Costume Ideas Starting with the Letter N

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...

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

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.

I would inlcude some costume suggestions for various letters, just to get their brain cells working a bit. If you really want to help, why not print out this page, and my other hubs so you have a complete A-Z list of possible costumes.

So, this hub will concentrate on costumes beginning with the letter N and I hope it gives you some ideas on 'thinking outside of the box' to come up with some ingenius costume ideas. Look further down for links to my other alphabet hubs. Given the increased enthusiasm for people to want to 'do something different' or create their own unique look, I have included some ideas which are certainly not ones you can usually find 'off the peg'.and if you have any other great ideas for costumes for a letter, pop them in the comments box at the end and I will add them in.

Nacho Libre Mexican masked wrestler (Luchador) character from the 2006 film of the same name. At least one licensed character costume is available.

Na-maka-o-Kahai Hawaiian Goddess of the Sea.Her cruel tempestuous character can be reflected in a wild costume in blues and greens, with sea-orientated accessories. A tropical mermaid with attitude!

Nancy Doomed lover of Bill Sykes in Charles Dickens’ book ‘Oliver Twist’. In the novel, set in Victorian London, she is portrayed as a strumpet with a heart of gold, in the musical ‘Oliver’. Costume is similar to the tavern or serving wench, with mop cap, full skirt, blouse and shawl

Nanny A popular profession during the Victorian and Edwardian era’s. Whereas the Governess looked after the minds of the older children, the Nanny concentrated on the well-being of the infants and toddlers. The costume usually comprises a long dark dress normally in blue or black, with white collars, cuffs and headpiece providing the ‘nurse-like’ image. Mary Poppins is a well-known role-model.

Nantosuelta Celtic Goddess of rivers, fertility and abundance and consort of Sucellos, the Hammer God:- The name means 'Winding stream', and her robes and skin are mottled dark blue (for water) and green (for fertility). She also carries a representation of a house on a pole, representing her domestic aspects.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821).First Emperor following the French Revolution and architect of many aspects of the laws and infrastructure of modern France. Usually seen wearing the military uniform of the late 18th, early 19th century, with blue/gold jacket, white trousers and red sash, topped with a bicorn hat.

Napoleon Dynamite Nerdy teenager character from a film of the same name (2004)

Narcissus In Greek legend, a beautiful youth whom Echo, a nymph, loved. He did not return her love and she pined away, until only her voice was left. As punishment, the Gods caused him to fall in love with his own reflection in a pond, jump in and drown himself, his body being turned to a flower. A Narcissist character can carry a mirror and be constantly admiring themselves or preening their appearance.

NASA Astronaut Perhaps not the most slim-line costume choice, but symbolic of the American spirit of exploration.

Native American Indian Counterpart to the cowboy, the Native American Indian offers an ethnic alternative for both males and females, with brown buckskin style fabrics and feathered headdresses.

Nativity Play Character Although evolving to meet the wider ethical population mix, the ‘Nativity Play’ continues as a milestone of early school days. Opportunities for improvisation (tea-towels for shepherd headdress, coat-hanger and tinsel halos, cardboard animal masks) abound.

Naval Officer More up-to-date than sea heroes such as Nelson and Hornblower, this can cover everything from personnel on the Titanic, to the Richard Gere 'Officer and a Gentleman' image.

Nearly Headless Nick From the Harry Potter books by J K Rowling. Nick is a ghost who did not quite rise to the fame of being a ‘Headless Ghost’. Costume is similar to the Headless Ghost, although neck is still intact!

Ned Kelly Australian outlaw, noted for his improvised metal helmet when under siege by police. He was hanged in 1880. A film about his life was made in 1980 and starred Mick Jagger of the ‘Rolling Stones’. Another film is in the offing.

Neferititi The second most famous Egyptian Queen. Her beauty was legendary - she and her husband, Amenhotep IV,were the Posh and Becks of their day! The essential difference between portraits of Neferititi and Cleopatra was that the former’s headdress is depicted as tall, like an elongated pill-box. This is the Pschent, a crown incorporating the Red Crown of the Delta region and the White Mitre of South Egypt.

