Good news: Halloween is Monday!
Bad news: You probably have to work.
Bag Lady and Shopping Siren feel your pain. Halloween is the best dress-up day of the year and the workplace is not usually conducive to dressing up. In that way. Ties or heels, yes. Gory clown makeup, no. (Really, no.)
But an office Halloween can be scary good, too. A little black nail polish here, a funky wig there and, voila, you’re in the spirit! The key is quick, simple and most definitely removable for that 2 p.m. meeting with your boss to discuss a promotion. (Because “I vant a vaise” just sounds silly with vampire teeth.)
Your current costume supply limited to super-short skirts and fake blood?
Good news: Turns out there’s still plenty of workplace-appropriate stuff to be had out there.
Even better news: So much of it is $10 and under! No need to give your wallet a fright.
• Darling witch hat, Claire’s Accessories, $10
Oversized pointed hat with a black spider web pattern and black lace over blue/green ombre. As if that’s not Halloweeny enough, this hat is topped with a little, dangling glow-in-the-dark spider. Because being a little witchy at work isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
• Cat costume set, Claire’s Accessories, $14.99
Includes a cat ear headband, fuzzy tail and fingerless gloves for paws. Oh, and it’s all rainbow-hued leopard spots — we can’t leave that amazing detail out. Set them out with your briefcase Sunday night and get ready to rumble on Monday. Or purr.
• Cat ears, Claire’s Accessories, $4
Can’t commit to the whole costume? We hear ya. Clip these bedazzled plush ears into your hair to wear with virtually any outfit for instant double-takes.
• Enchanted cape, Claire’s Accessories, $14.99
Black and purple tulle-and-lace cape with purple glitter at the collar. Sweep through the halls as you dramatically announce, “Cookies in the break room!”
• Men’s wigs, Kmart, $9.99 to $11.99
Costume wigs in a range of styles, including surfer, wizard and punk rocker. Put on, take off, put on, take off — you can be Halloweeny guy one minute and regular guy the next. Frankly, it’s a surprise Superman never tried a blond mullet wig.
• Sinful Colors Black on Black nail polish, Kmart, $1.99
For the most subtle of Halloween fun. When you’re done, gift the rest of the bottle to your niece, Ashley, who is 14, in a Goth phase and currently answering only to Morgana.
• Reversible infinity scarf, Claire’s Accessories, $12.99
The gold side of this sparkly spider-and-web print looks great for trick-or-treating with the kids. The silver side is work-chic. It’s the best of both worlds and a warm neck, too.
• Decorative masks, Claire’s Accessories, $7-$10
For these half masks, think Mardi Gras, not Michael Myers. These easy-on, easy-off instant costumes are adorned with feathers or sparkles and one even lights up. So, work-ready and no one will scream and run from you.
Best find: Ghostbusters jumpsuit, Kmart, $24.99
For men or women, it’s beige awesome from head to toe. Wear whatever you want underneath, then step into this full jumpsuit, zip up, blow up (er, the inflatable proton pack to wear on your back, that is) and you’re ready to own Halloween at the office. Bonus points if you brush up on Gozer and Tobin’s Spirit Guide before Monday.
Think twice: Stay Puft Marshmallow Man inflatable suit, Kmart, $24.99
Inflatable costumes are apparently hot this year. This one makes you look like the giant Stay Puft man from “Ghostbusters,” complete with scarily grinning head. It is not, shall we say, work appropriate. First, no one will know it’s you. Second, no matter what you do — answering phones, dealing with the public — you’re going to look like you’re up to no good, maybe even robbing the place. So, you’ll probably get fired. Or arrested. Don’t wear this. But we laud your Halloween spirit.
Bag Lady and Shopping Siren’s true identities are protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who dodge the Halloween spirit and any costumes whenever possible) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach them at baglady@sunjournal.com and shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.
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