Joe Goldberg is one of the easiest TV characters to dress for Halloween because almost nothing he wears is a costume piece. The formula people know is an unbranded navy baseball cap, a practical jacket, a plain shirt, dark trousers, boots, and a book or backpack. His clothes change with every move: low-key New York bookstore layers, lighter Los Angeles shirts, suburban dad jackets, London tweed, and sharper Manhattan tailoring in the last season. The blue cap is the thread that ties most of it together, so I treat it as the one piece worth getting right. Keep the whole thing about the clothes and the quiet manner rather than the character's darker side, and it stays fun at any party. Below are full head-to-toe versions, from exact recreations to looks you can pull from your own closet.
Getting the Blue Cap Right
Most people recognize Joe from the cap before anything else, so it's worth more attention than the rest of the outfit. Look for a plain navy six-panel cap with a curved brim, no logo and no visible tag on the outside. A cap with a small embroidered mark on the front can be fixed: I unpick the stitching with a seam ripper from the inside, then brush the fabric and steam it so the needle holes close up.
Making a new cap look lived-in
- Wash a cotton cap once or twice by hand in cool water and let it dry on a rolled towel. It softens and fades slightly without shrinking much.
- Curve the brim gently over a mug while it's damp. A flat brim looks like streetwear, not like Joe.
- Wear it for a day before Halloween so the crown shapes itself to your head.
Joe's hair shows under the cap, so don't push all of it up inside. Let the waves sit loose around the ears and at the back of the neck. If your hair is short or straight, a little curl cream scrunched in while it's damp gives enough texture to show at the edges.
1. Classic Joe Goldberg Costume With Blue Cap
This is the season-one look, and it's the one I'd start with if you only build one Joe. Wear a plain navy baseball cap, a faded denim jacket, a light blue button-down open over a white crew-neck tee, straight charcoal jeans, a simple brown belt and worn brown lace-up boots. Sling a black canvas backpack over one shoulder and hold a paperback. Dark brown hair goes in loose, slightly messy waves under the cap, with a little soft shadow under the eyes for that tired look. Every logo has to go. The whole character depends on looking like nobody in particular, and one bright brand mark breaks that faster than anything.
2. Joe Goldberg Bookstore Costume With Name Tag
Behind the counter, Joe loses the cap and gains a name tag. Wear a dark indigo overshirt over a soft gray tee, black straight jeans, a brown leather belt and dark lace-up work boots. Make your own small name tag that says “Joe” instead of copying any real shop's branding. A clipboard, a pencil and a stack of secondhand novels are the props, and a plain canvas apron adds to it without making you hot. Keep the hair wavy and a little tousled, with short stubble if you have it. I like an overshirt here rather than a jacket because it reads as workwear; a jacket makes him look like he's about to leave.
3. Joe Goldberg Denim Jacket Costume
A medium-wash denim trucker jacket is the most useful single piece for this character, and plenty of people already own one. Wear it over an oatmeal henley with two buttons open, then add slim charcoal chinos, a dark brown belt, plain brown chukka boots and a black backpack. Tuck a weathered paperback under one arm. Hair stays loose, wavy and slightly uncombed, with softly defined brows and a little gray-brown shadow under the lower lashes. Carry the blue cap in your hand rather than wearing it for a slightly different shape from the classic version. When I size a trucker jacket for this, I want it to end at the belt. Longer ones look like a modern shacket and lose the plain New York feel.
4. Joe Goldberg Rainy New York Costume
Rain suits Joe's New York wardrobe, and this version is the one to wear if your party is outdoors. Put a dark navy rain jacket over a blue-gray button-down and white undershirt, with black jeans, thick charcoal socks and waterproof brown ankle boots. Add the navy cap, a black backpack and a closed umbrella. Keep the paperback in a clear reusable sleeve or the backpack's side pocket so it doesn't warp in the damp. Let the hair curl out from under the cap, and keep the makeup matte with faint shading under the eyes. Every piece here is genuinely waterproof or close to it, which is rare in a costume. Fold the umbrella indoors and leave out any dramatic props; the cap, the layers and the guarded way you hold the book are enough.
5. Joe Goldberg Gray Hoodie Costume
For a comfortable last-minute Joe, start with a fitted heather-gray zip hoodie over a plain black crew-neck tee, then add dark jeans and black sneakers. A light navy bomber goes on top if it's cool. Wear a faded blue cap and carry a black backpack with a paperback showing in the open front pocket. Keep the makeup basic: brushed brows and soft taupe under the eyes. A reusable coffee cup gives your hands something to do, and a small paper bookstore badge pinned to the backpack points at the character better than anything menacing would. Check the hoodie's fit at the shoulders. A slouchy oversized one turns him into a teenager, while a fitted one keeps the neat, slightly buttoned-up air he has.
