Secretary Costume
Channel classic office elegance with a polished, professional secretary look.
The secretary costume is a timeless, versatile choice that can lean vintage, modern, or playfully classic. Perfect for office-themed parties or Halloween, this look is defined by smart tailoring, sleek glasses, and professional accessories. It is incredibly easy to put together using everyday wardrobe staples or simple online finds.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as Secretary
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Secretary costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Secretary costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Button-up blouse
A fitted white or light pastel button-up shirt, ideally with a collar or a retro pussy-bow neck tie.
DIY: Use any collared dress shirt from your closet.
Pencil skirt
A high-waisted, knee-length pencil skirt in black, grey, or navy blue.
DIY: Any dark, professional-looking skirt or fitted trousers will work.
Horn-rimmed glasses
Classic thick-framed or cat-eye glasses with clear lenses.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of an old pair of sunglasses.
Stiletto heels or pumps
Classic black closed-toe high heels or professional patent leather pumps.
DIY: Any smart office flats or low heels.
Steno notepad and pen
A small spiral-bound notepad and a classic ballpoint pen to carry as props.
DIY: Grab a notebook and pen from your home office.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Secretary costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Tuck the button-up blouse neatly into the high-waisted pencil skirt.
- 2
Put on the black patent leather pumps or heels.
- 3
Slide on the clear-lens cat-eye or horn-rimmed glasses.
- 4
Style your hair into a neat updo, such as a French twist or a high bun.
- 5
Carry the steno notepad and pen in hand, ready to take down dictation.
Makeup & hair
Style hair into a polished French twist, sleek low bun, or high ponytail, secured with a pencil or hair claw. Keep makeup classic with a winged eyeliner and a bold red or berry lip.
Secretary for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a partner dressed in a retro 1960s advertising executive suit for a classic 'Mad Men' office duo.
- group
- Create an office pool group with bosses, administrative assistants, and IT support staff.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a tiny cardigan, pleated skirt, and oversized plastic glasses.
- Plus size
- Opt for a high-waisted pencil skirt with stretch spandex blend for comfort, paired with a wrap-style blouse.
- pet
- A small dog collar with a tiny necktie attachment.
Tips
- If wearing high heels, pack a pair of matching black flats in your bag for comfortable walking later.
- Use a real pencil to hold your hair bun in place for an authentic, practical prop.
- Keep your smartphone tucked behind your steno pad for easy access while staying in character.
Secretary costume FAQ
- How do I make a secretary costume look vintage?
- Choose a pussy-bow blouse, a tweed pencil skirt, cat-eye glasses, and style your hair in a 1950s beehive or bouffant.
- What props should I carry for a secretary costume?
- A spiral steno notepad, a classic pen, a vintage typewriter ribbon, or a file folder labeled 'Confidential' work perfectly.
- Can I wear pants instead of a skirt?
- Yes, high-waisted, wide-leg trousers or ankle-length cigarette pants look incredibly chic and professional.
Did you know? The term 'secretary' comes from the Latin word 'secretarius', meaning a keeper of secrets, reflecting the highly confidential nature of the role in historical courts.