Nephele The Greek goddess of clouds. As clouds come in all shapes, sizes and colours, the costume is open to your own interpretation (but remember cotton wool is flammable!)

Nell Gwyn (c. 1650-1687). Real name Eleanor but known as Nell. She was an English actress and mistress of Charles II. Before treading the boards at Drury Lane she earned her ‘living’ as an orange-seller girl. The costume for Nell Gwyn is based on the Restoration fashions of the late 17th Century. Lace was very much in evidence and the usual costume look is one of a buxom wench, wearing a two-toned dress, with elasticised sleeves. She may also wear a mop cap and carry a basket of oranges.

Neo Hero of ‘The Matrix’ trilogy of films. Costume usually consists of a long black coat and thin, wraparound glasses.

Neon Girl One of the trends of the 1980s was for bright, fluorescent colours in clothing. These can still be found re-emerging in current fashion trends. Team it with some UV glow-in-the-dark make-up and some body lights and get yourself noticed!

NeptuneRoman Sea God of the Undersea Realm. Depicted as a bearded elderly man with a trident, riding a dolphin or sea-horse. Floaty materials in greens, blues and other sea-colours. Crown, beard and trident.

Nereid:- A sea Nymph. Like a mermaid, wearing blues and greens but not necessarily with a tail.

‘New Look’ Phrase coined by Christian Dior in 1947. After years of austerity and rationing, the hourglass figure, with cinched waist, voluminous skirts and petticoats caused a sensation, although there were also many critics.

New Romantic A look created by the likes of Adam Ant, Duran, Duran, Spandau Ballet during the early Nineteen-Eighties.Frilly shirts with lace cuffs, leather or baggy trousers, longish 1980s hair, reminiscent of the late 18th, early 19th centuries.

Newspaper Dress to im-press with a costume fashioned from either genuine, or fake-fabric newsprint. Note that some newspapers’ ink may rub-off on your skin.

Nicole Kidman Australian film actress who first came to the public’s attention in the 1989 film ‘Dead Calm’. Since then she has been in a number of films, including ‘Batman Forever’, ‘Billy Bathgate’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, but probably her most significant role to date is that of Satine, the singer/courtesan in the 2001 film ‘Moulin Rouge’.

Nutty Professor (The) - Wear a doctor's white coat and a mad professor's wig.

Nigel Molesworth Essentially the male counterpoint to the better-known St. Trinian's girls created by cartoonist Ronald Searle, Molesworth was an anti-establishment icon, the costume being a thin and rather scruffy version of Billy Bunter. Alternatively, ask any public schoolboy for pointers.

Night See Nut (below)

Nightclub Singer Liza Minelli’s character Sally Bowles in ‘Cabaret’ may be a role model (Bobbed hair, heavy eye make-up, strapped leotard, suspenders and fishnet stockings plus, occasionally, a bowler hat). Alternatively one can look to Las Vegas-style lounge singers or celebrities such as Shirley Bassey, Amy Winehouse or, for males, Frank Sinatra.

Nightmare You can either re-use something from your Halloween collection to create something scary or you can go as one of your nightmares – the one where you found you’d worn Odd Shoes, or you were dressed inappropriately for work or (using a nude body suit) the one where you were naked in public. also think about Freddy Krueger (A) Nightmare Onn Elm Street

Nightmare Rock Singer:- A musician following the Goth or Emo style, although the term was first associated with Alice Cooper.

Night Owl Character in the graphic novel (and film) ‘Watchmen’. A licensed character costume is available.

Ninepin Another name for a skittle as used in Bowling. A skittle costume exists – go as a partner to a Bowling Ball!

Nineteen-Eighties Yuppie Both in the City and in the 'New Frontier' of renovated London Docklands, this new breed of trader flourished. Trademark designer suit and shoes, braces (often red), loud tie (cartoon characters were popular) and with the tools of his/her trade - the Filofax and the Mobile Phone (the pre-miniaturisation house-brick variety!)

Nineteen-Fifties Alien The effect here is the bug-eyed monster or giant brain look, favoured in the films of the 1950s such as ‘This Island Earth’. The look is best achieved with prosthetics and overhead masks (notably from the film 'Mars Attacks'), though some may only be obtainable from specialist suppliers..

