Culture

29 Grooviest 70s Outfit Ideas for Your Retro Party Look in 2024

by: Sarah Cook

Published on Sep 6th 2024

Whether you're looking for a 70s outfit for a disco party, or you simply want to add some retro- or boho-inspired pieces into your wardrobe, there are plenty of ways to draw inspiration from the 70s.

According to CNN, “The 1970s were a time of tumultuous change. There were also plenty of glamorous moments, between the wild fashions, TV stars like Farrah Fawcett and the disco era.” From disco to pivotal political moments like the Watergate scandal, the 70s truly were a time of change and disruption in American culture. It was also a decade that gave us new trends and ideas in the world of fashion and entertainment.

What were popular outfits in the 70s? What would you wear to a 70s party? We’ll share 29 of the grooviest tips to help you fit in under the disco ball, on the dance floor or anywhere else your 70s outfit takes you.

Cool 70s Outfit Ideas for the Disco

1. Add Sequins and Sparkles

*Add some sequins and sparkles to your disco outfit (via Canva)*

At any disco theme party, sequins and sparkly looks are a big hit. Remember, this was the era of the disco ball, so mimic the bright, shiny lights in your outfit, whether it’s a sparkly mini-dress or an embellished pair of pants.

2. Opt for Bright Colors

There is nothing shy about the colors used in vintage 70s fashion looks. In your 70s outfit, aim for bright pops of colors like pink, green, yellow and orange. The wilder the pattern, the better! Go neon if the mood allows.

3. Wear Bold Jewelry

Add a chunky necklace or 70s-inspired earrings to your next 70s outfit look to really recreate the bold glamor of the 1970s. You can find jewelry to pair with your favorite 70s outfit on Amazon or other online retailers. Try a local jeweler to support the community and look great while doing it.

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4. Try a Glittery Eye Look

Don’t forget your makeup as part of the entire look when you’re headed to a disco party or themed party. The 70s were about bold color everywhere, so try a bright blue eyeshadow with dramatic eyeliner for a party look, or go for bold eye makeup in neutral tones for a more retro everyday style that will fit your 70s outfit like a pair of spandex tights.

5. Include Bold Florals

Large floral patterns in tones of orange, pink, lavender and gold were everywhere in the most popular 70s outfits. Add floral to your 70s outfit in the form of a flowy blouse or go really bold with bright, floral wide-leg pants.

6. Don a Gold Lamé Dress

Nothing will make you feel more like a disco-dancing queen or king than a shimmery lamé dress or high-waisted bell bottoms. Opt for the most iconic color, gold, or find similarly shimmery options with pink or silver pieces for your 70s outfit.

7. Wear Cool Shades

Look back at movie stars from the 70s and you’ll often see them wearing aviator-style sunglasses or other large shades. If you're looking for theme party ideas, why not offer your guests sunglasses as a party favor they can wear during the dancing portion of the evening? Donning same groovy shades will give them a case of Night Fever!

8. Add Fringe to Everything

Many of the styles in the early 70s outfits still retain the hippie trends of the 60s. A long fringed vest or pants embellished with fringe are sure to help you move and groove on the dance floor.

Chic, Modern 70s Outfit Ideas for Women

9. Rock a Bell-Bottom

Rock bell-bottoms — *Rock a pair of bell bottoms (via Canva)*

How do you dress like the 70s? Pay attention to the silhouettes. 70s outfits were all about bell sleeves and bell-bottom pants, so add some flared denim to your wardrobe for a piece that’s perfect for the disco or for trying out new trends in your day-to-day wardrobe.

10. Try a Wrap Dress

Wrap dresses were also a staple of the 70s. Made famous by brands like Diane Von Furstenburg, the wrap dress was often viewed as a sign of women’s liberation. Incorporate this trend into your wardrobe today for a chic office look or an understated nod to the 70s outfit at your next retro party.

11. Wear Bold Patterns

Florals weren’t the only patterns that rose to popularity in the 70s. Mod patterns with groovy colors like brown, turquoise and orange were everywhere, from kitchen appliances to patterned garments. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns in your 70s outfit ideas.

12. Add a Platform Boot

All those bell-bottomed pants in the 70s sometimes called for an elevated shoe look. Platform boots, whether ankle height or taller, pair perfectly with long pants or with mini dresses that are perfect for hitting the disco scene. You can try a more neutral option in brown or black to wear on a daily basis, or go slightly extreme with white go-go boots to make your 70s outfit complete.

13. Wear Crocheted Clothes

Some of the styles from the 60s that carried over into the next decade included tie-dye and fringed elements, as well as vests and tops crocheted in neutral colors. Try a duster-length crocheted sweater over a mini dress for your next 70s-themed party. You can also incorporate the 70s outfit essentials that are crocheted in the form of belts, headbands and handbags.

