Ever heard the phrase ‘You’re too old for fancy dress’? You’ll find out that at university there’s always some party with a theme going on, and everyone always struggles to have the best fancy dress ideas. Decade, anything but clothes, dress as the first letter of your name, on and on it goes. But don’t worry, we’re here to help with some of the best fancy dress ideas around. So whether it’s Halloween or any other time, and whether you’re blending in or standing out, here are 50 of the best fancy dress ideas of to try now!
50 best fancy dress ideas for students
1. Winx Club
A trendy twist on the age old fairy costumes, the Winx is both a recent and nostalgic love for lots of university students. It’s one of the best fancy dress ideas as it works as a solo or group look but either way it’s eye catching.
2. Macaroni Cheese
It’s easily mistook as an Otis Milburn original, but the Sex Education character neither created nor trademarked the look. If you’re a cheesy person then you’ll definitely enjoy it.
3. Morticia Addams
The new Addams Family film being released might have stirred up some memories, but Morticia has always been a look.
4. The Lost Boys
This 1987 cult classic might be older than most reading this, but the costuming was immaculate and still one of the best fancy dress ideas. We could only be so lucky as to be at the same party as David or Star!
5. Witch
The revamp of Sabrina the Teenage Witch has given new life to the old and worn witchy-looks. Now you can look magical on a budget, with mainly clothes already in your wardrobe.
6. Plague Doctor
A gender-neutral costume you say? And one that’s terrifyingly on theme? Wow, plague doctor for the win as one of the best fancy dress ideas.
7. Aliens
If you’re someone who prefers the traditional route of what fancy dress aliens look like, then prepare to have your mind changed. Because sure, a group of aliens is cool. But a group of the alien toys from Toy Story? Can’t be beaten.
8. Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable
This adorable dual fancy dress idea is an easy look full of fond memories.
9. Bonnie and Clyde
Another couple’s costume for the hall of fame, this time with a bloody twist befitting of the Halloween theme. This is easily one of the best fancy dress ideas because it’s easy to do but so effective.
10. Scarlet Witch
There are a lot of looks to emulate from Scarlet Witch, but the most on trend outfit is without a doubt her Wandavision Halloween ensemble. Cute, easy, and it won’t break the bank.
11. Bob Ross
A man famous for his happy outlook, you can’t go wrong dressing up as Bob Ross. All you need is a button up shirt, a pair of jeans, and a wig; it’s a top fancy dress idea wearable by anyone. Plus, if Bob’s not your style you can always be his piece of art instead.
11. Bridgerton Lady
Bridgerton took Netflix by storm this year and with all their beautiful costuming it’s no surprise if women everywhere show up to the parties in full Regency-era dresses. Daphne would be proud.
12. Jason Voorheese
Jason has been a costume choice since the first Friday the 13th film released and has somehow managed to never get old. The mask, the jacket, the knife! It’s truly a spook-tacular outfit and one of the best fancy dress ideas that would be welcome at any Halloween party.
13. Squidgame
Netflix had a big success with the Korean show ‘Squid Game’. So successful in fact, that there are already costumes available for purchase at lots of online and in-person stores. Of course, if green’s your colour it’s an easier DIY.
14. Rocky Horror
If you want to know the best fancy dress ideas then this one is undeniably on the list. Iconic, fun, and only the cool people will get it. Can’t go wrong.
15. Olivia Rodrigo
Her music has been incredibly popular this year, and the videos that go with them are just as – if not more – loved. The favourite by far, is her cheerleader gone bad look.
16. Cruella de Vil
A stylish villain from our childhood, Cruella has become popularised once again with Disney’s live action film of her origin story. You can easily spot Cruella too with the wig and coat, so no one will be left wondering who you’re supposed to be.
16. Average Joe’s
The Average Joe’s group costume is perfect for the people who un-ironically love Dodgeball. So, in reality, it’s a perfect costume and the best fancy dress ideas for anyone who’s seen the film.
17. Daphne and Velma
Couples or friends, orange and purple never looked so good together! If you’ve got enough people you can even include the whole of Mystery Inc.
18. Mamma Mia
Abba has returned in our hour of need and what better way to honour them than to impersonate Donna and the Dynamo’s from the musical Mamma Mia, composed wholly with an Abba soundtrack. It’s genius!
19. Mermaids
There’s no way some shimmery shadow and beach waves can go wrong. It’s one of those fancy dress ideas where you actually look beautiful too.
20. Angels
Angel’s are a really versatile look where you basically only need white for people to get what you are. Dress it up, dress it down, no halo, yes halo. Basically all you need are some fluffy wings and your set.
21. The Weeknd
The Weeknd blinded us all with his suave look in his Blinding Lights music video, and it’s an easy DIY if you don’t fancy spending lots of money on one night a year.
22. Cheetah Girls
Colourful and comfortable, this tracksuit fancy dress idea works whether you’re off to a party or trick or treating.
