Famous American actress Marilyn Monroe once said,
“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
The same applies to the perfect costume. Yes, whether you’re dressing up for a theatrical production, a themed party, a cosplay convention, or Halloween, the right costume can make the experience even better.
That’s why choosing the perfect costume for any event should be fun, not stressful! If you’re new to costume planning, don’t worry—this simple guide will help you choose the best costume easily.
And don’t worry about the budget–there are always affordable yet creative costume choices.
According to Verified Market Research, the costume rentals market is expected to reach $2.78 billion by 2031. As more people opt for sustainable and budget-friendly options, renting costumes is becoming a hot trend!
But the question remains: How to pick the right one that is comfortable, affordable, and festive? No matter your costume purpose, the following steps will help you pick a costume that fits the occasion, your personality, and your budget.
Before picking a costume, check whether the event has a theme. Some parties have specific themes like the 1920s, superheroes, or fantasy characters. So, you might not want to be embarrassed by showing up as a vampire to a 1920s Gatsby party, right?
It's better to stick to the theme and get creative within it. Doing so ensures you look the part and enjoy the experience fully. If you’re not sure, ask the host or check the invitation.
Dressing in colors and styles inspired by iconic images can make your costume stand out creatively and unexpectedly. Try blending themes for a unique twist! Imagine a steampunk superhero or a zombie flapper.
Your costume should not only look good but also feel comfortable. Avoid tight, itchy, or heavy costumes that may ruin your fun.
Also, consider the weather—don’t wear a heavy costume in hot weather or a light one in the cold. If you’re renting costumes, some costume rental services offer size availability and design choices.
Consider hidden pockets in your costume for carrying essentials like your phone or wallet.
Poorly fitting costumes can ruin your experience.
The same goes for costumes—fit matters more than trends! Too tight? You’ll feel trapped. Too loose? You might spend the night adjusting it. So, always look for the right size. Though it might not be easy to find the perfect fit, especially if you’re renting costumes, at least nearly the right fit will work.
Costumes don’t have to be expensive! You can:
Some costume rentals offer combos for individual show/character costumes. Renting that covers the entire costume within a budget.
A good costume should allow you to walk, dance, and enjoy the event. Avoid too bulky or restrictive outfits because you might not be comfortable moving or performing in them.
If your costume includes makeup or wigs, test them beforehand to ensure they stay in place. Who knows, the headdress comes out in the middle of your performance play.
Some events require formal or themed costumes. So, make sure to choose the costume according to the dress code.
If it’s a work event or a wedding, make sure your costume is appropriate and follows the theme. Because you obviously don’t want yourself to be a piece of gossip or display in the entire event.
Popular costumes are fun, but adding your personal twist makes your costumes more interesting. Instead of a regular witch, why not be a futuristic witch? Instead of a basic pirate, add LED lights for a creative spin.
Last year, Aalto University celebrated 20 years of its Finnish costume design program, showing new progress in digital design and eco-friendly methods.
Small details can make your costume stand out. For example, you can use LED lights, glow-in-the-dark paint, or custom props to make custom party dresses that will impress.
Trending Costumes:
Testing costumes before renting is one of the most effective ways to choose the perfect costume for any event.
Try your costume a few days before the event. Walk around, sit down, and check if everything stays in place. This helps you make any last-minute adjustments.
While choosing the perfect costumes, don’t forget to think about getting the perfect picture. You’re attending an event or performing a play, and you’re not taking pictures; this can’t happen.
So, while choosing costumes, pick a costume that looks good in photos by picking bold colors and fun details. Avoid outfits that blend into the background. If allowed, you can have a trial picture while you pick.
Costume planning should be exciting and stress-free! Whether you're renting for convenience, DIY-ing for creativity, or investing in a dream outfit, the key is to choose something that reflects your personality and lets you enjoy the event to the fullest.
Also, costume rentals are the leading industry nowadays. We can see the costume rental industry is adapting to changing consumer preferences, emphasizing sustainability and affordability, which will contribute to its progressive growth in the coming years.
However, Exquisite Costumes offers a huge costume collection from medieval themes to modern sci-fi. So, while choosing the perfect costume for any event, opt for one that makes you feel confident and unforgettable! Now, go find that perfect outfit and steal the spotlight at your next event!
Think about the event’s theme, your comfort level, and fit. If it’s a costume party, pick something creative but practical so you can enjoy yourself. Contrarily, for a theater play, opt for something that will give exactly the character look.
Before picking a costume, ask yourself what makes you excited so that you can enjoy the event. Whether it’s a classic vampire, a pop culture icon, or a historical figure, pick something you’ll enjoy wearing and that will easily go with the event.
Make sure your costume fits well, is comfortable, and suits the event. Try it on beforehand and check how it looks in photos. Theater costumes are now focusing more on historical accuracy to make period plays look real and true to their time. Opting for them can bring the real character look to the play.
A dress code is basically a guideline or hints for the guests or attendees about what to wear. It can range from casual and themed to black-tie formal. To attend a themed event with dress codes, make sure to wear costumes according to the dress code, such as any particular color or show to be followed for the costumes.