Ever since their first television appearance back in the 1950s, the Muppets have been hugely popular with both kids and adults of all ages. Created by the legendary master puppeteer Jim Henson, they have spawned nine films, several television series and, more recently, two hugely successful YouTube videos set to Bohemian Rhapsody and Under Pressure by Queen.

Google, in recent times, has made no secret of its love for The Muppets, paying homage to Henson’s creations with everything from a Doodle on the homepage to a Hangout to promote Google+.

The loveable characters have provided inspiration for 80s and 90s fancy dress, but they are more exclusive to the whole second half of the 20th century rather than a particular decade. The 90s did, however, see what are regarded as some of the best Muppets movies ever made, like Muppet Treasure Island and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

The Muppets’ popularity looks set to continue with their latest movie pencilled in to hit the big screen in the UK this February, following a resoundingly successful autumn release in US cinemas. The successful return of Kermit and the gang, coupled with their YouTube success has once again helped to reacquaint fans with the manic but loveable characters.

As well as Kermit the Frog costume, other popular Muppets costumes include Kermit’s love interest Miss Piggy, crazy drummer Animal, hapless stand-up comic Fozzie Bear, Dr Bunsen Honeydew and assistant Beaker and Statler and Waldorf. Every fan has their favourite and we have a range of special costumes to suit every type of Muppet out there.

It’s not just about the costume either – looking like a complete Muppet all night means that you have to act like a complete Muppet all night. Jim Henson’s Muppets have brought a smile to many faces over the years and, with the new movie set to rock Britain in 2012, they are evidently enjoying an ever-growing fan-base.

A popular theme for parties is movie costumes. Film night gives guests the opportunity to dress up like some of their favourite film characters – sexy, wacky, adventurous, exciting, or spooky.

When hosting a film night fancy dress event, you are in control of how widespread or small the theme can be.  You may want to have a night where people can chose from any film of any era and genre or as the host, you may want to select the film yourself.  This can include cartoon-based films, where people can chose from costumes such as Fred Flintstone or Inspector Gadget.  Other genres include adventure films or films based upon games, like Lara Croft Tomb Raider or Halo 3.  Fantasy and science fiction genres give an opportunity for people to dress in anything from Star Wars, Avatar, or Edward Scissorhands.

In a 1970s era-based film night, costume ideas can include films like All That Jazz, American Graffiti, Star Wars, and Superman.  The 1980s films include Aliens, Back to the Future, Amadeus, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Any film genre can make a great film night.

To achieve an Indiana Jones look, there are two great costumes:  the Adventurer and the Deluxe Indiana Jones.  Both come with the jacket, hat and iconic whip.  To go as Lara Croft Tomb Raider, there are a few different selections, including a Teen Deluxe Lara Croft Legend Costume that is perfect for young girls.  The Lara Croft Tomb Raider Wig provides Lara’s signature long brown braid.

Also known as the Second Indochina War, the Vietnam War marks an important time in US history, a time where a nation was not only at war against communism, but at war with itself. Due to the bloody nature of the conflict, many of its veterans came home forever scarred, mentally in addition to physically. The 1982 film First Blood addresses one such veteran.

The film, which is based upon a 1972 novel of the same name, follows the journey of John Rambo, a highly troubled Vietnam War veteran who finds himself unable to re-adapt to society after the horrors he faced in the jungles of Vietnam. When a series of unfortunate events leads him to come into conflict with the police force of a small town, Rambo does what he knows best – uses guerrilla warfare tactics to survive and defeat the enemy. “They drew first blood, not me” is the much-quoted line Rambo gives when asked why.

While the Vietnam War is not a shiny moment in US history, it is an incredibly iconic one. In addition to Rambo, other classic films addressing the effects of Vietnam include Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, Apocalypse Now, The Killing Fields, Forrest Gump, Good Morning Vietnam, The Deer Hunter, and Full Metal Jacket.

For 1970s fancy dress, military styling can be found in costumes for both men and women. This includes a Rambo costume which takes its look from the character John Rambo, as portrayed by Sylvester Stallone.

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).

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?