Ready to bring the mysterious, retro-office aesthetic of Lumon Industries to life at your next convention?
Irving Bailiff from Severance is a perfect character choice for fans of dark comedy and psychological thrillers.
His look is a masterclass in mid-century office worker styling with a subtle, eerie twist.
This guide will show you how to assemble Irving’s signature look using easily sourceable pieces.
You do not need to be a crafting expert to pull off this memorable corporate outfit.
Let us break down everything you need to become Lumon’s most dedicated optics and design employee.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The core of Irving’s look starts with a classic, structured blue plaid suit that screams retro corporate style.
Look for a suit with a traditional cut that fits slightly loose to match the show’s aesthetic.
A double-breasted or simple two-button design works perfectly to establish that dated, professional Lumon office vibe.
Underneath the suit jacket, you will need a classic light blue dress shirt with a stiff collar.
Keep the shirt neatly pressed and fully buttoned up to reflect Irving’s meticulous adherence to Lumon policy.
This layer provides the foundation for the rest of his vintage corporate look.
Layer a navy button-up sweater vest over your dress shirt to capture Irving’s specific department styling.
The sweater vest is a key piece that defines the character’s conservative, rule-following personality.
Make sure the shade of navy complements your plaid suit and light blue dress shirt nicely.
Support your suit trousers with a pair of classic blue striped suspenders to add authentic retro flair.
Suspenders are a wonderful detail that keeps your trousers sitting high, mimicking mid-century fashion trends.
They add an extra layer of depth to the costume when you remove the suit jacket.
Accessories & Details
No Lumon employee is complete without their department-issued blue card holder lanyard worn around the neck.
This accessory is the most recognizable prop from Severance and instantly identifies your character.
You can print out a custom Lumon Industries ID card to slot inside the clear holder.
Irving is immediately recognizable by his neat, grey mustache which adds to his senior employee appearance.
If you do not have natural facial hair, a grey self-adhesive mustache is an easy solution.
Trim the mustache slightly to ensure it looks sharp, groomed, and matches Irving’s onscreen look.
Finish the outfit with a pair of highly polished black dress shoes to complete the corporate uniform.
Classic oxfords or simple derby shoes work best to match the conservative dress code of the severed floor.
Make sure they are comfortable enough for walking around a convention hall all day.
Cosplay Tips
1. Practice standing with perfect, rigid posture to match Irving’s formal and disciplined office behavior.
2. Print a high-quality replica of the Lumon handbook to carry around as a prop.
3. Use a temporary grey hair spray on your temples if you want to match his aged look.
4. Stay in character by reciting obscure corporate rules or praising the company founders during interactions.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
Irving’s character is defined by his deep loyalty to Lumon and his quiet, intense demeanor.
To truly embody him, you should channel a sense of calm dedication mixed with underlying curiosity.
Your movements should be deliberate, precise, and polite, reflecting a lifetime of corporate programming.
Pay close attention to the fit of your clothes to sell the retro corporate atmosphere.
The suit should look professional but not modernly tailored; a slightly boxy silhouette fits the show’s design.
Keep every button done up and every accessory perfectly aligned to show your dedication.
Final Thoughts
Cosplaying Irving Bailiff is a fantastic way to show your love for the brilliant storytelling of Severance.
It is a comfortable, recognizable, and budget-friendly costume that always sparks great conversations with fellow fans.
Get your badge ready, follow the handbook, and prepare to enter the severed floor.
