DIY Career Day Costumes for Parents: Tips & Ideas

Career day is an exciting event where individuals have the opportunity to showcase their professional aspirations and learn about various career paths. One important aspect of this event is the choice of costume, as it can reflect your desired profession and make a lasting impression. In this article, we will guide you through some DIY costume ideas that are both affordable and representative of different careers. So, let’s dive in!

1. The Professional Business Look:
If you’re aiming for a corporate or business-related profession, it’s essential to dress in a formal and polished manner. Start with a well-fitted suit, preferably in a neutral color such as black or navy blue. Pair it with a crisp white or light-colored dress shirt and a matching tie. Make sure your shoes are formal and clean, avoiding trainers or casual footwear. Completing the look with a leather belt and a classic wristwatch will add that extra touch of professionalism.

2. The Medical Professional:
For those aspiring to be doctors or nurses, choosing the right costume is crucial. Florence Nightingale is often associated with nursing, so consider a long black dress with long sleeves. However, if you can’t find one, opt for a long skirt paired with a black top. Remember, the neckline should be modest, either a crewneck or a modest scoop or V-neck. Accessorize with a white apron and a stethoscope to complete the medical professional look.

3. The Writer’s Style:
Writers have a unique and creative style, so your costume should reflect that. Embrace the romantic-gothic look by wearing items such as blazers, long scarves, and baggy tops with wide belts. Opt for dark denim or gray and navy clothing items to create a sophisticated yet mysterious vibe. Additionally, consider adding some striped elements to your outfit for a touch of elegance. As a female writer, you can enhance your look with red lipstick, smoky eyes, or a natural makeup look paired with a sleek hairstyle.

4. The Adventurous Viking:
If you dream of exploring new frontiers or embodying the strength of a warrior, a Viking costume might be the perfect choice. Start with a long-sleeve white T-shirt and brown sweatpants. To create a Viking-inspired look, add a viking helmet and carry a hammer prop. Don’t forget to wear boots, preferably snow boots or rain boots, to complete the rugged and adventurous appearance. To add some authenticity, tie leather strings around your arms or wrists.

Now that you have some DIY costume ideas for career day, it’s time to get creative and personalize your look. Remember, the key is to dress in a way that represents your desired profession and showcases your enthusiasm for it. Whether you’re aiming for a professional business look, a medical professional attire, a writer’s style, or an adventurous Viking outfit, make sure to choose clothing that is flattering and comfortable to wear throughout the day. Good luck with your career day costume, and may it inspire you to pursue your dreams!

What Do You Wear On Careers Day?

On Careers Day, it is important to dress professionally and make a good impression. One suitable outfit choice is a suit, which typically consists of a matching jacket and trousers or skirt. The suit should be in a neutral color, such as black, gray, or navy blue. Pair the suit with a dress shirt, preferably in a light or neutral shade like white or pale blue. It is important to wear a tie with the dress shirt, as it adds a touch of formality to the overall look.

To complete the outfit, wear matching socks that coordinate with your suit and shoes. Avoid wearing trainers or sneakers, even if they are black in color. Instead, opt for formal shoes such as loafers, oxfords, or dress shoes. These types of footwear will give a polished and professional appearance.

To summarize, on Careers Day, it is recommended to wear a suit with a matching jacket and trousers or skirt. Pair it with a dress shirt, tie, and formal shoes. Remember to wear matching socks as well. By adhering to these guidelines, you will present yourself in a professional manner and make a positive impression on potential employers or contacts.

career day costume diy

How to Dress Up Like Florence Nightingale?

To dress up like Florence Nightingale, you will want to focus on a few key elements. While many people associate her with wearing black, it is important to note that the nurses at Scutari Hospital actually wore gray dresses. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve the Florence Nightingale look:

1. Dress: Look for a long black dress with long sleeves. The dress should be modest and have a simple design. If you cannot find a black dress, you can opt for a long skirt in black and pair it with a black top. The neckline of the top should be either crewneck, similar to a T-shirt, or a modest scoop or V-neck.

2. Color: While Florence Nightingale is often associated with black, the nurses at Scutari Hospital wore gray dresses. If you want to be more historically accurate, try to find a gray dress instead of black.

3. Accessories: Keep the accessories minimal and practical. Florence Nightingale was known for her practicality and focus on functionality. Add a white apron to your outfit to mimic the uniform worn by nurses during her time. You can also wear a small, simple white cap or bonnet on your head to complete the look.

4. Footwear: Opt for comfortable and practical shoes. Florence Nightingale was constantly on her feet, so choose shoes that are sturdy and suitable for long hours of walking or standing. Black or gray closed-toe shoes would be appropriate for this costume.

5. Hair and Makeup: Keep your hair simple and neat. Florence Nightingale often wore her hair pulled back in a bun or a simple updo. Avoid elaborate hairstyles and focus on a clean and tidy look. As for makeup, keep it natural and minimal, sticking to a fresh and glowing complexion.

Remember, the key to dressing up like Florence Nightingale is to prioritize practicality and simplicity. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a costume that pays homage to this iconic nurse and her contributions to healthcare.

How Do You Dress Like a Writer for Career Day?

