Themed Parties

Kaila Nordmeyer
Pi Beta Phi

After a long week of classes, everyone is always so excited when the weekend rolls around.   In my perspective it’s even more exciting when there is a themed party.  I know exactly what I want to wear, and if I don’t have the right things I can borrow from my Pi Phi sisters.  When it’s a themed party, I don’t have to worry about trying to find the perfect dress or T-shirt.  Having themed parties are always a guarantee for a large turnout and great pictures to look back on.

One of my favorite themed parties is a toga party.  For guys all they need is a sheet and a few safety pins.  It’s always funny when a guy shows up with a cartoon-covered sheet.  You always know what show they loved when they were younger.  Girls go bigger than just a sheet though.  Some girls buy big white men’s T-shirts and cut them up.  Or like me, I just keep using the same fabric every time there is a toga party and change the way I wear it.  Togas are comfy and easy for everyone to make.  Last year Pi Phi and Kappa joined together and had a toga party in honor of being founded at the same college, Monmouth. It was my first date party and I’ll never forget it. 

Another themed party idea I really like is zip tie.  Our house has one in the upcoming month.  When you walk into the party, everyone gets a zip tie and a number.  As soon as most of the people get there, you find the person with the same number and zip tie your wrists together.  You are then stuck together for however long you want.  It’s a fun way to meet people and if you already know them, maybe just bond a little more. 

An ABC party is also always a good one as well.  It stands for “anything but clothes.”  People dress in garbage bags, duct tape, literally anything you can wear that isn’t clothing. I’ve seen girls even wear shower towels, laundry baskets, and even gone as far as saran wrap.  It’s exciting because guys and girls bring out their creative, fun sides.  These are also some of the best pictures because not only are they funny, but the memories of making your costumes with your friends and laughing at the outcomes are always priceless.

Lastly, my favorite theme is '80s Aspen.  Girls and guys both gather together to dress in 80s snow gear.  Sure you might be sweating by the end of the night, but it is a great time to dress funny with your best friends.  When I recently went, I wore a furry vest with neon tights, volleyball shorts, leg warmers, a winter headband, and of course, snow boots.  Lots of people wore ski goggles and guys wore '80s ski wear as well.  Many went to Goodwill and found cheap windbreakers with matching pants. 

Going to socials is fun but when you have a theme it makes it even better.  People know what to wear (exactly how formal or informal to plan for), are pumped for a good time, and are surprised the moment they arrive. 

Kaila is a sophomore studying broadcasting. You may contact her at kaila.nordmeyer@yahoo.com.