Costume Ideas starting with the Letter G

Letter Related Fancy Dress 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 also include 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?

Props n Frocks Fancy Dress has been established since 1998, and, as well as providing a huge range of hire costumes from our Essex base, we also stock a huge range of fancy dress costumes and accessories to purchase, either from our shop, or online. We also provide a large range of costume ideas and theme suggestions FREE of charge.

So, this hub will concentrate on costumes beginning with the letter G. Look further down for links to my other alphabet hubs. These days there is an increased enthusiasm for people to want to 'do something different' or create their own unique look using their own resources plus specialist items 'bought in' from other sources, 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 of the relevant section and I will add them in.

If you have found this hub helpful, we would really appreciate it, if you would vote it up or leave us a comment.

G, Ali Street-wise comedy character created by Sasha Baron-Cohen in late 1990’s. Aside from several TV series’ he also starred in the movie ‘Ali G Indahouse’ (2002). Normal outfit consisted of a yellow or red ‘hoodie’ outfit with ‘bling’ accessories and tinted glasses.

Gaga, Lady Rising Pop Icon of the late Noughties and to date, Lady Gaga has created a wealth of distinctive looks and outfits for her videos, concerts and other public appearances. A definitive costume/look is impossible – she has had so many, including the Meat outfit for 2010 MTV Awards and the Stars & Stripes look from the ‘Telephone’ video (and she’ll have created more by the time you read this). A range of ‘official’ costumes and accessories has now become available. In addition to her costume and make-up, she has a range of special tattoos including ‘Born this way’ (unicorn & lettering banner) on her upper thigh, an Inverted Peace symbol on inner wrist and white daisy designs on her shoulder.

Galadriel Elfin queen character from the `Lord of the Rings' by J R R Tolkein. She wears a long white and glittering dress with flared sleeves, flowing hair and a coronet. Elf ears (if available) may add to the ethereal look.

Gamekeeper Norfolk jacket & trousers, or tweed outfit with deerstalker, or Barbour jacket. A gun accessory may seem a good idea but is possibly not advisable in most circumstances.

Games Master At a basic level, a tracksuit and whistle will do, but if facilities (and practicality) allow, a mixture of equipment from various sports can be used for better effect.

Games Mistress Outfit similar to Games Master. Alternatively, a catsuit or basque-based outfit in leather, or PVC, may suggest more serious games (and a firm attitude on punishment). A further alternative could be a fantasy costume which could also double as Lady Luck. Skirt based on a roulette wheel with red and black segments, and a net underskirt to give it volume and support.

Gamin Style Thin wraith-like look, particularly seen during the late Nineteen Fifties/Early Nineteen-Sixties from film stars such as Audrey Hepburn (‘Roman Holiday’) and French actress Jean Seberg.

Gandalf Wizard and major character in J R R Tolkein's `Lord of the Rings'. Long gown and cloak or long, in grey with matching large brimmed hat. Following his return from the Nether-world, he adopts similar clothing, but in white.

Gandhi (1869-1948). Trained as a lawyer in South Africa, then went on to become one of India's most famous leaders. Bald-headed, but known for sometimes wearing a cotton/woollen cap, his costume consists of a white dhoti, wire rimmed glasses and a long walking-stave.

Gangsta Member of a youth or young adult gang. In mainstream culture, the term has become associated with pimp outfits, although this isn’t always the case.

Gangster The classic 'Roaring Twenties' gangster has a double-breasted two (or three) piece dark suit, black shirt, white tie, trilby (or fedora) and possibly spats over black shoes. Traditionally he is armed with a machine gun, but any gun and shoulder-holster may suffice.

Gangster's Moll Either a pinstriped two-piece skirt suit to match male, worn with a long coat and beret (with gun) (Bonnie Parker), or standard 1920s flapper dress and head-band (Bugsy Malone).

Garbage A true eco-friendly costume made from a bin-liner and whatever comes to hand from the rubbish and recycle bins.

Gardener Simple costume achieved with ‘work clothes’, wellington boots and trowel and hand-fork accessories.

