The 1970s gave us much more than bell-bottoms and peace signs. Disco, hippie dressing, glam rock, punk, western wear, roller rinks and a long list of TV and music characters all belong to the same ten years, which is why the decade is so handy for Halloween, themed parties, school days and group costumes. The looks that land pair one clear silhouette with period hair, makeup, shoes and a prop or two. Sequins and platforms say disco straight away, while fringe, crochet and flared denim say flower child. Wide collars, tinted glasses and feathered hair finish almost any of them. Below are ideas for women, men, couples, kids and groups, each worked out from head to toe.
Where Real 1970s Clothes Still Turn Up
Genuine 70s pieces still show up on thrift racks, and they beat costume-shop versions because the fabric and the cut are right. I check the men's shirts for wide collars and loud prints, the dress rack for long polyester maxis, and the jacket rail for leisure suit jackets that lost their trousers years ago.
- Feel the fabric. Heavy double-knit polyester and a metal zip are good signs. Modern retro-style pieces usually have thinner fabric and a plastic zip.
- Ignore the size on the tag. Vintage sizes ran smaller than today's, so try things on or measure against something you already own.
- Check the underarm seams and the trouser crotch. Old polyester lasts for decades, but the thread doesn't, and a seam that splits on the dance floor ruins the night.
- Wash musty finds in cool water with a splash of white vinegar, and skip the hot dryer. Polyester holds on to old smells.
- Straight-leg trousers can still become flares. Open the outer seam from the knee down and stitch in a long triangle of matching fabric.
1. Disco Diva Costume With Silver Jumpsuit
A silver jumpsuit is the fastest route to disco, and it moves and catches the light on a dance floor. Look for flared legs with a halter neck or big bell sleeves, then cinch the waist with a wide metallic belt. Silver platform sandals need ankle straps if you plan to dance, because slides walk right off your feet. Big curls or a voluminous wig, lavender shimmer on the lids, glossy lips and bright cheeks keep the face party-ready without tipping into stage makeup. Add oversized hoops, stacked bangles, a small mirrored clutch and a toy microphone. Metallic lamé has no give, so I'd hunt for a stretch version if you'll be in it all evening.
2. White Disco Suit Costume
Nothing says late-1970s nightlife as clearly as a white disco suit. Start with high-waisted flared trousers and a matching single-breasted blazer, then a fitted black, red or cobalt shirt with the big collar laid out over the lapels. Black platforms give the contrast. Blow-dry the hair back off the face, add a little bronzer and shaped sideburns if you like, and finish with a gold medallion and tinted aviators. White shows every spilled drink, so I always spray the trousers with a fabric stain repellent first. The flares should skim the floor in the shoes you'll wear, never slide under them. A light-up dance tile is a funny prop, though a good pointing pose costs nothing.
3. Men’s Leisure Suit Costume
A leisure suit is the comfortable cousin of the disco suit, and thrift racks still hold plenty of polyester ones. Look for flared trousers and a long-collared jacket in rust, powder blue, mustard, cream or sage. A button-down in a geometric or swirling print goes underneath, with brown platform loafers or chunky heeled boots on the feet. Comb the hair into a side part, add a neat mustache with skin-safe makeup and a little bronzer. Tinted glasses, a wide belt, a chunky pendant and a comb in the jacket pocket finish it. Separates in matching shades work as well as a true suit, which is good news, because complete vintage suits often run small.
4. Flower Child Costume With Bell-Bottoms
A flower child costume is soft, cheerful and about as comfortable as Halloween gets. High-waisted denim bell-bottoms go with a loose peasant blouse or a tie-dye top, and a crochet vest or faux-suede fringe waistcoat adds movement. Wear flat ankle boots or clogs if it's cold, supportive platform sandals if it isn't. Long, loose hair with a center part is the look. Makeup stays fresh: peach blush, brown mascara and a small painted flower near one cheek. Round tinted sunglasses, wooden beads and a fabric headband finish it, with a paper bouquet or cardboard peace sign to carry. Plain thrifted jeans look far more period with a few embroidered patches sewn on. Iron-on patches tend to lift at the edges after a night of sitting.
