DIY Zombie Coworker Costume: Easy 20-Min Build

DIY zombie coworker costume built from old button-down shirt you can cut up, old tie, and pale face paint or white face powder

AI-generated concept photo

Time20 minEffortEasy

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

A torn button-down, a loosened tie, pale makeup, and a coffee mug. The mug is what makes it coworker, not zombie. Twenty minutes, easy: an old button-down shirt, an old tie, and pale face paint. Carry the mug everywhere; a zombie without coffee is just a zombie.

1 of 6 things covered, counting basics we assume you have.

Tap a supply to tick what you own.

Still need:

Old button-down shirt you can cut upOld tieWhite face paintBlack face paintCoffee mug

Update my pantry

Tip: add a lanyard with a blank ID badge worn backwards.

Materials

Old button-down shirt you can cut up, 1 (own: from closet)
Old tie, 1 (own: from closet)
Pale face paint or white face powder, 1 (buy: costume aisle)
Dark eye makeup or black eyeshadow, 1 (buy: pharmacy)
Coffee mug, 1 (own: from home)
Scissors, 1 pair (own: from home)

Steps

Pull the old button-down shirt, old tie, and coffee mug from home.
Safety: Cut away from your fingers, and keep the scissors away from small kids. Use non-toxic costume makeup.
Decide where every slit goes.
Mark the spots with chalk before cutting.
Cut fabric cannot be put back.
Make the torn shirt: cut jagged slits along the hem and one sleeve.
Tie the old tie loosely and crookedly around the neck.
Make the face: cover the face with pale face paint.
Ring the eyes with dark eye makeup.
Smudge a little down one cheek.
Wear the torn shirt with the loosened tie.
Carry the coffee mug everywhere, mumbling about the quarterly review.
Optional pro finish: add a lanyard with a blank ID badge worn backwards.

Start this costume in the planner