College Party Themes Easy Party Theme Ideas for College

Nothing makes a party memorable quite like a theme. Not to get all "back in my day..." but back in my day, I threw a party for my best friend that was centered around two of her favorite things at the time: Kesha and sharks. People still talk about that party *years* later, so I'm convinced that a unique college party theme is the perfect way to make your celebration one to remember. And it doesn't have to be super complicated. Some of these easy college party themes can be thrown together in a day—and you don't have to do a ton of shopping around, since most of your costumes and party supplies can be found on Amazon. Bc where would we be without Prime?

Before we get to the themes, let me just remind you to party responsibly! No underage drinking, stay safe, keep your breakable and valuable stuff away from rowdy guests...you get the idea. I want you to have fun, but I don't want anything bad on my conscience, mkay?

Alright, now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's talk party themes. These themes are perfect whether you're throwing a party in the dorm or off-campus. If you're part of Greek life and you're looking for the best frat party themes, we've got plenty. And don't worry, we Olds didn't just rely on our memories for this—we also looked for college party themes on TikTok. You're welcome!

Without further ado, here are the best college party themes for your next event.

1. Cowboys and Cowgirls Party

Take a cue from Olivia Rodrigo with a cowgirl-themed party. I mean, I know you already have the boots. Consider this your official invite to play Shania and Dolly hits all night long.

Here's what you need:

AoMoon Pink Cowboy Hat with Heart Shaped Sunglasses

Soda Cowgirl Western Stitched Boots

HOTLOOX Fringe Vest

Now 13% Off

4E's Novelty 10Pcs Cowboy Boot Mug Cups

2. Risky Business Party

The best part about this party theme inspired by the Tom Cruise movie is that everyone basically already has the costume (and also, it looks good on everyone).

Here's what you need:

Joopin Unisex Polarized Sunglasses

Now 42% Off

MANAIXUAN Women's Casual Cuffed Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt Dress

Amazon Essentials Men's Regular-Fit Long-Sleeve Casual Poplin Shirt

Now 18% Off

Hanes Men's Over-the-Calf Tube Socks

Now 21% Off

3. Oktoberfest Party

This is a classic party theme for a reason. I mean, there's simply no denying that everyone looks good in dirndls and lederhosen.

Here's what you need:

Leg Avenue Beer Babe Oktoberfest Costume

Now 38% Off

Spooktacular Creations Men’s German Bavarian Oktoberfest Costume Set

Now 33% Off

4E's Novelty Oktoberfest Decorations Set

fun shack Women's Oktoberfest Lederhosen

4. Baywatch Party

Dig out that lifeguard shirt from your high school summer job. If you don't have one handy, it's easy to find everything you need on Amazon.

Here's what you need:

LIFEGUARD Bundle Pack

Baywatch Classic Tower Logo T-Shirt

Capbaby Women's Letter Print Backless One Piece

Now 28% Off

Top Race Inflatable Beach Balls

5. Beanies and Bikinis Party

This party theme is...pretty much what it sounds like. Get out your fave 'kini and any beanie, and prepare to party.

Here's what you need:

ZAFUL Women's Triangle Bikini

Columbia Men's Whirlibird Cuffed Beanie

Now 15% Off

CUPSHE Bikini Set

Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

6. Drop It Like F. Scott Party

A Gatsby-themed party is always in style. Grab your flapper-inspired dress and feather headband and party like it's 1920.

Here's what you need:

NeeMee 1920s Vintage Fringed Flapper Dress for Women

FEPITO 1920s Great Gatsby Accessories Set

EFORLED 1920s Mens Costume

musykrafties Roaring 20s Gatsby Theme Door Cover Art

7. Barbie Party

Come on, Barbie, let's go party! Obviously, the Barbiecore trend is here to stay. While you wait for the release of the Barbie film, starring Margot Robbie, throw a Barbie-themed bash for all the Barbie girls.

Here's what you need:

HDE Womens Latex Mini Dress

Barbie Cropped T-Shirt

Now 28% Off

Barbie Crystal Script Logo Necklace

Livhò Retro Vintage Narrow Cat Eye Sunglasses

Now 23% Off

8. Rave Party

Load up the playlist with songs from Tiësto, Avicii, and Martin Garrix for your DIY rave. With an EDM-heavy playlist and plenty of glow sticks, this is sure to be a party to remember.

