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Fancy dress trends influenced by pop culture and TV shows like I'm A Celebrity

Reach Daily Express | April 29, 2026 12:39 AM CST

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 43% of Brits claim to have more fun when in fancy dress, while 38% believe the UK has become a land obsessed with the art of dress up.

According to celebrity stylist Mark Heyes, this year's standout fancy dress looks are being shaped by the cultural moments dominating our screens and social media feeds, with references to film and TV booming. Mark Heyes has given his best advice on how to recreate this year's trending fancy dress looks for less, as research shows dressing up has taken the country by storm.

These references range from '90s-inspired throwbacks to viral fashion moments like Lily Allen's headline-grabbing 'receipt dress', demonstrating how pop culture is driving instantly recognisable costumes.

More than one in five use fancy dress as a way to showcase their interests, from musical acts to favourite film characters. Gothic romance is also surging off the back of the blockbuster film Wuthering Heights - bringing dramatic silhouettes and darker aesthetics into the mix.

Group looks are also booming, inspired by hit TV shows like I'm A Celebrity and Gavin and Stacey, as dressing up becomes an increasingly shared social experience.

These trends were recently showcased at Butlin's adult only Big Weekender in Minehead, which hosted its first-ever Fancy Dress Fashion Week, a celebration of homegrown creativity that Mark described as "Britain's answer to the Met Gala".

Mark Heyes said: "But this is where people actually have fun. This isn't about designers or money. It's about effort, real people, and inclusive creativity."

Fancy dress is also boosting confidence, with a third (32%) saying they feel more confident in costume, while a quarter (25%) feel less judged and a third (33 percent) say it creates a more relaxed, playful atmosphere.

Mark Heyes added: "That's the magic of fancy dress. It gives people permission to step outside themselves. Suddenly it's not about how you look, it's about the character you've created."

Outside of these feelings of freedom and escapism, Millennials in particular enjoy the chance to show off their creativity (30%) and Gen X love being able to put on the persona of the character they are dressed as (29%), indicating a flair for the dramatic.

Interestingly, there was also a stronger love of fancy dress among men than women, with the average male attending a higher percentage of themed parties and events and spending more overall on their outfits - £46 compared to £34.

Across the board, 22% say dressing up helps them let go of their inhibitions, while 20% said it allows them to express their personal style more freely, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Other reasons for the nation's love of costumes included enjoying the challenge of putting together an outfit to fit the theme (28%) and showing off their interests, for example dressing as musical acts or characters from films they are a fan of (23%).

Judge for yourself who wore it best in the photo gallery below - proof that you don't need to break the bank, just fully commit to your creativity, to rival the biggest fashion stars on the globe.

Mike Godolphin, Butlin's entertainment director, added: "Every year, hundreds of thousands of Big Weekender guests arrive in incredible fancy dress. It's a defining part of the experience - a chance to escape, dress up and fully embrace the moment.

"With headline acts, pool parties and non-stop activities all included, our Big Weekenders offer incredible value and a chance for adults to step away from the everyday, dress up and lose themselves in the moment."

Despite the popularity, many still struggle with where to start (18%) or what to go as (21%), something Mark says can be solved by humour, simple accessories, and teaming up with friends.

Go all out on humour: Wearing fancy dress is all about having as much fun with your outfit and using your sense of humour as much as possible, whether it's jumping on a hilarious viral moment or turning something serious into something silly. For example, take the Met Gala dress code 'art is fashion' and add a humorous twist to fine art by becoming the Mona Lisa through wearing a black dress and getting a large frame from a charity shop.

It's all about the accessories: A simple outfit that already exists in your wardrobe can easily be turned into a fancy dress fashion moment with a few simple and affordable accessories. Add a feather boa to a wide-leg trouser or sparkly outfit to create a Harry Styles costume, accessorise double denim with a cowboy hat and bandana to tap into Cowboy Core, or transform into a cult film character like Wednesday Addams by adding a black plaited wig to an all-black outfit.

More is more: When it comes to fancy dress, more really is more - you can never over-accessorise or go too bold. Include props like broomsticks or inflatables to bring some theatre to your look and create memorable photos - something that would usually feel out of place in the world of fashion, like pairing multiple leopard print items in your wardrobe together can allow you to lean into the maximalism trend.

Set a budget and be creative: Organising a night out and setting a dress code doesn't mean you have to spend big bucks to look amazing. Set yourself and your friends a £10 limit per person and challenge each other to create effective looks for minimal spend. Part of the fun of curating a look is pulling together clothing and accessories to create something original, so getting raid charity shops, your friends' wardrobes, and any forgotten items you have in storage!

Team up with your mates: Group looks can elevate a theme to the next level, with many viral fancy dress moments featuring a whole gang in the same outfit - picture a wall of security guards with black suits and sunglasses or bold blue Smurfs. Some of the best group looks see everyone take on their own character and tap into a cultural phenomenon or nostalgia trend, like characters from Clueless, Shrek, or Stranger Things.