How to Tastefully Dress for an ABC Party

Okay, so recently I was invited to go to an ABC birthday party and I immediately freaked out. For those of you who don’t know, ABC stands for ‘Anything But Clothes’. My first reaction was to be a rebel and just come dressed in clothes (a nice top and some jeans so I look nice and casual enough). I want to make sure I am covered, especially because the weather lately has been on the cooler side at night. 

However, a friend of mine quickly rebutted my idea with a ‘Alexis, that is the most boring rebellion I have ever heard of’ and even made an article title for the occasion that says ‘Local Woman Rebels Against Party Rules, Wears Clothes’. That put a wrench in my plans and I had to think of a better way to orchestrate my collegiate rebellion.

Therefore, I began to brainstorm with another friend that was also invited to the party about tasteful ways to dress for the ABC party and we came up with some pretty good ideas if I do say so myself. Not only are these items creative, but they are also fairly cheap for a college student budget (not in order of preference or monetary value).

1. Duct tape

All you need is a couple rolls of whatever duct tape design you like (whether it be macaroni and cheese or cute puppies).

2. Toga

This one’s a classic for parties but can always be your go to. Just a bed sheet and a cord or rope, and you are set!

3. Lampshade skirt

If you have a cute lampshade that is wide enough to fit around your waist, just steal that sucker right off of the lamp (it’ll forgive you for your fashion sense).

4. Old papers from class

Before you burn all your old college papers, use it as a dress or a shirt and shorts combo at the party to really use your materials for the first time.

5. A Pillowcase

Like Dobby did in the Harry Potter series, you can also use multiple pillowcases or a body pillowcase to trick those people that try to call you out for wearing a dress (nope, it’s technically bedlinen). Plus, you’ll have a great conversation starter at the party.

6. Censorship bar boxes

Just get a couple big cardboard boxes and paint them or spray paint them black. You have a little joke and explanation for this dress up idea at the party!

7. Bubble wrap

This one doesn’t seem like it’d be tasteful but just throw on a slip before you wrap yourself up in rows upon rows of bubble wrap. You’d even have the translucent appearance it creates on your side, so no worries on flashing anyone! Just make sure you stay awake from sharp objects (like the knife cutting the birthday cake at the party) so you don’t pop your outfit away.