Letter related parties giving your guests a letter as a costume theme is quite common and can make for some very interesting ideas for costumes. You have a few options...

Allow guests to dress up in a costume related to their initials (or just first name if you want to narrow their choices) Ask guests to dress up in costumes related to your initials Choose 1 or 2 letters that they have to find a related costume for. To be honest, when you first send out your invitations, many of your guests will be very confused as to what you are asking. I would suggest that in the invitation you do give them a good explanation. If your guests are confused, they may not even attempt to dress up, or worse, not attend your party.

For all your quality fancy dress costumes online

MC Hammer-This famous American rapper originated from the late 1980s and mid 1990s. MC Hammers trademark outfit is either a black shell-suit or baggy trousers and shirt, with black round-rim glasses.

Macbeth- Macbeth was born in between 1603 and 1606 and was created by the famous William Shakespeare. The Play and novel was based in 1005-1057. Macbeth Became King of Scotland in 1040 taking over King Duncan the 1st. Male medieval Costumes would be suitable for this character.

Mad Hatter- Popular Children's Character in the 'Alice in Wonderland' stories. The signature costume for the Mad Hatter is a tail or frock coat, checked waistcoat and trousers and large top hat (with a white 10/6' label tucked inside the red band which is wrapped around the hat).

Madame Pampadour- Mistress of Louis XV of France and fashion icon of the eighteenth century, she introduced elegance and luxury style of clothing to this century. Georgian costumes would be suitable.

Madonna- This famous Pop-star rose to fame in the 1980s and is still popular today, throughout these years Madonna's style of fashion has changed, Starting with the 80's  look such as:

• black or white netted tops and skirts,
• footless tights,
• crop tops,
• laced tops,
• crucifix or beads

Moving on in the years started the famous conical basques with fishnet tights then changing to a more elegant style with evening 1940s style gowns.

The white cowgirl and S&M fencing instructor fashion of Madonna's is more recent and can be found in films such as James Bond and music videos.

Moving into 2008 and Madonna has adapted her S&M fencing instructor look in her recent album 'Hard Candy' which is simply tight leggings with boots and various strappy tops. For all the brave ladies out there, you could always wear a high legged leotard! Personally, if I turned up to a party wearing just a leotard, the place would empty before you could say 'Madonna'!!!

Mae West-Suitable costumes for Mae West could be Saloon Girls or 1940s elegant evening gowns. She is known for her trademark films as a sexy seductress and double-entendres.

Mafia Man/Woman- (Gangsters) Suitable clothing for these characters could be pinstriped suit for the man and for the woman but with a pencil skirt both these outfits could have a Trilby hat, cigar/cigarette and Tommy gun to accessorise it.

Magda- Featured in the James Bond film 'Octopussy', Magda was the ring mistress in Octupussy's circus. All you need is a black top hat, and a glitter tailcoat with a leotard and fishnet tights.

Magenta- Magenta is the maid in the Rocky Horror Picture Show and her costume was simply a black dress with a white apron and headdress. A French maid costume will be suitable for this character. Magenta's hair is red or ginger and frizzy looking, she also has dark eye make-up with a pale face. There is an official wig and costume that is available to buy (see picture).

Magician- A magician can have the modern look which would consist of:

• Tailcoat
• Top Hat
• Bow tie
• Waistcoat
• White gloves
• White rabbit
• Playing cards
• Hankies tied together
• A bunch of plastic flowers

For the more medieval look, a simple pointed hat and cloak would be ideal. A magician could also be coupled up with either a magician's assistant who can wear a leotard and tights or a white rabbit.

Magistrate-A black long cloak (a teachers gown), Peri-wig and gavel would be ideal for this character. A magistrate appeared in Kenneth Grahame's story 'Toad of Toad Hall' and there are magistrate characters in the 1999 film, Sleepy Hollow starring Johnny Depp.

Abel Magwitch ("The Convict")- A Convict from 'Great Expectations' a novel written by Charles Dickens. A classic black and white striped convict costume with ball and chain could work.

Maharajah- Red and gold colours was a meaning of wealth, so any clothing or accessories like this would be ideal for this character. Also elegant and wealthy Indian outfits would have worn large ornate turbans. Lots of jewellery was worn round the neck and on the fingers.

Mahatma Gandhi- (1869-1948) To make this costume up you could use round wired glasses with a staff (easily made by a long branch or walking stick) and a loincloth for a more cheaper option, a bed sheet might be suitable.

