Poll: Costume Parties: Love'm? Hat'em? Whatever?

[HoneyVision]

Just wondering what you guys think of costume parties? I've been invited to a number of them in the past and I'm going to another one this week. So I was getting my costume ready (I'm going as an Astronaut), when I realized how much I enjoy these kinds of events. I know that numerous people here enjoy Cosplay, but obviously they're not exactly the same.

So my question is: What do you think of costume parties? And if you've been to some in the past, tell us about the experience and what you went as! Mine have included motorcyclist, army soldier, president, Pac Man, mummy and one time I went for Ken but ended up looking like a drag queen haha

 

[hazabaza1]

Haven't been to one since I was a kid.
Of course, I haven't been to... pretty much any party since I was a kid, now that I think of it.

It's an alright idea I guess, I just can't see myself doing it. Stuff like "cowboy" or "astronaut" seems sort of, I dunno, generic, so I'd end up wanting to go as something less standard and that's getting into cosplay territory and that fact kind of scares me.

 

[capper42]

I always think I love them. Someone will announce there's a costume (or fancy dress as we tend to call it here) party and I get excited, but then I always end up leaving it too late to get a decent costume out of laziness and just wearing something shit.

 

[Goofguy]

I enjoy them. They're pretty fun when everybody puts in the effort to show up in cool costumes. I haven't been to one in a while though, my previous costume parties primarily took place while I was in college.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I've never been to one but I would probably dislike it by virtue of it being a party. I'm just not a very social person at heart. I would end up going as The Question or Rorsach anyway and nobody would know who I am or why I won't shut up with the conspiracy theories.

Partying aside though, I view cosplay as I view PC gaming: It's something that I would like if I had the money/ talent to get into it. I can't afford costumes (and many look like ass anyway) and I can't make my own costumes. I would totally wear costumes around if I could but it's just not in my reach quite yet.

 

[Colour Scientist]

Haven't been to one since I was a kid.
Of course, I haven't been to... pretty much any party since I was a kid, now that I think of it.

It's an alright idea I guess, I just can't see myself doing it. Stuff like "cowboy" or "astronaut" seems sort of, I dunno, generic, so I'd end up wanting to go as something less standard and that's getting into cosplay territory and that fact kind of scares me.

What about a Space Cowboy? That's pretty awesome.

OP: I love fancy dress.
I went as Stevie Nicks to a party last Halloween and I was a pirate the year before that. I usually put a fair bit of effort in too. One year, I went to party as a geisha, covered in white facepaint, or another time I greased my hair back, put on a huge trenchcoat and sunglasses, and went as a paedophile.

 

[Eleuthera]

A few friends seem to really like them and make all of their parties fancy-dress. I'm not a fan personally. The parties will generally be fun, but that's because there's a bunch of friends there.

I don't like most traditional costumes, and I'm too much of a nit-picker (and too lazy) to do costumes well enough for me to appreciate them...

 

[SirDeadly]

I love them, they're great fun when everyone participates. I'm already planning my 21st (haven't turned 20 yet) and at this stage it's going to be pirate themed. Gonna get the whole crew from One Piece in there somewhere.

 

[Wadders]

Not really my cup of tea, I'm afraid. Probably 'cos I'm a miserable bastard. I suppose if it was a 'bad taste' costume party I'd enjoy it more, just because that sort of thing appeals to my sense of humour more.

I guess I'm not really up for all the effort and money that you have to put in to make a costume good. Seeing my friends and drinking doesn't require any accessories, it's already fun enough.

Although one time in Uni we had a Chav fancy-dress, where about 25 of us got geared up in tracksuits, trainers, caps, shite jewelry and fake tan and hoop earrings for the girls, and hit the town dressed like that. Very fun, probably one of the best nights out I've ever had.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

I FUCKING love them!!!

I will always make an effort to my costume too! I seriosly like having something good!
Some of my favourites were:

• When me and an ex went as a pimp and whore, she was the pimp and I wore a corset, suspenders and a wig as a whore!
  When I spent 2 months growing a moustache so I could go to a fancy dress as Dr Watson.
  Captain Jack Sparrow costume made from random shit I found in my house! Came out pretty good!
  Going to an Olympics party as an Olympic Missile protester! That worked well too!

And many many more...

 

[HoneyVision]

I FUCKING love them!!!

I will always make an effort to my costume too! I seriosly like having something good!
Some of my favourites were:

• When me and an ex went as a pimp and whore, she was the pimp and I wore a corset, suspenders and a wig as a whore!
  When I spent 2 months growing a moustache so I could go to a fancy dress as Dr Watson.
  Captain Jack Sparrow costume made from random shit I found in my house! Came out pretty good!
  Going to an Olympics party as an Olympic Missile protester! That worked well too!

And many many more...

Glad someone else enjoys their novelty as much as I do. They can be so much fun, especially the more kistchy costumes. My friend and I are planing on going to the next one as Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel LOL

 

[Sacman]

I don;t get invited to regular parties, let alone costume parties... so I picked the last option...<.<

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

Glad someone else enjoys their novelty as much as I do. They can be so much fun, especially the more kistchy costumes. My friend and I are planing on going to the next one as Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel LOL

That sounds ace!

The good thing about the niche ones like that, and the reason I like fancy dress rather than cosplay, is that they don't have to be amazingly accurate! As long as you make a bit of an effort and people can tell what you are, you have won! No need for giant papermache heads or anything like that!

 

[an annoyed writer]

I generally like Cosplay, so yeah, I'd generally be game for that. Though I'm not much of a party person. Haven't been to a costume party in a loooooong time though.

 

[HoneyVision]

They're extra fun when there are prizes at the end for funniest/scariest/sexiest/grossest/most shocking/most original costume. It pushes people to go all out.

 

[Quaxar]

I'm all for cosplay really, it's more the party bit that doesn't suit me that well. I have the slight feeling it'd end up with me in a great detailed costume and everyone else drunk with a post-it saying "sexy pin board", kinda like the beginning of Fanboys.
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[Skeggers]

I have a primal fear of dressing up in any sort of wacky or interesting outfit, even if everyone else is going. I've been to some parties where people have dressed up but I wore normal, civilian clothes.

Some may say that's worse than dressing up, I would have to disagree.