Fancy dress has been a favourite pastime for decades, if not centuries, but it’s taken a rather strange turn in recent times. There is one individual in particular who is probably responsible for the most bizarre popular fancy dress costumes of recent times – she goes by the name of Lady Gaga.

Gaga is notorious for some pretty, shall we say, curious costume choices and has arguably gained mainstream fame more for her wardrobe than her musical talents. There’s no doubting that she’s gifted, but she may well turn out to have as much of an influence on the world of fancy dress as she will on the world of music.

For many, her most memorable costume was the meat dress she wore for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2010. This, naturally, garnered a lot of attention for the pop star and left millions of people baffled trying to decipher its meaning. Many critics agreed that it was an anti-fashion statement, which kind of makes it ironic that Lady Gaga is such a fashion icon in the 21st century. (Unfortunately, we don’t have enough fridge-space to stock Gaga’s meat dress at the moment. Sorry).

She has donned toy frogs as a top, wrapped lace around her face and worn a lobster on her head in the past and she is certain to rock the fashion world time and time again for years to come. She has inspired many a fancy dress party and has an instantly recognisable dress sense, making her costumes the perfect choice to put the meat on the bones of any party this year.

Our Lady Gaga costumes can be found in the Pop and Rock fancy dress section of our website.

The new age of Star Wars is almost upon us with the impending release of the first episode in stunning 3D in UK cinemas.

The Phantom Menace is, naturally, the first instalment of the saga to get the 3D treatment and, while it might not be many people’s favourite episode, it certainly generated some excellent fancy dress ideas for generations to come. The Darth Maul costume is obviously the standout winner in the costume world when it comes to the Phantom Menace, but Darth Vader arguably still leads the way in terms of Star Wars costumes.

Originally released in 1999, 16 years after the Jedi Returned to our screens, the Phantom Menace is in for a return of its own. The $115 million movie was highly anticipated but it was fairly poorly received amongst film critics. The movie review website, Rotten Tomatoes, which was launched in the same year as the Phantom Menace was released, gave the instalment the lowest rating of any Star Wars film to date – a mediocre score of 60%.

However, despite its rather unenthusiastic reviews, the movie amassed nearly a billion dollars at the box office and it no doubt continues to bring in a profit in terms of merchandise.

The Star Wars franchise has created some of the best ideas for costumes ever to come out of the movie business and the 3D re-mastering of the entire series is bound to bolster that popularity.

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 3D will be released in UK cinemas on 10th February 2012.

The 1984 film, Ghostbusters, was a top grossing film of its decade, offering audiences worldwide an opportunity to watch three eccentric scientists go into the ghost-catching business.  The film starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver.

The film was so popular that it led to a sequel in 1989, two animated television programmes, and a video game.  In 2008, Harold Ramis, who co-wrote the two films, confirmed that a third instalment of the series was being developed.  The new film will offer familiar cast members with cameos while opening up a platform to something new and fresh.

One of the great things about Ghostbusters when it comes to 1980s fancy dress inspiration is that each character provides a unique and interesting feature.  The confines of the signature costumes of Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler were very different.  Little touches to a costume can pronounce those differences.

The traditional Ghostbuster jumpsuit is tan, just like the ones worn in the film, and comes with an inflatable backpack.  This costume fits men with chests up to 44 inches.  The Plus Size Ghostbusters costume for gentlemen is exactly the same, only providing for chests from 46 up to 52 inches.

The Stay Puff Ghostbuster costume emulates the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man through an inflatable jumpsuit, including sailor hat and collar.

The ladies have a sexy version of the Ghostbusters jumpsuit available.  It features a one-piece hot pantsuit with belt harness, baseball cap, and a small version of the proton backpack.

So, the reunion rumour mill is running again and, this time, The Spice Girls are drawing the attention of 90s kids all over the country.

As you probably know, 2012 is due to be about as British as British gets. We’ve not only got the London Olympics to look forward to, but we’ve also got the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee fast approaching in June. Apparently, Scary Spice herself revealed in an interview with an Australian TV channel that the girls are planning a ground-breaking reunion to perform in front of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace on June 4.

The Spice Girls are undoubtedly as British as it gets when it comes to pop music – who could forget the Ginger Spice girl costume with the Union Jack emblazoned across it?

If you could ask the nation what defined the 90s in Britain, the Spice Girls are a sure fire bet to be in the top 5. Baby, Sporty, Scary, Posh and Ginger are five words that came to dominate the pop lingo of everybody’s favourite decade.

The fact that this particular girl group dominated that decade has led to many children of the 90s seeking out Spice Girls 90s fancy dress ideas right across the country. The reunion and, of course, the out-and-out celebration of pure British-ness that’s scheduled in for June are bound to rekindle the love we all had for the girls and get us celebrating their reunion with costumes, wigs and all.

There’ll be schoolgirls mimicking the Spice Girls and wannabes singing Wannabe all June long if the reunion actually happens. It will certainly be no secret if it does.

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.