Costume Ideas Starting With S

Letter related parties giving your guests a letter as a costume theme is quite common and can make for some very interesting ideas for costumes. You have a few options...

1. Allow guests to dress up in a costume related to their initials (or just first name if you want to narrow their choices)
2. Ask guests to dress up in costumes related to your initials.
3. Choose 1 or 2 letters that they have to find a related costume for - this can be randomly chosen.

To be honest, when you first send out your invitations, many of your guests will be very confused as to what you are asking. I would suggest that in the invitation you do give them a good explanation. If your guests are confused, they may not even attempt to dress up, or worse, not attend your party. This Hubpage will give you lots of ideas for costumes beginning with the letter S. If you look at the end of this hub, you will see links to lots of other alphabet costume idea hubs. Why not print off this hubs to give your guests some ideas?

If you have any other ideas, please put them in the comments box, you will be helping other people as well.

For all your quality fancy dress costumes online

Oh, I nearly forgot - Have a fantastic party!!!!!

Safari Explorer - Armand and Michela Dennis were the first 'Television' safari naturalists in the 1950's. Nowadays the role model is more likely to be David Attenborough. Safari Suit (or shirt and shorts) with pith helmet or sun hat and binoculars.

Sagittarius - Zodiac sign for those born between November 21 and December 2. Traditionally depicted as a centaur due to the shape of the constellation, a Robin Hood or William Tell outfit could also be used.

Sailor - Apart from captains and officers such as Francis Drake or Lord Nelson, one of the best known sailors is Popeye, the spinach eating cartoon hero. There was also a sailor in the village people line up. The sailor cap evolved from the straw-boater style of Nelson's time to the later circular hat. A blue two-piece uniform with bell-bottom trousers is seen as the typical sailor. As a variation, the American sailor is distinguished by a white tunic and trousers and the round 'dough-boy' cap, or the 'Officer & Gentlemen' - style officer's uniform.

St George - Patron Saint of England, Knight of the Crusades and slayer of Dragons. Crusader-style armour or chain-mail-look outfit, with surcoat having a red cross on a white background.

St Trinians - Anarchic schoolgirls created by Ronald Searle and brought to life in a range of St. Trinians films. Schoolgirl outfit with fishnet tights, battered straw boater with ST crest.

St Valentine - Patron Saint of lovers. Costume may incorporate symbols of love or romance, or be adapted from a Cupid/Eros costume.

Salander, Lisbeth - Female cyber-goth hacker and leading character in the Millennium trilogy of books and, latterly, film adaptations. The look is punky and pierced, with tattoos, notably a dragon on the back shoulder-blade. Lisbeth has black spiky hair, black jacket, T-shirt (with appropriate slogan), jeans and boots.

Saloon Girl - A popular female costume, not dissimilar to the 1890's French Can-Can Dancer but with a shorter front and longer train.

Samurai - Member of the Japanese warrior caste between the 11th and 19th centuries, fearsome (and fearless) warriors famous for their swordsmanship. The costume which is striking and elaborate, though specialist, is available in latex rubber from some suppliers, although some are less complex variations.

Sandie Shaw - English Pop Star of the 1960's, who married designer Jeff Banks and hence had her own boutique shop chain and label. Simple Nineteen-Sixties smock style dress. Long (shoulder length) Brunette hair. Deadpan Expression! The barefoot look was her trademark.

Santa Claus - Also known as Saint Nicholas (on the Continent of Europe) or Father Christmas, Santa Claus wears a robe of dark red, fur-trimmed in white. However his image has been overtaken by the Americanised version of the bearded jolly fat man, developed by Coca-Cola in their corporate colours of bright red and white.

Saruman the White - Character from the 'Lord of the Rings', recently portrayed by Christopher Lee in the Peter Jackson rendition. A long white flowing robe and long straight white wig and beard will have the effect.

Scarecrow - Famous scarecrows have include the One without the Brain from the 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Worzel Gummidge' from the books by Barbara Euphann Todd.

Scarlett O'Hara - Feisty heroine of 'Gone in the Wind', the role which won Vivien Leigh an Oscar in 1940. American Southern Belle Costume.