Garden Girl Themed can-can character from the film 'Moulin Rouge'. Floral design costume with red and green as the prominent colours on the underskirt.

Gargoyle Costume or skin in grey/green, with other colouring for lichen, ivy, etc.. Hair may be styled with clay hair-product prior to painting/spraying to match face and body. Interest in this style of costume has increased since the ‘Blink’ Dr Who episode featuring the Weeping Angels

Gary Glitter 1970s Glitter Rock star, until his fall from grace in the late 1990s. Larger than life silver space-suit. V-design front-piece with large shoulders. Black wig and high silver `platform' boots.

Geisha Traditional Japanese hostess in kimono and obi waistband. Stylised Geisha Make-up (White face, Brows redrawn. Eyes black-lined with upward slant at outer corners. Lips red, but coloured smaller than actual mouth) and wig, complete the costume. A suitable parasol may also be carried.

Gendarme French authority figure, popularised through his depiction (by Crabtree, an English spy) in the British TV comedy series 'Allo, 'Allo: A black uniform, black cape, white gloves with a French `kepi' hat completing the look.

General George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876). American soldier who was killed at the Battle of Little Big Horn fighting the Sioux. 'Custer's last stand'. American Civil War Costume or fringed cowboy jacket and trousers.

General Ulysses Simpson Grant (1822-85) In 1864 he was given command of the Union forces during the American Civil War and in 1872 he was elected the Eighteenth American President. A Union General costume is the obvious choice.

Gene Simmons Lead singer with rock group Kiss. Although an official costume outfit exists, any ‘heavy metal rocker outfit’ may suffice as the distinctive feature of Kiss was their mask-like black and white make-up.

Genghis Khan (c. 1162-1227). Mongol conqueror, warrior administrator and ruler. An outfit may be improvised from an Viking outfit if fur is added to the standard Viking horned helmet!

Genie Also called a jinny or djinni, a spirit of Muslim mythology who could assume many forms and use supernatural powers. They are traditionally associated with the Arabian Nights tales of Princess Scherezade (eg Aladdin and Ali Baba). Genies can be male or female and the costume is usually a version of standard Arab servant clothing (male) or a belly-dancer or harem trousers and top (female). The fabrics used may be more glittery, and skin-colour and make-up may be more exotic and supernatural. A bottle or lamp may be carried as an accessory. A female genie, Jeannie, was the star of a popular 1960s/70s TV comedy ‘I Dream of Jeannie’.

George Dawes Bald-headed drum-player and score keeper from the `Shooting Stars' British TV series (1993) played by Matt Lucas, later seen in ‘Little Britain’. In early shows, he dressed as a large baby.

George Washington (1732-1799). First President of the United States of America. Outfit consists of a derived colonial/Georgian outfit, plus white wig.

Georgian Lady The typical Georgian lady is depicted in a dress with V-shaped stomacher, wide skirts with panniers, mid-length narrow sleeves to elbow, with voluminous lace frills fanning out at the bottom of the sleeve. Lace is also used around the neckline. Hair/wigs were dressed in rolls with lace, feathers, or elaborate hats. Make-up consisted of white/pale faces, red/pink lips and cheeks. Accessorise with Beauty spot(s).

Georgian Man Long ornate frock-coat with full skirt, long waistcoat, frilled lace collar and cuffs, over the knee breeches, tights, buckled shoes. Wigs were primarily worn, these being long and elaborately coiffed, in dark colours or white and grey.

Geppetto Elderly puppet-maker and ‘father’ to Pinocchio in the popular children’s story and Disney cartoon film.

German Female National Costume A green dirndl skirt, with lace petticoat showing underneath, elaborately embroidered top and waistcoat, sometimes worn with an apron. The corset or basque approach might also prove popular. For females, 'Heidi' or 'Pippi Longstocking' plaits, add an extra element.

German Officer Green or grey two-piece German uniform.

Gestapo Black military uniform, or long black coat, fedora, and cane as portrayed by Herr Flick in British comedy 'Allo 'Allo.

