If you’re looking for a party theme that’s sure to be both memorable and unique, look no further than an ABC party! An ABC party, short for “Anything But Clothes” party, is exactly what it sounds like: a party where guests are encouraged to wear anything except actual clothing.
That means you might see guests sporting duct tape dresses, cardboard box suits, or even body paint instead of traditional outfits.
At an ABC party, creativity is key. The more outrageous and imaginative your attire, the better! This party theme is perfect for those who want to break free from the usual dress codes and let loose with their fashion choices.
So, if you’re ready to throw a party that’s guaranteed to be talked about for years to come, keep reading for some top ABC party ideas!
37 Genius Anything But Clothes Party Ideas
So… you’re here for the costume ideas. Let’s get started – here are ten fun ABC party outfit ideas to inspire your creativity!
Table of Contents
- 37 Genius Anything But Clothes Party Ideas
- Shower Curtain Dress
- Saran Wrap Suit
- Bubble Wrap Bubble Outfit
- Ikea Bag Dress
- Pixelated Cardboard Dress
- Map Dress
- Paper Bag Dress
- Plastic Bag Tutu or Plastic Bag Dress
- Garbage Bag Superhero
- Caution Tape Prisoner
- Bed Sheet Toga
- Swimming Floatie Outfit
- Party Streamer Skirt
- Cheerleading Pom Pom Dress
- Glow Stick Outfit
- Ball Pit Ball Suit
- Pizza Box Outfit
- Duct Tape Dress
- Beer Box Outfit
- Classy Tablecloth Dress
- Disposable Table Cover Dress
- Body Painted Animal
- Toilet Paper Dress
- Galactic Alien Glow Body Paint
- Playing Card Dress
- Pillow Dress with Belt
- DIY T-Shirt Yarn Skirt
- Transparent Rain Cover Outfit
- Pool Noodle Costume
- Candy Floss Dress
- Food Packet Suit
- Paint Sample Dress
- Gift Bag Dress
- Towel Dress
- Newspaper Dress
- Book Page Outfit
- Unraveled Shower Loofah Dress
- Bed Sheet Ghost
- Where did the ABC Party Idea Originate?
Shower Curtain Dress
Take a shower curtain and wrap it around your body, securing it with safety pins or tape. You can add some accessories like a loofah necklace or shower cap to complete the look, to make it quirky. Or mix it up by using multiple shower curtains for different patterns and textures.
Saran Wrap Suit
Wrap yourself up in saran wrap, making sure to cover all the important bits! You might want to wear some shorts or leggings underneath for extra coverage.
Bubble Wrap Bubble Outfit
Cover yourself in bubble wrap to create a funky and fun skirt. You can add all kinds of details like fake flowers or pom poms depending on the color of bubble wrap and the end result you’re going for
Ikea Bag Dress
Create a fun and quirky dress using a large Ikea bag. Cut the bag to fit your body shape, then use safety pins or ribbon to create a dress shape. If you’re a fan of the classic blue and yellow color scheme, rather than simply using a black trash bag, then this bag dress idea is the one for you.
You can get the full tutorial for this exact dress over at Ikea hackers
Pixelated Cardboard Dress
Create a unique and creative dress using cardboard. Cut the cardboard into small square pieces, then use tape or glue to attach them together in a pixelated pattern. This cheeky and fun idea makes it look like your body has been censored, due to lack of clothes.
Map Dress
Create a unique and stylish dress using maps. Cut the maps into different shapes and sizes, then use tape or glue to attach them together in a dress shape. You can use one type of map for a cohesive look, or mix and match different types for a more eclectic vibe. With this idea, you’ll never lose your way to the party!
Paper Bag Dress
Cut and fold a large paper bag (you will probably need multiple paper bags for coverage) to create a dress shape, then add some straps or a belt to keep it in place. You can decorate the bag with markers or paint to make it more interesting.
Plastic Bag Tutu or Plastic Bag Dress
Cut plastic bags into strips and tie them around a waistband to create a fun and flirty tutu. Pair it with a cute top and some funky accessories.
You can also go the whole way and create an entire dress out of plastic carrier bags like this one with target bags
Garbage Bag Superhero
Use black garbage bags to create a superhero cape and mask. Add some gold or silver paint markers to make a cool emblem on the chest.
Caution Tape Prisoner
Wrap caution tape around your body to create a prisoner jumpsuit. Accessorize with some handcuffs or a ball and chain.
Bed Sheet Toga
Drape a white bed sheet over your body and tie it at the shoulder with a gold cord or ribbon. Add some laurel leaves or a wreath to complete the ancient Roman look. This gorgeous outfit idea gives greek god vibes, and a little more coverage than some of the other ideas if you’re feeling shy.
Swimming Floatie Outfit
Create a fun and playful outfit using swimming floaties. You can use a variety of floaties in different shapes and colors to create a unique look. For example, you can use a donut floatie as a skirt, and wear a life vest for the top half. Add arm bands for accessories
Party Streamer Skirt
Cut colorful party streamers into strips and glue or tape them to a skirt or shorts. Pair with a solid color top and some fun accessories.