Schoolgirl - The Schoolgirl has always been something of a fantasy figure, sometimes for questionable reasons..The Britney Spears' music video for 'One more time...', featuring the singer as a somewhat wanton school girl with short skirt and plaits has helped to renew interest in the concept. See also St.Trinians. This is also a popular choice for a restrained drag cross-dressing outfit.

Scientist - Easily Recognised by the white lab coat, glasses and mad hairstyle.

Scooby-Doo - Long time favourite of children of all ages on the small screen, and now also a movie star Scooby-Doo costumes are readily available.

Scorpion - Symbol of the star sign Scorpio in which Halloween falls. Black material or PVC outfit with 'stinger' tail. Reflective Glasses can add an air of mystery, symbolic to the Scorpio personality.

Scream - Extremely popular (and simple) horror outfit featuring a long black cape and cowl, thom skull-type mask and Knife.

Scrooge - Long white night shirt and matching night cap, beard and wire frame spectacles.

Sea God - Poseidon (Greek); Neptune (Roman); Njord (Norse).The traditional image involves flowing robes, a long beard, unkempt hair and a trident.

Seahorse - Seahorses are either sandy-beige or reddish-brown. The costume is worked on a basic S-shape, but with a curly, hook-like tail. The head looks like that of a horse but the mouth is more of a funnel-like tube.

Sea Nymph - A sea-nymph (Nereid) should be in blues and/or greens. Body colour and wig/hair colour should match.

Sea-Turtle - Adapt a ninja turtle suit or build a shell out of fabric/card/fiberglass and use with grey/green bodysuit.

Sergeant Pepper - The Sergeant Pepper look is based on The Beatles album of the same name, the Fab Four's suits in pink/gold, green/gold, blue/gold, yellow/gold can all be used to represent the Sergeant Pepper look.

Shakespeare - The Bard of Avon, arguably the world's greatest playwright. Doublet, breeches and hose form the basic costume.

Shania Twain - Popular and Country and Western turned mainstream singer. Leopard-print dress or coat and hat. Top hat and tails, fishnets and heavy eye make-up.

Sheep - Popular for nativity plays and one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. Ready-made sheep costumes are available for children from a number of suppliers, but a white fur fabric body can easily be converted for an adult version.

Please do not use cotton wool as part of a homemade fancy dress costume. There are too many reported incidents of costumes catching fire!

Sheik - A familiar costume needing little explanation. Those modelling themselves on the Valentino version may find use of a Hookah or cigarette holder is useful.

Sheriff - Obviously the classic Wild West sheriff springs to mind or, more recently, Woody from Toy Story

Sheriff of Nottingham - Known as Robin Hood's foe; tunic, gown, hat.

Sherlock Holmes - Legendary fictional detective of 221b Baker Street, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Costume comprises of Meerschaum pipe, deerstalker, tweed coat with attached shoulder cape. Accessories could include a magnifying glass and/or violin.

Shirley Bassey - Welsh singer known for her glitzy dresses, brown curly hair and for singing several James Bond theme songs.

Shirley Temple - Child film star of the 1930's. Plenty of curls with bows in her hair, short girly dress, ankle socks and low heel tap shoes.

Shrek - Green ogre from the films of the same name. Costume comprises of a grey woollen jumper, short brown 'tied' waistcoat, brown leggings and green head with sticky out ears.

Sir Francis Drake - Elizabethan naval hero, best known for playing bowls at Plymouth Ho, prior to defeating the Spanish Armada. He wears typical Elizabethan doublet and hose and is famed for his beard.

Sir Walter Raleigh - Another famous Tudor, credited with introducing tobacco and the potato to England. Shirt, waistcoat, doublet, trunk hose over tights. Beret-style hat & feather, cloak,  beard.

Skeleton - Skeleton suits with masks or make-up are easy to find. Death and Grim Reaper are examples. A fantastic hooded skeleton top is available for Halloween 2010. Skeleton zombie costumes are also very popular with young men.