Ghost Aside from the classic 'white sheet', there is Elvira from 'Blithe Spirit' and the ghosts of Hamlet's Father and Banquo from William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.

Ghostbusters:- Popular film of 1984, with a sequel in 1989 concerning a group of scientists who set themselves up as a ghost disposal unit in New York. Outfit consisting of jumpsuit (with logo), inflatable backpack and zapper available.

Ghoul See Ghost.

GI Jane Character played by Demi Moore in the 1997 film of the same name but now used as a generic term for any short ‘n’ sexy female US Army-style costume

GI Joe Based on the standard American GI (General Issue) army operative in US army uniform, or battle fatigues. The macho male doll hero of Yesteryear whose baton (or beret) has now passed to the British ‘Action Man’.

Giant Usually required for performances of `Jack and the Beanstalk'. Invariably the person cast as the giant is picked more for his voice and not necessarily his looks/height. Large costume usually comprising head (sometimes on pole), top, belt and trousers can be supported with padding and/or a backpack, unless the Giant cast is a proficient stilt walker! Limitations of the stage or party environment also need to be given consideration.

Gibson Girl Style based on portraits of dancer Evelyn Nesbit by Charles D. Gibson (1867-1944). Typically, she wore a starched linen blouse, an Ascot square-ended scarf, a habit-back tailored skirt, hair in a pompadour style with a sailor hat.

Gimli Fearless dwarf warrior and his race’s representative in the Fellowship of the Ring in Tolkein’s ‘Lord of the Rings’. An official costume is available.

Gingerbread Man Character seen in the Shrek movies. Also popular as an alternative Christmas costume.

Ginger Rogers Frequent dance-partner to Fred Astaire in 1930/40s musical films, the couple being first seen in ‘Flying Down To Rio’ (*1933). Typical costume consists of an elegant floor-length gown (preferably white) of the Nineteen-Thirties or Nineteen-Forties style. She was known for her elaborate use of feathers.

Ginger Spice Aka Geri Halliwell. One of the British girl-group Spice Girls, who popularised the `Girl Power' concept in the Nineteen-Nineties. The best known image of Ginger Spice was her short Union Jack dress, platform ankle boots and straight ginger streaked hair.

Giraffe Obviously not the costume for low ceiling venues! Giraffe-style fur fabric is available, the practicality and control of the long neck being the main logistics problem.

Gladiator Roman warrior associated with arena combat. , Most commonly remembered for the portrayal by Russell Crowe in the film `Gladiator' of a wronged Roman general who literally fights his way back to public popularity. Costume comprises toga, armour, helmet and sword.

Gladys Pugh Character from the British TV sitcom, Hi-de-Hi set at Maplins holiday camp. Gladys was assistant to the Chief Entertainments Officer, originally Geoffrey Fairbrother, later Squadron Leader Dempster.

Glam Rock Singer Popular character from the early Nineteen-Seventies 'Glam Rock' music scene. See David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust, Glitter Man.

Glenn Miller Legendary American band-leader who mysteriously disappeared in 1944, whilst on an air trip between London and Paris.

Glinda The good witch of the South in ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Although in the original books was a redhead in a pure white dress, the MGM film has her in silver/white, like a fairy godmother. Official costumes are available.

Glitter Man (Gary & the Glitter Band) A less popular choice these days with the disgrace of the leader, Gary Glitter. Nonetheless, the 1970s style of bands such as the Glitter Band, Slade and Sweet, continues to be popular.

Gloria Swanson Star of the early silent and ‘talkies’ cinema who became famed for her role in the film `Sunset Boulevard', where she played a fading actress from the silent screen who kept reliving her golden days.

Gnomes Similar to a Dwarf but possibly with red cheeks and fishing rod!

Gnome of Zurich Nickname for a Swiss Banker at a time when their banks became notorious for their secrecy on monetary transactions. Obviously the Gnome and the Irish Leprechaun share a liking of money and hence the costume can derive from the leprechaun, the differences being the need for a gnome's pointed hat (as opposed to a green top-hat) and the fact that whereas a leprechaun traditionally carries a single coin, the Zurich Gnome may be expected to be somewhat more wealthy, so a stock of chocolate coin accessories may be useful.