To dress like a writer for Career Day, it’s important to embrace a professional yet creative look that reflects your writer persona. Here are some suggestions to help you achieve the desired appearance:

1. Blazers: Opt for well-tailored blazers in neutral colors like black, navy, or gray. They add a touch of sophistication and can be paired with various outfits.

2. Long scarves: Choose scarves in dark or muted shades to add a stylish and artistic element to your attire. You can experiment with different ways to drape them around your neck.

3. Enormous dark sunglasses: Consider wearing oversized sunglasses in darker shades to add a sense of mystery and intrigue to your overall look.

4. Dark denim: Opt for dark wash jeans that are both comfortable and versatile. They can be paired with a variety of tops to achieve a polished yet relaxed vibe.

5. Gray and navy: Incorporate these colors into your outfits as they give off a professional and sophisticated vibe. Mix and match different shades of gray and navy to create a cohesive look.

6. Baggy tops with wide belts: Choose loose-fitting tops, such as oversized sweaters or blouses, and cinch them at the waist with wide belts. This combination adds a touch of femininity and accentuates your figure.

7. Striped things: Incorporate striped patterns into your wardrobe, as they add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Striped shirts, skirts, or dresses can be paired with solid-colored pieces to create a balanced look.

8. Romantic-gothic elements: Consider adding some romantic-gothic elements to your outfit, such as lace accents, Victorian-inspired blouses, or dark floral patterns. These details can add a unique and artistic touch to your overall appearance.

9. Flattering fit: Ensure that all your clothing choices are flattering and well-fitted to enhance your confidence and professionalism. Avoid overly baggy or tight-fitting clothes that may detract from your overall image.

For female writers, you can also consider enhancing your makeup with bold choices like red lipstick or smoky eyes, or if you prefer a more natural look, a simple foundation will suffice. Remember, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in your chosen attire while embodying the essence of a writer.

How to Make a Viking Outfit for Kids?

To make a Viking outfit for kids, you will need the following materials:

1. 2 brown toilet seat covers: These will be used to create the appearance of a fur collar. You can find them at most home improvement or hardware stores.

2. Long-sleeve white T-shirt: This will serve as the base for the Viking costume. Make sure it fits properly and is comfortable for the child to wear.

3. 2 yards of leather string in brown or black: You will need to cut this into 5 pieces. The leather string will be used to create straps and details on the costume.

4. Brown sweatpants: These will complete the Viking look. Choose a pair that matches well with the other elements of the costume.

5. Boots: Look for boots that resemble Viking footwear. Snow boots or rain boots with a rugged design would work well. Make sure they are suitable for the weather conditions.

6. Viking helmet: You can find plastic Viking helmets at costume or party supply stores. Alternatively, you can make one using cardboard and silver spray paint.

7. Hammer: Find a small toy hammer or make one using cardboard and silver spray paint.

Now, let’s assemble the Viking outfit:

1. Start by attaching the toilet seat covers to the collar of the white T-shirt. Use safety pins or fabric glue to secure them in place. This will give the appearance of a fur collar.

2. Use the leather string to create straps on the shirt. Attach them to the shoulders and secure them in place with knots or small pieces of fabric. You can also use the leather string to create details on the sleeves or around the waist.

3. Put on the brown sweatpants and tuck the shirt into them. Adjust the straps and fur collar to ensure a comfortable fit.

4. Put on the boots to complete the Viking look. Make sure they are sturdy and suitable for the child to walk in.

5. Place the Viking helmet on the child’s head. Adjust the straps if necessary to ensure a secure fit.

6. give the child the toy hammer to complete the Viking costume. Make sure it is safe and suitable for the child’s age.

By following these steps and using the suggested materials, you can create a Viking outfit for kids that is both fun and authentic.

Conclusion

When it comes to creating a DIY costume for career day, there are several options to consider. If you’re attending a formal careers event, it’s important to dress professionally by wearing a suit, shirt, and tie. Don’t forget to wear matching socks and avoid wearing trainers.

For a more historical or iconic career costume, Florence Nightingale is a popular choice. While she is often associated with a black dress, it’s important to note that the nurses at Scutari Hospital actually wore gray dresses. If you can’t find a long black dress with long sleeves, you can pair a long skirt with a black top. Make sure the neckline is either crewneck or a modest scoop or V-neck.

If you’re looking for a more unique and individualized career costume, consider incorporating elements that reflect your personal style. For example, you can wear blazers, long scarves, enormous dark sunglasses, dark denim, gray and navy clothing items, baggy tops with wide belts, or striped pieces. This romantic-gothic look can be both flattering and eye-catching.

To add some finishing touches to your career day costume, consider applying red lipstick or creating smoky eyes if you’re a female writer. Alternatively, you can simply opt for foundation and run. These small details can enhance your overall appearance and make your costume stand out.

As for specific career costumes, if you’re aiming for a Viking theme, you can create a DIY costume by using two brown toilet seat covers as shoulder armor. Pair it with a long-sleeve white T-shirt, brown sweatpants, and boots (snow boots or rain boots). To complete the Viking look, don’t forget to add a viking helmet and hammer as accessories.

With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a DIY career day costume that is both authentic and unique to your chosen profession or historical figure. Remember to consider the dress code of the event, incorporate elements that reflect your personal style, and pay attention to small details to make your costume truly stand out.

Photo of author

Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).