Anything But Clothes Party Ideas: Costume & Invite Inspo

Anything but clothes party ideas: A-B-C Party invitation

Looking to host an unforgettable party that’s equal parts hilarious and inventive? An Anything But Clothes party (or ABC party) is your ticket to a night of laughs, creativity, and memories. The premise is simple: Guests craft outfits using anything except traditional clothing. From trash bags to bubble wrap, the possibilities are endless.

Let’s dive into some Anything But Clothes party ideas that will have your guests talking long after the night ends.

What Is an ABC Party?

An Anything But Clothes party challenges attendees to think outside the box. Instead of donning typical attire, guests create outfits using unconventional materials. This theme party is perfect for college gatherings, a birthday party, or just a fun night with friends.

Hosting an ABC party is a fantastic way to encourage creativity and laughter. It’s an opportunity for guests to showcase their resourcefulness and sense of humor.

21 Creative Anything But Clothes Party Ideas

Need a little inspiration for your look? Check out these creative outfit ideas to help you stand out at the party:

Trash bag couture: Fashion a chic dress or skirt using black trash bags and duct tape. Add accessories like a belt made from caution tape for an edgy
Bubble wrap dress: Construct a playful outfit by layering bubble wrap. Not only is it unique, but it also offers a satisfying pop with every step.
Cardboard box armor: Transform large cardboard boxes into a suit of armor or a robot costume. Paint them with metallic colors for added effect.
Shower loofah gown: Attach colorful shower loofahs to a dress base using safety pins or glue. The result is a fluffy, eye-catching look.
Beer box bling: Repurpose beer boxes to create a stylish outfit. Cut and fold them into a wearable design, and accessorize with bottle caps or can tabs.
Plastic bag poncho: Use clear plastic bags to craft a rain-poncho-inspired outfit. Decorate with colorful markers or stickers for personalization.
Duct tape dress: Utilize duct tape to fashion a form-fitting dress. Experiment with different colors and patterns to make it your own.
Bed sheet toga: For a classic look, drape a bed sheet around your body to create a toga. Secure with safety pins, and add a laurel wreath headpiece.
Aluminum foil glam: Wrap yourself in aluminum foil to create a shiny, futuristic outfit or metallic mini-dress. Add accents with cardboard or pipe cleaners for a bold, reflective look.
Pillowcase princess/prince: Turn a simple pillowcase into a dress, tunic, or cape. Decorate with fabric markers, ribbons, or safety pins to make it uniquely yours.
Playing cards dress: Glue or tape playing cards together to form a fun, geometric dress or vest. Mix suits and colors to create patterns or even a character-inspired look.
Tablecloth or shower curtain gown: Use a decorative tablecloth or shower curtain to craft a long flowing gown. Pair with a belt made from ribbon or tape to cinch the waist for style and fit.
Caution tape chic: Layer caution tape over a simple base like leggings or a tank top to make a bold, edgy outfit. Add accessories like duct tape bracelets or headbands for extra flair.
Floral dress: Use faux greenery or flowers to craft a nature-inspired outfit — think garden goddess or enchanted forest look.
Barrel or trash can: Repurpose a barrel or large trash can into a quirky, wearable statement piece with suspenders.
Takeout containers: Fold and tape Chinese takeout boxes together for a creative, food-inspired costume with lots of personality.
Toilet paper: Wrap yourself in rolls of toilet paper for a quick and quirky costume. Go full mummy or get creative with bows, ruffles, or fringe details.
Leis look: String together colorful leis to create a tropical-inspired skirt, top, or headpiece for a bright, beachy vibe.
Newspaper and twine ensemble: Wrap and fold newspapers with twine to make a DIY dress or suit. Add splashes of paint or markers for extra flair.
Balloon Bonanza: Inflate balloons in various sizes and attach them to a base outfit for a bubbly, over-the-top costume.
Accessorize it: Don’t forget the extras! Use a colander or bread basket for a hat, string together paper clips for a necklace, or craft bracelets from duct tape or bottle caps!

Once you’ve chosen an idea, make sure you build and secure your masterpiece so it lasts through the night. Start with a base layer, like leggings, bike shorts, or a tank top. This gives you a solid foundation and makes attaching materials easier and more comfortable.

Then, secure your costume pieces together:

Safety pins are your best friend for fabric or soft materials.
Duct tape works for a stronger hold or for creating belts, straps, and decorative accents.
String or twine is great for tying items into place, like bunching balloons into a skirt.
Rubber bands can hold rolled or scrunched items together quickly.
Hot glue (if you have time) is perfect for sturdier pieces like cardboard or bottle caps.

How to Craft the Perfect ABC Party Invitation

Design: itsibelli | Glitter Gradient Invitation

The first step to an unforgettable ABC party is sending out the invite — because before anyone steps into trash bag couture or bubble wrap glam, they need to know it’s game time.

A great digital invitation gives a sneak peek of the silliness, creativity, and full-on laughter waiting at your party. They’re easy to customize to fit your party theme. Add fun wording, eye-catching design, and a little nudge to get guests brainstorming about their wildest DIY outfits.

Here are a few other tips:

Use bright colors, playful fonts, or DIY designs that echo the “anything but clothes” theme.
Include a reminder about safety and comfort, so guests know they can have fun without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions.
Encourage social sharing by adding a hashtag for your party, helping guests get excited and start brainstorming costumes ahead of time.
If this is an annual get-together, add photos from past parties to your online invitation.

Invitation Wording Ideas

No clean laundry? No problem. Let your creativity shine at our Anything But Clothes party! Join us [date/time].”
Who needs clothes when you’ve got imagination? Come dressed in anything but clothes for a night of laughs and DIY fashion!
Trash bags, bubble wrap, and cardboard boxes welcome! Our ABC Party kicks off [date/time]. Don’t dress like everyone else!
Skip the jeans, ditch the tees, wear anything but clothes — yes, please! Join us for an ABC party on [date/time]!
Leave the fabric at home … What will everyone wear instead? Join the fun and find out at our Anything But Clothes Party [date/time]!

Party Activities to Keep the Vibe Alive

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Funky Summer Nights Invitation

An ABC party isn’t just about the outfits — it’s about creating an experience. Here are some party activities to keep your guests entertained:

Costume contest: Host a fashion show where guests can showcase their creations. Award categories can include “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” and “Best Use of Materials.”
Photo booth fun: Set up a photo booth with props like oversized sunglasses, feather boas, and funny hats. Encourage guests to snap pictures to remember the night.
DIY craft station: Provide materials like markers, stickers, and fabric scraps for guests to add finishing touches to their outfits during the party.
Dance-off: Play upbeat music and have a dance competition. The best dancer in the most creative outfit wins a prize.
Themed snacks: Serve finger foods and drinks that align with the ABC theme.

Wrapping Up the Party

And that’s a wrap — literally. From aluminum foil gowns to bubble wrap matching sets, your Anything But Clothes party is all about creativity, chaos, and a whole lot of laughs. So send out those cheeky invitations, break out the duct tape, and get ready to host an ABC bash your friends will be talking about long after the last roll of toilet paper has left the dance floor.

Check out our collection of fun entertaining invites for any occasion and prepare for an unforgettable night!