Whenever you might be stuck for ideas as to what costume to wear for your fancy dress bash, the movies are always a great place to start! In fact there are number of films that have become synonymous with homemade and store-bought costumes and are now a staple at most fancy dress parties you will attend.
Today I am going to highlight those films that have spawned a thousand poorly-made costumes!
For this list I am going to rule out Star Wars and Star Trek, along with superhero costumes because…well, because its just far too easy. There are international conventions for these films & TV shows and they are so abundant it really doesn’t take any imagination to go to a do as one of their characters. I am also steering clear of Halloween mainstays such as Frankenstein and Dracula for the same reason.
So lets begin!
8. The Harry Potter Franchise
Ever since 2001 and JK Rowling’s incredible series of books was brought to life on the big screen the world has been hooked on Hary, Ron & Hermoine and their many adventures at Hogwarts. Likewise, ever since 2001 its been difficult to go to to any fancy dress party without seeing someone wearing a cloak and wielding a small wooden stick about with a scar on their head.
7. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
“Groovy baby!” Seeing someone at a party dressed in a plush sixties suit with fake teeth and medallions around their neck are instantly recognizable as the British spy originally brought to the screen by Mike Myers in 1997. Two sequels and a slew of catchphrases followed.
6. The Three Musketeers
There have been countless iterations of these French swashbucklers on the big screen. I’m not a fan of the 2011 version, but I loved the 1993 film with Kiefer Sutherland & Charlie Sheen as well as The Man in the Iron Mask from 1998. Plus you always look damn cool with the hat and moustache!
5. Top Gun
This film effectively defined over-the-top 80’s action movies. Tom Cruise in his prime, those planes and that soundtrack!! Stick on a grey jumpsuit, leave the zipper half un-done and stick on some Ray-Bans and you’re ready to go! There are always plenty of Mavericks on hand at most costume bashes.
4. The James Bond Franchise
Probably the most famous and iconic single character on this list. Whether your favourite Bond is Connery, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan, Craig or that Austalian model guy (heaven forbid) there is only one way you need to dress. Party-goers need only dig out their old tuxedos and strike some dangerous poses with a gun in their hand.
3. Grease
1978 saw the release of the first of three musicals on our list (probably not too hard now to guess the top two). This film has a generous choice of costumes for any taste. Whether you want to be the star and go as Danny (John Travolta) or Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) or just as a T-Bird / Pink Lady, there’s plenty of choice to be had.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Now this choice is a cult classic! You don’t always see them at a lot of smaller fancy dress parties but fancy dress is a big part of this film’s legacy. Cinema showings or live stage productions often see audience members turn up in costume and sing along with this Richard O Brian musical. Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s iconic drag get-up is iconic and easily recognisable.
1. The Blues Brothers
This costume gets everywhere! 1980 saw Dan Akroyd and the late great John Belushi dress up in black suits and belt out some killer blues while trying to save the boarding school that they were brought up in. These iconic black suits, sunglasses and trilbys are synonymous with these characters and this movie. It helps that if someone is looking for fancy dress at short notice this one is pretty cheap and easy to replicate. Just remember; it doesn’t matter if it’s dark and you’re wearing sunglasses!
How did I do? What did I miss off the list? Tell me in the comments section below…
Thanks
Chris J
Alterego Fancydress
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