Shed Your Uniform and Show Some Personality

For roughly 325 days a year, we look exactly the same—basic slacks and dress shirts in standard colors of black, grey and muted tones. You might show your personality with a fun print or colored tie, but for the most part, your clothes are the same daily.

That is, until October 31^st, Halloween… and the subsequent office Halloween party.

With Halloween comes the frequently-asked question, “What are you going to be for Halloween?” When we were children, the answer was oft the newest action figure or character from a child’s book. In our teen and college years, it was the most outrageous unoriginally original idea we could think of. Shock and awe was the sole goal. Now that we are business professionals, the rules have completely changed. And with the office Halloween party looming, a need for the perfect costume is at hand.

Take a cue from your college years and remove the “shock” and embrace the “awe.” This is your one free pass of the entire year to show your personality completely. With that statement, I must now make the disclaimer that showing your personality completely must also be completely work appropriate.

You’re a business professional. I won’t talk like you aren’t competent. You know that anything covered by a bathing suit should not be seen nor made fun of. Nothing offensive in nature, especially politically, socially or religious should even be considered. On the contrary, nothing that looks hastily put together will do either.

Women

Now is the time for your inner-diva to come out and give your co-workers a little glimpse of your weekend personality.

Think you’re a world-class performer? Dress like Beyoncé circa 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

No one knows, but you’re great with cars…Rosie the Riveter is perfect for you.

Are you a SuperMom in hiding? Reveal yourself today!

Embrace your age. Dress like the decade you were born. Show your confidence and humor with an impressive costume. For 50’s, think poodle skirts. The 60’s were totally mod. Think geometric patterns. Eighties babies could wear gold chains, neon shades and anything considered “fresh.” The 90’s were all about grunge, so break out your flannels in honor.

General rule:  Sexy is fine, skin is not. Use caution ladies.

Men

Think you should be cast as the next James Bond or George Clooney’s body double? Here is the perfect opportunity to showcase that.

Are you the “Most Interesting Man in the World?” Prove it! Just leave the Dos XX at home.

Pop Culture references are always a hit. Don Draper or DJ Pauly D from Jersey Shore will prove major crowd pleasers.

General rule: If you wore the costume during college or have seen young adults wearing it, you should not be wearing that costume now.

Ultimately, the perfect work appropriate costume is one that allows room for humor and encompasses an aspect of your non-work personality.  Impress your coworkers with your witty costume and be the star of your office party!

Happy Halloween!

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58885 Responseshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.success.com%2Fshed-your-uniform%2FShed+Your+Uniform+and+Show+Some+Personality2011-10-28+16%3A28%3A53Keve+Thomashttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.success.com%2F%3Fp%3D5888 to “Shed Your Uniform and Show Some Personality”

1. weston s says:

   February 6, 2012 at 5:08 am

   what does this have to do with uniforms??????????????????????????????????

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2. Sally O'Connor says:

   November 2, 2011 at 10:05 am

   This is great advice Vive! Wish I had seen it the year I went to the office as a jail bird (complete with broken hand cuffs and wings!) It wasn't a client facing day so I was ok there but my costume was more of an irony than a reflection of my inner self. I love your concept of reflecting our personal self. As well as dressing up to reflect who you are, one could also use Halloween as a time to personify inner dreams and goals. After all, that's what most kids do, isn't it? And dressing and living your dream, if only for a day, would help establish the mindset to bring it to fruition in both mind and spirit. Be a super-hero, a rising star, even a big-wig tycoon! If you always dreamed of owning stables, dress like a cowboy/girl. Excellent spin on an old time tradition. Thanks for the entertaining and thought-provoking post. Have a great day!
   Sally O'

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3. srini says:

   November 2, 2011 at 12:28 am

   Nice saying…do one new thing (come out from rotten).

   Great!

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4. Paul Copcutt says:

   November 1, 2011 at 9:53 am

   Too funny, I was a swamp monster this year so not sure what that says about me or my personality! My 11 year old son made his own iPhone 4S costume – brings a whole new meaning to Apple bobbing! See a picture of him on my blog bit.ly/uGb2cL – just my toonies worth!

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   Sally O'Connor Reply:
   November 2nd, 2011 at 10:07 am

   hahaha ya Paul, I hear you. I've been a jail bird and a blood sucking vampire.

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   Sally O'Connor Reply:
   November 2nd, 2011 at 10:07 am

   hahaha ya Paul, I hear you. I've been a jail bird and a blood sucking vampire.

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