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Dressing in Masquerade

By Nadja Maril

While the Best of Annapolis and Eastern Shore party theme 2008 honors the 300 year birthday of Annapolis, guests are invited to wear a costume representing any time period or character they admire. What is your favorite decade or profession? A khaki trenchcoat with a turned up collar, miniature camera, and toy revolver in the pocket might turn you into a detective or secret agent. A full skirted dress, frilly apron, and red lipstick could create the images of a 1950s housewife from Pleasantville.

Victorian gentlemen sported waxed, upturned mustaches and long mutton chop sideburns. If you're thinking of shaving off your beard, maybe it's time to go "halfway" with the Victorian look first. Or keep the beard and add one earring, head scarf, and an eyepatch. A piece of elastic and a circle of fabric are all you need for the eyepatch. A shirt or rather a blouse with no buttons would add authenticity. Shorten your pants by folding or pinning them just below the knees, wear solid colored high socks and you're a pirate from the colonial era.

A lace up corset worn on top of a low cut peasant blouse and long skirt will turn a lady into a wench. For a genteel look, cover a wide brimmed hat with a mutitude of silk flowers and a draping of lace, for a real lady frequently kept her head covered while venturing out into public.

Shoulder pads and a cinched-in waist will give you the look of the 1940s. Off the shoulder tunics and leg warmers were signature fashions of the 1980s. Remember the polyester leisure suits of the 1970s and Nehru collar jackets of the 1960s? They still might be hanging in someone's closet. Attics, thrift stores, and consignment shops are great places to start your search for costumes. Ask your friends, they might have items to lend.

Let your imagination run wild with fun ideas for ways to dress. We’ll see you at the party on June 12 .