5. Hippie Man Costume With Fringe Vest
This hippie costume for men is all thrift and very rewearable. Start with faded flared jeans and a loose floral, paisley or tie-dye shirt, then add a brown faux-suede fringe vest and a wide woven belt. Brown boots or moccasin-style shoes suit an outdoor night; sandals are only for indoor parties. Long center-parted hair is the giveaway, so use a shoulder-length wig if yours is short. A costume mustache, round colored glasses, a beaded necklace and a touch of bronzer do the rest. Trim the fringe to hip length, since long faux-suede fringe catches on car doors and chair backs. A cardboard guitar or a hand-painted peace poster makes an easy prop.
6. Boho Maxi Dress Costume
A boho maxi dress is the early-1970s silhouette at its easiest. Look for a long floral or paisley dress with bell sleeves, a tiered skirt or an empire waist, and layer a crochet shawl or embroidered vest on top for warmth. Brown ankle boots or platform clogs handle an outdoor night better than flat sandals. Long waves with a center part and a thin braided headband keep hair off the face. Earthy eye shadow, rosy blush and a soft lip are enough, while hoops, layered pendants and wooden bangles add the jangle. A basket of artificial daisies doubles as a handbag. Check the hem with your shoes on, because thrifted maxi skirts are often cut for someone taller.
7. Fringe Vest And Bell-Bottom Costume
Short on time? A fringe vest and big bell-bottoms make a complete 70s costume in one thrift trip. Wear a ribbed turtleneck or a colorful long-sleeve top under a tan faux-suede vest. Patterned flares make it loud; dark denim bells keep it quiet. Platform ankle boots lengthen the leg, but chunky flat boots are kinder over a long night. Loose waves with a center part, warm brown eye makeup, oversized sunglasses, hoops and a wide belt finish the look. A round handbag with a few stitched-on flowers works as the prop. I keep this outfit to two or three colors repeated from shirt to shoes, because fringe plus pattern plus another print gets busy very fast.
8. Roller Disco Costume With Colorful Shorts
A roller disco costume should look sporty and ready to move. Pair high-waisted athletic shorts with a striped ringer T-shirt or a shiny fitted top, and pull up knee-high tube socks with matching stripes. Skates only make sense if the venue allows them; for walking, wear retro sneakers and carry the skates by their laces. A high ponytail or feathered layers, pastel shadow, glossy lips and a few star stickers at the eye corners handle the face. A satin bomber adds warmth without covering the outfit, and wristbands, a whistle and a painted cardboard music player finish it. Tube socks slide down within an hour, so I stitch a strip of elastic inside the top band to keep the stripes in place.
9. Glam Rock Costume With Metallic Flares
Glam rock runs on metallic fabric, loud makeup and exaggerated shapes. Start with silver, red or electric-blue flared trousers and a fitted satin shirt, then add a cropped sequined jacket or a vest with padded shoulders. Platform boots are part of the shape, though a lower platform is safer in a packed room. Tease the hair into a big layered shape or wear a bright shag wig. Glitter shadow, graphic liner, highlighter and a small star on one cheek do the face. Stack cuffs, throw on a long scarf and carry a toy microphone or light cardboard guitar. Keep it to one color story; three metallics at once look like a costume bin. Loose glitter migrates everywhere, so I prefer pressed glitter shadow.
10. Space Glam Costume With Blue Jumpsuit
A blue jumpsuit with silver trim gives you the space-age side of 1970s rock. Choose one that's fitted, with flared legs and structured shoulders, then add a wide metallic belt and white or silver platform boots. A short bright-red shag wig gives the strongest contrast; slicked-back hair is the simpler route. For the face, use blue shadow, sharp liner, silver highlighter and a painted lightning bolt near one eye. Silver cuffs and a star pendant are plenty, and a cardboard microphone wrapped in metallic paper beats a heavy prop. Look for stretch fabric and a front zip, since a back zip on a fitted jumpsuit means asking for help on every bathroom trip. The outfit is already loud, so leave out other prints.
11. Funk Singer Costume With Flared Suit
Rich color and confident tailoring carry a funk singer costume with no crafting at all. Wear a purple, burgundy, emerald or burnt-orange flared suit over a ruffled or patterned shirt, or swap the jacket for a fitted vest if the room runs warm. Polished platform loafers, a wide belt and layered gold-tone necklaces come next. Hair can be a rounded natural shape, full curls or a big wig that suits the wearer. Keep the makeup warm and glowing with a glossy lip. Tinted sunglasses and a toy microphone set the stage theme, and a cardboard speaker gets a laugh in photos. Hem the trousers to sit just above the sole, because flares that drag get trodden on and fray within one evening.
