Overview
Since the film "Animal House" came out, toga parties have been a staple on the American house party circuit. And that's a good thing because you get to dress up in some of the chicest and most flattering ways known to man (or woman). Plus, the dress code is pretty basic so you don't have to fret about what to wear, just where to get it.
Toga
The first must-have when it comes to your toga party wear is, of course, a toga. While all the guys will be wearing one, you can join them if you like and channel a Roman senator. All you need is a white or cream-colored sheet. Make sure it's clean! Take one long side of the sheet and hold it up to your chest, then wrap it around your body one and a half times. Throw the excess fabric over your shoulder.
Goddess
You can go full-on goddess at one of these parties, and the look isn't too difficult to come by. Finding your dress is the biggest battle. Roman dresses were maxi length, usually had pleating and were white or cream. Scour the department stores for something that fits the bill or head to your nearest Halloween costume store. It's a standard costume for the holiday and it should be stocked. If you've got time to plan, hop online. A lot of online costume shops carry Grecian goddess dresses.
Accessories
This is where you get to style your look. A simple maxi dress or sheet isn't too exciting. But with some well-chosen accessories you can make it perfect. A Roman woman's waist was almost always defined, so wrap some gold ribbon around your waist to keep it together. Use a large broach to pin the sheet at your shoulder, if you go toga. Curl your hair and pin it up with bobby pins in a messy updo, then take some of that ribbon and tie it around your head to keep all those curls in place. You can even make a homemade laurel wreath with floral wire. Bend it to fit around the back of your head and tape the stems of leaves to it.
Shoes
Roman shoes were pretty basic, and thankfully fashion has been obsessed with the Gladiator shoe for some seasons. Grab a pair of gladiator sandals; they come in all price points. Or, take that gold ribbon, string it through a simple pair of brown sandals and crisscross it up around your calf, tying it near the knee. Repeat with the other foot.
