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What is fancy dress?
Dictionaries literally define Fancy Dress as an outfit that represents a certain person, a period in time or a fictional or real character. This can be anything from just a wig and make-up to a whole costume with full dress and wig. Fancy dress can also incorporate masquerade, which is usually a highly ornate costume worn with a full or partial face mask with the intent to disguise the wearer and add an air of mystery. There are no rules to fancy dress outfits, and costumes are as varied and imaginative as the occasion warrants. People, eras or characters, an outfit is bought, hired or made, or introduces a combination of any or all of these methods.
There are vast amounts of costumes, wigs, masks and Accessories to choose from. Special make up often used for theatrical or media productions can add finishing touches to even the most basic outfit.
It’s up to the individual to decide what the costume will consist of and how many Accessories they will wear. A couple can dress in matching fancy dress on any subject that will suit both.
When to wear fancy dress
• Halloween
• Christmas
• Hen & stag nights
Halloween is on the 31st October and is a national holiday . Children traditionally go trick or treating in witch, pumpkin and skeleton outfits. In line with continuing health trends the tradition for collecting candy and chocolates in a pumpkin bucket is slowly being replaced by donations of fresh fruit and money.
Wedding period costumes
Period costume weddings are becoming more popular with brides and grooms who are looking for something unique. They may ask all the guests to join in and wear the costumes or limit the costumes to immediate family.
Whatever takes your ‘fancy’ you can either buy, hire or make a fancy dress outfit to suit your personality, size and imagination. Fancy dress is a popular choice for both adult and children’s parties or to celebrate a national day or holiday.
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