12. 70s Rock Singer Costume With Leather-Look Vest
A rock singer is the tougher alternative to polished disco. Pair dark flared jeans with a fitted graphic tee or an open-neck satin shirt, add a black or brown leather-look vest and knot a narrow patterned scarf at the neck. Heeled ankle boots should sit on a stable block heel. Long tousled hair or a shaggy wig gives the stage presence, and smudged brown liner with light contouring adds drama while staying family-friendly. Stack bracelets and rings and carry a lightweight cardboard guitar on a fringed strap. Faux leather cracks along hard folds, so store the vest on a hanger between wears. A little distressing is fine, but keep the shapes period or it just reads as modern clothes.
13. Late 70s Punk Rock Costume
Late-70s punk was the decade pushing back against flares, so think slim shapes and DIY details. Wear black straight-leg jeans, a fitted striped shirt and a cropped leather-look jacket covered in removable buttons, fabric patches and blunt faux safety pins. Add a skinny tie and black lace-up boots or pointed ankle shoes. A messy short cut, a choppy bob or a temporary spike with washable product handles the hair, and smudged black liner with a muted lip keeps the face wearable. Finish with a studded-look cuff and a handmade concert flyer. Real safety pins pop open and stab, so I sew the patches down and use only closed decorative pins. Pair black with one accent color and skip offensive slogans.
14. Studio 54 Couple Costume
This nightclub couple pairs high-shine glamour with two different silhouettes. One person wears a gold or silver halter jumpsuit with platform sandals, big curls, glitter eyes and oversized hoops. The other takes a white leisure suit, black wide-collared shirt, gold medallion, tinted glasses and polished platform loafers. Both should shine without matching exactly. A mirrored-ball purse and a velvet-rope cord are funny props. Keep both hairstyles big and the makeup bronzed so it holds up in flash photos. Choose lightweight fabrics, and leave long chains at home if you plan to dance close, because they tangle with your partner's buttons.
15. Dancing Queen Trio Costume
Three friends get coordinated sparkle here without wearing the same thing. The first wears a white flared jumpsuit with silver trim, the second a cobalt mini dress with bell sleeves and the third a gold tunic over matching flared trousers. Everyone gets white or silver platform boots. Soft waves or feathered layers suit all three, with pastel shadow, luminous cheeks and glossy lips. Matching star earrings and metallic cuffs connect the looks, and each person carries a toy microphone in a different color. I keep white and silver repeating through all three outfits, since that repetition is what turns three different shapes into one act in photos.
16. Charlie’s Angels Group Costume
Charlie’s Angels is polished action-show fashion for three. One person wears a rust jumpsuit, another a satin blouse with wide-leg trousers and the third a fitted turtleneck with a belted midi skirt, all within camel, cream, chocolate and burnt orange. Knee-high boots or chunky loafers keep everyone walking comfortably. Feathered hair is the detail everyone remembers, done with a round brush and lots of hairspray or with layered wigs. Soft brown liner, peach blush and neutral lips finish the face. Oversized sunglasses and vintage-style folders are enough as props. Skip toy guns; a confident pose says it better. Tailored fits are what make the trio look like TV detectives rather than generic party guests.
17. Scooby Gang Group Costume
The Scooby gang only works when every person commits to a full color-coded outfit. The bookish one wears an orange turtleneck, red skirt, orange knee socks, a bob wig and loafers. The fashionable one takes a purple mini dress, green scarf, red wig and purple shoes. The leader wears a white sweater, blue flares, an orange neck scarf and brown shoes, and the laid-back one a green shirt, brown flares, a shaggy wig and black shoes. The fifth member is the soft brown dog with a blue collar and paw-style shoe covers. Shoe covers slip on stairs, so I add an elastic strap under the sole. Keep makeup simple, and carry magnifying glasses, cardboard snack boxes and a mystery-file folder.