Sleeping Beauty - Also known as Princess Aurora in the Disney version. A Princess who, following a spell by the wicked fairy, (Maleficent in Disney) falls into a long sleep along with the other inhabitants of the castle. She was awakened by a passing prince.

Snake - A patterned cat-suit could be used for this idea, or possibly some body paint. Could be made into a pair with someone as a charmer.

Snake & Ladders - Snakeskin leotard coupled with 'laddered' tights, to resemble the board game.

Snake-charmer - Standard Arabian outfit (or a Turban), with a pipe/flute. And either with a fake snake, or someone dressed as one (above).

Snow Queen - A character from the fairy tales and also featuring as a witch in the Narnia books by C.S Lewis. Costume features are a white fur coat and a tall icicle snowflake crown with matching sceptre

Snow tiger - (Ounce) - White/grey/black version of the 'normal' tiger, with a large long furry tail

Snow White - Originally a character from Grimm's Fairy Tales but now more familiar from Disney. She wears a red, blue and yellow dress. Short black wig available to be teamed with a red ribbon/headband in hair. Short or longer versions of the dress available. Some with a red cape

Snowball - A simple costume that can be put together with some imagination.

Snowboarder - An authentic looking costume may be difficult to improvise without borrowing.

Snowman - A popular symbol around Christmas/Winter time. Many variations available. An authentic fur jumpsuit can be used, alternatively, make-up could be used and teamed with just a carrot nose, scarf and hat

Soldier - Military uniforms from all nationalities and different time periods can come in useful here.

Sonny & Cher - Couple from the nineteen-sixties, who after started their singing career together, went on to having their own show. Long hair and afghan coats/waistcoats are a feature of the pair.

Sorcerer/ess - Essentially the same as a wizard/witch or magician in making use of magic powers.

Souk Trader - Found in the bazaars of Kasbahs of North Africa, the trader features a striped or coloured robe worn with a Fez or Turban.

Sound of Music character - Characters consist of Maria (the would-be novice nun), the Abbess and other Nuns, Captain Von Trapp and his Children and the invading Nazis.

South sea-girl - Fabric crop top. Hula/grass skirt, Lei flower garland.

South Park characters - A popular American TV representing the new generation of crude humour. Masks for some characters may still be available..

Southern Belle - Straight out of 'Gone with the Wind', flowing dress with layers of petticoats and frills.

Space Girl - Costumes in silver, lycra or PVC, along with boots, glitter wig and make-up is one approach. The Star-trek jumpsuit is another. A completely different approach would be space-girls from different planets allowing you an opportunity for creativity in costume, make-up and hair & body colour

Space-man - Could be used as the traditional 'gold-fish bowl' look, with a silver space suit, although there is a creditable NASA replica on the market. Similarly to space-girl, they can be teamed together as Star Trek characters.

Spandau Ballet - A British group of the 1990s 'New Romantic' era. Buccaneer-style baggy shirts, leather or suede trousers and waistcoats. Gelled hair.

Spanish dancer (female) - Flamenco style Spanish dress decorated with frills and frilled underskirt. Black hair with floral or mantilla hair decoration

Spanish settler - Character from Latin America or Spanish Mexico. Zorro would be suggested, or a well-know fighter.

Sphinx - The best-know Egyptian version was a creature with a woman's face and a lion's body wearing a Pharaoh's headdress, symbolising power.

Spice Girls - The 90's pop girl-band, all five available:

• 'Baby spice' - Baby doll dress and hair in bunches (Emma B)
• 'Scary spice' - A leopard-print two piece with a streaked afro (Mel B)
• 'Ginger spice' - Union jack dress with blonde streaked ginger hair (Geri H)
• 'Sporty spice' - Black crop top, two-piece tracksuit with ponytail (Mel C)
• 'Posh spice' - Little black dress (Victoria B)

Spider - Nursery rhyme character, popularly from Little Miss Muffet. Black leotard could be worn. Or otherwise, spider accessories can be worn.

Spiderman - 'Spidey' dons a distinctive red and blue spider-web suit to deal with injustice.

Spiv - Shady character from 1940s Britain. Double-breasted two-piece suit with a pencil moustache.

