40th birthday party - inspiration needed please!

[Prforone]

My 40th birthday is later this year and I'd like to have a party to celebrate but am stuck for a fancy dress theme. My birthday is very near to Halloween but I'd really like to steer away from that theme and have something a bit different. Any ideas?

My friend had a "20th anniversary of his 20th birthday" party and asked everyone to come dressed as they would have done to a party the year he was 20 (for him it was mid 1980s which was rather fun!)

What about the 1940's?
Or a 70's do, as you were a 70's child (like me

I've also been to a 40th where you were asked to come as something starting with the letter 'F'. Nice as it gave plenty of room for inspiration (and easy wimping out for those who can't bear dressing up).

Not specifically for 40th, but I've also been to a 'Come as you aren't' party which was quite fun (very scruffy people in fancy suits, my friend came dressed as a bloke with her two little boys done up in frilly dresses & ribbons, etc)

School uniform
Just "fancy dress"
Went to a "James Bond" one; that was good: ladies in cocktail dress, men in DJs, one or two in swimwear!
Film characters
Hawaian/beach wear with music, food and drink of that theme.
Bad taste
Vicars n tarts
Toga party
(nostagically thinks back to student days...)