How to Plan a 70s Party - It's Time to Get Groovy! - Blog (2024)

It may be before their time, or a time they can’t remember, but a 70s-themed party is a great way to get your friends together to celebrate a special occasion or just for a great time. Before the internet, there was big hair and wide-legged jeans, listening to The BeeGees on 8-track, and watching Happy Days on the living room floor. One thing people knew how to do was have the time of their lives!

You have the best music picked out (ABBA and Elton John, right?), the brightest props (a disco ball hanging from the ceiling, anyone?), and the perfect finger foods (don’t worry, they still ate chips in the 70s), but you or your guests may have a few questions when it comes to 70s themed parties. Read on for answers to some of your questions.

Is 70s hippie or disco?

It’s actually both. The 70’s was a time where you could be a hippie, into disco, neither, or both. It all depended on your unique personality. For a 70’s themed party, blend a little of everything. You can use that same creativity to make your decorations stand out. Try bright colors, strobe lights, and ambiance. You can even buy a Disco Ball here!

What did they wear in the 70s?

Most of us know that the 60s gave birth to the hippie generation. However, it wasn’t until the 70s that hippy culture truly defined itself. The most famous fashion items of the decade for those who kept the hippie lifestyle in their hearts were mini skirts, bell-bottomed jeans, crocheted tops, ponchos, peasant shirts, scarves, and Birkenstocks.

Just like today, people wore what they felt most comfortable in (even if it was an orange pantsuit or a beige one piece) and no one judged – because it was all about peace and love.

What do you wear to a disco party?

Disco came into popularity during the mid to late 70s. It was more than just a genre of dance music that thrived on the free-formed dancing and crazy music mixes in the disco clubs. Flared jeans, mismatching colors, and showing more skin were gaining in popularity. Disco was a bit more about being – shiny. Sequined halter and tube tops, maxi-skirts and kitten heels were a definite favorite. It was reasonable to dress up in your favorite evening gown, hit the dance floor and groove to Donna Summer or KC and the Sunshine Band.

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What is disco attire?

If your party, or your costume, will be more disco-inspired, there are many options to play with when it comes to deciding on what to wear.

Men had afros and a mustache to compete with Magnum PI. Patterns and flared pants were also popular with men, just like our Disco Fever Costume.

For those friends with a little more daring personality, show them this Pimp’s Costume inspired by the disco era. Remember, the more colors you wore, the more popular you thought you’d be – which meant you had the most people talking.

Women still kept patterns alive and weren’t afraid to dare to be different. Showing a little more skin and wearing chunky jewelry, definitely turned you into the best Disco Diva! The most important thing, however, was the moves!

Click here to see our whole range of 70’s Costumes!

What do you wear to a 70’s party?

There are plenty of options that would suit. The clothes that defined the tribes of the era like Disco or Hippie. Or you could go for iconic work outfits from the 70’s like these retro Air Hostess Costumes from the golden age of air travel. A further area of inspiration would be to look at 70’s movies and TV. The classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was released in 1971 and contains great options like Willy himself and the Oompa Loompa’s. Anchorman might be a parody but it was set in the 1970’s so Ron Burgundy would be a good option. You can find our whole range of 70’s Costumes here!

As a seasoned enthusiast with a profound knowledge of the vibrant era that was the 1970s, I find great joy in delving into the cultural nuances and lifestyle choices that defined that iconic decade. My extensive exploration of the 1970s, coupled with a deep appreciation for its various facets, allows me to provide comprehensive insights into the themes, fashions, and trends that shaped the era.

Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article:

1. 70s Themed Parties:

The 1970s-themed party is a nostalgic celebration of a bygone era. It captures the essence of a time marked by big hair, wide-legged jeans, and the unforgettable tunes of The BeeGees. The era is synonymous with diverse cultural movements, from the laid-back hippie lifestyle to the energetic disco scene.

2. Hippie and Disco Fusion:

The 70s were a time of cultural diversity, allowing individuals to embrace both hippie and disco vibes simultaneously. When organizing a 70s-themed party, the key is to blend elements of both styles. Creative decorations featuring bright colors, strobe lights, and ambiance can set the perfect mood.

3. 70s Fashion - Hippie Style:

The 70s witnessed the evolution of hippie culture, with fashion choices ranging from mini skirts and bell-bottomed jeans to crocheted tops, ponchos, peasant shirts, scarves, and Birkenstocks. The era emphasized personal comfort, promoting a culture of peace and love where individuality thrived.

4. Disco Fashion:

Disco, rising to prominence in the mid to late 70s, brought about a distinct fashion sense. Disco attire was characterized by flared jeans, mismatched colors, and outfits that sparkled. Sequined halter and tube tops, maxi-skirts, and kitten heels were popular choices, encouraging individuals to embrace a shiny and glamorous appearance on the dance floor.

5. Disco-Inspired Costumes:

For those inclined towards a more disco-inspired look, the options are vast. Men sported afros and mustaches, embracing patterns and flared pants. Women showcased bold patterns, dared to bare more skin, and adorned chunky jewelry, embodying the spirit of the Disco Diva.

6. 70s Party Attire Options:

The article suggests a myriad of options for 70s party attire, ranging from iconic tribal looks like Disco or Hippie to retro Air Hostess Costumes and characters from 70s movies and TV shows. It highlights the versatility of the era's fashion trends, catering to a wide range of inspirations.

In essence, a 70s-themed party offers a canvas where individuals can express themselves through diverse fashion choices, celebrating the unique blend of hippie and disco cultures that defined this unforgettable era.

