Top Four Best/Easiest Party Themes

Following this year’s wave of eventful Halloween parties…which I’m sure both made and broke our Dolphins’ October half-terms…the Unpublished Team noticed an astounding injustice. As we scrolled endlessly through colourful digi-cam posts and costumed feeds, it began to seem rather unfair that the immeasurable creativity of our student community should only come out to play at Halloween. Why, with all of Mr Carroll’s CYL workshops, are we as a community, not getting more creative with our outfits on a regular party basis? Why are our parties not challenging their limits and stepping well outside the box of boring, monotone, I’ll-maybe-wear-a-skirt-if-I-can-be-bothered-to-shave-my-legs party conventions? (Note: knee-high boots are a good fix for that skirt/shave conundrum. Grab a pair. You will not regret.)  

After a lengthy ponder, we’ve generously decided to use our last remaining brain cell, usually reserved for surviving the latter half of the Autumn term, to give the people what they want. Creativity. Spontaneity. Energy. Ladies, we humbly present: Our Top 4 Best/Easiest Party Themes!!!*

*(Anyone who hosts a party inspired by one of the themes in this article is obligated to extend an invite to the Team. Copyright rules apply. Read the T&Cs.)

1. Decades 

You knew it was coming. Ever since that one 60s-themed Vampire Diaries episode, we know you’ve been itching to throw on some Twiggy-like eyeshadow and colourful patterned dresses. Or perhaps the hippy, flower-power vibe of the long-haired and suede-tasselled 70s are where you strive to be - however,  the pains of matching your cowboy boots to your outfit and of finding non-basic-Shein flower-shaped glasses might just be too much to bear. In that case, may we suggest the laid-back ease of the 80s? Neon leg warmers, combined with blow-dried hair taller than the BT Tower and denim EVERYWHERE, and you’re all set for this funky theme. Or, if extravagance is what you’re looking for, we have two, iconic, words for you: Roaring. 20s. That’s right. Twirl, don’t walk (literally, because those kitten heels are deceivingly painful) into the magical, retro air of Gatsby’s parties and Downton Abbey’s secret speakeasies with this unforgettable theme. Spinning flapper dresses, bow ties, feathered headbands - what more can a girl ask for? If in doubt, Decades won’t let you down.

2. Hollywood Characters

Have a favourite movie? Costume sorted. Have a favourite TV series? Costume sorted. Have a favourite animated series? Costumed. Sorted. You literally cannot go wrong with this theme - it’s infallible. Whilst the seas of self-proclaimed ‘film bros’ wail over who gets which character from an array of unbelievably mid movies (yes, I am talking about Baby Driver. No, I will not take that back), there is sooo much more flexibility with this theme than meets the eye. There will always be a film out there to accommodate your needs - be it your urgent necessity to wear that brand new skirt, or those shoes you’ve kept at the back of your wardrobe for months on end - some Hollywood icon will be there to save the day. Now, if you (are super weird and somehow) don’t have an on-screen favourite, just replace ‘characters’ with ‘celebrities’. Keeps the glam element, and allows for an even greater variety of costumes to choose from. Respect to anyone who goes as Lady Gaga’s 2010 meat dress. Or literally any of Doja Cat’s looks. #meow

3. Classic Chick-flicks

   
   

Regina George’s cut-out-top trend. Princess Diaries’ headphones-and-dress combo. THAT yellow dress from How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. With this theme, you’ll impress however you dress. Whether you’re desirous of a Pretty Woman, Julia-Roberts-red-dress elegance, or finally ready to break out that plaid skirt for a classic, Clueless outfit - or are even prepared to embrace Viola’s legendary fake sideburns and awkward-fitting football kit from She’s The Man - the outfit will ALWAYS eat. Always. Good movie = good outfit. That’s basically the law for this theme. And for those of you tormented by sleepless nights spent desperately searching for duo/group costumes to no avail, don’t worry. Chick flicks have got you covered. From cult classics like The Craft, Coyote Ugly, Mean Girls and Sex in the City, there is no shortage of iconic squads. However, our favourite solo dress-up will always be Georgia’s stuffed olive costume from Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. Cue ‘She’s So Lovely’ by Scouting for Girls.

4. MTV Awards

In other words: SHOW OFF YOUR MUSIC TASTE. From the glitz and glam of Elton John to the painted faces of Kiss, this theme provides you with the long-awaited opportunity to wear your Spotify Wrapped out and about with pride. From Christina Aguilera’s iconic 2002 cropped, wrap-top and white beret combo, to David Bowie’s lightning-bolted alter ego, there are an abundance of costumes just waiting to be worn. As the wise Lunchmoney Lewis once said, any MTV Award-themed party is “gonna make sure everybody eats.” Be it that eye-catching, Lady Gaga-inspired metallic bob or that staple, Scary Spice leopard-print number, you can’t go wrong. In fact, this theme is so flexible you can even extend its scope to the realm of legendary X-Factor musicians. Personal favourites include the cmon move your body duo and, of course, holistic vocal coach Ariel Burdett, who we know is decidedly “not a number”, but a person. Very sound advice to all GCSE and UVI students in light of the fast-approaching January practice exams. If in need of a motivational reminder to leave guilty grades in the past and continue happily along that learning curve, click here to see Ms Burdett’s message to you. Rock on. 

SPECIAL MENTIONS: 

• Historical characters (don’t lie you’ve definitely wanted to wear one of those French Revolution, Marie-Antoinette-core dresses, at least once in your life.)

• Under the sea (basically an excuse to do that one nose-pinch-wavy-arm dance move all night long. Underrated move tbh.)

• Staffroom antics (Some stylish teachers are definitely costume-worthy…shoutout to Mr Corish’s bow tie selection #gonebutnotforgotten)

And thus concludes this week’s article. We hope we’ve left you feeling inspired, creative, and perhaps just a touch more courageous. Looking forward to seeing some banging themes and outfits soon.

Xoxo

The Unpublished Team