Goatherd A colourful and embroidered waistcoat is worn over a white shirt, though the sleeves are often rolled. The highly functional lederhosen and thick socks are used, along with mountain walking boots. Such is the link between the herdsman and his charges that he may carry handkerchiefs embroidered with the names of his animals and a small bag with `treats' for his flock. A useful costume for Sound of Music events!

Goblin Similar to elves, gnomes, etc, but usually more disagreeable with pointier features. Goblin masks are available.

Godfather/Mafia Boss Those taking this option would probably model themselves on the Marlon Brando dark suited 'Godfather', although other styles are available.

Godiva, Lady Wife of the Earl of Mercia in 11^th century Britain who, according to legend, undertook to ride naked through the streets of Coventry in order to prevent her husband taxing the locals further. Her long hair was said to have protected her modesty, so the effect can be recreated with a body-stocking and long Godiva/Rapunzel wig. The horse accessory may be best served by a hobby-horse.

Gods of the Greeks and Romans The Greeks and Romans had a god (or goddess) for almost every aspect or influence on their lives. A typical god(dess) can be dressed in a white toga (Roman) or chiton (Greek) edged with gold or silver trim, and carry a symbol (Owl - Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom; Bow & Arrows - Diana, Goddess of Hunting), or other costume details. (Winged helmet & sandals - Mercury, Messenger of the Roman Gods).

Gold Digger Originally a term used for the prospectors in events such as the Great California Gold Rush of 1849. Character references may be films set in this period or ‘Stinky Pete’ from Toy Story 2. More recently, the term has come to mean a person (usually female) who enters into a relationship with a view to monetary gain.

Goldfinger Villain in James Bond film/book of the same name. Played by Gert Frobe in the film. Aside from having Jill Masterton killed (see Goldfinger Girl ), he masterminded a plot to contaminate the US's gold reserves. Suit, casual wear or ‘traditional’ golfing outfit.

Goldfinger Girl Jill Masterton who meets her death painted gold from head to toe (and hence ‘suffocated’) as the price of betraying her employer Goldfinger, in the Bond film of the same name. Whilst the golden girl effect can nowadays be safely recreated with gold make-up, body-paint and hair spray, this can take more time (and daring) than most wish to invest. A gold catsuit and supplementary gold make-up may be the preferred option. Where gold make-up is used, features such as eyes may need defining.

Goldie Hawn International film-star who started as a dizzy blond in a bikini and body-paint on the 1960s American TV satire show ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in’. She has since starred in films such as ‘Private Benjamin’ and ‘Death Becomes Her’.

Goldilocks This traditional story-book character can be created with a short frilled dress, pop socks and a 'Gold' or blonde bunched or plaited wig.

Goldmember Villain from which the third Austin Powers film took its name. In the film he is Dutch, owns a disco-club (not dissimilar to the famous Studio 54) and suffered an accident which resulted in his unusual appendage.

Golfer Modern: Sunglasses, jumper in geometric design and loud ‘Rupert Bear' type trousers. Older Style:- Similar to Cyclist, but adding a golf club or two. Alternatively, word-play on golfing terms could be used e.g. Eagle, Birdie, Bogie (Humphrey Bogart), etc..

Golly Once a classic of the toy-box (and Robinson’s Jam jars), the Gollywog is now considered potentially politically incorrect, although it may be viable for a Bad Taste party. The Golly typically wears a bowtie, black tail-coat and red/white stripe trousers. For the Golly look, use a corkscrew black hair wig and black make-up with white eyes and wide mouth - the appearance is not dissimilar to the League of Gentlemen character ‘ Papa Lazarou’.

Gomez From The Addams Family, husband of Morticia. In cartoons, wears a broad striped 'Gangster-style' grey/ black suit. A more conventional black pinstripe (plus moustache and cigar) are worn for the TV and cinema versions.

