Fancy dress parties can either be the most fun thing ever or a very stressful event. You get invited, you get excited, and then it hits you – what am I even supposed to wear?
Themed parties come with the pressure to show up looking creative. You may be excited for the party itself, but the preparation part can be confusing. Sometimes, all you need is a little outfit inspo.
Here’s a guide to the common types of fancy dress parties and outfit ideas to go with each.
Decades Party
It’s the classic theme. From the 20s glam to the 90s grunge, decade themes are very popular in fancy dress or themed events.
If it’s a 70s theme, go for flared jeans, tie-dye shirts, and big sunglasses. Think peace signs, disco, and hippie styles.
For an 80s-themed party, neon colours are the best choice. Wear oversized clothes and leg warmers. Dress like Madonna or Freddie Mercury for a creatively accurate look.
The 90s theme is all about plaid and denim. Go for overalls and chokers. You can simply look up famous celebrities or fashion trends from that time, or look for something in your parents’ wardrobe.
TV or Movie Characters
This one is especially popular with teens because there are a lot of options to choose from. You can go solo or decide on a group costume with your friends.
Some common teens fancy dress options that fit the theme are:
- Stranger Things group costumes with friends.
- Wednesday Addams, if you’re going solo.
- Harry Potter. You can simply get house robes.
You don’t really have to pick a popular character or someone from a trending show. Any character works as long as you like them. Sometimes, you don’t even need a full costume.
Masquerade Party
These are a little mysterious and dramatic. Masquerade parties are usually more on the elegant side, so you have to dress up a bit differently.
The basics are:
- Formal or semi-formal outfits, like dresses or blazers.
- Dark colour outfits.
- A matching mask, preferably with feather or lace designs.
The main attraction of your outfit should be your mask because that’s the whole point of this theme.
Fantasy or Fairytale Themes
From enchanted forests to magical hallways, this theme gives you permission to choose anything from a fairy costume to villain attire.
You can dress as a:
- Fairy or elf
- Princess or pirate
- Witch or wizard
Basically, anything with capes, glitter, and a crown works. And if you don’t want to buy a whole costume, just get some accessories and layer some fancy clothes.
Glow or Neon Parties
These parties are full of fun, vibrant colours, and dancing. You wear bright neon colours and carry glow sticks under black lights.
For the best outfit, go for neon colours like neon pink, yellow, and green. Also, add:
- Face paint
- Accessories that glow in the dark
- Clothes that pop colours under UV lights
Just think of dressing up as a human highlighter. And if you want to keep it minimal, don’t overthink it and just go with one or two glow items instead.
