As many collegiettes know, nothing lasts forever: classes end, boy situations fizzle, and those really cute boots you bought last March are officially ruined from that terrible April rainstorm. Although the idea of theme parties will always be near and dear to our hearts, some themes are so last semester. Luckily, we’ve done our research and are here to let you know about some of the hottest theme parties happening this fall. What would you do without us?
The 2012 Presidential Campaign
With the election a few weeks away, now’s the perfect time for a campaign-themed party. Lucky for you, there are so many options for what to wear to one. You and your boyfriend can head to the bash as Barack and Michelle: he can wear a polished suit and you can rock a fitted sheath dress. Representing a “Democratic” or “Republic” state is as easy as sporting a blue or red ensemble. If you’re undecided, or just don’t want to publicize your political party, wear a pair of denim cutoffs with an American flag tee. At this party, don’t forget to show off your patriotism.
Denim on Denim
Regardless of your personal opinion, it’s no doubt that the Canadian tuxedo—you know, denim on denim—is all the rage lately. Not only has 2012 prompted the return of chambray, Karl Lagerfeld just showcased a bevy of denim pieces in Chanel’s Spring Ready-to-wear show. Translation? The trend is here to stay. In the event you don’t own enough jean clothes, take a trip to your closest secondhand shop. “The thrift store was a popular stop for this party,” says Bethany Christie, a junior at Lafayette College. “There were dresses, pantsuits, jean skirts, jackets, and more!” Maximize your denim by mixing and matching a ton of different pieces like jeans, chambray, and denim jackets.
The End of the World
Conspiracy theorists, beware: the “end of the world” is almost here. Regardless of the Mayan calendar’s accuracy, 2012 is all about celebrating the supposed “grand finale” with a theme party to end all theme parties. Since this party is all about the end of the world, don your tattered clothes for this occasion: we’re talking ripped tees, distressed jeans… the works! For a finishing touch, incorporate a smoky eye into your ensemble. And as our girl Britney once said, “Keep on dancing ‘till the world ends.”
The Hunger Games
Since we’re talking post-apocalyptic already, it’d be a shame to not touch on one of the hottest pop culture phenomenons of the year: The Hunger Games. Whether you’ve read the entire trilogy (guilty as charged) or you have celebrity crush on Josh Hutcherson (guilty as well), attending a Hunger Games bash this fall is a must. The obvious costume is wearing neutral colors, tying your hair into a braid, and emulating Katniss Everdeen. For this event, a bow and arrow are optional. Or get those creative juices flowing by dressing up as a citizen from The Capitol. Don’t worry; you don’t have to invest in a bizarre wig—this look can be accomplished with just dramatic makeup and bright clothes. With a stellar ensemble, the odds will ever be in your favor. Be sure to check out HC’s other Hunger Games costume ideas!
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Flashback to the ‘90s
From the rampant surplus of crop tops to No Doubt’s comeback album, it’s pretty clear that we’re in the midst of ‘90s revival. This time travel isn’t only affecting our pop culture – it’s also influencing our party ideas. “I want to throw a ‘90s party this year!” says Hannah Orenstein, a sophomore at New York University and HC’s High School Editor. “I’m ready to break out my best ‘90s outfit and blast Britney Spears and Will Smith.” With so many options to choose from, how could you not find an ensemble that’s perfect for you? Kick it old school by rocking an outfit inspired by Spears’ “Hit Me Baby (One More Time)” –it’s as easy as sporting high socks, a miniskirt, and a button-down top. Or simply raid your local thrift store and buy a plethora of vibrant threads. Either way, your ensemble will be super rad.
Music Videos
Throwing a whole party that’s centered around one music video is just crazy enough to be awesome. “When I first got to college, a friend of mine introduced our group to the band Walk the Moon,” says Megan Killea, a junior at SUNY Geneseo. “When the band’s single dropped, we decided to throw a party in their honor. We all wore face paint—it’s the signature look the band dons at all their concerts—and wore shirts with our favorite song lyrics on them.” If there’s one song collegiettes are almost unanimously obsessed with, it’s “Gangnam Style.” Dress up as one of PSY’s backup girls with a white shirt and sequin mini. Or copy one of the singer’s ridiculous outfits; you can always stop at a thrift store or raid your boyfriend’s closet. Bonus points if you master the “Gangnam Style” dance!
Hipster City
Have you ever been to a party that blatantly forces you to dress up like a hipster? At the extravaganza that I’d like to call “Hipster City,” it’s your duty as an attendee to wear some styles before they become cool. Since flannels and skinny jeans are too mainstream for comfort, juxtapose random pieces from your wardrobe. It’s easy and perfect for collegiettes who are on a budget. Finish off this ensemble with a pair of thick-rimmed glasses—a hipster essential. Don’t forget to bring a case of PBR (if you’re legal, of course) and talk about super obscure music.
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Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
Just because your life isn’t like Zenon’s now—I know, it’s pretty disappointing—doesn’t mean you can’t pay homage to our favorite space girl. “I’m pretty sure any college-aged woman has seen that movie, and I think just enough time has passed to make it kitschy and a tiny bit ironic,” says Maddy Foley, a senior at Kenyon College and HC Contributing Writer. When it comes to dressing up for this party, it’s all about unleashing your inner kid. Take a note from Zenon by mixing neon pieces with dashes of metallic. For a finishing touch, add a slinky to your ponytail. With this outfit, any collegiette will be the coolest space girl since Zenon herself.
2012’s Biggest Celebrity Scandals
Tabloid junkie or not, you’re probably well aware of this year’s celebrity gossip. From Kristen Stewart’s cheating scandal to Snooki reaching “Baby Mama” status, this year alone in Hollywood could’ve been a multi-season soap opera! Not only is this theme hysterical, it’s also super easy to dress for. You and your boyfriend can emulate Kate and Tom: wear something chic and minimalist while your beau sports a leather jacket and movie star shades. For a finishing touch, attach yourselves with toy handcuffs—let’s call it “TomKat at a custody hearing,” shall we? Better yet, unleash your inner Suri with a sundress and kitten heels (she may be young, but the girl knows her shoes). For a more current take on this trend, you and your bestie should dress up as Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey—that fight on American Idol was pretty crazy! Your duo’s Mariah Carey can wear a tight dress and platform heels while the other should clash bright colors together. If you need any more inspiration, open up this week’s issue of your favorite celebrity magazine—there’ll be a slew of scandals to choose from.
Regardless of the party’s theme, the most important thing you can do is to have fun with your ensemble. Trust us; nobody wants to meet that wallflower in the corner who was “too cool to go with the theme.” Even if your ensemble is a total bust, you can your friends can laugh about it months later.
With all these awesome ideas, what will 2013 have in store for us? Only time will tell, collegiettes!