Maid- A traditional costume for a maid is Black dress or skirt and top with a pinny and headdress you could acccesorise with a feather duster. A French Maid costume would also give a sexy option.

Maid Marion- Maid Marion is a character from the Robin Hood stories. Robin Hood and Maid Marion could go as a couple to themed parties or you could have Maid Marion with Friar Tuck or The  Sheriff of Nottingham. Any medieval costume would be suitable, Green or brown would be an ideal colour as this is how people pinpoint this character.

Majorette- These costumes are similair to cheerleaders. Use a smart pleated skirt, long or short sleeved top, pill box style hat and a baton.

Maleficant- A Disney character from the film Sleeping Beauty. Her role in the film was a wicked fairy who wore black and purple dresses with a large collar and a large horned hat, her make-up was green all over her face and very dark eyes.

Mandarin- An ornate oriental robe with a long black droopy moustache and tied back pig-tailed black plait would be ideal for this costume. A mandarin is a senior bureaucrat within the Chinese empire.

Marathon Man/Woman- Running shorts with vest top and a number on a piece of paper pinned on or written on.

Marc Bolan- (1947-1977) Lead singer of a band called T-Rex. Marc Bolan was known as the 'God' of glam rock. His style was flamboyant clothing with long curly hair and accessorised a lot with feather boas.

March Hare- Character from Alice in Wonderland, mainly wore a brown jacket and trousers, White shirt and a large bow tie. Disney's take on the March Hare was with yellow hair, long pointy ears, a red jacket with brown trousers and large orange bow tie. A rabbit/hare mask, face-bob or face paint  would be suitable.

This costume could also be used for couple themed parties with other characters such as the Mad Hatter, Alice, Queen of Hearts and white rabbit.

Maria (Sound Of Music)- A nun who becomes a nanny for the Austrian family called The Von Trapps. This film was a musical romance. A typical costume for this character could be a nun which is simply a black dress, white wimple and collar with a cross to accessorise, later on in the musical and fim Maria does change her outfit to a long black dress and apron, a Victorian maid costume will be suitable for this.

Maria (West Side Story)- Created by Arthur Laurents, this story is a modern take on Romeo and Juliet. Set in Manhattan, Maria was a fashionable 50's Puerto Rican teenager, who wore halterneck and vest dresses with petticoats and flat pump shoes. A perfect wig for Maria could be a black short flick out with one layer tied up and one layer down.

Marie Antoinette- Wife of Louise XVI. Famous for her over indulgence, elaborate style of living and arrogance. Any extravagent Georgian dresses could make up this character. Her most famous saying was "Let Them Eat Cake", when advised that the peasants outside, had no food. 

Marilyn Monroe- (1926-62) The famous signature outfit of Marilyn Monroe's was the white pleated dress over the Subway vent. Costumes to buy and to hire are available. There is an official wig, but any blonde, short, curly wig will do.

Mark Antony- Famous lover of Cleopatra, Mark Antony was a Roman politician and a General. His outfit would have been based on a typical Roman Centurion and you could wear a toga or Gladiator clothing which would have consisted of:

• breastplate,
• shields,
• helmets,
• tabards,
• arm and leg protectors,
• and sandals.

Mark Antony Costumes are available to hire and buy, but if you are looking for a cheaper option, a simple bed sheet will do the trick!!

Marlene Dietrich- American film actress and cabaret performer. She is well known for her role in 'The Blue Angel' which brought her fame and stardom. In most of her roles she dressed glamorous and exotic but, in others she was seen wearing a tuxedo and top hat. Any 50s dress will fit perfectly with this character, You could also accessorise with some feather boas, cigarette holders or fur shawls.

Marlon Brando- The Godfather is usually associated to Marlon Brando because of the instant popularity the film brought him. His first role was as Stanley Kowalski in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' In this film he simply wore a white t-shirt tucked into Jeans. After that, he starred as Terry Malloy in 'On The Waterfront' wearing a bomber jacket with a fur collar and dark trousers.

Moving more into the years of 'The Godfather'; the costume worn by Marlon Brando was a  tuxedo and bow tie with a red rose pinned to the jacket. The majority of people who come into the shop to look for a costume for The Godfather, however, tend to chose a standard gangster costume.

Mars- Known as the God of war, wearing gold, silver or red armour. He was said to have been the guardian of Rome and was well honoured.

Marshal- Another term for a Sheriff, Marshals are upholders of the American law system. A typical outfit could be a white shirt and smart black trousers with a bootlace tie, cowboy hat and marshal badge. A more original look could be a long trench coat with waistcoat and white shirt, accessorised with a cowboy hat, neckerchief, badge and gun holster.

