Every Costume Blog

When it comes to theme parties, you’ve seen it all – Ugly Sweaters, Pimps ‘n Hos, and representation from any decade during which it was hip to be square – 60’s tie-dyes, 70’s bellbottoms, and 80’s leggings with big, big hair.

Those are all great for a laugh.

However, if what you’re looking to inspire is mystery, intrigue, and maybe even some slightly naughty behavior, nothing is more risqué than throwing a masquerade.

In a really, really good way.

Think about it – at a masquerade party, the very point is to hide your identity. And the sexier you can hide it, the better.

For women, sequins, flowers, and feathers abound on the intricate masks designed to allure and emphasize the eyes with a smokey look. The mask becomes the costume, and the rest is all accessories — a Spanish Flamenco dress for fun and whimsy; a boustiered Shakesperean ball gown for fanciful romance; a corset and fishnets a la Moulin Rouge to lure even the most modest of girls into a fantasy spotlight for the evening.

Masks

For men, a simple black or white eye mask worn with a suit or tuxedo is all he needs to attract attention. But if he’s looking for a little more inspiration, look no further than the famous masked men from theater and cinema:

Phantom of the Opera

Mask of Zorro

The Mask

Best of all, the idea is simple for anyone to throw together. All you really need is a mask!

Just make sure that if you decide to throw a masquerade party, everyone else is in on it, too.

(Someone should have told The Masked Man in this season’s Bachelorette that being the only guy to wear a mask to the party is not good. Not good at all.)