Here's what you need:

EVELUST Strappy Bikini 3 Piece Set

Now 12% Off

FATTTYCY Mushrooms Bucket Hat

MEICOLY White Body Glitter

Now 20% Off

Vivii 100 Glow Stick Bracelets

Now 29% Off

9. You Are What You (Responsibly) Drink Party

This one is sure to get the creative juices (and drinks) flowing. Everyone comes dressed as their drink of choice. Like, you could wear a pirate costume if your drink is Captain Morgan, or dress like a goose if you drink Grey Goose. OR keep it simple and grab a tee with your fave drink on it.

Here's what you need:

Aichiyu Pirate Costume

yqtyqs Goose Hat

Ezcosplay Whiskey Top

Rasta Imposta Wine Box Halloween Costume

Now 16% Off

10. Anything But a Cup Party

Wear your go-to party clothes, but come with some kind of creative vessel for your drinks throughout the night. Think an empty soap dispenser, a boot (unworn, ideally!!), a plastic baseball bat with the end cut off...you get the idea.

Here's what you need:

LONECONE Rain Boots

Franklin Sports MLB Jumbo Kids Plastic Baseball Bat

Now 13% Off

ARKTEK Glass Soap Dispenser

Qilebi Watering Can for Indoor Plants

Now 15% Off

11. Taylor Swift Eras Party

Even if you didn't get tickets to the Eras tour, you can still wear your would-be concert outfit to the Taylor Swift Eras party you're about to throw. Go for something dreamy and romantic for the Speak Now era, something snake-themed for Reputation, or a celestial dress for Midnights. Luckily, Taylor's given you plenty to work with here.

Here's what you need:

Romwe Women's Romantic Off Shoulder Mini Dress

Now 17% Off

MANER Women's Glitter Sequin Dress

Leg Avenue Women's Fishnet Tights

ZAFUL Women's Sexy Stars Cami Mini Dress

12. Graffiti Party

Have your guests dress in white items they don't mind sacrificing and hand everyone markers or neon paint at the door. People can draw or write on each other's shirts—and if you cover your walls in white paper, they can make some art there too. Fair warning: This can get messy, so I'd move your furniture if you don't want neon paint on it.

Here's what you need:

Fruit of the Loom Men's Stay Tucked Crew T-Shirt

Now 37% Off

YRYM HT White Kraft Butcher Paper Roll

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neon nights Glow-in-The-Dark Paint

Amazon Basics Jumbo Retractable Permanent Markers

13. Après Ski Party

You don't have to spend the day on the slopes to throw an après ski party (though you can if that's your thing, of course). If you don't already have ski gear, you can grab goggles and a beanie on Amazon without spending too much.

Here's what you need:

JULI Eyewear Ski Goggles

Now 17% Off

C.C Thick Cable Knit Beanie

Arctix Women's Essential Insulated Bib Overalls

Now 55% Off

Après Ski French Style Winter Sports Apparel Sweatshirt

14. Jersey Party

If you're trying to come up with a theme for a party that's happening on short notice, here's an easy one: sports jerseys. Most people have or can borrow them, and they're basically an instant conversation starter for guests who don't know each other.

Here's what you need:

Outerstuff Pete Alonso New York Mets Jersey

Now 24% Off

Majestic San Francisco Giants 2-Button Jersey

Outerstuff San Diego Padres Jersey

NFL PRO LINE Kansas City Chiefs Jersey

15. When I Grow Up Party

Okay, this is actually such a cute idea! Everyone comes dressed up as whatever they wanted to be when they were a kid, like a ballerina or a firefighter. You get bonus points if it's related to your major.

Here's what you need:

AFAVOM Ballet Leotards for Women

Leg Avenue 3 Piece Fire Captain Set

Now 16% Off

YIDAETILI Doctor Costume Accessories

ReneeCho Women's Astronaut Costume

16. Disney Party

Don't lie, everyone has a favorite Disney character! There are sooo many possible costume choices here, from princesses to villains to animals. It's a theme that can be both cute and sexy—and isn't that what college costume parties are really all about?

Here's what you need:

HMPRT Cruella Halloween Costume

Leg Avenue Pretty Pixie Set

Now 50% Off

Leg Avenue Deer Halloween Costume

Now 36% Off

Disguise Women's Red Minnie Mouse Classic Costume

17. Y2K Party

Channel your inner child and party like it's 1999. Sorry, that was cheesy, but this theme will be such a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn't love nostalgia? And inflatable furniture? Brb, just queuing up The Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack, because this party is what dreams are made of. (Had to!)