Martial Arts Girl- White karate suit and belt. A martial arts girl apeared in the Bond film 'Man With The Golden Gun' and 'Rush Hour 1 & 2' starring Jackie Chan.

Martial Arts Man- An Outfit for Martial arts man could be a plain black or white ninja outfit with a face mask that only shows the eyes. Ninjas appear in flms such as James Bond 'You Only Live Twice' and 'Moonraker'. Accessories you could use could be swords, bandannas or face paint.

Marx Brothers- 6 Brothers who performed comedy acts in films, television and stage plays. Based around the 30's and 40's the many costumes they wore were simple and easy, For example in the 'mirror scene' from 'I Love Lucy', they simply wore Doctors coats. One of the famous brothers had thick moustache and eyebrows.

Mary Hopkins-A Welsh Folk singer from the 60's and 70's. An Ideal costume for Mary Hopkins could be any A-Line dresses and black wedge shoes. A long blonde wig would also need to be worn.

Mary Poppins- A Victorian or Edwardian outfit will work for this or, a tailored jacket with a black long skirt, white blouse, small hat with flowers, Carpet bag and umbrella. If your looking for a wig then any dark short haired or a bun wig will do.

Mary Tudor- (1516-58) The Queen of England and Ireland, she is famous for restoring England to Roman Catholicism. Any Tudor dress will be suitable, these are available to hire or purchase.

MASH Personnel- A film from the 1970s about a medical personnel stationed at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. You could wear Khaki uniform or a surgeon's  gown/military nurse uniform.

Mask, The- A film from 1994 starring Jim Carrey. The story begins with Stanley Ipkiss, a mild-mannered bank clerk, who wears an office suit and looks very plain. The alter-ego of Stanley is 'The Green Mask'.  It is simply a yellow zoot suit and a yellow fedora hat. For the green face ,you could use either make-up or a latex mask.

Mata Hari-Known as a Femme Fatale. Spy Mata Hari was an exotic Dutch dancer who began her career in Paris in the 1900s, Belly dancers or slinky vamp-dresses are ideal.

Matador- A person who is involved in bullfighting, A Matador stands in front of the bull encouraging its anger. Any flamboyant costume will work for this character. A traditional look of a Matador is a black bolero, jacket and trousers. These are all detailed with gold trimming. To accessorise this costume you could add a red cumberband and red cloth/cape.

Max Miller- A 1930's music hall star known for outrageous, colourful checkered suits and cheeky humour.

Max Wall- A comedian and funny looking person from the 1930's. His outfit consisted of a tailcoat with jack-up black trousers, bow tie and receding black long hair.

Maximus (Gladiator)- A huge amount of Roman soldier costumes are available on the market to purchase or hire. Roman accessories are also easy to obtain and include: Helmets, arm guards, swords, breast plates and skirts. Using these accessories, it is not necessary to purchase the entire costume, but using an aold bed sheet as a base, the costume can be put together. Medhbh- Known as a Divine sorceress and queen by the Irish folklore. A sorceress or witch outfit, with a crown, will be suitable for this character or, a version of Disney's Maleficient witch with horned headress can work.

Miss...

...Mistletoe-Mistletoe has green leaves with white berries so a light green dress with white polka dots will be suitable. Or a green dress with mistletoe attached to your toes or climbing up your arms. You may spend the entire evening kissing all the eligible bachelors!

...Muffet- A traditional nursery rhyme character. A floral petticoated dress with a mop cap will be suitable and to accessorise you could have a spider with a dish and spoon.

...Santa- Similar colours to Santa Claus. Miss Xmas costumes come in all styles from super sexy to more traditional dress with boots. Easy to purchase in the lead up to Christmas. ...Snowflake- An all over white outfit with pale blue wig and glitter. To make it more effective, wear white gloves and shoes.

...Whiplash- An S&M Styled character where outfits usually comprise black high knee length boots, basques or catsuits and to finish a nice leather bull whip.

...America- Any smart dress with a tiara and a sash will be suitable.

...Liberty- A variation based on the iconic Statue of Liberty. The symbolic headdress, torch and book in one hand should be easy to get hold of. Use a green sheet to use as a toga.   ...Autumn- Any outfit with a leaf theme and different Autumnal shades will work. Make up and a wig will complete the look. Add leaves and twigs to the wig to create your own look.

...Haversham- A character from Charles Dickens story 'Great Expectations'. An old looking white dress will be good or any white Victorian/Edwardian petticoated dress. A white face and cobwebs will complete the outfit.

