If there’s one thing I learned during my time at uni (aside from how to make a meal out of Super Noodles and ketchup), it’s that fancy dress parties will sneak up on you constantly. Societies love a theme. Halls love a theme. Your flatmates will make up a theme just for the laugh. And while some people have a full-on costume drawer, complete with wigs and inflatable props, I was not one of those people. I was the “oh no, the party’s tonight?!” type.
So if you’ve got a last-minute themed night coming up and nothing prepared, don’t panic. You’d be surprised what you can pull together with a bit of creativity and the contents of your wardrobe (and maybe your kitchen).
Here’s my ultimate guide to last-minute fancy dress costumes you can throw together from stuff you already own—no panic buying from Amazon or raiding Poundland required.
The Classic: “Tourist”
What You’ll Need:
- Hawaiian shirt or bright top
- Shorts
- Sunglasses (bonus points if they’re ridiculous)
- A camera, map, or bum bag
This one saved me more than once. Everyone has at least one dodgy shirt at the back of the wardrobe. Pair it with socks and sandals, sling a tote bag over your shoulder, and act permanently confused. Bonus if you carry around a pint and shout “Ooh it’s so cheap here!” like you’re on a lads’ holiday in Magaluf.
Wednesday Addams (or just ‘generic goth’)
What You’ll Need:
- Black dress or skirt and top combo
- Black tights
- Dark makeup (especially around the eyes)
- Braided hair (if you’ve got the length)
A bit old school but still works. I actually did this one for a Halloween social when I genuinely forgot there was a Halloween social. It’s perfect because black clothes are uni wardrobe staples. It’s low effort but still instantly recognisable if you lean into the deadpan attitude. Bonus: great for those of us who secretly want to stay in bed and avoid dancing.
School Kid
What You’ll Need:
- White shirt
- Tie (preferably striped or garish)
- Black skirt or trousers
- Knee-high socks
At least one themed night during freshers is going to be a “school disco.” It’s basically the law. I kept my sixth form tie for this very reason. Add some pigtails, scribble “I ❤️ Sir” on your arm in biro, and you’re good to go. Cheesy? Yes. Iconic? Also yes.
Your Course as a Person
What You’ll Need:
- Clothes that stereotype your degree
- Props: calculator, measuring tape, P45 form…
This one’s a bit meta, but so good. My mate went as “Geography Student” with a hiking bag and Ordnance Survey map. I once taped pasta to my jumper and called myself “Undergraduate Humanities Degree.” It gets a laugh — especially when you roast your own course.
Meme-Inspired Look
What You’ll Need:
- A printed-out meme or sign to hang around your neck
- Outfit to suit as best as possible
This one gets big laughs if you commit. I once went to a flat party where someone came as “the cost of living crisis” in a cape made of receipts and it was… oddly moving? Meme costumes are current, low effort, and brilliant talking points.
Love Island Contestant
What You’ll Need:
- Full glam or gym kit
- Big sunglasses
- A water bottle with your name on it
The best bit is how many ways you can spin this — “just walked into the villa” or “voted off first.” I once saw someone show up in a towel and called themselves “Post-hideaway.” Genius.
Your Student Loan
What You’ll Need:
- Dress all in green
- A “Student Loans Here!” sign on the front
- A “Student Loans Gone” sign on the back
Walk in, throw fake cash in the air, then leave immediately.
No, don’t actually leave, but you get the idea. Students spend their money way too quickly. Hardy ha ha.
Animal Onesies or Makeshift Animal
What You’ll Need:
- Onesie (if you own one)
- Or neutral clothes + homemade ears (e.g. cardboard and a headband)
- Face paint or eyeliner for a nose/whiskers
If you’ve got a onesie, you’re sorted. If not, get creative. I once made cat ears from a cereal box and coloured them in with Sharpie. Wear all black, draw on eyeliner whiskers and boom—you’re a cat. Or a mouse. Or a bat. Just pick an animal and commit to it.
The Hangover Victim
What You’ll Need:
- Dressing gown
- Slippers or socks with sliders
- Messy hair
- Travel mug or water bottle
This one’s great for minimal effort and maximum comfort. Bring a bottle of Lucozade and tell everyone you’re “Still at pre-drinks.” Bonus: no one will expect you to dance. You are the costume. You’ll spend the whole night being offered paracetamol and sympathy. 10/10 would recommend.
Secret Agent
What You’ll Need:
- Black suit or black jeans and black jacket
- White shirt
- Sunglasses
- Something vaguely earpiece-ish (I used a phone earbud once but a black straw bent around your cheek works too)
Simple, sleek, and kind of hot? You’ll feel like you’re about to body roll into a laser maze. Also works if you want to say as little as possible at the party—just say “Classified” and walk away dramatically.
Bonus Tips for Last-Minute Costuming
If you’re still stuck, here’s some general advice that you can use to come up with your own ideas.
Raid Your Housemates’ Wardrobes
Flatmates are goldmines for costume pieces. Just don’t “borrow” anything without asking—especially not their Halloween contacts or limited-edition bucket hats. Trust me, it’s not worth the fallout.
Use What’s in Your Kitchen
Tinfoil = robot. Bin bag = cape. Cereal box = literally anything with a bit of imagination. I once saw a guy make shoulder pads out of egg boxes and duct tape. Genuinely iconic.
Lean Into the Chaos
The whole point of uni fancy dress is to be a bit unhinged. You’re not aiming for Comic Con accuracy. If anything, the more thrown-together it looks, the more authentic it feels. People love a creative scrapper.
So, Is Fancy Dress Worth the Effort?
Honestly? Yes. Even if you’re not super into dressing up, it’s a brilliant way to break the ice and make memories you’ll laugh at (or cringe at) for years. Some of the best nights out I had at uni started with frantic last-minute costume assembly and a bit of eyeliner panic.
You don’t need a full Amazon haul to have a good time. Just raid your wardrobe, slap on some confidence, and commit to the bit. After all, half the fun is in how ridiculous you look together.
Now go forth, my fellow procrastinators—and may your last-minute costume be just convincing enough to get you through the night.
