Most school fancy dress rounds give a child about thirty seconds: a walk to the centre, a pose and a line or two. The best costumes are the ones the audience recognises before the child opens their mouth. Below are forty ideas grouped by the themes schools set most often, each with the single detail that makes it read from the back of the hall.
Freedom fighters and national leaders
- Mahatma Gandhi: khadi dhoti, round spectacles and a lathi.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: the INA uniform and cap.
- Bhagat Singh: kurta and the felt hat.
- Rani Laxmibai: Nauvari saree, a sword and a shield.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: dhoti-kurta and a shawl.
- Jawaharlal Nehru: achkan with a rose in the buttonhole.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: angarkha, pagdi and a sword.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: a suit and a copy of the Constitution.
- Swami Vivekananda: saffron robe and turban.
- APJ Abdul Kalam: simple formals and that famous hairstyle.
See the freedom fighter costume guide for a line each child can say, and our patriotic day page for what we stock.
Community helpers
- Doctor: white coat and stethoscope.
- Nurse: uniform and cap.
- Police officer: khaki, cap and whistle.
- Soldier: fatigues and beret.
- Pilot: captain's jacket and cap.
- Firefighter: jacket and helmet.
- Chef: white coat and tall hat.
- Scientist: lab coat and goggles.
Animals and birds
- Lion
- Tiger
- Elephant
- Rabbit
- Monkey
- Deer
- Peacock
- Parrot
Fruits, vegetables and nature
- Apple
- Mango (the national fruit makes a good speech hook)
- Banana
- Carrot
- Tomato
- A tree (a good choice for Environment Day themes)
- Sunflower
- The sun
- Stars
- The earth
Mythology
- Lord Krishna: pitambar, mor-mukut and bansuri.
- Lord Shiva: tiger-print drape, trishul and damru.
- Hanuman: saffron dhoti, mukut and gada.
- Durga or Saraswati: saree, crown and the right prop (trishul or veena).
Fairytales and cartoons
- King and queen
- Prince and princess
- Fairy with wand and wings
- A favourite cartoon or superhero character
How to choose
- Start from the theme the school has set, if there is one.
- Pick a character the child likes and can say one or two sentences about.
- Choose the prop that makes the character instantly recognisable.
- Do a trial: the child should be able to walk, turn and speak comfortably.
Ready to pick one? Browse our characters and animals rack, the school and fancy dress rack or message us with the theme and your child's age.
