Tales of the Old West fascinate us.  Boys dream of being Wyatt Earp or Blondie.  Women dream of being Annie Oakley, or one of those incredible beauties who captured our attention with their voice and style in the local saloon.  Perhaps some of us even like the idea of being the Mexican Bandit, giving the likes of Marshall Jed Cooper a run for his money. 

There are a few, those who love a good bit of comedy mixed into our Old West fantasy, who favour The Frisco Kid, or Avram, the Polish rabbi.  He survives outlaws and almost being burned at the stake by Indians as he works his way across the west on his way towards San Francisco. 

All of these and many more make excellent ideas for Cowboy Costumes

For the Mexican Bandit, consider the Authentic Looking Poncho, combined with the Mexican Bandit Sombrero hat, Bandana Neckerchief in Red and the Mexican Handlebar Moustache.  To transform your Mexican into Blondie from the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, subtract the moustache and add a blonde wig and the Cigar with LED. 

To be Tommy, the Frisco Kid or just your above-average really cool cowboy, consider the Western Cowboy Costume, which comes with a three-quarter length brown coat, mock shirt front and bootlace tie.  To complete the look add the Western Wandering Gunman Hat, Western Holster and Belt, and Western Black Boot spurs. 

For those who aspire to Avram, consider the Rabbi costume complete with the robe, beard, hat with hair, and scarf.

Back in 1988, two men with model looks appeared on the music scene that immediately won the hearts and minds of music fans.  Known as Milli Vanilli, the pop/dance duet was comprised of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus.  Their hit songs included “All or Nothing”, “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” and “Blame It on the Rain” from their album, Girl You Know It’s True.  An 80s costume inspired from this former pop duo consists of longhaired braids, hats, and bright-coloured suits.

Milli Vanilli were known for their good looks, dance moves and popular tunes but later became infamous for not truly singing on their album.  Rob and Fab tried to keep up appearances, but when it became obvious that they were lip-syncing, they had to admit the truth.  Rob and Fab were the good-looking dancers serving as eye candy; the actual singers were not given credit.

Milli Vanilli still shines as fancy dress inspirations.  The key to this look is the hair; both Rob and Fab wore their hair long and braided.  The men’s Shake and Fake Wig is ideal to recreate that look.  Rob and Fab favoured jackets with large shoulder pads, often in bright colours as shown in their videos, award appearances, and concerts.  They are also seen in the classic torn denim look popular during their reign as pop stars.  People can relive the classic Milli Vanilli moments again while lip-syncing, swinging their long braids, and living it up at an 80s costume party.

The pin up girl has a long and glorious history of supporting and inspiring our service and working men.  Inspiration derived from the image of a beautiful woman, pinned up on their wall or in their lockers – at sea or on land.  For a sexy fancy dress idea, the pin up girl inspires. 

One of the most famous pin up girls was Betty Grable, whose photo adorned the lockers of many an American service man during World War II.  Other notable pin up girls includes Irene Dunne, Bette Davis, Esther Williams, Elizabeth Montgomery, Betty Page, Cindy Crawford, and Dita Von Teese.  Each of these women represents female beauty in many forms and styles.  Some are petite, some curvier.  Some are fair-haired, some are quite dark.  Some appear in more and some in less clothing.  All of them are sexy. 

As a fancy dress costume idea, the pin up girl theme leaves a lot of room for interpretation and individuality.  Because there have been pin up girls every era since the 1920s, there are many fashion choices too. 

For that traditional pin up girl look, the image our minds go to first when we think “pin-up girl”, consider to the Fever Pin Up Fly Girl Costume.  This one-piece jumpsuit and matching hat is styled on a military pilot uniform and is green with yellow trimmings.  In the front, it looks similar to the bathing costumes of the 1950s.  In the back, it cuts upwards to provide a cheeky hint of bottom.

Men’s fancy dress costumes are very popular.  They are more commonly used for stag parties or special celebrations and although some hide the fact, many men do enjoy getting dressed up in a costume and having a good time.

Superhero costumes are one of the more popular of the men’s fancy dress, to some it is a way of staying with their macho image while playing dress up.  Others however do not mind and will attend a party dressed as a cowboy, a gladiator, or even one of Santa’s helper elves. 