6. Joe Goldberg Black Bomber Jacket Costume
A black bomber gives Joe a sharper city edge without losing the low-key feel. Wear it zipped halfway over a dark burgundy crew-neck sweater, with charcoal trousers and clean black leather boots. A navy cap over loose dark curls, a compact black backpack, a novel with a dark cover and a plain silver-tone watch are all you need. Keep the makeup matte, with a little contour under the cheekbones and soft shadow under the eyes. I'd put this one between the denim looks and the London tailoring. Choose a bomber without visible labels or shiny hardware, then stand with one hand in a pocket and the book held close to your side.
7. Joe Goldberg Burgundy Sweater Costume
Burgundy breaks up a mostly neutral wardrobe and still looks like something Joe would pick. Wear a fitted burgundy crew-neck over a pale blue collared shirt, with charcoal chinos, a narrow brown belt and dark brown Chelsea boots. A navy wool coat comes along for cold weather, or folded over your arm indoors. Carry a paperback and a plain takeaway coffee cup. No cap here; let the dark waves and the shirt collar do the bookish work. Natural makeup, slightly darkened brows and soft gray shadow under the eyes finish the face. When you layer a sweater over a collared shirt, check that the collar points sit flat outside the neckline. A collar tucked half inside looks sloppy in a way Joe never does. A black leather messenger bag can stand in for the backpack.
8. Joe Goldberg Brown Corduroy Jacket Costume
Texture helps a quiet costume stand out. Try a brown corduroy jacket over a navy henley, with straight black jeans, a dark leather belt and worn brown lace-up boots. Wear the blue cap with a few dark curls showing at the edges. A canvas messenger bag with two or three paperbacks, a small notebook and a pencil carries the literary side. Corduroy is one of the easiest jackets to find secondhand, and an older one with the wale slightly worn at the cuffs looks better than a new one. Roll the cuffs once if the sleeves are long. I'd skip patches and heavy distressing, which make him look like a hiker rather than a bookseller.
9. Joe Goldberg Green Overshirt Costume
This dark green overshirt borrows from Joe's earthy suburban years. Button a forest-green shirt jacket over a light gray crew-neck tee, then add navy chinos, a medium-brown belt, dark brown desert boots and the navy cap. A canvas grocery tote with a few books and a folded shopping bag inside makes an easy, family-friendly prop. Keep the hair loose on top and neat at the sides, with muted shading under the eyes and light stubble if you have it. Look for an overshirt with simple chest pockets and plain buttons. Snap closures and contrast stitching push it toward ranch wear. It's a good daytime or cool outdoor option.
10. Joe Goldberg Los Angeles Costume
The Los Angeles years call for fewer layers. Wear a pale blue short-sleeve button-down open over a white tee, with slim tan chinos, a brown woven belt and clean gray canvas sneakers. Keep the faded blue cap, drop the heavy outerwear, and carry a light black backpack and a paperback about California or local architecture. Roll the chino hems neatly above the sneakers. A reusable cold-drink cup is a simple extra prop. I'd keep the makeup fresh and light here, since heavy under-eye shadow looks out of place against such a sunny palette. It's also the most comfortable version on this list for a warm Halloween.
11. Joe Goldberg Anavrin Employee Costume
In Los Angeles Joe works at a grocery store under an assumed name, and a homemade tag reading “Will” is the detail fans catch. Wear a muted blue chambray shirt, khaki chinos and a dark green waist apron, with brown leather sneakers or low work boots for standing. Carry a clipboard, a reusable produce bag and a paperback instead of real groceries. Skip the cap so the apron and name tag stay visible, and keep the hair in relaxed waves with matte skin and strong brows. Don't copy a real supermarket logo; a plain apron reads more clearly anyway. A waist apron sits better than a full bib apron over chambray, and it leaves the shirt collar showing, which keeps him looking neat. Few layers and secure props make this a good indoor-party pick.
