Are you planning a themed party, attending a costume event, or simply looking for a fun way to bond with friends or colleagues? If so, you’re in the right place! Group fancy dress ideas are not just about picking a costume; they’re about creating memories, sparking creativity, and enjoying a shared experience. Whether you’re coordinating with friends for a Halloween bash, participating in a themed office party, or preparing for a cosplay event, choosing the perfect group costume can be both exciting and challenging. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of group fancy dress ideas that cater to different themes, sizes of groups, and interests. From classic movie characters to creative, out-of-the-box concepts, we’ve got suggestions that will make your group stand out. So, gather your crew and get ready to dive into a world of imaginative and fun group costume ideas!
1. Super Mario
This one is personally my favourite, and was the costume me and my friends did last year. One of the best thing about this Mario theme is that there are so many Mario characters, that no matter how many of you there are, there will always be a character for someone. These outfits are also amazing because you don’t really need to put a costume together, you should just be able to buy the whole thing on Amazon or Ebay, so it really does save a lot of time as well.
2. Scooby Doo
So obviously if you’re going as the Scooby Doo characters, there need to be 5 of you to make it work. Scooby Doo is a classic fancy dress idea for groups, and it really fits well with the whole Halloween theme as well. I’ve seen so many different versions of this group costume, so you can really do it however you want – whether that’s buying the whole costume online, or buying individual stuff to make the costume, you can get creative or go simple!
3. Power Puff Girls
The Power Puff Girls is one of the best fancy dress ideas for groups, yet not a lot of people ever dress up as them. Obviously it can be a bit difficult if you have more friends, or you don’t all have the right hair colour, but it’s a great outfit that you can do your own way. You can buy the three costumes from Amazon, or you can get a bit creative and go online shopping for t-shirt dresses, tops, skirts, and tights so you can make a costume that would suit you!
4. Marvel and DC
This is again, another great costume idea for a big group. There are so many Marvel and DC superheroes and villains, that you’re never really going to run out of options for characters. Marvel and DC costumes are also available on Amazon or Ebay, so you don’t need to go buying lots of different things to put a costume together. It’s definitely one of the most fun fancy dress ideas for groups!
5. Harry Potter
Now while you might think that a Harry Potter group outfit would just be everyone in robes, there are actually a lot of other characters to dress up as! I’d be surprised if anyone could pull off Voldemort, but characters like McGonagall, Snape, and Umbridge can be really fun fancy dress costumes! But, even if you do decide to all dress up in Robes, you can easily get wigs to make yourself look like certain characters, and each character has their own house ties and different wands, so not one of you will all look the same!
6. Despicable Me
Although, if you did all want to look identical, going as minions from Despicable Me would be your best option. It’s such an easy outfit to put together, because all you need is a yellow top or jumper, and then dungarees! You could go the extra mile with this group fancy dress costume some yellow face paint, but I’ll leave that one up to you. If you did want to make this one a bit different, you could dress up as the 3 girls, Gru, Vector, or Dr Nefario. It’s a really fun idea, and great if there’s a big group of you.
7. Disney characters
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Step into the magical world of Disney with these group fancy dress costume ideas of beloved characters. From the classic charm of Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the adventurous spirits of Aladdin and Jasmine, there’s a wide range of characters to choose from. This theme is ideal for groups of couples, girls or guys because there’s so many options.
8. Wizard of Oz
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Journey down the Yellow Brick Road with the timeless characters from “The Wizard of Oz.” Dress as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion. This fancy dress theme is perfect for groups of four, but you can also extend it by including characters like munchkins, the Wizard and the Wicked Witch. Some of these outfits are pretty easy, like Dorothy’s dress, pigtails and red shoes, and the witch, where you can find everything in a B&M store. But others you might need to get more creative with. If you’re heading out on a cold night, the Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man are beneficial though.
9. Pirates of the Caribbean
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Lots of people dress up as Jack Sparrow for Halloween or fancy dress parties/themed club nights. But if you’re in a group, then you can include fancy dress costumes for Elizabeth (Kiera Knightly), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and Angelica (Penélope Cruz), as well as a whole crew aboard The Black Pearl.
10. Star Wars
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Another of the best group fancy dress ideas, Star Wars has so many characters to choose from. I mean there are a million movies so it makes sense there’s a load of different characters. Some of the most obvious include Princess Leia, Han Solo, R2D2, Obi Wan, Chumbaka, Darth Vader or Anakin, Padamé, Luke Skywalker, Yoda and more. There’s also newer characters like Finn, Po, BB-8, Kyolo Ren and Rey.
11. Alice in Wonderland
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The famous Disney story that clearly came from a trip (or three). That’s why the characters are so crazy – but fun to dress up as. You and your group could dress as Alice, the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat, and White Rabbit. Or, you could do it differently where one of you is Alice and the rest are objects she comes across as she’s falling through the looking glass. This is what happened during my school play where I was cast as a mirror.
12. Game of Thrones
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If you and your mates are a fan of the show, or books, then this is one of the best fancy dress ideas for groups. It will be really easy to pick up costumes as cosplay stores or online. But essentially you’ll all be wrapped up in big faux fur coats and long wigs – perfect for winter and keeping your body and head warm.
13. The Flintstones
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In contrast to above, you’ll probably want to save this group fancy dress idea for warmer days. Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty aren’t known for wearing winter clothes (or much). If you are going out in the cooler months as The Flintstones, opt to be Dino!
14. The Addams Family
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Quite an obvious one for Halloween fancy dress group ideas, but still a great one. Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, and Uncle Fester are all scary but lovable, and gothic and humorous all at the same time.
