Costume Drama

By: Sharon Mosley

Halloween doesn’t have to be a fright night when it comes to having a little fashion fun. Just get a little creative. Nina Garcia, fashion director of Marie Claire magazine and judge on the hit TV series, “Project Runway,” and author of her latest “Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion” has a lot to say about getting into some costume drama come Halloween.

“For the style mavens among us, Halloween is the ultimate game of dress up,” she says, “a night stripped of regulation, where we can finally go completely GaGa (as in Lady) if we want to.”

Here are some of Garcia’s tips for celebrating Halloween at the office and after hours.

—Garcia is not a big fan of dressing up for work, but if you do plan to make a full day of costumes, she suggests toning it down a bit for the workday and saving the real thing for after hours.

—You don’t necessarily have to come up with two completely different looks for work and an evening bash — smart editing is key, she notes. Leave the naughty nurse and the sexy cat outfits at home. “Even though you’re in costume, nothing should detract from your ability to command respect from coworkers, subordinates, and bosses. Are you really going to walk your supervisor through that PowerPoint presentation dressed as a zombie?” Let’s hope not.

—Don’t dress up as anyone in the office. Halloween or not, most people do not finding mockery charming, admits Garcia. Neither do most people find costumes that could be perceived as making light of a real tragedy in good taste … no notorious serial killers. Ditto for politicians or religious figures — you’re bound to offend someone.

—Instead, if you are celebrating Halloween at the office, wear something witty and G-rated, advises Garcia. It’s a great time to show your own sense of creativity and ingenuity. Wear a costume that will impress your bosses. “Choose a costume that is not completely contrary to your normal attire and is nothing too wacky.”

—Before you leave the house, ask yourself a few questions: Is this too sexy? Will I be embarrassed to see pictures of myself? Would I wear this around children? If you answered yes to any one of the above questions, except for the last one, you should leave your costume at home for the after hours party!

—And if for some reason you’re the only one not to get the memo … have a backup of an office outfit, in case no one else is dressed up in costume when you get to work.

—Save the fun stuff for the adult parties, and then knock yourself out! Witches, vampires and pirates are always easy to imitate. Or take your cue from pop culture and music. Celebrities and reality TV stars are also fun inspiration: Miley Cyrus or the bearded folks at Duck Dynasty anyone?

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