Nineteen-Fifties Boy (Grease) Studded Leather jacket with ‘T-Birds’ insignia, T-shirt and jeans.

Nineteen-Fifties Boy (Teddy-boy) A long coloured frock-coat with velvet (or similar) facings in the Edwardian style (hence ‘Teddy’ boy). Worn with drainpipe (narrow) black trousers, coloured socks, boot-lace tie and appropriate winkle-picker or brothel creeper shoes (if available).

Nineteen-Fifties Girl (Grease):- White blouse and pastel sweater. Poodle skirt. Hair in ponytail. See also Pink Ladies.

Nineteen-Fifties Girl (Teddy-girl) Either two-piece blouse and full skirt worn with petticoats or a brightly coloured or patterned dress, again worn with petticoats.

Nineteen-Thirties Film Star Full length backless gown cut on the bias, with gloves and costume jewellery.

Nineteen-Thirties Golfer Plus fours made their first appearance in the 1930s, these were worn with long socks, shirt, ties & V-neck Pullover, or a Norfolk Jacket. A large flat golfing cap may also be worn.

Ninja Black-clad oriental fighters. Usually carries weaponry, concealed or otherwise

Ninja Turtles The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were comic book creations who lived in the New York sewers, were named after Renaissance artists –Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael – and starred in several TV series’ and films.

Nix (male) or Nixe/Nixie (female) Germanic water-spirits or mermen/maids. The Rhine Maidens of The Ring Cycle are Nixie

Noah Legendary biblical ark-builder and collector of animals. Grey long hair and beard, white/off-white robe.

Noddy  Popular hero of children’s books written Enid Blyton, Noddy is a wooden toy who is befriended by a brownie, Big-Ears. He wears a red top, blue shorts and large red shoes and has a large blue pointed hat with a bell at the top.

Noddy Holder Lead singer of the British glam-rock group Slade. Principally associated with the 1970s, their music endures (notably the perennial ‘Merry Xmas Everybody).

Noel Coward  Actor, playwright and raconteur, best known for the play ‘Blithe Spirit’. Usually depicted wearing a smoking jacket, with a loose scarf, slicked back hair and holding a cigarette holder.

Noggin The Nog British Children’s TV cartoon character from the Nineteen-Fifties/Sixties. Essentially he wears a Viking-style outfit.

Norfolk Suit A type of suit, usually in a loud check-fabric. Characterised by a jacket with a straight front with or without a yoke, box pleats and a belt. Jacket is usually worn with knickerbockers/knee breeches.

Nosferatu Continental variation of Dracula, seen in cult silent film of the 1920s.

Nudist Nude coloured body-suits exist, or you might make use of the new all-in-one morph suits.

Nun Nun's garments can vary in colour, but the black and white ensemble seems a habitual favourite. A nun using a grey tabard over the black robe may offer a variation. Hair should be hidden by the wimple head-dress used by most nuns. Costume variations might include the Pregnant Nin and the Saucy Nun.

Nurse There are a number of sexy nurses on the market, but ‘conventional’ nurses are also available.The nurse was also a well-known character in four Carry-On films based in a hospital setting. One can take one's pick between the standard short-skirt Sexy Nurse as portrayed by Barbara Windsor and the Hattie Jacques battle-axe Matron.

Nut Egyptian goddess of the Sky. Costume is dark blue or black cat-suit (or body-paint), with fairy-lights or U-V dots, to represent the stars in the heavens. Sometimes also depicted as a star-covered cow! A stylised Egyptian make-up and headdress may complete the ensemble.

Nutcracker, The Christmas toy soldier which came to life to do battle against the forces of Evil (lead by the Mouse King), in Tchaikovsky's ballet of the same name.

Nymph Pastoral spirits of Greek legend, there being different types: Dryads - Woods; Naiads - Fresh Water; Nereids - Sea Water: Oreads – Mountains

Nymphadora Tonks A metamorphmegus with polychromatic hair (i.e. a shape-shifting wizardess whose hair changes colour) from the later Harry Potter novels. Whilst there are not many wigs which can change colour, there is one that changes pink to white in sunlight!

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