14. Try a Feathery Hairstyle

Style icons like Farrah Fawcett became known for their glamorous personal styles. Copy the Charlie’s Angels star’s look by styling your hair in large curls with feathered bangs and layers at the front of your face. Don’t forget the hairspray!

15. Incorporate Corduroy

Corduroy was another big trend of the 70s that works well in costumes or simply in your wardrobe. From flared corduroy pants to tiny mini skirts, this stretchy, versatile fabric was a hallmark of 70s outfits. It is also a fabric that works in modern outfits, so don’t be afraid to incorporate it into your daily wardrobe for a chic take on the 70s.

16. Add a Boho Hat

No matter what 70s trend you’re going for, adding a hat completes the look. Try a more boho wide-brimmed option, or get adventurous with a 70s page-boy style hat in a bright patterned or sequined style.

17. Opt for a Jumpsuit

If mini-dresses or flowy pants aren’t your style, there is another 70s outfit trend that’s perfect for a theme party. Wear a jumpsuit, either patterned or simple. From denim to corduroy, the 70s were a time when the jumpsuit trend really took off.

Stylish 70s Outfit Ideas for Men

18. Wear a Leather Blazer

The sport coat silhouette was also popular in the 70s, but rather than wearing typical fabric jackets, men often wore long blazers in rich leather. Whether you opt for the real deal or for a faux leather variety, paired with a patterned shirt and bell-bottomed jeans, you can’t go wrong with this addition to your 70s outfit.

19. Don’t Shy Away from Pattern

A long-sleeved, collared shirt in a bright 70s pattern is a perfect 70s outfit option for guys heading to a disco party. Pop the collar and unbutton your shirt halfway down to truly capture the essence of the 70s.

20. Try a New Style of Denim

What is the 70s dress code? Men and women alike rocked wide bell-bottom pants that flared out at the ankle. Men look just as groovy in this 70s staple as women's 70s outfits.

21. Add a Gold Chain

Complete your open-collar shirt with a thick gold chain or longer necklace. Jewelry for men was just as big a trend as it was for the ladies in the 70s, and it really adds that extra disco look to even the simplest 70s outfit ideas.

22. Grow out Your Sideburns

Hair trends in the 70s included large, feathered hair for the women and long sideburns for the guys. Many men in the 70s embraced the afro hairstyle too.

23. Sport a Velour Tracksuit

For a leisure outfit for men straight from the 70s find a matching tracksuit in a soft, velvet fabric. This is certainly an option you can find when searching for 70s outfits on Amazon, but you could also try hitting your local thrift store or vintage store to try and find a genuine 70s tracksuit.

24. Don’t Forget the Mustache!

In the 1970s, thick mustaches made a comeback as a style trend for men, and celebrities, athletes and politicians alike could be seen sporting some facial hair. If you have enough time to plan for your disco party, try to grow your own, or you can always opt for costume mustaches from your local party supply store or favorite online retailer.

Fun 70s Outfit Ideas for Kids

25. Add Some Flower Power

Bright patterns were all the rage for just about everyone in the 70s, kids included. For an easy 70s outfit DIY shirt your kids will love, paint simple flowers in a 3x3 grid on the front of a t-shirt in bright colors like hot pink and orange. Your flowers don’t have to be anything fancy to capture the true spirit of the 70s. Kids can also go the boho-look and wear long flowy dresses or bell bottoms.

26. Go With the Tie-Dye

Another fun way to bring some 70s flair to your kids’ outfits is by adding some tie-dye. Although tie-dye became a trend a decade earlier in the 60s, the love of brightly swirled dyes carried over into the mid-70s psychedelic scene. You can DIY your own or find cute pre-made options online.

27. Include Peace Sign Jewelry

Add some costume jewelry to your kids’ outfits at their next Decades Day. You can find long beaded necklaces featuring peace signs or smiley faces at your local party store to add some sparkle and shine to their costume.

28. Don a Fringed Vest

Don’t forget the fringe on the kids’ outfits! A brown vest with a long fringe on the back is a great way to incorporate some 70s style without having to buy an entire outfit. You can also buy pre-made fringe on a spool at most craft stores. Use fabric glue to add to basic clothes and create an easy DIY costume your kids will love.

29. Wear a Headband

Making a 70s-style headband is a super simple DIY project. All you need is fabric in the grooviest shades and patterns. Cut or tear a long strip and use it as a headband. To prevent fraying, you can double up the fabric and seal it shut with a bit of fabric glue. Take inspiration from the 70s and either wrap your headband around your head to hold your hair back, or place it flat on your forehead and tie it behind your head for a truly 70s, disco-style look. Another option is to use real flowers to create a garland of flowers for a Flower Power edge.

We hope these groovy disco options have given you plenty of 70s outfit ideas for your next party or spirit day. And don’t forget, many of these trends are back in style! Incorporate them into your everyday outfit and bring a touch of 70s fun everywhere you go.

For even more fun party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!