As children most people wanted to become fantastic characters or heroic figures from television, the movies or favorite stories. Just because someone has "grown up" however, does not mean that they must abandon the joy of fancy dress and costumes.

Today there is an enormous amount of business around fancy dress and costumes for events that take place year round. Though the Halloween season is probably the time of year with the heaviest demand for ensembles, accessories and props, there are many other reasons that people don a disguise.

Among the most popular costumes are those of historic and famous individuals, from Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, to Marie Antoinette and Robin Hood, people love to pretend they are their idols or heroes.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing their fancy dress gear is to forget about props and makeup. Slipping into a white billowy dress and a platinum blonde wig might let people know you are "supposed" to be Marilyn Monroe, but an individual can really "wow" friends and family when they seek out the correct makeup and jewelry as well as appropriate shoes and other items that will complete the look.

Wearing fancy dress doesn't mean becoming someone else at all, some people will wear fancy dress for special or silly occasions, such as a hen party where the guests might sport feather boas, sequined caps and flashing badges indicating their status as a "vamp", "flirt" or innocent "bride to be".

Children love fancy dress gear as well, and there are many items for their birthday parties and other events that will really add an element of fun to the occasion. Young girls will love such "princess" or "fairy" items as wings, wands and beaded head bands, while boys might enjoy gear from professional trades like a fire fighter or policeman.

There are also a great many accessories and fancy dress items for holidays like Christmas, Easter and St. Patrick's Day, when people attend parties and special public events, and a good vendor will have an ample supply of items like badges, glasses, hats and other props that can add fun to an all ready entertaining occasion.

Fancy dress and costumes do not have to "break the bank" they can serve to simply accessorize an outfit, or they can be the entire outfit on their own, the key is to remember that they are supposed to be fun, safe and comfortable, and those are the best things to remember when shopping for them.