Star Wars themed costumes remain a big hit with many men who enjoy dressing up as Darth Vader or Han Solo.  A Star Wars themed party will also produce many storm trooper costumes and a few Obi Wan Kenobis.  There may even be the odd appearance of a Jabba the Hutt. 

Fancydressball also offers several novelty men’s fancy dress costumes for those who really know how to have fun.  The Mr Miss World costume consists of an evening gown, gloves, and a sash.  It is also possible to get a wig and a tiara to complete the look.  Getting high-heeled shoes that fit a man may prove a little more difficult however. 

A group of men out on a stag night might enjoy a collective outfit with one main theme such as The Village People, soldiers, or even a gang of ninja.  Whatever the occasion it is guaranteed, if you go out in fancy dress, you will be noticed.

If you’re a guy, you may or may not fancy wearing a wig in order to achieve your fancy dress look. So here are some great blonde characters that you can play in fancy dress costumes, with or without the wig.

Julius Caesar: The beauty of pulling characters from far back in history is that, often, we do not know what colour hair they actually had. Or, if we do know, it is of little matter when it comes to recognising the figure for fancy dress. Julius Caesar was a Roman general and a statesman. He can be played in Roman military garb or in Roman statesman robes with headpiece (see Caesar Costume (FC)).

Charles Lindbergh: A famous aviator amongst other things, the Biggles Aviator Pilot Flying Jacket Costume provides a good start to creating a fancy dress Lindbergh look.

Barney Rubble Costume: There will be no worries if you go wigless with this character; the iconic coat collar and big feet are a sure give away. Alternatively, go as a grown up Bam Bam or borrow from Fred’s wardrobe with his costume minus the black hair. Check out our Flintstone Costumes

Johnny Bravo: To achieve Johnny’s look, you will need the black t-shirt, jeans and the exaggerated pompadour hair. The Bail Enforcer Wig provides the pompadour; all it needs is a bit of a trim and shape for the full effect.

Dog the Bounty Hunter: If you aren’t keen on trimming the wig for Johnny, consider going as one of America’s most famous (or infamous) bounty hunters. Attitude not included.

A great theme for a 1970s era fancy dress event is a night of celebrating favourite film characters.  The 1970s offers a lot of inspiration through the popular films of the decade.

Let’s start with American Graffiti from 1973. This classic film about growing up in early 1960s America provides an opportunity to evoke 1960s styles into a 1970s fancy dress party.

When it comes to 1970s classic dress, think Annie Hall from 1977.  Diane Keaton’s wardrobe in the film became the foundation for major fashion trends in the late 1970s.

When considering military themes, there are several films to choose from here:  MASH (1970), The Deer Hunter (1978), and Apocalypse Now (1979).

The 1972 film, Cabaret, can inspire a sexy twist to the era. The film that made Liza Minnelli a star, her signature look is recreated in the Cabaret Costume that includes a black hot pant jumpsuit with gloves and thigh high stockings.  Add a 1920s styled Bob Wig in black and a topper or bowler hat for a complete set.  As an extra touch, the small, black-feathered eyelashes really help make your eyes noticeable.

A good film for 1970s fancy dress is Saturday Night Fever from 1977.  To get Tony Manero’s look, the 70s Men Suit White is perfect.  Add a black shirt (we suggest the 205201-2), and you are ready to wow the crowd with your best disco moves.

Other great 1970s fancy dress films include Star Wars (1977), Taxi Driver (1976) and Young Frankenstein (1974).

The Afro is far more than just a hairstyle; it is also an iconic identity statement associated with the ‘60s and ‘70s African American community. It is also a fabulous idea for 1970s fancy dress.

In a big way, the Afro was a result of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, a moment which, for many African Americans, brought forth a sense of appreciation of their own inherited, natural beauty.

When Afro-textured hair is left untreated (straightened, relaxed, braided, etc.), it tends to hold a very tight wiry, curl pattern. As it gets longer, instead of lying flat, the hair tends to grow outward. The result is the familiar rounded dome appearance. In the 1970s, this easy-to-maintain, culturally definable style became a political statement, reflecting what was known as ‘black pride’ and serving as a symbol of the ‘Black is beautiful’ movement.

Key figures from the 1970s who wore afros include Jimi Hendrix, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, and actress Pam Grier, who portrayed the now iconic figure of Foxy Brown in the era’s Blaxploitation films.

Of course, the afro wasn’t just worn by African Americans; many other races adopted the afro, using perming and backcombing techniques to recreate the style.

