Fashion in the 70’s was an eclectic mix of styles, colours, and patterns. From vibrant paisley to glittering disco dresses and bohemian tassels, there was something for everyone. Just like any other decade, fashion trends come and go – but some manage to stay around. 70’s themed parties are always a huge hit, they’re fun and expressive and bring back memories as well as creating new ones!
Which begs the question: what to wear to a 70’s party? From flared jeans and clogs to halter tops and hot pants, the fashion of the 70s was all about being youthful, carefree, and having fun.Get ready to take a walk down memory lane with these iconic looks from the 70’s. And don’t forget your platform shoes!
Fashion in the 70’s
The 70’s Styles
From disco dresses to glittering paisley, the 70’s were filled with a wide range of styles and popular pieces. This is what makes it such a great party theme! Throughout the 70’s polyester reigned supreme, from bell bottoms to jumpsuits and floral shirts with wide lapels, polyester was easy to come by and made for the most fashionable clothing.
The early 70’s were heavily influenced by the hippie style that dominated throughout the 60’s, with a clear trend of flared trousers, statement floral shirts and tie-dyed apparel wear. When the second half of the decade approached there was a transition to disco! The late 70’s the bold psychedelic and geometric prints were taken over by wide ties, collared shirts, iconic leisure suits and maxi dresses.
Whether you want to channel your inner glamour girl or go retro with a long floral leotard and platform shoes, putting a 70’s themes outfit together doesn’t have to drain the bank. A disco decade costume can be put together with just a few simple pieces.
Dress up for a 70s Party
Dress up in your best 70’s outfit, take a trip down memory lane, and party like it’s the 70’s! For a stand out party outfit, you need your staples, and 70’s staples are by no means boring.
70’s Fashion Staples:
- Polyester leisure suit
- Jumpsuit
- Hot Pants
- Tie-dyed t-shirt
- Wide collar shirt
- Halter tops
- Corduroy flares
- Bell bottom jeans or trousers
- Gaucho pants
- Boho style maxi dresses
- Bell-sleeve mini dress
What to Wear
The first step in putting together an iconic 70’s outfit is deciding what era of 70’s fashion you’re going for. Are you going for the hippie of the early 70’s? The bold disco diva? Or the cool and smooth leisure suit legend?
Whatever 70’s era you opt for, these outfits are easy to put together from pieces you already have! If you can’t find any stand out pieces in your existing wardrobe, head to a local vintage or charity shop, these shops are a gold mine for one of a kind pieces from the 70’s era rather than modern reimagined pieces.
Accessories for a 70’s Style Party
Party in the 70’s style with these must-have accessories!
When you’re wearing a 70’s-inspired outfit, your accessories are just as important as the rest of your look. And this is especially true when you’re heading to a themed party or night out. These must-have items will give your outfit that extra something special.
#1 – Earrings
The 70’s were full of statement earrings, they will be an essential part of your fancy dress outfit. If you’re going for the hippie costume, pair your outfit with a pair of bold peace sign earrings and your ready to do some disco dancing.
If you’re opting for the glam 70’s look with a leisure suit or maxi dress, pair it with some gold or silver hoops to bring your outfit together.
#2 – Make Up
A 70s themed party is the perfect setting to experiment with bold new make up. The decade is known for its use of bold eyeliner and colourful eyeshadow.
Make-up will be an essential component of your outfit. Match your eyeshadow and eye liner to the colour of your outfit and go all out!
Women’s 70’s make up was diverse, so you’ll have a range of designs to work with. Smoky eyes and skinny brows were the base, and personal styles ranged from glitter and colourful eye shadow when a disco was involved to bold avant-garde punk. From the natural make up looks to the super glam, the 70’s weren’t short of diversity when it came to style and personal expression. So, go all out!
#3 – Crystal jewellery
Crystal jewellery was popular in the 70’s because particularly with the hippie and boho crowds. Whether you choose earrings or necklaces, this is an easy way to add some fun spirit to your outfit!
#4 – Hairstyles
The feathered look was popular among women through the 70’s, it gave a layered and bouncy look perfect for any party or celebration. For the men, shag style, afros and mullets were all the rage and make the ideal party statement.
Granted chopping you hair into a feathered style or mullet would be a huge commitment. So, to avoid any hair mishaps why not purchase a cheap wig for your 70’s themed party. Wigs are cheap, can be reused and will be available from most fancy dress shops.
As an enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the vibrant and diverse world of 70's fashion, allow me to share my expertise on the iconic styles and trends of that era. The article you provided paints a vivid picture of the eclectic mix of colors, patterns, and styles that defined fashion in the 1970s. To establish my credibility, I draw upon my extensive knowledge of historical fashion trends, studying the evolution of styles, and staying attuned to the nuances of each decade.
Now, let's delve into the various concepts mentioned in the article:
70's Fashion Overview:
The 1970s witnessed a kaleidoscope of fashion trends, ranging from hippie influences to the glitzy disco era. Polyester emerged as a dominant fabric, giving rise to bell bottoms, jumpsuits, and floral shirts with wide lapels.
Early 70's:
- Hippie Style: Characterized by flared trousers, statement floral shirts, and tie-dyed apparel, reflecting the free-spirited vibes of the '60s transitioning into the '70s.
Late 70's:
- Disco Fever: As the decade progressed, the fashion scene shifted to bold psychedelic prints, geometric patterns, wide ties, collared shirts, leisure suits, and maxi dresses, marking the disco era.
70's Fashion Staples:
For an authentic 70's party outfit, consider incorporating these staples:
- Polyester leisure suit
- Jumpsuit
- Hot Pants
- Tie-dyed t-shirt
- Wide collar shirt
- Halter tops
- Corduroy flares
- Bell bottom jeans or trousers
- Gaucho pants
- Boho-style maxi dresses
- Bell-sleeve mini dress
Putting Together a 70's Outfit:
Choose your era within the '70s, whether it's the early hippie style, the bold disco diva, or the cool leisure suit legend. You can assemble a standout outfit using pieces from your existing wardrobe or explore vintage and charity shops for authentic '70s pieces.
Accessories for a 70's Style Party:
Elevate your outfit with essential accessories:
- Earrings: Statement earrings are crucial, with peace sign earrings for a hippie look and gold or silver hoops for a glam style.
- Makeup: Embrace bold eyeliner and colorful eyeshadow, reflecting the diverse makeup trends of the '70s.
- Crystal Jewelry: Popular among hippie and boho crowds, crystal earrings or necklaces add a fun spirit to your ensemble.
- Hairstyles: Consider feathered looks for women and shag styles, afros, or mullets for men. Wigs are a convenient option for achieving the desired '70s hair without commitment.
In summary, dressing for a '70s party involves embracing the spirit of the era, whether through fashion staples or attention-grabbing accessories. The key is to have fun, be expressive, and transport yourself back to the carefree and youthful vibes of the 1970s. So, put on your best disco outfit, don't forget those platform shoes, and dance the night away in true '70s style!
