Family Costume Inspiration For The Hong Kong Sevens

All the fun of the South Stand, family style.

If you’re a seasoned regular at the Hong Kong Sevens, or even if this is your first visit, you’ll no doubt be aware that costumes are part and parcel of the frivolous fun. But just because the days of revelling in the South Stand might be behind you (for now!), it doesn’t mean that you have to miss out. So to help you totally own the Sevens dress up game this year as a family, we’ve pulled together a collection of family costume ideas to inspire you! Teamwork makes the dream work as they say…

Read more: Your Ultimate Family Guide To Surviving The Hong Kong Sevens

If you’ve got a cheeky monkey on your hands, this could be a good one for you. Inspired by Tabitha Blue’s Fresh Mommy Blog, this circus look works well because you can change up the “acts” depending on your little ones favourite animal, or if they’d rather be a fire-breather, acrobat or clown, that works too!

We’ll let you decide which parent takes on the role of ring leader (all you need is a top hat and jacket, preferably red but any other colour works too), or strong man/woman. If there’s not enough time to grow a handlebar moustache, don’t worry – black eyeliner will do the trick!

Get the look: Check out Tabitha’s Fresh Mommy Blog for a step-by-step guide of how to recreate her family’s awesome look, complete with a fire-breathing (little) guy, and more pics of the whole family getting in on the action!

Okay, so we know it’s technically a different sport but this costume is just too good (and cute!) not to share. We love this look by April Hurst and her gorgeous little family. Inspired by Wimbledon, all you need is your tennis best (white shorts or black skirt and T-shirt) and a giant tennis ball with a hole cut out in the top and bottom (oh – and a super-cute kid)!

Get the look: If getting your hands on a giant tennis ball is proving a little tricky, you could alternatively use a yellow baby grow or jump-suit. Or, with a little more time, order a padded ball suit for future fancy dress occasions.

Ahoy matey! Have the whole crowd wishing they were part of your crew and get the family twinning with this fun (and easy!) pirate outfit. All you need is some stripy tops (white with black stripes works well) and comfortable bottoms of your choice. Then finish it up with a pirate hat for some serious swashbuckling!

Get the look: With several hat options available, try this Captain Mayer hat, a classic version or a tropical Caribbean variation. You could also make yourselves some eye patches (all you need is some black card and elastic), or grab that trusty black eyeliner to draw on some choice moustaches.

We love this fabulous creation by Sara, the creative mama behind the Tell Love And Party blog. Don’t let appearances fool you, although it might look quite tricky to pull this look together, for us Earthlings, it shouldn’t be too difficult (you may need a bit of preparation time though, but it’ll be well worth it).

Also, keep in mind that the temperature by the time the Sevens rolls around will (hopefully) be on the rise, so you’ll want to adapt the choice of clothes used accordingly so your little astronauts don’t overheat on impact!

Get the look: If there’s one thing you need to create this look it’s spray paint – and lots of it. Make sure you use suitable, child-friendly paint for this and also do the spraying in a well ventilated outdoor area. It’s also a good idea to let the costumes rest for a few days to let the smell (if there is one) settle down.

You could possibly find some silver leggings, or already silver clothes and then add accessories (silver face paint, sticky gems, wigs or lashes), or you can copy Sara’s creation by following her step-by-step guide.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s…super-family! This costume can be as creative, over the top, or as simple as you wish. As in the image at the start of this slide show, you could opt for matching T-shirts and customise eye masks (made from fabric or card) to match. If you’ve time to make your own cape (because let’s face it, no crusader should be without one), head to the Li Yuen Street lanes in Central to pick up some material. Or if you’re looking for more choice, Sham Shui Po is your best bet.

Get the look: If DIY is not an option for you, no worries – there are still plenty of last minute places to grab your gear. Try Matteo Party for a plethora of superhero ideas and costumes of all size, or Partyland as well. And Pottinger Street has a good selection of capes and masks too.

We’re off to see the Wizard! The fun thing about this costume is that each member of the family can pick their favourite character (so if dad wants to be Dorothy, that can be done!), or stick with the cute image and recreate this look.

Get the look: For the Scarecrow, you can wear what you like (though we like this simple black ensemble for ease), then gather together some straw coloured wool and attach it to your cuffs, trouser bottoms, hat and neckline.

For the Tin Man, all you need is an upturned plastic funnel (head to JHC or your local bric-a-brac store). If you can get it in silver that’s a bonus, if not, spray paint will add the desired effect. To finish the look, cut out a red heart (from card or fabric) and stick it on to an old grey T-shirt.

You can buy a wide variety of lion costumes in all sizes, whether you need it in super small or supersized! Dorothy is also an easy look. If you already have a blue dress, pair it with some red shoes and tie hair up in bunches. Alternatively, go for a ready-made costume.

Face paint to the rescue! Similar to the pirate fancy dress, all you really need to recreate this simple look is some matching (or closely matching) stripy tops, some comfortable bottoms and, of course, face paint!

Get the look: If you want to go all out, why not add braces (real or DIY strips of fabric secured with a button), white gloves and also a beret. Don’t forget to perfect your miming moves (“where is the toilet?” could come in handy)!

For more inspiration, or to find your last minute costumes, here are some go-to fancy dress stores in Hong Kong:

Matteo Party
With everything for men, women and kids, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a costume for any occasion.

Matteo Party, Room 2003-04, 20/F, Shun Hei Causeway Bay Centre, 492 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2169 0133, 9578 8980 (WhatsApp), [email protected], www.matteoparty.com

Fortune Costume
Another classic party shop with a huge selection of traditional rental costumes for adults.

Fortune Costume, Room 202, 2/F, 23, Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2367 5018, 9149 4485 (WhatsApp), www.fortunecostume.com

Partyland
When it comes to Rugby Sevens costumes, Partyland is a staple. It offers quite a selection, from old-school classics to the latest crazes, so you’re bound to find something to wear.

Partyland, B/F, 51 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9843 0638, www.partylandcentral.com

Pottinger Street
For any of your dress up needs, Pottinger Street is always a good option. Although it can be a crowded and uphill battle (literally!), we assure you that the effort is worth it, as the selection of costumes and accessories is quite extensive and you can come away with some real bargains.

Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong

Wan Chai Market
There’s something for everyone amidst the crazy party atmosphere of Wan Chai, and this market is no exception. From crazy cheap hair accessories to light-up wands, it has it all!

Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Read more: DIY Guide: Where To Get Everything You Need In Hong Kong