Gondolier Steering his gondola through the canals of Venice, (possibly singing whilst he does so) the Gondolier is an iconic representation of Italy. Typically he wears a striped jumper and be-ribboned straw hat. Until very recently, the Gondolier was an exclusively male profession!

Goose Character from the children’s nursery rhyme 'Goosey Goosey Gander'. Standard goose outfit or Mother Goose costume (eg featuring a bonnet).

Gorilla Popular and easy to come by costume, for the macho Jungle Jim-type. A more elaborate version, available through specialist outlets, has a gorilla carrying a man (or hunter) in a cage. See also King Kong.

Goth Historically, a member of one of the ancient Germanic tribes in conflict with the Roman Empire. Nowadays, a fashion sub-culture characterised by a passion for black clothing, hair and make-up.

Gothic Vampire/Vampiress Following on from the above, a creature of the night in human form based on the dark period clothing and Victorian-style seen in the film ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ featuring Gary Oldman as the Count.

Governor Either His/Her Majesty's representative in one of the British Colonies (formal dress or ceremonial attire), or the overseer of a prison (or State) in America.

Gracie Fields, Dame Born Grace Stansfield (1898-1979). Noted Comedienne and Music Hall Star from the early Twentieth Century. Starred in several morale-booster films, notably `Sally in Our Alley' and `Sing As We Go' in the Nineteen-Thirties. Costume/outfit depended upon role played.

Grand Vizier Different Eastern countries have their own hierarchies and names for rulers. Essentially a Vizier can wear a similar outfit to a Sultan.

Granny Aside from the standard Granny – like the one featured in the Little Red Riding Hood story, there are several ‘novelty’ granny costumes available such as the ‘Flashing’ Granny and the novelty costume in which a Granny appears to be carrying an adult Baby. Some might also remember the 1980’s British Children’s’ TV character Super Gran.

Grapes, Bunch of A D-I-Y costume simply achieved by attaching green or purple balloons to a black T-shirt and jeans or jumpsuit. Avoid anyone wielding sharp objects with evil intent!

Grease Popular musical and film of the 1970s set in US High School Rydell during the 1950s. A basic Romeo & Juliet story of the relationship between Sandy Ollson (Dumbrowski in the original), newcomer to the school and would-be member of the ‘Pink Ladies’ and Danny Zuko, leading member of the T-Birds gang.

Grecian Lady Long white or green robe of lightweight floating fabric. Similar to the Roman Lady.

Grecian Man Knee or floor length toga of lightweight fabric. Similar to the Roman Man.

Greek Hero Hercules is an obvious choice, but others such as Jason, Perseus and Odysseus are also possible.

Green-Cross Man British TV Commercial character of the 1970s/80s designed to encourage road safety and played by David Prowse (who also played Darth Vader in Star Wars).

Green Fairy Character from the 2001 'Moulin Rouge' film, played by Kylie Minogue. Personification of Absinthe, the addictive green 'spirit of choice'. Potentially harmful, as one of its ingredients was wormwood, it was eventually banned. Thus, for all her twinkly attitude and costume, the green fairy is inwardly wicked, this being symbolised by red eye make-up!

Green Goblin The super-villain in the first of the recent Spiderman movies (2002) and the alter-ego of industrialist Norman Osborn. Noted for high-tech weapons, Osborn derived his powers from a special serum which also caused him to become deranged.

Green Goddess Nickname for the human form of Jealousy, so the green theme can be carried through the costume, hair and make-up.

Green Hornet Green Hornet is a masked vigilante who, with his sidekick Kendo (who is trained in martial arts) and weapon-laden car, fights crime and injustice. Originally appearing as a comic strip and TV series in the mid-20th century, his story will be told again in January 2011 in a movie, and doubtless official costumes will be available.

Green Lantern Based on the original DC Comics character, 2011 will see the Green Lantern on the Big Screen. Deriving his powers from a ring given to him by a dying alien, Green Lantern is a member of a kind of interplanetary police-force. Official costumes should be available around the time of the film's release.