18. ABBA Group Costume
ABBA calls for four stage looks full of satin, sparkle and flares. Two members wear white or jewel-tone jumpsuits with bell sleeves, fitted waists and silver platform boots. The other two wear flared trousers with ruffled satin shirts, cropped vests and white platform shoes. Mix long blond waves, auburn curls, feathered layers and neat sideburns across the group, with shimmering eyes and glowing skin. Matching star pendants or metallic cuffs connect the outfits, and toy microphones are the simplest props. Satin snags on rough nails and rings, so dress carefully. One shared palette, such as white, blue and silver, is what makes four different outfits read as one band.
19. Sonny And Cher Couple Costume
Sonny and Cher pair dramatic bohemian glamour with a tailored hippie look. Cher wears patterned flared trousers and a cropped bell-sleeve top, or a sleek jewel-tone jumpsuit, with platform sandals, long straight dark hair, bold lashes and hoops. That hair is the whole character, so if you use a wig, buy one long enough to reach mid-back and trim the fringe to sit just above the brows. Sonny takes striped bell-bottoms, a colorful wide-collared shirt, a faux-fur vest, brown boots, a neat mustache and round tinted glasses. Each carries a toy microphone, and matching pendants link the pair. Go for flowing lines and rich prints instead of copying one specific outfit. Hem both pairs of trousers to the shoes you'll actually wear.
20. Saturday Night Fever Couple Costume
The Saturday Night Fever couple brings back the late-70s dance floor. One person wears a white three-piece suit with flared trousers, a black wide-collared shirt, a gold necklace and black platforms, with the hair brushed back and a touch of bronzer. The partner wears a flowing red wrap dress or a jewel-tone halter jumpsuit with metallic platform sandals, soft curls, shimmery neutral makeup and drop earrings. A mirrored clutch and a battery-powered dance-floor prop finish things off. Practice the famous side-by-side pose before the party, because it's the photo everyone asks for. A three-piece suit gets hot once you're dancing, so I'd look for a lightweight blend and leave the vest unbuttoned.
21. Farrah Fawcett Costume With Red Swimsuit
Farrah Fawcett's red swimsuit poster can become a costume you can wear in public. Put the red one-piece over opaque nude or red leggings, and add a light red wrap skirt or athletic shorts for coverage, with white sneakers or platform sandals. Everything depends on the hair: big feathered blond layers, from a layered wig or a round-brush blowout. A blowout drops on a humid night unless you set it with strong spray while it's still warm. Bronzed skin, peach blush, soft brown liner, a glossy lip and gold hoops finish it. Carry a vintage-style poster frame or a cardboard camera. Outdoors, add a white zip-front track jacket that comes off for photos and keeps the red-and-blond combination intact.
22. Diana Ross Disco Costume
A Diana Ross-inspired disco costume is all about the entrance. Choose a silver sequined maxi dress, a gold halter gown or a shimmering flared jumpsuit that moves well. Metallic platform sandals need secure straps, and a glittering wrap adds coverage. The hair should be huge, soft curls; a good wig is easier than coaxing that much height out of your own hair. Smoky eyes, defined lashes, highlighted cheeks and a glossy berry lip suit it, with long drop earrings and stacked metal bracelets. Carry a toy microphone or a star-shaped clutch. Cheap sequins scratch the inside of your arms, so I line the underarms with a soft knit. One metallic tone with black, white or a deep jewel shade looks intentional.
23. Elton John Costume With Sequined Suit
An Elton John-inspired costume is permission to wear loud color from head to toe. Start with a bright sequined suit, or flared trousers with a rhinestone-covered blazer, over a ruffled white shirt or colorful satin top. Platform boots in silver, white or a matching shade give the exaggerated shape. A short feathered wig and oversized tinted glasses covered in craft gems are the signature. Playful shimmer and bright cheeks keep the makeup family-friendly. Carry a cardboard keyboard or a toy microphone, and add a sparkly bow tie or star pendant. Hot glue lets go of plastic frames once they warm up against your face, so I attach the gems with a strong jewelry adhesive the day before. Loose gems on a dance floor are a slipping hazard.