12. Joe Goldberg Linen Shirt Costume
Linen is the lightest way to wear Joe. Choose a slate-blue linen button-down over a white cotton tee, tapered stone chinos, a brown leather belt and taupe suede desert boots. Push the sleeves to the forearms and carry a canvas book tote instead of a backpack, with a paperback, plain sunglasses and a reusable coffee cup. A little light styling cream keeps the waves loose without shine. Linen wrinkles the minute you sit down, and that's fine for this character; I'd only steam out the deep creases from the packet folds. It's less obviously Joe than the denim-and-cap look, so a small homemade “Joe” tag on the tote helps at a crowded party.
13. Joe Goldberg Casual T-Shirt Costume
Sometimes the plainest clothes make the most wearable costume. A fitted charcoal crew-neck tee, dark indigo jeans and plain brown boots are the base; the navy cap and black backpack turn them into Joe. Hold a paperback and tuck a folded city map into the backpack pocket. Keep the hair short, wavy and a little messy under the cap, with matte skin and a touch of taupe under the lower lashes, plus a plain black watch. With clothing this simple, posture does the rest. I tell people to stand straight, keep the face thoughtful and hold the book close to the chest. It's a strong last-minute choice because most of it is already in the closet.
14. Joe Goldberg Suburban Dad Costume
Suburban dad Joe is the version that gets the biggest laugh. Wear a moss-green field jacket over a navy henley and gray chinos, then add supportive brown sneakers, a leather belt and the navy cap. Strap an empty soft baby carrier over the jacket, or a light doll only where the venue allows it. A reusable grocery tote with a children's board book and an adult paperback inside finishes the joke. Let the curls sit naturally under the cap, with light stubble and fresh, plain makeup. Adjust the carrier properly and tuck away loose straps; a carrier worn over a jacket needs its straps let out more than you'd expect, or it cuts into the shoulders by the end of the night. Familiar muted clothes plus parenting gear keep it playful without touching the show's darker plot.
15. Joe Goldberg Library Worker Costume
The library job gets a softer, more buttoned-up outfit. Layer a soft brown cardigan over a pale blue Oxford shirt with dark navy chinos, a brown belt and polished brown lace-up shoes. Wear a homemade library badge and carry two neatly stacked novels or a clipboard. Skip the cap and keep the hair in controlled but slightly loose waves. A canvas messenger bag holds your things and keeps the book theme going. Pick a cardigan with a plain button front and no loud pattern, and button only the middle two buttons so it hangs straight. A pencil behind one ear is a nice librarian touch. It's tasteful enough for school or work costume days.
16. Joe Goldberg Blue Cardigan Costume
Soft knitwear gives a quieter take on the bookish look. Wear a dark blue shawl-collar cardigan over a light gray tee, with charcoal chinos and black leather Chelsea boots. Carry a slim brown satchel with a paperback sticking out of the top, and leave the cap at home so the loose curls show. Add faint gray-brown shadow under the eyes and stubble if it suits you, plus a plain silver-tone watch and a takeaway coffee cup. Shawl collars are bulky, so I keep everything under the cardigan thin; a thick sweater underneath makes the shoulders look padded. It's an easy choice for a cold indoor venue, since the cardigan comes off in seconds. A small handmade bookstore inventory card inside the book is a detail fans will enjoy.
17. Joe Goldberg Fall Coat Costume
For crisp fall weather, put a long charcoal wool coat over a burgundy sweater and a pale blue collared shirt. Add black tailored trousers, dark brown leather boots and a matching belt, with the navy cap on top so people still know it's Joe even though the rest looks more polished. Carry a structured black backpack and a clothbound novel. Wrap a plain dark gray scarf once, simply, with no print. The coat should end around mid-thigh or just above the knee; anything longer starts to swallow the shirt and sweater layers, and it's harder to move in through a crowd. You can walk outside in it and still look neat indoors.
18. Joe Goldberg Winter Peacoat Costume
A fitted navy peacoat over a gray mock-neck sweater is my pick for a properly cold night. Add black jeans, thick socks and dark lace-up boots with grippy soles, plus a faded navy cap and a black backpack holding a paperback and knit gloves. Tuck the gloves into an outer pocket indoors so they stay part of the look. Let the dark waves show under the cap and keep the makeup simple and a little pale. Skip a big scarf that hides the coat; a narrow charcoal one with no pattern is better. Peacoats run short and boxy, so size by the shoulder seam, which should sit right at the edge of your shoulder. The blue-gray palette stays true to Joe, and you'll actually be warm on an October walk.