As a 70s fancy dress idea, the afro wig is perfect for both men and women. The Funky Afro comes in several colours, including black, brown, blonde, orange, pink, and rainbow. Because the style is suitable for both sexes, afro wig selections include men’s, women’s and unisex. The Disco Glitter and Disco Dude wigs also give a nod to the style.

For a couple’s sexy fancy dress event, there are so many different ideas when it comes to complementary costumes. Depending on the general theme of the party, ideas range from cute and quirky, to downright silly, to glamorous or historical. But for general sexy fancy dress, here are a few ideas:

• For a circus theme, consider him as the ringmaster and her as the wildcat daring to be tamed. The Satin Bow corset for her also looks great as a circus performer’s outfit. We can see her on the high wire now.

• For a 1980s theme or general film theme, nothing is sexier than Top Gun. Just don’t forget the aviator shades.

• For a military theme, he can go as the military man while she goes up as his pin up girl. Alternatively, both can go in army costumes.

• Who doesn’t love a fireman? As a couple’s idea, he can go as the fire officer while she goes as a red-hot firefighter or backdraft babe.

• Consider matching his and her SWAT Commander costumes. Hers features a sexy three piece black costume with a zipper front garter dress, belt and hat. His is a four piece costume which includes a utility vest, shirt, kneepads and fingerless gloves.

• For a fantasy theme, we love the Evil Mad Hatter coupled with the Transylvania Temptress.  As an alternative, we also love the dazzling dark queen or one of the evil Alices.

• Gladiators are always sexy, so why not go as two sexy Spartans or as Hercules and Zena, Warrior Princess?

The spirit of the French cabaret was captured brilliantly by the 2001 film, Moulin Rouge, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.  Using the Moulin Rouge as their stage, the music video Lady Marmalade, which features Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and Pink performing in cabaret attire, provides a provocative and sexy vision of the cabaret in all its colour.  As a sexy fancy dress inspiration, Moulin Rouge is perfection. 

Whether a hen night, an all-girl fancy dress event, or a mixed couple’s event with men dressed as patrons or performers themselves, the Moulin Rouge cabaret spirit can be captured through a variety of Moulin Rouge Costumes.  We like the Parisian Showgirl Costume, which includes a pink and black dress with an adjustable under mini skirt, white detached “sleeves”, a small matching hat with feature, and fingerless gloves.  To complete the look, include a pair of high heel Mary Janes, black lattice tights, false eyelashes and, if you really want to go full fantasy, add a wig.  The Silver Screen Sensation Red Wig will let you celebrate your inner Nicole while the Fantasy Waves Blonde Pink Wig is quite similar to the one worn by Pink in the Lady Marmalade video. 

If French cabaret is not quite what you’re looking for, but you like the styling, consider an Old West gambling saloon theme (with men dressed as gamblers).  For a hen night with girls in the same costume, consider the Cabaret Costume, which is inspired by the 1972 film Cabaret.  Add a black bob wig for Liza Minnelli’s famous look or get creative with your own twist to Sally Bowles.

The wonderful thing about the women who served as our screen icons in the 1950s is that they are both diverse and highly recognisable. Take Audrey Hepburn; her style was quite specific and completely different from that of, say, Marilyn Monroe or Joan Collins. Dressing up as one of these icons – in fancy dress costumes inspired by their real-life fashion or that from a film is a lot of fun.

One of our favourite images from that time is of Marilyn Monroe in her white dress, standing over a street vent and letting the air rush round her. The image is from the film The Seven Year Itch which was made in 1955. To recreate that look, you will need the dress, a pair of high-heeled white or silver shoes, and of course, Marilyn styled hair, which can be achieved with a wig. For this fancy dress, consider one of the Marilyn Monroe Costumes, all quite similar to the dress worn in the film. The Bombshell Wig provides the hairstyle. If you don’t have the open-toed white or silver shoes, consider the Mary Jane in White. To ensure your modesty, should someone decide to recreate the wind-blown skirt scene, Marilyn Monroe Panties in White offer full coverage!

Another highly recognisable image from the 1950s is Elizabeth Taylor in her role as Cleopatra. A selection of fancy dress costumes and accessories like the snake arm bracelet, goddess sandals, and Egyptian inspired wig complete the look. The beauty of both this and the Marilyn costume is that they provide the wearer with a way to be sexy, yet covered.