24. David Bowie Glam Costume
A David Bowie-inspired glam costume pairs futuristic tailoring with expressive makeup. Wear a fitted blue, silver or red jumpsuit with flared legs and angular contrast panels, a metallic belt and sturdy platform boots. A short red shag wig is the strongest reference, though temporary red color works too. The lightning bolt across one side of the face goes on in skin-safe red and blue makeup. I sketch it first with a brown pencil so the points line up, then fill it in and set it with powder. Silver shadow and highlighted cheekbones add dimension, and metallic cuffs with a light microphone are enough. Pick a fabric with stretch at the shoulders and knees, so you can sit and dance in it.
25. Freddie Mercury 70s Rock Costume
A 1970s Freddie Mercury-inspired costume focuses on his early flowing stage clothes, not the later looks. Pair fitted white flared trousers with a deep-red satin blouse, the wide collar open at the chest, plus a black belt and white or black heeled ankle boots. A shoulder-length dark shag, your own or a wavy black wig, gets the era right. Dark liner around the eyes and subtle contouring create the early-rock face. Add a simple pendant, a few rings and a light microphone on a short stand, with a cropped black jacket for warmth. White trousers can turn see-through under a camera flash, so wear nude underwear and take a test photo before you leave. Make sure the stand has soft, rounded ends.
26. Janis Joplin Costume With Round Glasses
A Janis Joplin-inspired costume is layered bohemian color with a festival feel. Start with velvet or paisley flared trousers and a loose blouse with wide sleeves, add a faux-fur or embroidered vest and finish with brown platform boots. The hair is long, wavy and a bit messy under a floppy hat or narrow headband. The signature is the pile of accessories: round tinted glasses, layered necklaces, stacked bangles and several scarves. Smudged brown liner, peach blush and a muted rosy lip keep the face easy. Tie a patterned scarf around a toy microphone. Even with that many layers, I choose two dominant colors and repeat them, otherwise the look tips from rich into random.
27. John Lennon And Yoko Ono Couple Costume
A John Lennon and Yoko Ono-inspired couple costume is built from simple white and neutral clothes. One person wears white flared trousers, a white turtleneck, a cream jacket, round glasses and white sneakers, with shoulder-length center-parted hair and a light mustache. The other wears a white mini dress or a flowing trouser set with white ankle boots and long straight dark hair. Makeup stays minimal, just defined liner and a natural lip. Matching peace-sign pendants link the pair, and a white poster board with a kind, family-friendly message is the main prop. All-white outfits need whites that match. Cream next to bright white looks grubby, so I lay every piece out together in daylight before deciding.
28. Mary Tyler Moore Costume With Beret
A Mary Tyler Moore-inspired costume is polished 1970s city style, with no sequins or flares needed. Wear a tailored camel coat over a fitted turtleneck and a knee-length A-line skirt, with opaque tights and brown knee-high boots on a comfortable block heel. The knit beret is the essential piece, over a smooth shoulder-length brunette bob or a neatly curled wig. Soft liner, rosy blush and a pink lip keep it fresh. Carry a structured handbag and a rolled-up newspaper. For photos, bring a second lightweight beret for the hat toss, so the one you're wearing can stay pinned. Because the coat is part of the costume, this is the one to pick when the forecast is cold.
29. Laverne And Shirley Duo Costume
Laverne and Shirley turn casual 1970s TV clothing into an easy costume for two friends. Laverne wears a blue cardigan with her embroidered initial, a white blouse, a full midi skirt, bobby socks and loafers, with a dark curled ponytail and rosy makeup. Shirley takes a pastel blouse, a patterned skirt, a cropped cardigan, ankle socks and low heels, with short brunette curls and a small bow. That initial is the detail people look for. I cut it from felt in a script shape and stitch around the edge, since felt glued to knit lifts as soon as the cardigan stretches. Both carry lightweight plastic milk bottles. It's modest and comfortable enough for a full school or work day.
30. Mork And Mindy Duo Costume
Mork and Mindy mixes goofy science fiction with relaxed 1970s casual wear. Mork needs a bright red jumpsuit, or a red top with matching trousers, silver suspenders, a metallic belt, silver boots and a short dark wig, plus a small cardboard egg. Mindy wears high-waisted flared jeans, a striped knit top, a fitted vest and brown ankle boots, with feathered brunette hair and peach makeup, and a small crossbody bag. The joke of the pair is the contrast between his odd uniform and her everyday denim, so resist dressing Mindy up. Shop-bought silver suspenders are often flimsy. I make them from silver metallic spandex stitched over wide elastic, which stretches without tearing.
