This article was written by Georgia Garnett from University of Nottingham
You may not necessarily realise it before you go, but fancy dress plays a surprisingly big part of uni life. Theme nights at clubs, Halloween events in Nottingham, fancy dress parties. You’ll probably need some fancy dress at some point during your time at uni. After coming up with a concept, you then need to actually buy your outfit. If you don’t know where to start, this article is here to help. Here are some recommendations for which shops to get your fancy dress in Nottingham. 

Luvyababes

Where to get your fancy dress in Nottingham
Source: Luvyababes
When it comes to fancy dress shops in Nottingham, Luvyababes is the place to go. Located on the top floor of the Victoria Centre, it has everything you might ever need for a fancy dress costume. Clothes for all different kinds of themes, from the 1980s to cops and robbers to Hawaiian, among many others. This isn’t just the place to go for clothes as they have hair and make-up supplies too. On top of all that, they have balloons and decorations, including a number of pride flags and decorations. It’s also available for delivery, so if you don’t feel like going to the store in person, you can still get your fancy dress supplies. Literally, what more could you want?

Address: Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN

Fancy Dress VIP

Fancy Dress VIP
Source : Fancy Dress VIP Facebook
This fancy dress shop in Nottingham is a little bit out of the way in Cotgrave, though it’s also an online store if you don’t feel like going all the way there. Fancy Dress VIP has items from a number of different brands, including Smiffys, Make It Real and A B Gee, among others. As you can assume, they have a wide range of products that cover a number of different themes. No matter what the club theme night is, you should be covered.  

Address: Colliers Way, NG12 3HA

Pretend To Bee

Pretend To Bee
Source: Pretend to Bee Facebook
This one is primarily for kids, so it may not necessarily be the best option for a uni student, but if you have a kid or know someone with kids, this is the one for you. Pretend To Bee is a company with fancy dress outfits for children from 6 months and up to 11 years old. They are well made and made of durable materials, so they will last a while. 

Address: Lanthwaite Road, NG11 8LD

Claires

Once you’ve got your outfit together, you may need a few accessories to finish off the look. That’s where Claires comes in. Earrings, jewellery, hair and makeup, and even toys. Whatever you may need to finish off the look, this is the place to go. Conveniently, it’s also in the Victoria Centre, meaning that you can pick up your main outfit at Luvyababes and then get any finishing accessories here. It’s definitely one of the best places to get your fancy dress in Nottingham. 

Address: Victoria Centre, NG1 3QR

Accessorize

Similarly, if you’re just in need of a finishing touch to your fancy dress outfit, Accessorize is the place to go. As I’m sure you know, Accessorize has all the accessories you may need, both in terms of fancy dress and regular clothes. On top of that, they have handbags, purses, jewellery, clothing, shoes and gifts. Plus, it’s also in the Victoria Centre so you pop in as you head to other fancy dress shops in the Nottingham shopping centre. Evidently, that’s the place to be. 

Address: Victoria Centre, NG1 3QB

So, to answer the question: where should you go to get fancy dress in Nottingham? Well, the Victoria Centre is a pretty solid bet. While there aren’t many specific fancy dress shops in Nottingham, you can very easily make use of the many shops across the city to come up with your creations. The process of crafting the right costume can take some time, so make sure you fuel yourself at one of the best coffee shops in and around Nottingham. 

Last Updated on June 12, 2025

Published on May 14, 2023

Authors

  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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