How to Plan a 70s Party - It's Time to Get Groovy! - Blog (2024)

FAQs

How do you plan a 70s themed party? ›

Go with some beaded curtains, green shag rugs, lava lamps, and tapestries if you want to do the rock-and-roll basem*nt theme. Don't skimp on the decorations, though—hang disco balls, beads, and tie-dyed everything. Set a fun, vibrant atmosphere with '70s party supplies, and the party will be a success.

How do you host a 70s party? ›

  1. Go for Glitz With Disco Decor. Bring back the glitz and glam of the 70s disco with your party decorations. ...
  2. Give Guests the Grooviest Details. ...
  3. Don't Forget the Tie-Dye. ...
  4. Show Them Your Rock & Roll Side. ...
  5. Get Guests to Break Out Their Skates. ...
  6. Set Up a Tie-Dye Station. ...
  7. Give Guests a Dance Floor. ...
  8. Don't Forget the Hippies.
Jan 18, 2023

Is 70's disco or hippie? ›

The 1970s were a decade of fashion extremes and this is what cemented it as one of the most stylish eras of all time. No single look encompassed the 70s, which was an eclectic mix of style influences that evolved quickly in the span of a decade such as hippie, disco and punk.

How to throw a 70s disco party? ›

Here's how to deck out your party space in true disco fashion:
  1. Shimmering Disco Balls: ...
  2. Psychedelic Patterns and Colors: ...
  3. Lava Lamps and Mood Lighting: ...
  4. Retro Furniture and Decor Accents: ...
  5. Disco-Themed Props and Memorabilia: ...
  6. Retro Bar and Drink Stations:

How to throw a 70s dinner party? ›

Serve snacks with '70s style
  1. Barbecue meatballs.
  2. Pigs-in-a-blanket.
  3. Cheese fondue.
  4. Ambrosia fruit salad.
  5. A cheeseball and crackers.
  6. Deviled eggs.
  7. Pineapple skewers.
  8. Cucumber sandwiches.
Mar 10, 2024

What was a party called in the 70s? ›

From Boogie to Groovy: 70s Slang for Party. The 1970s were not just about social change but also a time of lively parties and vibrant nightlife.

How do you throw a classy party? ›

So stick to the end to get prepared for your next party and turn it into a new success story.
  1. 1 - Always Plan Ahead. ...
  2. 2 - Send Electronic Invites. ...
  3. 3 - Make your Venue Shine. ...
  4. 4 - Set up an Elegant Table. ...
  5. 5 - Strictly Follow Schedule. ...
  6. 6 - Prepare a Music Playlist. ...
  7. 7 - Give your Guests Something to Do at the party.
May 29, 2022

How do I make an outfit look 70s? ›

The main elements were bright colors, bold patterns, and an air of freedom and whimsy. Popular 70s outfits often included staples like high-waisted flare pants, peasant blouses, and suede shoes.

What is a typical 70s outfit? ›

Hippie look

Popular early 1970s fashions for women included Tie dye shirts, Mexican 'peasant' blouses, folk-embroidered Hungarian blouses, ponchos, capes, and military surplus clothing. Bottom attire for women during this time included bell-bottoms, gauchos, frayed jeans, midi skirts, and ankle-length maxi dresses.

Are hippies more 60s or 70s? ›

From around 1967, its fundamental ethos — including harmony with nature, communal living, artistic experimentation particularly in music, sexual experimentation, and the widespread use of recreational drugs — spread around the world during the counterculture of the 1960s, which has become closely associated with the ...

What do you do at a 70s party? ›

Make sure everyone knows it's a disco dance party! Include a disco ball and dancing queen balloon decor, plus a tie-dye lava lamp or two. Get creative with any decorations that have bright colors, big daisies, peace signs, Volkswagen bugs, and hearts. It's all about the love, man.

What food was at the 70s pool party? ›

Jell-O, rumaki, avocado pie, fondue, deviled eggs, and tequila sunrises took center stage of the culinary scene in the '60s and '70s. Although some of these items have faded away in popularity, others have endured the test of time and been updated to appeal to current-day tastes.

What are the colors for the 70s theme? ›

The flower child movement of the times helped bring subdued, earthy tones to the forefront in the 1970s. From appliances to furniture and carpeting, avocado greens, rustic browns, and mustard yellows dominated design.

How do you organize a retro theme party? ›

Retro Themed Birthday Party
  1. Step 1: Decorations. The first thing you need to do when planning your 80's theme birthday party is to find decorations. ...
  2. Step 2: Food And Beverages. ...
  3. Step 3: Mixtape Music. ...
  4. Step 4: Entertainment. ...
  5. Step 5: Costumes. ...
  6. Unique Invitations Ideas. ...
  7. Crafting a Retro-Themed Menu. ...
  8. Party Favors with a Twist.
Aug 14, 2023

How to dress in 1970s style? ›

Popular styles included bell bottom pants, frayed jeans, midi skirts, maxi dresses, tie-dye, peasant blouses, and ponchos. Some accessories that will help pull together your early '70s Hippie outfits are chokers, headbands, scarves, and jewelry made of wood, stones, feathers, and beads.

How do you put together a 70s outfit? ›

Casual
  1. High waisted flare pants and bell bottoms.
  2. Platform boots and heels.
  3. 70's Band t shirts and ringer t shirts.
  4. Crochet.
  5. Flowy blouses.
  6. Wrap tops and wrap dresses.
  7. Penny Lane Coats.
  8. Corduroy.

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