...Holly- Red and green are the colours of holly so a dress or top and skirt will be suitable with red boots. The Villainess from Batman 'Poison Ivy' would be a good alternative.

...Moneypenny- The secretary from the famous James Bond films. James Bond had a bit of a teasing interest in Miss Moneypenny. You could use two piece suit with skirt and reading glasses.The wig that would be ideal is dark and a bob.

...Bigglesworth-The white Persian cat belonging to Doctor Evil from the Austin Powers films. A mascot cat costume or a face bob would be suitable.

...Darcy- Character from the Jane Austen novel 'Pride and Prejudice' based in the 1800s. Any Regency styled suits will be suitable for example, breeches (Tight Trousers), High collar shirt, cravat, waistcoat and frock coat.

...Gumby-The Star of 'Monty Pythoon' shows. His usual 'look' was rolled trousers, shirt and waistcoat, round-frame glasses and a knotted handkerchief 'hat' to compromise the Gumby look.

...Jinks- A cartoon cat from the minds of Hanna and Barbera. This ginger cat walked on two legs with a hat and scarf to finish.

...Pickwick- Character from the novel written by Charles Dickens called the 'Pickwick Papers'. to set this character look off you could use a frock suit, Pinze-nez reading glasses and a skin head (rubber or latex versions are available to purchase).

...Smee- Right-hand man to Captain Hook. You could use Disney's version of the pirate with a striped jumper, pinze nez glasses, tatty, half cut trousers and old buckled shoes with socks. His hat looks like a red sock. Another option is a cabin boy/girl seeing as these have the same elements.

Mission Impossible Operative- These characters are secretive and remain unidentified, so one idea you may want to use is that you could have a couple of face masks hidden away. Change your 'face' throughout the party, This is just what Tom Cruise achieved in some of the 'Mission Impossible' films.

Mississippi Gambler- This could be made up from a three piece suit which includes a frock coat, elaborate waistcoat and black trousers with either a stetson or, top hat and cane, you could also add chaps and a western bow tie. with gun holster and gun. Don't forget your pack of cards.

Mod- 1960's was the era of the 'mod'. The 'Scooter' look included: Parka jacket and suits which had to have straight legged trousers and jacket. Lots of 'mod' clothing had a bulls eye design. Ladies took to wearing black and white A line dresses with either a hat or headband.

Mole- Has two meanings. A gangster woman or the animal mole from 'Wind In The Willows'. For the gangster mole, ladies costumes are available to hire and to buy but, you can also purchase accessories such as guns, trilby's (hat) and braces to make up your own. costume. Mole, the animal, is a very hard costume to get hold off, if you find one then perfect! but if you struggle you might have to make one up.

Moll Cutpurse-Real name Mary Frith. Mary was the first highway lady robber. Female version of Dick Turpin, even though she pre-dated him by 50 years. She wore men's clothing when she raided horse and carts.

Moll Flanders - Daniel Defoe's Georgian heroine. A lady of dubious morals. Use any Georgian style costume.

Monk.There are many standard monk costumes (they do tend to be brown) available to purchase. Most costumes include a long hooded robe, or a robe with a separate cowl hood. Add a monk's wig (tonsure wig) and a cross to complete the look.

Monkees. 1960s pop group. they wore red shirts with black trousers (mike Nesmith also wore a striped woolly hat)

Monkey (or Chimp). Monkey masks are available to purchase and costumes can be either hired or purchased.

Morris Dancer. Some Morris Men black out their faces (this was originally to stop them being recognized). Costume usually comprises of white, long sleeved top and trousers with a black waistcoat. A blue strap is crossed across the chest and the wearer has bells tied on their ankles. A straw hat can also be worn. Lady versions are now available, although purists will argue the point. Costumes will tend to be hired only.

Morticia Addams. Popular costume all year round and not just at Halloween. Costumes are available to purchase but any tight fitting black dress, accessorised with a long black wig will be suitable.

Medusa. This is a costume you will probably need to make up yourself. From Greek Mythology, Medusa's look would turn you to stone. Take a wig and wrap snakes in and around it. You can then either use an old bed sheet, or a purchased toga or Greek dress to complete your look.

Men in Black. To fight the 'scum' of the universe you will need a smart black suit with a pair of black Rayban style glasses.

Merchant of Venice. Shylock, the Jewish merchant from the William Shakespeare play. A standard Tudor style costume will suffice.