Cheerleading Pom Pom Dress
Create a fun and flirty dress using cheerleading pom poms. Use safety pins or tape to attach the pom poms together in a dress shape. You can use one color or mix and match different colors for a more vibrant look. Accessorize with some colorful socks and sneakers to complete the sporty vibe.
Glow Stick Outfit
Create a unique and eye-catching outfit using glow sticks. Use duct tape or string to attach the glow sticks together in a pattern of your choice. You can create a dress, a top with a skirt, or even a full jumpsuit. Wear the outfit in a dark room or outside at night to really show off the glow-in-the-dark effect. Accessorize with some glow-in-the-dark jewelry or face paint to complete the look.
Ball Pit Ball Suit
Create a playful and colorful outfit using ball pit balls. Use a glue gun or string to attach the balls together in a pattern of your choice. You can create a suit, a top with shorts, or even a dress. Mix and match different colors to create a vibrant and fun look. Accessorize with some colorful hair clips or bracelets to complete the playful vibe. Just be careful not to sit down too hard or you might pop a ball!
Pizza Box Outfit
A large pizza box gives you plenty of cardboard to work with, you can cut the two halves to create a section for the front and the back of your body.
Vine Goddess: Use fake vines to create a leafy headdress and skirt. Add some flowers or other natural decorations to complete the look. Pair with gold or bronze body paint for a truly ethereal vibe.
Duct Tape Dress
Create a unique and edgy dress using duct tape (aka duck tape). Start by wrapping duct tape around your body to create a base layer, then add more layers to create a dress shape. You can use one color of duct tape for a cohesive look, or mix and match different colors for a more vibrant and eclectic vibe. Accessorize with some matching duct tape jewelry or shoes to complete the look. Just make sure to have a friend help you get in and out of the dress, as it can be a bit tricky to put on by yourself!
Beer Box Outfit
Create a unique and festive suit using beer boxes. Cut the boxes into different shapes and sizes, then use tape or glue to attach them together in a suit shape. You can use one type of beer box for a cohesive look, or mix and match different types for a more eclectic vibe. Accessorize with a matching tie or bowtie and a beer mug prop to complete the party-ready look.
Classy Tablecloth Dress
Create a stylish and elegant dress using a tablecloth. Use safety pins or ribbon to create a dress shape, then add some embellishments like lace or ribbon to make it more interesting. You can use a solid color cotton tablecloth for a classic look, or opt for a patterned one for a more playful style. Accessorize with some elegant jewelry and heels to complete the sophisticated look.
Disposable Table Cover Dress
Create a chic and modern dress using a disposable black table cover. Cut the table cover to fit your body shape, then use safety pins or tape to create a dress shape. You can add some embellishments like a belt or ribbon to make it more interesting. Pair with some statement jewelry and heels to complete the sophisticated look.
Body Painted Animal
Use body paint to transform yourself into an animal of your choice – a tiger, a zebra, or even a dragon! Add some faux fur or other accessories like a tail or horns to really sell the look. You can also use body paint to create a camouflage effect if you’re going for a jungle or forest theme. For example, use shades of green and brown to blend in with the surroundings.
Toilet Paper Dress
Wrap yourself up in toilet paper to create a dress, reminiscent of the classic toilet paper mummy costume
Galactic Alien Glow Body Paint
Use glow-in-the-dark body paint to create an otherworldly, alien look. Start with a base coat of black body paint, then add neon green, blue, or pink accents to create a cosmic vibe. Use stencils or freehand painting to create stars, planets, or even a galaxy pattern on your skin. Add some glitter or rhinestones for extra sparkle. To really make your look pop, wear a black light or carry a glow stick to enhance the glowing effect. With this unique body painting look, you’ll be ready to party like you’re from another planet!
Playing Card Dress
Use playing cards to create a dress that’s fit for a queen (or king!). Start by attaching the cards together with tape or glue, making sure to create a sturdy structure. You can either create a full dress, a top with a skirt, or even a mini dress or jumpsuit. Use red and black cards for a classic look, or mix and match different card designs for a more eclectic vibe.
Pillow Dress with Belt
Take a pillow and wrap it around your body, securing it with a wide belt or ribbon. You can use a solid color pillow for a chic monochrome look, or opt for a fun patterned pillow for a more playful style. Accessorize with some statement jewelry or shoes to really make the outfit pop.
DIY T-Shirt Yarn Skirt
Transform an old t-shirt into a fun and flirty skirt using t-shirt yarn. Cut the t-shirt into strips and then braid or knot the strips together to create a skirt. You can use one color or multiple colors to create a colorful ombre effect. Pair with a matching top or a solid color t-shirt for a casual yet stylish look.
Transparent Rain Cover Outfit
Create a unique and futuristic outfit using a transparent rain cover. Cut the rain cover to fit your body shape, then use tape or string to create a dress or suit shape. You can add some embellishments like neon lights or metallic accessories to make it more interesting. Pair with some futuristic shoes or boots to complete the look. This outfit is not only creative and fashion-forward, but it’s also practical since the rain cover will protect you from any unexpected weather conditions. With this outfit, you’ll definitely turn heads and make a bold statement at any ABC party!
