. ChatGPT
There probably hasn’t been a day that’s gone by this year where you didn’t hear the word “ChatGPT.” Embrace the AI platform by creating an office costume out of it.
For your outfit, you can simply print out the ChatGPT logo and attach it to a black t-shirt. The fun part is when people come up to you. You can respond just as ChatGPT would.
Encourage people to ask you for advice, tips, and ideas, and respond using your best modern robot voice.
19. TikTok
Dress up as the most downloaded app across the globe, TikTok. As a marketer, you’re more than familiar with the ins and outs of the For You Page. Who better to represent the social media platform than someone from the marketing team?
Not to mention, your colleagues will appreciate the break from being asked to appear in one of your TikTok videos. Finally, you’re the one featured in the frame!
20. Spreadsheet
Do you work in finance or data analysis? Represent your role by dressing as a spreadsheet. You can recreate the look below by taking a white bed sheet or t-shirt and using a black Sharpie to draw an Excel-like spreadsheet.
21. Clippy
Everyone’s favorite paper clip Clippy is a classic character. Even if your office prefers Google Docs, everyone will recognize this helpful tool.
22. QR Code
Your fellow marketers will get a kick out of this QR code office costume. The best part is that you can get creative with where the QR code will take them (keep the link office-appropriate, of course).
23. Pantone Color
Are you the designer of the office? Dress up as your favorite Pantone color swatch, or opt for the trendier Color of the Year.
Emoji Costumes
24. Information Desk Girl
This genius professional found a golden (or, rather, purple) opportunity to be the information desk emoji — the many gestures that we’ve all come to know, love, and use at some point in a text conversation.
The best part about this awesome tech reference is that you don‘t need to alter your regular attire to make it work. As Naomi shows us below, it’s all in the hand gestures.
25. Dancing Girls Emoji
The dancing girls emoji is another popular emoji.
The easiest version of this costume is to find a buddy and dress all in black together. If you’re committed to emoji authenticity, buy black bunny ears to complete the look.
26. Heart Eyes
Are you just in love with Halloween? Prove it with this passionate emoji face. You don‘t have to paint your entire face to get the Heart Eyes Emoji just right, but it certainly helps.
It’ll also disguise your stress when you’re at your most focused during the day.
“This employee just seems to love her job, I can’t put my finger on why,” your manager will think. See how to paint this emoji onto your face below — you’ll need some help with this one.
Topical Office Costumes
27. Barbie
The Barbie movie was the talk of the summer when it was released. With its massive success, I’m sure the Barbie resurgence will continue for years to come.
Create your own Barbie box and display yourself for the day like this team of teachers did.
28. Three-hole Punch
If you aren’t the type who likes dressing up, take the Jim Halpert approach and dress up as a three-hole punch. Simply cut out three black circles and tape them to your shirt.
29. Office Supplies
You’re dressing up at work, so it’s only fitting to match the environment. Blend in by dressing up in your favorite office supplies, whether that’s scissors, a piece of paper, or a bunch of pencils like the image below.
30. 1920s Flapper
The best part about dressing up as a flapper for Halloween is that this fun outfit can be found easily online at affordable prices, or you can assemble it using whatever you have at home or find at the craft store.
The latter is what interior designer and DIY enthusiast Mandi Johnson did last year. She found a simple black dress and managed to make all the jewelry, accessories, and fringe items from materials she bought at a crafts shop.
31. Minnie Mouse Costume
You can never go wrong with the classics. Minnie Mouse is a timeless, simple, and inexpensive costume that never goes out of style.
And if your Halloween office party allows for a plus one, you can invite your spouse or significant other to dress up as Mickey. Who doesn‘t love a cute couple’s costume?
32. Top Gun
Top Gun-inspired costumes will likely see a boost in popularity for a few more Halloweens thanks to the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.”
While you can find the signature green jumpsuits online for a decent price, you can also put the outfit together at home if you have jeans, a white shirt, a jacket, and sunglasses lying around.
33. Dwight
One of the most recognizable characters from The Office, Dwight, is easy to dress up as. You only need a few key items for this office costume, including his signature mustard button-up shirt and wireframe glasses.
34. Formal Apology
Ever bought formal attire for a special occasion and never worn it again? Well, now you have an excuse to bring your formal pieces out of retirement.
Dress up as a “formal apology,” because nothing says “quirky office party” like a good play on words. Simply dress up in your formal dress or suit, and have a sign or sash that reads “apology” or “sorry.”
35. Men in Black
This is a great costume to pull off with your best friend at the office, especially if you already have a suit lying around.
36. Fully Vested
At work, “fully vested” usually refers to one‘s ability to earn all matching funds of a 401(k) retirement plan. But for some, you just can’t help but picture someone wearing lots of sleeveless jackets at the same time.
Now’s the time to personify that image.
If you work in a company where people would get the joke, put on a bunch of vests (at least three, but even more is encouraged), and that‘s about it. You’re fully vested.
37. Nerd
What I love about the nerd costume is that it’s effortless and always unique — there are many ways to be a nerd in this day and age. Are you a tech nerd, a video game nerd, or a book nerd?
The sky is the limit with this costume. Show up wearing glasses with your favorite accessories — such as a magic wand, book, or lightsaber — to complete the effect.
