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.

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.

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.

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.

Strongly associated with Christmas, the candy cane is a cinnamon or peppermint flavoured curved stick of hard candy decorated with red and white stripes. In many places, including Europe, candy canes are used to decorate Yule and Christmas trees.

The origins of the candy cane are quite humble; starting life as a very basic stick of white sugar which served as a treat for children. At this point, there were no red stripes and the classic cane shape was yet to be seen. Although it is difficult to pin point where the first basic canes appeared, we do know that they were popular throughout Europe by the mid-17th century.

The original manufacturing of the candy cane was a difficult and tedious process, performed by hand, with makers having to pull, twist and bend the sticks repeatedly to create the treat. This labour-intensive method of production meant that the candy was not always readily available, making it perfect as a Christmas special treat. Over time, production became easier and in the 19th century, the candy cane acquired its signature red and white striped look.

For fancy dress inspiration, it is to these stripes that we turn, with the addition of red and white stripes to any outfit evoking a Christmas spirit. To enhance a Christmas fancy dress costume, candy striped hosiery can be a lot of fun. Depending upon the look, Candy Striped thigh highs or Candy Cane socks can serve as the perfect final touches. To evoke more of a Christmas elf feeling, choose red with green stripes.

We’re all about fancy dress costumes and our pages provide 100s of completed looks for every size, shape, age, gender and taste. But fancy dress is not just about having a costume completed for you; it is about allowing your imagination run wild. So, mixing and matching is on the menu. Who (or what) do you want to be?

Consider the Theme

To begin at the beginning, consider the event. Does it have a theme? Is it a Halloween ball or a 1970s bash? Have guests been asked to come as their favourite fairy tale or film character? Is the theme related to a time or place in history? If a theme has been provided, then this is where you begin. If not, then it is more a matter of your own individual style.

Find Inspiration

You may already have something specific in mind, you may have an idea that needs to be developed, or you may be at a complete loss. These pages can inspire you. Don’t just peruse the fancy dress costumes, but take a look at the accessories and wigs as well. Sometimes inspiration comes from the little things rather than the big ones.

Assemble and Tailor

While we provide plenty of full costumes, you can also find that extra something to make your fancy dress costume complete. For instance, the Silver Screen Sensation Red Wig may complete a Jessica Rabbit look or something needed for Tallis from Dark Age: Redemption. A Blues Brother suit may be just that or it may be a Man in Black (or even Meet Joe Black).

We all love Disney princesses: The gentle blonde Cinderella who was so mistreated by her stepsisters but still managed to snag the best guy in town.  Then there was the feisty and independent Belle, who tamed the Beast.  What about Ariel, the mermaid who sacrificed everything for the man she loved?  Amazing women, yet perhaps a little too sweet?

So why not add your own sexy twist?  For a hen night, girls’ night, or themed fancy dress party for adults, the fairy tale princess with an edge has plenty of room for inspiration. 

One of our favourites in Tinkerbell; although not technically a fairy tale princess, we think she deserves to be here.  Talk about feisty; there was a lot of will and temper held in that tiny little body of hers – and isn’t that the best part of being a princess? 

The Mystical Fairy Costume, with its green fairy dress, wings and tiny little headpiece, captures the spirit of Tink.  Not a blond?  Not a problem.  Put your own twist to the costume by going with another colour or select from one of the many blonde wigs available.  The Blonde Fairy Wig is inspired, but we also like the Filmstar Wig in Blonde for Tink.  Of course, the only limit is your imagination. 

Other characters for inspiration include Snow White, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, and Aurora.  Each has their own personality and look that can be translated into the ideal sexy fancy dress costume.

Some say the sexiest thing a person can wear is power.  With a Greek god or goddess fancy dress costume, that power can be yours – well, the illusion of power anyway. 

When it comes to Greek goddesses, there were plenty of them, each with their own unique gift and style.  When it comes to roman fancy dress, we have plenty of options for you.  These are our three top Greek inspirations:

Aphrodite was the goddess of love, romance and beauty.  For her, consider the Immortal Beauty Costume, with headband, dress with cape, and gold armbands.  We envision Aphrodite as a blonde (perhaps too many viewings of Hercules), but she can be whatever you desire. 

Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, the forest and its wildlife, childbirth, and of the moon.  For her, we suggest the Heaven Sent Costume.  Something about the way this one looks says to us “strong sexy woman who can hunt” – and we love the headband for Artemis and would love to see it teamed with the Seductress Reddish Blonde wig. 

Hera was the protector of marriage.  Wife to Zeus and incredibly strong willed, we envision this mother goddess in the Olympic Goddess Costume.  We also see her with dark hair.  Because motherhood can be incredibly sexy (and goddess motherhood even more so), we suggest the Seduction Black Wig as an added touch.  It really helps make that statement of sex and power. 

Other inspirational goddesses include Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and Hestia, the goddess of home and hearth.  There are also many other goddesses, embodied in muses and other mythological figures, which can be found through web search.