Split personality - Possible for a masquerade. Outfit could possibly be split into two halves, man and woman. Several off-the-peg outfits - Angel/Devil, Convict/Cop, Dorothy/Wicked Witch can be found.

Spongebob Squarepants - Popular cartoon character. Costume usually available as a tabard-style costume

Sports performer (sportsman/sportswoman) - Many sports to choose from: Boxer, Football (or Soccer) player, Swimmer, or Rugby player etc.

Spy - A standard spy outfit would include a wide brim hat, such as a fedora, trench-coat with turned up collar and dark glasses. Females can achieve the look with a headscarf instead of hat. Spies can also carry a flower in the button hole, or stereotypically a newspaper. Fake-cigarettes could also be used.

Stan Laurel - With Oliver Hardy were the classic 'little and large' comedy duo of early cinema. Costumes usually consist of suits and bowler hat.

Star Trek - There are a wide range of possible outfits because of the various versions and films, although licensing restrictions may limit availability. Colour coding is also involved e.g Spock in blue, Scott in red.

Starfish - Five 'arms' made of sandy/beige towelling fabric, with central hole for face, or combine these elements with Elvis to create 'El-fish Presley'.

Starlight Express Skater - Padded and decorated tabard worn over cat-suit/leotard and tights. Make-up and hair in high-tech cyberpunk styles

Starsky - Character in popular 1970's US cop series 'Starsky and Hutch'. Dark curly hair and big open fronted cardigan, tied with a belt.

Statue - The Statue of Liberty is available. A green Grecian robe, headdress with seven points and a torch is worn.

Stein Maiden - As an alternative to using the National costume for Germany, you could wear a serving wench outfit to create a required busty waitress look, especially for Oktoberfest (held late September!)

Step-mother - Traditionally stepmothers are supposed to be wicked, the two best known being the Wicked Queen in Snow White, and the step-mother in Cinderella.

Stevie Wonder - Black two-piece suit and dark glasses. Or for his more recent look, a Kaftan and beaded dreadlocks.

Stig of The Dump - British Children's book character. Caveman outfit with club.

Stormtrooper - Empire troops from the 'Star Wars' saga. Costume consists of rigid white armour with helmet and visor. Plus weaponry.

Street-seller - From townspeople in a pantomime through a fruit-stall seller from Oliver. The costume can be made up from all styles of a poor Victorian.

Sucellos - Known as the Hammer God, Viking outfit would be used with a winged helmet.

Sucker Punch - 2011 film featuring five girls (Baby Doll, Amber, Rocket, Blondie and Sweet Pea) in a mental institution who 'escape' into fantasy worlds with surreal inhabitant. Official costumes are available

Suffragette - Fighters for women's rights in the early 20th century. Edwardian outfits with appropriate badges/rosettes and placards.

Sugar-plum fairy - Character from The Nutcracker ballet. The name suggests a purple glittery costume, but various fairy costumes have been seen.

Sultan - The typical sultan costume features an ornate or colourful robe and/or tunic and trousers (baggy, in the harem style) topped with bejewelled or decorated turban. With traditional Arabian slippers.

Sumo Wrestler - These Japanese star wrestlers are massive. Foam or inflatable sumo suits can be found from a number of suppliers

Sun - Yellow costume based on the sun-like shape.

Sun-bather - Go as bare-as-you-dare, depending on the weather. The costume can just consist of regular bathing-swimwear.

Sunflower- The stem can be used as a green lyrca suit with 'leaf' gloves/mittens. A brown flower centre (in face-paint).

Supergirl - Cousin of Superman, a red and blue ensemble would create the look. Most likely a crop top with the 'S' emblem.

Superhero - Superman/Batman/Spiderman etc. There is a huge choice on the market for various superheroes costumes.

Super heroine - Wonderwoman, Supergirl, and Invisible Girl. You could also use your own heroine idea here.

Superman - Donning the disguise of a regular reporter Clark Kent in between times, the Hero steps up and puts on his famous full blue suit with a red cape.

Super Trouper - ABBA song title - why not go as the Swedish pop group?

You may also want to check out eBay to find yourself a costume...