23. Pirate
Johnny Depp step aside because the real pirates are coming through. It’s one of the best fancy dress ideas because it’s so easy to find these costumes ready-made, or make it yourself. Just make sure your sword isn’t something you’ve just grabbed from the kitchen on the way out.
24. Flapper Girls
It wouldn’t be a best fancy dress ideas list if flapper girls weren’t included. An old 20s look for a 2020s decade.
25. TLC
TLC’s music video for ‘No Scrubs’ was so well done that I’m actually disappointed the future (AKA our present) doesn’t look like that. Clearly nobody was thinking of aesthetics when they were advancing technology.
26. Princess Diana
Shows such as The Crown have brought back the people’s princess into the limelight and we’ve never been more grateful. Her revenge dress was a pop culture moment in history so get shopping. Princess Diana is also listed in our top British icons fancy dress, where you can find more ideas to celebrate British culture.
27. Promising Young Woman
Promising Young Woman was a disturbing film for the reason of how realistic it was. There’s no better way to show your support of this realism that to emulate the protagonist.
28. Harry Styles
Harry Styles eschews gendered clothing, so it’s safe to assume that there is no limit to who can dress up as him for fancy dress. Plus he has so many looks it’s hard to be short of inspiration.
29. Toros and Clovers
Bring It On was a popular cheerleading franchise but a big theme was cultural appropriation. So let’s keep that in mind and stick to our own costumes, hey?
30. Avatar: The Last Airbender
The perfect idea for a big group of friends! Check out more group fancy dress ideas here too.
31. Uma Thurman
Kill it in this Kill Bill idea inspired by Uma Thurman’s character.
32. Gogo Yubari
Gogo Yubari is another Kill Bill character: a school girl assassin. Can it get any more interesting than that?
33. Loki Variant
Marvel’s Loki has been a hit since it’s release; the best fancy dress ideas are inspired from shows with variety. So you can be Loki-Loki, Female-Loki, maybe even Alligator Loki. Or, if a big costume isn’t your style throw on a TVA jacket and call it a night.
34. Beetlejuice
Pinstripes and a deathly pale complexion are so in right now! No doubt it’s one of the best fancy dress ideas.
35. Lydia Deetz
A traditional and trendy fancy dress look for any themed party.
36. Top Gun
Tom Cruise has never been so achievable – all you need is a green jumpsuit and failing that, a black leather jacket and some sunglasses. We have lift off! We’ll probably expect more Tom Cruises on the loose now there’s a Top Gun 3 in the making.
37. Edna Mode
A fashionable fancy dress idea for people who want to stand out and be different this year.
38. The Sanderson Sisters
You can bet some virgin lit the black flame candle this Halloween because it looks like the Sanderson Sisters are back, ready to suck the lives out of the children of Salem once again!!
39. Fembot
This 60s icon is ideal for the more risque readers. All fur-trim aside, you’ll be sure to attract a few Austin Powers if you wear this costume!
40. 70s
A pair of flares and a shearling jacket will have you overflowing with a Saturday Night Fever in no time.
41. Skeleton
Easy peas-y fancy dress idea right here, all you need is a bit of face paint and you’re sorted for the night.
42. Bunch of Nans’
Forget partying like you’ll never grow old, it’s all about partying like you are old.
43. Elle Woods
Perfectly pink in every possible way – all you need is a chihuahua to accessorise.
44. Bratz Doll
“Two words: Duhh!” – Bratz: The Movie. If you don’t fancy Bratz but like the idea of dolls, check out our list of Barbie fancy dress ideas.
45. Eugene Lee Yang
Buzzfeed and Try Guy star, Eugene Lee Yang looked so classy and vibrant that it would be blasphemy to not include his outfit on a list of the best fancy dress ideas.
46. Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian stepped into meme-central when she wore this look to the Met Gala. But as lots of people of Twitter saw, it’s Dementor-esque vibe would work really well for a Halloween bash! There’s plenty of other Kim-K looks you could probably borrow too.
47. Harley Quinn
Birds of Prey was a popular film with the ladies, and Harley Quinn has never been a character that didn’t look good, no matter her state of mind. You could make your own or buy an exact copy here.
48. Fruit
Not all the best fancy dress ideas have to have months of planning and a wad of cash thrown at them. Some of us look just as good in a big shirt and converse, and have twice as much fun doing it.
49. Peaky Blinders
One more 1920’s theme for all the fancy dress parties taking place in the 2020’s.
50. Ghost
Finishing off with this fun twist on a ghost costume, everything you need to DIY it can be found here.
The best fancy dress ideas are without a doubt listed here. I mean, they’d better be, because I’ve compiled a whopping 50 of them! There’s bound to be something that jumps out at you, no matter the taste.
Even if you’re strapped for cash and want to just go with what you’ve already got in the wardrobe you could find some inspiration on how to make it new again. If you’re that type of person, then you’d probably also enjoy some advice on shopping ethically.
We’ve also got decade-specific lists if you’re going for an 80s fancy dress party, or a 90s fancy dress party.
Last Updated on November 21, 2024
Published on October 19, 2021