38. Smarty Pants
This is another simple yet effective costume. Simply buy a bag of Smarties candies and attach them to your jeans. Add accessories like glasses or a book to complete the full look of someone who’s booksmart.
39. Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus
The Sanderson Sisters made a comeback in Hocus Pocus 2. The iconic sisters will likely be a popular costume for many Halloween seasons to come which means that they will be easy to find at any costume store.
40. Eddie Munson from Stranger Things
Eddie Munson was a fan favorite in the latest season of Stranger Things, and his outfit is pretty easy to put together. If you have a jean vest or jacket at home, you‘re already halfway to the look. You can also find Eddie’s Hellfire Club shirt at Target or Walmart for less than $20.
41. Fifty Shades of Grey: PG Paint Swatch Costume
Want to do something cheeky, but still office friendly? This PG pun costume shares the name of a popular romantic novel and film, “50 Shades of Grey.”
Go to your local paint or hardware store and buy 50 grey paint swatches. Then, tape them to a black shirt and tell your colleagues you’re “50 Shades of Grey.”
42. Early 2000s Disney Red Carpet Fashion
If you‘ve been on social media at all, you’ve likely noticed old red-carpet photos of Disney Channel stars like Ashley Tisdale re-circulating online.
Early 2000s Disney fashion was interesting, to say the least, and would make a fun, nostalgic costume.
The best part about this idea is that there is a lot of room to improvise. The wilder the accessories, the better — and you can likely use almost anything from your closet.
Want to wear a skirt over jeans? Or add a chunky belt to the ensemble? The possibilities are endless.
43. Eleven from Stranger Things
Eleven from Stranger Things is universally beloved, and it’s a bonus that her signature look is a comfortable and easy-to-assemble costume. Rock your best Eleven with a dress, a denim jacket, and a box of Eggo Waffles.
44. Scoops Ahoy Employee from Stranger Things
While Eleven is a classic Stranger Things character, season two inspired another great costume opportunity.
In that season, Steve, played by Joe Keery, worked at an ice cream shop called Scoops Ahoy. As a server, he had to wear a goofy sailor uniform alongside his coworker Robin.
Since it‘s a pretty generic sailor uniform, you might be able to easily find one that’s similar in a variety of Halloween shops. This costume could work for both individuals or two colleagues.
45. Dress Up as Your Favorite Anime Character
Anime is seeing a huge surge in popularity, and if you‘re an anime fan — why not dress up as your favorite character? Just make sure it’s office-appropriate.
Some great work-appropriate characters include Aizawa from My Hero Academia, Nanami from Jujutsu Kaisen, and Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service.
46. Plant lady
Do your co-workers rely on you to water their orchids when they’re out of office? Embrace your green thumb by dressing up as a plant lady or gentleman. Simply dress in all green, buy some fake greenery, and attach it to your outfit.
47. Where’s Waldo?
One of the most recognizable costumes, you’ll stand out (or blend in?) at your office party.
Group Office Costumes
48. Crayons
A good group or solo costume, dressing up as a crayon is a colorful way to bring nostalgia into the office. You can accomplish this office costume by getting a T-shirt with the Crayola logo printed on it. Or, if you want to go the DIY route, you can use a black marker on a colorful shirt.
49. The Sales Lifecycle
At HubSpot, we love embracing team costumes. A few years ago, a handful of HubSpot employees grabbed some T-shirts and wrote the stages of the sales lifecycle on them.
Then, they lined up accordingly and passed a fake prospect listing around to symbolize the process of making a sale.
This was such an easy costume to coordinate that the team could even include an out-of-office employee over a video call.
50. Social Media Channels
Simply pick out a solid list of the hottest social networks, then buy blank T-shirts that match the colors of each platform. From there, you can either draw, tape, or glue the logos onto each shirt.
To tie it all together, wear matching pants, or just wear jeans and keep things simple.
51. Black Hat and White Hat SEO
This is another SEO-related costume, and I think you can figure this one out on your own.
I recommend wearing a black hat for one, and a white hat for the other, and having “SEO” embroidered on each one — which you can easily custom order.
52. Snapchat Filters
Here‘s another group costume idea that pays tribute to Snapchat’s filters feature.
There are numerous options that you and your team can choose from to embody this costume.
You could dress up as vomiting rainbows, cat and dog ears, a flower crown, or a face swap, and this could be as DIY or store-bought as you’re interested in pursuing.
53. Snapchat Ghosts
Put a marketing spin on a classic Halloween costume by arriving as a Snapchat ghost. All you’ll need is a white sheet and to pick which ghost you like the most.
54. Pacman and Company
Here’s yet another awesome ghostly costume idea your whole team at work can get in on.
Have your team lead wear the yellow pie-shaped garb of Pacman, with each team member dressed as the multi-colored ghosts that roam the screen in this vintage arcade game.
Just make sure the team lead doesn’t actually try to eat the ghosts — you‘re in an office, and you’re all technically on the same team.
55. Instagram
You’ve seen the caption, “Instagram versus reality” before, right? Maybe you’ve even used it in your company’s content. If so, you know people always get a kick out of this phrase.
It can easily be replicated into an office costume, as shown below.
The clothes don‘t make the marketer, but the costume can certainly make the culture at your company.
Now that you have plenty of ideas for fun, work-appropriate Halloween costumes, you’re ready to wow your coworkers at your next spooky office party.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published October 21, 2018, but was updated for comprehensiveness.
