Fancy dress outfit suggestions

[Conniebygaslight]

So for my DD’s 21st birthday we are all going out for drinks in fancy dress. (Not my thing but all our DCs and their partners are going so me and DH are obviously showing willing). It will be height of summer so don’t want anything where I get too hot. Any ideas for a 50 something woman, average build who doesn’t want to feel too much of an idiot and can be reasonably comfy in?
thank you

Just wondering if you are expected to dress up too?
I have a 20yo and her and friends do go out in cosplay/costumes at times.
I am fairly sure she'd cringe herself inside out if me and dh joined them with the dressing up. If we were dressing up people, then I think it would be fine.

If you are though, I'd make sure you're something that is not too big, but easy to do without huge effort, and doesn't look like you're trying to be too young and cool, if that makes sense. Perhaps something like Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter.

I would try and find some of the fashion when you were late teens early 20s and dress up in that. I'm 69, so for me it would be hippyish, flower power, bright paisley etc etc.

Maybe Abba esque or early Kylie.
Definitely big hair
either shoulder pads if (semi) formal. Alternatively, sports wear, shell suit, leg warmers

Is there not a theme? I’ve never been to something that is just “fancy dress” without a theme.

Since you’re not hugely comfortable with the idea (don’t blame you!) I would go for something that is accessories based so you can take it all off if you want to. So 80s/ neon with headband/legwarmers etc and just a black outfit underneath. Or Harry Potter cloaks as pp said and normal stuff under.

Or if you want something more glam then 1920s/40s/50s is a good option, wear a nice vaguely period appropriate dress and add the right kind of accessories and hair/make up - again can tone it down as the evening goes on if you want.

Best fancy dress I ever seen was my colleague.

It was her for her daughters 40th birthday - she dressed as herself, 40 years previously (so clothes suited to that time/hairstyle etc) with a cushion up her top for when she was pregnant

Go as a character from Mamma Mia - very floaty and comfortable!

Yes our DD wants us to dress up.
Thanks for your suggestions

Mamma Mia’s a good idea - jumpsuits etc.

Could you and dh dress up as a couple or something connected -

Blues brothers?
70s outfits?
40s /50s retro dresses
Grease - dh could wear bomber jacket and you could wear fit!/flare dress (early Sandy look)

I think this is a great idea!