19. Joe Goldberg Professor Costume
In London, Joe becomes literature professor Jonathan Moore, and his clothes grow up with the new name. Recreate it with a brown tweed blazer, a charcoal turtleneck, dark wool trousers and polished brown brogues. Carry a leather satchel full of classic novels and wear thin, plain reading glasses. Skip the cap. Style the hair neatly but keep some wave so he doesn't look stiff. A solid gray pocket square is fine; a bright pattern is not. Tweed over a turtleneck is warm, so I'd pick a fine merino or cotton knit rather than a chunky one. It's a clear contrast with the New York denim, and it suits a formal party, a literary theme or an office.
20. Joe Goldberg Tweed Blazer Costume
Push the academic disguise further with an olive-brown tweed blazer over a cream crew-neck sweater and a pale blue Oxford shirt. Add charcoal pleated trousers, a dark brown belt and matching leather derby shoes, and carry a structured satchel, a hardcover novel and a small bundle of handwritten lecture notes. Tidy waves with a soft side part, light stubble and a little shadow under the eyes keep the face in character. Skip novelty glasses unless they genuinely suit you. Three layers under tweed get hot fast, so if the party is warm I take the sweater off and button the blazer over the shirt. Every piece goes straight back into a fall wardrobe afterward.
21. Joe Goldberg Turtleneck Costume
A fitted black turtleneck gives a sleek London-era outline. Layer it under a charcoal herringbone blazer with dark gray trousers, polished black Chelsea boots, a narrow leather belt and a structured messenger bag. Carry a vintage-looking hardcover and simple reading glasses, worn or in hand. Keep the hair neat but textured, with the forehead partly showing, and a brown-strap watch as the only jewelry. Shade around the eyes softly; a theatrical look ruins the effect. Choose a breathable knit. A thick acrylic turtleneck under a wool blazer gets uncomfortable inside a warm room within the hour, and you'll spend the night tugging at the neck.
22. Joe Goldberg University Lecturer Costume
Picture Joe walking into a literature lecture: navy blazer, pale gray knit polo, charcoal tailored trousers, dark brown loafers with matching socks and a slim leather belt. Carry a canvas satchel, an annotated paperback and a folder labeled “Literature Seminar” in plain lettering. Keep the hair softly waved and neat, no cap. If you wear glasses, thin dark frames look academic; thick novelty ones look like a joke. A folded overcoat over one arm rounds out the London look. It's lighter than the full tweed professor, and anyone who owns business-casual clothes can build it tonight.
23. Joe Goldberg Three-Piece Suit Costume
For the most formal academic Joe, wear a charcoal three-piece suit with a white shirt and a plain navy tie. Add polished dark brown Oxfords, a matching belt and a classic wool overcoat, with a small hardcover and a leather document case as props. Controlled waves, neatly trimmed stubble and gentle under-eye shading finish him. Skip the cap; the tailoring is the point here, since it shows Joe working his way into a wealthy social circle. The waistcoat should sit close without pulling at the buttons, and the trousers should break once on the shoe. A thrifted suit works well after a basic hem and a careful steam. I check the shoulders first when thrifting, because that's the one thing a tailor can't really fix.
24. Joe Goldberg Black Tie Costume
Black tie suits an upscale Halloween party. Wear a classic black tuxedo, a crisp white dress shirt, a black bow tie and polished black shoes, with a fitted black overcoat if you'll be outside. Carry a small dark-covered novel and wear a discreet silver-tone watch. Neat waves with a slightly imperfect finish and lightly groomed stubble keep it from looking like a wedding guest. There's no cap here, so the book and the reserved expression do the identifying; a handmade bookstore card tucked inside the novel makes the reference clearer. Before renting or thrifting a tux, sit down and reach forward in it. If the jacket pulls across the back, size up, because you'll be sitting and eating all night.
25. Joe Goldberg Season 5 Blue Cap Costume
In the final season Joe goes back to New York, and the blue cap comes back with him, now paired with darker, better clothes. Wear a dark navy chore jacket over a black knit polo, with charcoal trousers and polished brown boots. Carry a refined black leather backpack and a clothbound book, mixing the old bookstore Joe with the wealthier one. Dark curls go under the cap, with clean matte makeup and soft shading around the eyes. I'd choose fabrics that fit better than the season-one denim, but keep away from obvious designer labels. Navy and black together can look muddy in low light, so make sure the two pieces are clearly different shades. The cap and book still connect every season.