Green Man/Woman The Green Man is a symbolic figure dressed head to toe in green leaves/branches often seen at May-day celebrations in British folklore. The female equivalent is the Earth Mother/Gaia figure.

Green Pepper Novelty costume from the fruit and vegetable range.

Gretel Girl from the classic fairy tale 'Hansel & Gretel' by the Brothers Grimm. German or Austrian-style blouse waistcoat and skirt. Plaited wig.

Grey Mouse See Mouse.

Grim Reaper Aka Death, usually portrayed as a cloaked and hooded skeleton with scythe and hourglass.

Grinch Green humanoid goblin-like Dr Seuss character from the story ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’.

Grisabella Grisabella is the Glamour Cat from the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical `Cats'. She has fallen on hard times. Apart from a costume which suggests a fur coat that has seen better days, make-up is elegant but flawed - run mascara, smudged lipstick, etc..

Gromit Popular dog companion to absent minded inventor Wallace in the Aardman animation TV programmes and feature film about the duo’s adventures. An official costume is available.

Groom Either literally, a male horse-minder or figuratively, the male partner in a wedding couple.

Groovy Girl A generic title given to any female costume typifying the psychedelic 1960s or early 70s. In addition to the outfit, usually based on the mini-dress, sometimes with a matching ‘butcher-boy’ cap, coloured or patterned tights and knee length boots may also be used.

Grotbags Children's TV character of Yesteryear, a green-faced witch who featured in programmes by Rod Hull and Emu, notably `The Pink Windmill Show'.

Groucho Marx One of the famous Marx Brothers, film-stars of the 1930s, Groucho Marx was legendary for his witty one-liners and put-downs. 1930s style evening suit, bushy eyebrows, moustache, large black glasses and cigar

Gryfinndor Student Any student from the House of Gryfinndor at HogwartsSchool in the Harry Potter stories. Although Harry and Hermoine Grainger are the most famous members, the availability of Gryfinndor robes and ties enables you to play any other student of that house.

G-String Risqué minimal costume for some, but with the new trend of ‘underwear as outerwear’, it may form the basis of a costume from the likes of Lady Gaga.

Guardsman See also Coldstream Guardsman. Guards and Guardsman can occur in everything from pantomime to history. Role model for the classic Toy Soldier costume, of busby/bearskin, red uniform jacket and black trousers. Outfit may also be used for the Nutcracker Soldier at Christmas.

Guinevere Wife of King Arthur, a legendary British hero of the Dark Ages of early English history. Reputed to have been in love with Lancelot, one of the Knights of the Round Table. Costume is the classic Medieval/Renaissance gown. Bejewelled necklace. Long flowing hair, with crown, or circlet and veil.

Gunslinger Character in the sci-fi movie, 'Westworld', played by Yul Brynner. The Terminator borg mask, combined with a cowboy outfit, creates the theme park droid that went bad.

Guy Fawkes Most famous member of a gang who planned to blow up the British Parliament in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. His exploits are still commemorated on November 5^th with bonfires and the ‘burning of the guy’. He wears a cavalier-style costume. Accessorise with black powder & matches or fireworks! See also the film ‘V’ in which the protagonist freedom-fighter has modelled his look on the classic Guy Fawkes, complete with mask – official costumes are available

Gypsy Many gypsy families (notably the Romany's) derived from Eastern Europe, but others derive from the Iberian peninsula. Usually seen in swathes of colourful clothes, with dark hair (long for females, shoulder length and curly for males), headscarf and earrings (for both females and males). A crystal ball or tarot cards can create a Gypsy Fortune Teller. It is said by some that Elvis has a gypsy heritage and hence is King of the Gypsies!

Gypsy Dancer Colourful costume usually comprising a brightly coloured skirt with optional fringing, white or floral top, shawl tied around the waist, scarf or coin headdress with long dark hair. May be used in connection with a James Bond event as a female gypsy fight occurs in ‘From Russia With Love’

Gypsy Rose Lee Potentially interesting choice for an ‘Entertainers’ theme, being a legendary artiste who refined the art of the seductive striptease routine as part of her burlesque show performance.