Pirates have sailed our 7 seas for hundreds of years and through time their dress code has been adapted and used in our books,stories and films. No wonder children and adults alike are now borrowing the theme for their partries and celebrations.

But within the theme there are many styles of pirates fancy dress styles to choose from. Do you like Captain Hook and his hook hand? Perhaps you prefer the more up to date Johny Depp style of Captain Jack Sparrow.Whatever your choice there are ready made costumes for you to choose from.

On the other hand you may be an outfit creator. Just get together some basics like baggy black clothing with red or purple beads from the toy store. Gather plenty of frills on the sleeves and big baggy trousers with a large buckle belt. Big buckles are in fashion just now and are perfect.

Just add knee-high, black leather boots and the fundamentals have been dealt with. You may also need a wig. In which case, get long sleek black hair or dread locks. Girls can do it too, the same rules apply but you can go more feminine with a gypsy skirt.

For those willing to add accessories, there’s the bandana,the eye patch, the cutlass and jewellry. Imagine adding these to your creation.That’s something you just can’t buy. Many stores offer these little extras even if they are not costume stores.

At least half of you presentation relies on your body a langauge and tone of voice. So practivce an aggressive walk and speak in a Cornish accent. Use plent of local worsds like “ahoy matey” when you get into conversation.

You can easily pick up the lingo by watching films or searching the internet. You also have to obtain the mindset of a pirate. You need to act confident, arrogant and rebellious by speaking loudly as well as standing tall or you can lean more towards the intoxicated, less clever type, in which case you need to act a little clumsy and throw in some “yo ho ho’s”.

So for which ever fancy dress occasion you attend in your pirates fancy dress, remember to find an over the top costume with all the extras and practice how to walk, talk and act pirate.