Here's what you need:

PINSV Velour Tracksuit For Women

Weewooday 3 Pairs Rimless Rectangle Sunglasses

FUNBOY FUNBOY Tri-Color Blue Chaise Lounger

Juinte 100 Pieces Butterfly Hair Clips

18. Pajama Party

A classique! Take it up a notch from the pajama party days of your youth by slipping into something a lil' fahncier and sexier (if you're into that). Plus, when you get home, you can literally just fall into bed. Hell yes.

Here's what you need:

Avidlove Cami Sleepwear Set

Now 16% Off

Twelve AM Co. So Good Fluffy Slippers

OLESILK Silk Sleep Mask

Orville Redenbacher's Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn Tub, Pack of 12

19. Anything But Clothes Party

The name of this theme says it all: You must wear anything BUT actual clothing. What does that mean, you ask? I dunno, because it's totally up to you, but below are a few thought starters for your very smart and creative brain. You got this.

Here's what you need:

Simply Genius Patterned Duct Tape

Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Multipurpose Drawstring Trash Bags

Glad Round Disposable Paper Plates

Jeatonge Assorted Bandanas

20. Royal Wedding Party

The fashion! The prestige! The romance! The grandeur! We all love a royal wedding, so why not throw your own? Bonus points if you play the IRL footage from Meg and Harry's wedding on a projector.

Here's what you need:

DRESHOW Fascinators Hat

Now 20% Off

Toyland Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Royal Wedding Mug

Now 29% Off

JewelryPalace Princess Diana/Kate Middleton Statement Ring

Kind Girl Union Jack Party Banner

21. '80s Party

It's literally the easiest theme up in here, so you're welcome. All you gotta do is pile on the bright colors, throw on some Whitney Houston or Bruce Springsteen, and do your best jazzercise routine.

Here's what you need:

American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Legging

Now 23% Off

IVARYSS Neon Scrunchies for Hair

TiaoBug High Cut Patent Leather Leotard

FOLGOS Three Pockets Neon Retro 80s Fanny Pack

22. Masquerade Party

Remember how thrilling the Gossip Girl masquerade ball episode was? Yeah, you deserve your own night just like that, but without all the cheating and sneaking around. Tell your guests to don their prettiest masks and gowns—we're going all out!

Here's what you need:

Honbay Mysterious Fun Lace Masks

Ever-Pretty Women's A-line Tulle Off-Shoulder Dress

Fair Lady Lace Tulle Dress

The Culture Club 24 Pieces Gold Confetti Balloons

Now 13% Off

23. Reality TV Party

No matter who your favorite Housewife is, or if you think the Miami seasons of Jersey Shore were better (you're correct), there's something for everyone here. Oh, and I dare you to ask every guest if they're "here for the right reasons" all night long.

Here's what you need:

Free Snooki Womens Tees Free Snooki T-Shirt

Will You Accept This Rose Garland

Big Potato Us Weekly Celebrity Impressions Party Game

BTFBM One Shoulder Sleeveless Cutout Satin Dress

24. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

The dress code for this winter fave is simple: Just throw on the ugliest holiday sweater you can find and give an award at the end of the night to the best (er, worst?) dressed! Look, I'm also not opposed to throwing this party in the middle of summer. You do you.

Here's what you need:

OFF THE RACK Unisex Ugly Christmas Sweater LED Light

Tipsy Elves Women's Gaudy Garland Cardigan

Push Goods Couples Ugly Christmas Sweater

Tipsy Elves Ugly Christmas Sweater with Attached Stocking

25. Mary-Kate and Ashley Party

Queens. Legends. Icons. The only actual #GirlBosses who matter. Have everyone dress up as characters from their favorite Mary-Kate and Ashley movie (peep those Winning London-esque bucket hats) or iconic street style outfits from their NYU days. You know the vibes.

Here's what you need:

Prime Video Passport to Paris

Joopin Oversized Polarized Sunglasses

Now 23% Off

Steve Madden Moveable Platform Sandal

boderier Wide Brim Cotton Bucket Hat

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Sarah is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers food, home, health, career...basically all the things you love to love — follow her on Instagram. 

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.

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