31. Princess Leia 70s Space Costume
Princess Leia’s original white look is a 1970s film costume that stays comfortable and family-friendly. Start with a long white mock-neck dress with wide sleeves and a gently gathered waist, add a narrow silver belt and wear flat white knee boots or white sneakers under the hem. The two side buns are what everyone recognizes. With long hair, I braid each half, coil it and pin it with plenty of grips; short hair needs clip-on buns or a wig. Natural makeup with defined brows, brown liner and rosy cheeks is all it takes. Carry a painted cardboard communicator and skip weapon props. Keep the hem just off the floor, especially for kids, and slip a white thermal layer underneath for warmth.
32. Lava Lamp Costume
A lava lamp costume turns 1970s decor into something you can wear. Start with a sleeveless black or silver shift dress and attach large curved blobs cut from pink, orange, purple and red felt, arranged vertically like floating wax. Opaque tights and silver platform ankle boots go with it. Wear the hair up in a high ponytail or a smooth bob so it doesn't cover the design, and match the eye shadow to the blobs. A cone-shaped headpiece from silver poster board makes the lamp cap, and a silver band at the hem is the base. Felt glued to a slinky dress peels off as you sit, so I tack each blob with a few stitches through its middle. Keep everything flat for chairs and doorways.
33. Disco Ball Costume
A disco ball costume gets maximum impact from a simple silver base. Wear a silver mini dress or metallic tunic over fitted leggings, then cover it with lightweight mirrored foam squares, leaving gaps at the waist and hips so you can bend. Silver platform boots or glittery sneakers finish the legs. A sleek high ponytail or a silver bob wig, shimmer shadow, bright highlighter and tiny face gems at the eye corners suit it, along with a mirrored headband and silver cuffs. If you carry a small battery spotlight, keep it pointed at the floor. Foam squares are far lighter and safer than real mirror tiles, and from a few feet away they flash just as brightly under party lights.
34. Smiley Face Costume
A giant smiley face is a cheerful 1970s pop-culture costume with almost no sewing. Begin with a bright-yellow sweatshirt dress, or an oversized yellow T-shirt over black leggings, and attach two black felt eyes and a curved smile to the front. I trace the smile around a dinner plate so the curve is even; a wobbly freehand smile looks unsure of itself. Yellow sneakers keep it casual and black platforms make it dressier. Pull the hair up with a yellow scrunchie or wear a smooth blond bob wig. Yellow shadow, rosy cheeks and a glossy neutral lip suit it, with round yellow sunglasses and a circular bag. Keep the face design bold and uncluttered so it reads across a room.
35. 70s Tennis Player Costume
A 70s tennis player costume is retro sportswear that's easy to move in. Wear a white pleated tennis skirt or short athletic shorts with a striped polo, and add a fitted zip-front warm-up jacket in green, navy, red or mustard. Knee-high tube socks and white retro sneakers are required. Feathered layers, a high ponytail or a bob held back with a sweatband all fit. Waterproof mascara, peach blush and tinted lip balm keep the face sporty. A wooden-look toy racket, a few foam balls, striped wristbands and oversized aviators finish it. Don't carry a real racket all night. It gets heavy and bumps people, and a cardboard one photographs just as well. A polo with a contrast stripe on the collar gives the period feel immediately.
36. 70s Game Show Host Costume
A game show host suits the friend who likes greeting guests and running the party games. Wear a brightly colored suit in rust, powder blue or golden yellow, a patterned wide-collared shirt and polished platform loafers. A neat side part, full sideburns and an optional skin-safe mustache handle the grooming, with light bronzer and tidy brows. A wide tie, pocket square and oversized watch finish it. Carry a long toy microphone and cardboard answer cards, and wear a badge reading “Host” instead of referencing a real program. I'd pick one bold suit color and keep the shirt print in the same color family, since clashing prints fight the tailoring.
