Fancy dress parties and costume balls are great fun, giving adults a chance to dress up and have a good time. The key to a great party or ball is definitely the costumes, since disguises add fun to any event. Whether you are going for a sexy look, or a cute one, there are a few things to keep in mind so you can achieve exactly the look you want. Plan ahead to give yourself enough time to get a great costume together, be original in your choice of fancy dress, and don’t forget to accessorize!
Try and avoid getting your costume together at the last minute. You don’t want to be stuck with something from the local toy shop, or worse, a sheet from the linen cupboard! If your party is a themed fancy dress, it will be easier to decide on the type of costume.
Cops and robbers, school girl costumes, 1920’s costumes and similar themes are fairly easy to pull together quickly using things you already own, but you may prefer to buy ready made costumes from a fancy dress costume shop. Just make sure you give enough time for anything that has to be ordered in to arrive so you can try it on and make sure it fits.
Of course, the best costumes are ones that stand out and show originality, so putting a little extra thought into your costume choice is important. Anybody can be a princess, but a rockstar princess is a bit more interesting. Try combining two costume types to get a memorable result. For example, combine a punk rock costume with a nun for an interesting result! If you want to be more traditional, consider adding originality to your look by shopping at charity shops for unique costume items and accessories. This can be a great way to get items cheaply, too.
Some costumes can be cute or sexy, depending on how you dress for them. A pirate costume for a woman can be busty and lusty, or more covered and coy. Traditionally cute and cuddly costume choices often have sexier versions available. Decide ahead of time which version you prefer, then play to your strengths. If you want to be cute rather than sexy, opt for tights rather than stockings. Make a costume sexier by opting for shorter skirt or dress lengths, and consider fishnet or bare legs for a great look.
Fancy dress costumes for women are never complete without lots of accessories! Wigs are an easy way to seriously glam up any costume. Online shops are a great place to buy these, although you can find them at fancy dress shops as well. Costume jewelry can turn an okay costume into an awesome one, and can generally be quite inexpensive.
Gloves and stockings make any costume instantly sexier and don’t cost a lot of money. Try lace or fishnet for a dramatic effect with a short skirt and bustier to get pulses racing. Tone down a too sexy costume with cute tights or frilly gloves, or even a layered petticoat. Accessories can really make your fancy dress costume stand out, and they help add originality to an otherwise plain costume.
Accessories aren’t limited to items you wear. Little Bo Peep needs her sheep, and a French maid’s costume wouldn’t be complete without a duster. Try to keep these extra accessories small so that you won’t be worried about looking after them instead of enjoying the party.
Whatever costume you choose, confidence will make all the difference. Experiment with your look before the party to find what works best for you. Then get your glad rags on, and have a great time dressing up!