Mexican. An easy costume to put together. Ponchos and sombreros are both available to purchase at cost effective prices. Moustaches, guns and bullet belts are also available.

Michael Jackson. As with most pop stars, Michael Jackson has encountered many 'looks' during his career. In the 1970's he. wore white suits with a black shirt. A red tracksuit for 'Thriller', a black suit and fedora (red bow tie) for 'Bad' and a military styled jacket with sequined glove for 'His-tory'.

Merlin.Legendary Wizard from King Arthur's court. Normally portrayed wearing a full length tunic with over sized sleeves and a long beard.

Mermaid. Half human, half fish from seafaring legend. The conventional mermaid has long blonde or green hair, sea shell bra and a scaled fish tail. Famous mermaids include: Disney's Ariel (red haired), Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid, and Madison, played by Daryl Hannah in the 1984 film 'Splash'. Mermen (male version), are also available and tend comprise of long floaty tunics or cloaks.

Milkmaid. A dairy figure made popular in the romantic era of the late 1700s/early 1800s. Many costumes are available and a wench costume can be adapted.

Mime Artist. Made popular by Marcel Marceau. You will need a white face, black beret, stripped top and black trousers to get the look.

Minnehaha. Character from Henry Longfellow's famous poem. Use a standard Indian Squaw costume

Minstrel. A Medieval character usually playing an instrument. You could possibly use a Jester costume instead. You could also go as a 'Black & White Minstrel' from the hit 1960s television show. Not very PC in this day and age, but may be suitable for a 'bad taste' party.

Moth. Can be difficult to find as a costume. Butterfly costumes are more popular. If you can find a purple butterfly, you could call it a mauve moth! Some moths are quite pretty, you just need to improvise a little!

I have decided to group all of these costumes in together.

The Medieval era is often referred to as The Middle Ages. This was quite a long period of time, from the fall of the roman Empire in the 5th century up to the beginning of the 16th century and the era called The Early Modern Period. A lot of people do get confused between Medieval and Tudor, Medieval being earlier than Tudor. Most people think of Medieval as ladies wearing pointed hats, Robin Hood and Knights. Towards the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Tudor era wealthy men started to wear jackets and short trousers (doublet and hose). Click for more information on Medieval clothing

Mother Hubbard. You will need an over the top pantomime style costume to create this character.

Mother Goose. Hard to make yourself, hire versions are available.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Most people would wear a standard nun costume, although Mother Teresa's habit was a white robe with light blue edging.

Mother Christmas. Normally portrayed wearing a longer length red dress (trimmed with white fur) and black belt. Most add a grey bun wig and small round glasses.

Motown Star. Men can go in a group, all wearing matching suits and afro wigs. Ladies can go as Diana Ross, Gladys Knight or The Supremes in tight fitting dresses and afro wigs.

Moulin Rouge. Can can dresses or bodices with frilly long knickers are suitable for this theme.

Movie Star.This is a theme in itself, but a couple of suggestions would be: Marilyn Monroe, Richard Gere, Al Capone etc... Mickey Mouse. A licensed character that you will need to make up yourself. You will need a white waistcoat, yellow bow tail, black tailcoat and red trousers (and do not forget the ears!)

Mozart. (1756 - 1791). The 1984 film called Amadeus, starred Tom Hulce. Wear a 18th Century frock coat with lace jabot and cuffs, breeches and white judges wig.

Mummy. Costumes are available to purchase or hire but do be careful if you are planning to make your own version. Wrapping yourself in crepe bandages or toilet rolls is a potential fire risk. If you do want to make your own. Use an old long sleeved top and trousers and sew tatty bandages on to it.

Munchkins - From the Wizard of Oz (created by Frank L Baum). Use a gnome or dwarf costume as a base. Munchins are blue skinned with large hats and stripped socks.

Munsters. comedy television show of the 1960s. Herman Munster - use a Frankenstein style costume, Lily uses a similar costume to Frankenstein's Bride but with log black hair (and a white stripe). Grandpa is based on a Dracula style character, Eddie and miniature werewolf and Marilyn, the only 'normal' looking one of the lot.

Musketeer.Usually go out in threes (Athos, Porthos and Aramis). D'artagnan makes up the would be fourth! Costumes are available to hire and purchase. a musketeer will wear a shirt with large collar and cuffs, tabard, breeches, plumed hat, moustache, long hair and a sword.

 So, now it is over to you...   I hope you have been given enough ideas to get you going, but I am sure that you can think of other ideas. Please let me know your costume suggestions in the comments box below and thanks for taking the time to read through the hub.

Party girl