26. Joe Goldberg Wealthy New York Costume
Wealthy Manhattan Joe dresses like a man who wants to be taken seriously. Layer a navy cashmere-style sweater over a crisp white collared shirt, with charcoal tailored trousers, dark brown loafers and a slim leather belt. A camel overcoat and a structured black briefcase replace the old canvas backpack. Carry a collectible-looking hardcover and wear a plain metal watch. Keep the waves tidy and natural, not glossy, with groomed brows, even skin and gentle under-eye shading. The return to the city and to the bookstore makes a polished, bookish outfit a good fit for this era. Keep every accessory minimal. One extra piece of jewelry and he starts to look flashy, which is the opposite of what he's going for.
27. Joe Goldberg Navy Suit Costume
A fitted navy suit gives you a sharp evening Joe that you can wear again. Pair it with a pale blue dress shirt, no tie, dark brown leather derby shoes, a matching belt, a simple watch and a folded charcoal overcoat. Carry a leather portfolio with a paperback and a few blank inventory sheets inside. Hair goes in soft, orderly waves with facial hair lightly trimmed. Leave the top shirt button open. With no tie, a collar that collapses under the lapels looks careless, so I'd pick a shirt with a firmer collar or use collar stays. For stronger recognition, carry the blue cap in one hand instead of wearing it with the suit. Polished tailoring plus that cap sums up how his wardrobe changed.
28. Joe Goldberg Camel Coat Costume
Build this refined look around a knee-length camel coat. Layer it over a black mock-neck sweater and charcoal wool trousers, with polished dark brown Chelsea boots. Add a structured messenger bag, navy gloves and a hardcover with a plain dust jacket. Leave the cap out so the clean neckline of the coat shows, and wear the hair in carefully shaped waves. Camel adds warmth while the black and charcoal keep the darker final-season palette. Pick simple lapels and minimal hardware rather than an oversized shape. Camel shows every mark, so I'd lint-roll it and keep makeup well away from the collar. It suits cold nights, TV-themed parties and any event where denim would feel too casual.
29. Easy Joe Goldberg Closet Costume
Need a costume in under an hour? Wear a navy baseball cap, a medium-blue button-down, dark jeans and any neutral jacket you already own, plus brown or black ankle boots and a simple backpack. Hold a paperback, a reusable coffee cup and a handwritten bookstore inventory list. A little water or curl cream gives the hair some natural texture under the cap. Matte powder and soft brown shadow under the eyes are plenty. Turn branded clothing inside out or cover small marks with removable fabric tape. You don't need exact replicas here. The cap, the book, the muted layers and a focused expression get most people there.
30. Thrifted Joe Goldberg Costume
A fully thrifted Joe can look convincing on a small budget. Look for a plain denim or navy work jacket, a faded blue cap, a gray tee, charcoal jeans, a black backpack and brown lace-up boots. Fit and neutral color matter far more than labels. Carry a secondhand paperback with a worn cover and pin a homemade bookstore badge to the jacket. Your everyday complexion products, muted brown shadow and brow gel cover the makeup. Wash every thrifted piece before you wear it, and swap in new laces if the old ones are frayed. Broken-in fabric suits the early-season Joe better than anything stiff and new, and it looks more like a real man's wardrobe than a packaged set.
Tailoring a Thrifted Suit for the London Look
Several of the London and final-season versions need a blazer or suit, and a secondhand one is the cheapest route. The fit checks I use before buying are simple. The shoulder seam should land right at the edge of your shoulder, and you should be able to button the jacket without the fabric pulling into an X shape. Sleeves should show a little shirt cuff. Sleeve length and trouser hems are cheap, easy changes; shoulders that are too wide or too narrow are not worth fixing for a costume.
Once you have it home, hang the suit in a steamy bathroom or use a hand steamer to drop the wrinkles, working from the inside of the jacket so you don't leave a shine on wool. Tweed and wool smell musty after time on a thrift rack; a day hanging outside in the air helps a lot. If the trousers are long and there's no time for a hem, iron fusible hem tape inside the leg. It holds for a night and peels away afterward.
A Cap, a Book and the Right Coat
Joe works as a costume because his clothes are so ordinary, with just a few details that point to him. A navy cap, a muted jacket, dark trousers, practical boots, a book and a backpack turn closet basics into the New York Joe. Tweed, turtlenecks, tailored coats and structured bags carry the London and final-season versions. Whatever you pick, add dark wavy hair, light makeup and a reserved way of standing so it reads as the character and not just a nice outfit. Keep the props bookish and light, and leave anything sinister at home. Any version here can be adjusted for the weather, your budget and the dress code of the party you're heading to.
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