Pool Noodle Costume
Use pool noodles to create a unique and colorful costume. Cut the noodles into different lengths and then use tape or glue to attach them together in a pattern of your choice. You can create a dress, a top with a skirt, or even a full jumpsuit. Accessorize with some sunglasses and a beach bag to complete the summery look.
Candy Floss Dress
Create a dress in the style of candy floss (also known as cotton candy). Start by wrapping the ‘candy floss’ around your body, securing it with safety pins or tape. Add some food-safe accessories like lollipops or gummy bears to complete the look. We would recommend to use cotton wool colored pink for cotton candy rather than using real spun sugar cotton candy, for practical reasons otherwise you will end the night extremely sticky.
Food Packet Suit
Use empty food packets (like chips or candy) to create a colorful and unique suit. Cut the packets into different shapes and sizes, then use tape or glue to attach them together in a pattern of your choice.
Paint Sample Dress
Create a colorful and artsy skirt or dress using paint samples. Cut the samples into different shapes and sizes, then arrange them in a pattern on a piece of fabric or a skirt. You can create a gradient effect using different shades of the same color, or mix and match different colors for a more eclectic look.
Gift Bag Dress
Turn a gift bag into a fun and flirty dress. Cut the bag to fit your body shape, then add some straps or ribbon to keep it in place. You can use a solid color bag or a patterned one for a more festive look.
Towel Dress
Create a cozy and comfortable dress using towels. Wrap a bath towel or beach towel around your body, securing it with a belt or ribbon. You can also add a second towel as a shawl or wrap for extra coverage. Use towels in different colors or patterns to create a unique and playful look. Accessorize with some flip flops or sandals to complete the relaxed vibe.
Newspaper Dress
Use newspaper to create a unique and eco-friendly newspaper dress or suit. Cut the newspaper into different shapes and sizes, then use tape or glue to attach them together in a pattern of your choice. The black and white monochrome newspaper style gives an iconic and recognisable result, that keeps it classy
Book Page Outfit
Create a unique and literary-inspired outfit using pages from old books. Start by cutting the book pages into different shapes and sizes, then use tape or glue to attach them together in a pattern of your choice. You can create a dress, a top with a skirt, or even a full jumpsuit. Accessorize with some book-themed jewelry or glasses to complete the literary look. This outfit is not only creative and fun, but it’s also a great way to repurpose old books and give them new life.
Unraveled Shower Loofah Dress
Create a fun and whimsical dress using a shower loofah. Unravel the loofah to release the extra fabric, while keeping some of the puffiness in tact, then use safety pins or string to attach multiple layers of loofahs together in a dress shape. You can use one color of loofah for a cohesive look, or mix and match different colors for a more playful style. Accessorize with some colorful hair clips or a statement necklace to complete the playful vibe. This outfit is not only unique and creative, but it’s also a great conversation starter at any ABC party
Bed Sheet Ghost
Create a classic and spooky costume for the party using a bed sheet. Cut out eye holes in the sheet, then drape it over your body, like the classic Halloween ghost costume. You can use a white sheet for a traditional ghost look, or use a colorful sheet for a more playful vibe. This outfit is not only easy to make, but it’s also perfect for a Halloween-themed ABC party or any other spooky occasion. With this outfit, you’ll definitely add a touch of spookiness and fun to any party! Add sunglasses to the bedsheet ghost dress, just like Taylor Swift’s Antihero music video.
With all of these crazy costume ideas, just make sure you don’t need to use the restroom too badly! And don’t worry too much – wardrobe malfunctions are all part of the fun with ABC theme parties!
Where did the ABC Party Idea Originate?
Believe it or not, the idea of an ABC party has been around for quite some time. It’s said to have originated in colleges and universities in the United States as a way for students to let loose and have some fun without the typical social pressures of dressing to impress.
But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the ABC party trend really took off, and is still a popular theme for college students and party goers.
Thanks to social media and word-of-mouth, this unique party theme started popping up at all kinds of events, from birthday parties to bachelor/bachelorette parties and even weddings or baby shower.
And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to attend a party where the dress code is “anything but clothes”? It’s the perfect opportunity to get creative, let your hair down, and have a blast with your friends.
So there you have it, friend – the history behind the ABC party. Now it’s time to start brainstorming some wild and wacky outfit ideas for your next event!
We hope that these clothes ideas and ABC party outfit ideas have sparked your imagination and helped you get ready for your upcoming event. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a seasoned veteran at ABC parties, there’s no shortage of creative and fun costume ideas to try out.
Remember, the key to a successful ABC party is to let your imagination run wild and have fun with your outfit. So grab some duct tape, plastic bags, and body paint, and get ready to show off your creativity!
We hope you found the list of ideas helpful, and if you are heading to this type of party now you can go ahead and have a good time, with your outfit sorted.
Whatever the occasion for your next abc party, you can hit the dance floor with confidence in one of these daring and creative outfit choices.