37. 70s Prom Queen Costume
A 70s prom queen costume mixes romantic formalwear with clear period details. Choose a pastel chiffon maxi dress with flutter sleeves, a high neck or a gathered empire waist, with silver platform sandals on supportive straps and a light faux-fur wrap for the cold. Feathered waves or a curled half-up style with fabric flowers suit the hair, with pastel shadow, rosy blush, defined lashes and a glossy pink lip. Add a rhinestone tiara, costume earrings and a satin sash reading “Prom Queen,” and carry artificial carnations. Chiffon frays as soon as it's cut, so if you shorten a thrifted dress, finish it with a narrow rolled hem. A tea-length dress gives the same retro effect and is much easier to walk in.
38. 70s School Teacher Costume
A 70s school teacher costume uses practical separates, which makes it a safe choice for office or school celebrations. Pair a patterned pussy-bow blouse with a high-waisted A-line midi skirt in rust, olive, navy or mustard, then add a fitted cardigan, opaque tights and brown knee-high boots or chunky loafers. Hair can be a smooth bob, feathered layers or a tidy low bun, with understated liner, peach blush and a muted rose lip. Oversized square glasses, a long pendant and a structured satchel complete it, and a folder, a wooden-look ruler and some flashcards are the props. Plaid and small geometric prints give the clearest period effect. If you'll be standing for hours, choose a stretch waistband and low heels.
39. 70s Family Costume
A 70s family can mix disco, hippie and casual looks within one shared palette. One adult might wear a white leisure suit with a patterned shirt, while another chooses a floral maxi dress with platform boots. Children wear striped ringer tees, denim flares, colorful vests and comfortable sneakers. Center-parted waves, feathered wigs, headbands or tinted glasses suit each outfit. Keep makeup light and child-appropriate, a little shimmer or cheek color at most. Peace-sign necklaces connect everyone, and a cardboard record, a toy microphone and a paper bouquet give each person something to hold. Repeating orange, brown, yellow and cream is what makes it look planned. I lay every outfit on the floor together first and pull anything that breaks the palette.
40. 70s Kids Sibling Costume
Kids' 70s sibling costumes need to be bright and easy to move in. One child wears denim bell-bottoms, a floral shirt, a fringe vest, brown sneakers and a soft headband. The other goes roller disco in colorful athletic shorts, a striped ringer tee, knee-high tube socks and retro sneakers. Use their own hair, clip-in feathered pieces or a comfortable wig that stays out of their eyes. Makeup is optional, at most skin-safe face glitter or a small painted flower. Round plastic sunglasses and foam peace-sign necklaces are light enough for small kids, and one can carry a cardboard record while the other holds a paper bouquet. Children's bell-bottoms catch on scooter wheels and pedals, so hem them to just above the shoe and choose elastic waists and washable fabric.
Hemming Bell-Bottoms Over Platform Shoes
Most of these costumes put long flares over high shoes, and that pairing is where most trips and torn hems happen. Put the shoes on first, then pin the hem so the back of the flare sits about half an inch above the floor and the front breaks softly over the toe. Flares hemmed for flat shoes drag under platforms, and flares hemmed for platforms puddle if you switch to sneakers at midnight, so settle on one pair before you sew.
Wear new platforms around the house for a few evenings. Wood and cork soles don't bend, so take shorter steps and go down stairs sideways if they're tall. A thin rubber pad stuck to the bottom makes a polished floor much less slippery.
Feathered Hair Without a Salon Visit
Feathered hair turns up in nearly half of these ideas, and it's easier than it looks. On clean, dry hair, blow-dry the front sections back and away from the face with a round brush, rolling outward. Set each section in a hook-and-loop roller while it cools, then brush it out and mist with firm hairspray.
Fine or very straight hair drops within a few hours, so a layered wig is the safer choice for a long party. Brush a wig gently with a wide-tooth comb and keep it away from the oven and candles. Most inexpensive wigs are synthetic, and synthetic fiber frizzes or melts near heat.
A Decade Big Enough for Disco and Punk
The 1970s had more styles than any single costume can hold, from mirrored disco and earthy flower-child layers to glam rock, everyday TV clothing and homemade objects like the lava lamp. Whichever you choose, build it from head to toe. Start with one clear base garment, then match the hair, makeup, shoes, accessories and prop to it. Thrift stores and your own closet will supply most of it, especially flared jeans, patterned shirts, maxi dresses, vests and boots. Put comfortable shoes, secure decorations and light props first if it's a long night. A tight color palette and a few strong period details are what make a 70s costume look deliberate rather than borrowed.
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