open · Icebreaker · 5–10 min · 2-20 people · medium energy

"Dress Up!" (Online)

The "Dress Up!" energizer encourages creativity and spontaneity by having participants quickly create an outfit or costume using items around them. This activity promotes laughter and breaks down barriers.

When to use "Dress Up!" (Online)

Use this as a fun and engaging icebreaker to encourage creativity and break down inhibitions, especially in virtual settings where participants may feel self-conscious.

What it solves

Lack of creativity, inhibitions in virtual meetings, need for a fun and engaging icebreaker.

How to run "Dress Up!" (Online), step by step

  1. Explain the rules: Participants have a limited time to create a costume or outfit using items in their immediate surroundings. (1 minute)
  2. Set a timer for 2-3 minutes. (30 seconds)
  3. Participants create their costumes. (2-3 minutes)
  4. Each participant presents their costume and explains their inspiration. (30 seconds per person)
  5. Optional: Vote for the most creative costume. (2 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Timer
  • Video conferencing platform

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to be creative and have fun.
  • Set a clear time limit to avoid delays.
  • Create a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants feeling self-conscious. Emphasize that it's about having fun and being creative.
  • Time running over. Stick to the time limit.

Variations

  • Theme the costumes around the workshop topic.
  • Have participants create costumes for each other.

Running it online or hybrid

Encourage participants to use readily available items. Set a clear time limit to avoid delays.

What it produces

Improvised costumes and a shared sense of amusement.

Origin

Adapted from Mischief Makers — source

Build a session around "Dress Up!" (Online)

METODIC places "Dress Up!" (Online) inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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