15. 1980s pop stars
Everyone loves the 1980’s. It was a decade of nylon, bright colours, perms, and Wham. So why not celebrate or revive the 80s as part of your group fancy dress costume. Choose icons like Madonna, Prince, or Bowie. For more 80s fancy dress ideas, we’ve got an article with how to dress like icons or simply create your own DIY 80s costume.
16. Ghostbusters
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Gear up as the Ghostbusters team, complete with proton packs and ghost traps. This theme is ideal for groups who enjoy the classic supernatural comedy film.
17. The Beatles
Transform into the legendary Beatles with costumes representing their various eras. Whether it’s the early mop-top look or the psychedelic Sgt. Pepper’s phase, this theme is perfect for music lovers. The Beatles are also part of our British icons fancy dress ideas, read more to see who else made our list.
18. Jurassic Park
Venture into the world of dinosaurs and palaeontology with “Jurassic Park” inspired costumes. Dress as Dr. Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, or even as a dinosaur. There’s actually some great costumes available to buy where you can look like you’re riding a dinosaur (see above).
19. The Incredibles
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Arguably one of the most underrated Disney movies out there. The Incredibles are the perfect group fancy dress idea for those who love superheroes but have already done the whole Marvel and DC universes. Each of The Incredibles has a fun gift to play on too, where Mr Incredible is super strong, Elastigirl is clearly elastic, Violet can be invisible and create protective forcefields, Dash is crazy fast and Jack-Jack can shapeshift.
20. Grease
Soooo many options here. Whether it’s Danny, Sandy and the gang at the fun fair dressed in tight black outfits, or The Pink Ladies and their iconic jackets, or the slick T-Birds gang. Or you could also go for the fun 50s costumes. It’s understandably one of the most popular fancy dress ideas for groups.
21. Vikings
Channel your inner Norse warrior with Viking costumes. Think of fur cloaks, horned helmets, and rustic armour. This theme is ideal for groups interested in history and epic sagas…or if you’ve run out of other ideas.
22. Emojis
This is such a good idea when you want to do fancy dress in a group but all have your own take on it. You can each go off and create fancy dress costumes based on your favourite emoji, or emoji of choice. Think dancing girls, hearts, generic smiley face, poo emoji or many more.
23. Minecraft characters
Enter the pixelated world of Minecraft with costumes of Steve, Alex, and various mobs like Creepers and Endermen. If you and your mates love the game then this is one of the best fancy dress ideas for your gang.
24. Famous artists
If you’re a group of art students, or just need more group fancy dress ideas, then dressing up as famous artists can work well. Think Picasso, Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Da Vinci, and Monet. Some of their faces are instantly iconic, whereas others are less well-known. But you could also integrate their artistic styles into costumes. For example, Monet often painted nature, whereas Frieda Kahlo had more realism in her style.
25. Circus performers
Round up round up, the circus is in town. Acrobats, elephants, jugglers, clowns, lion tamers and ring leaders assemble to create a fun circus fancy dress theme. You can even find inspiration for this theme from Britney’s music video ‘Circus’.
26. Roaring 20s
This is one of the best fancy dress ideas for groups! It’s so glamorous and stylish, not so ridiculous as others, and perfect if you’re going to a club. This Great Gatsby-inspired theme is perfect for groups looking for elegance over crazy. Guys can get out the braces and black shoes, and girls grab your flapper dresses and feather boas. It’s such a fun look.
27. Zombie apocalypse
Create a mix of the living and the undead for a thrilling theme. This fancy dress idea is great for groups who enjoy a bit of horror and the chance to experiment with special effects makeup. Also, if the reason you’re looking for a group fancy dress costume is Halloween then this will work perfectly.
28. Ancient Egyptians
Another of the historic fancy dress ideas for groups to be inspired by. Dress as pharaohs, Cleopatra, and other figures from ancient Egypt. You could even go as a cat because cats were all the rage back then. Or, the Sphinx if you want to be creative. Go for gold everything paired and thick black eyeliner and hair – unless you’re a mummy in which case you’ll need a looooottt of toilet paper. Similarly to the circus theme, you can turn to music videos for more inspiration, like Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse”.
29. Be a rock band
Create a fictional band or emulate a famous one like Queen or The Rolling Stones. You don’t need to play a music instrument, but if you have one to hand as an accessory this will work well. Or, make one out of cardboard or buy a kids toy so you can easily take it out with you. Crazy wigs, sunglasses, graphic t-shirts and faux leather jackets will help create the overall look.
30. Renaissance fair
Step back in time with costumes of kings, queens, knights, and jesters fancy dress. It’s a good group fancy dress idea if you love going all out. Ladies can don elegant gowns with corsets, flowing skirts, and intricate headpieces, embodying the grace and sophistication of noblewomen. Men can dress as gallant knights in tunics and capes, or as distinguished nobles with velvet doublets and feathered hats. Accessories like period jewellery, leather boots, and ornate belts add authenticity to the costumes.
31. Sesame Street
Bring to life the beloved characters of Sesame Street. Dress as Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and others for a fun group theme. They’re bound to be warm and wooly costumes, and are definitely fun.
32. Hippy commune
Step back into the iconic era of the 1960s and early 1970s with the Hippie Commune theme, a vibrant celebration of peace, love, and freedom. Think of bright, psychedelic tie-dye shirts that embody the era’s love for colou and expression. Some clothing ideas include maxi dresses, flowery shirts, bell-bottom jeans and more. Wear flower crowns, beaded necklaces, peace symbol pendants, and round sunglasses to complete the look. Footwear can include sandals or even go barefoot to truly embrace the free-spirited nature of the theme. Bandanas and headbands are also great additions, often worn across the forehead in true hippie fashion
You better start getting your costumes ready in time for Halloween! If you want to get more creative with your costume, read our article on the best DIY Halloween costumes!
