Fancy that

There are those for whom the lure of the dressing-up box goes way beyond the odd outfit hire. For these pleasure-seekers, life really is a dress rehearsal…

‘Amy and I started a dress-up night a few years ago, after a dull evening out. We wanted to do something inclusive, silly and fun. And I think dress up is a big part of that. It’s impossible to take yourself or anyone else too seriously when you’re all dressed like loons. So we started with a fancy-dress box, which grew into a whole fancy-dress room, with make-up and rails of tat for people to help themselves to. They love it. In London especially, it’s tough out there, but dressing up takes the edge off. When everyone looks completely bonkers it puts us all on the same level.

‘I always take a bag out with me and, even when I’m getting ready for a normal night out, I’ll put lots of crazy things in there, so I can spruce my outfit up later. Because sometimes I end up feeling disappointed if my outfit isn’t ridiculous enough. My favourite thing about dressing up is probably the times you get caught out, and have to do a fancy-dress walk of shame. When you’re wearing a leopard-print jump suit, gold medallions and a sailor hat at 9am, there’s no hanging your head. You have to step up, own it and smile.’