44 Time Traveling Decades Day Outfits Ideas in 2024

If you’re attending a Decades Day event, finding the best Decades Day outfits is essential! Whether you’re looking to channel a specific time period or find a costume that fits into your budget, there are tons of options for unique outfits for men and women to wear when celebrating this fun event.

What is the most stylish decade? The fashion experts at Elle argue that the 70s had the most trending looks. With the 1970s in the vibrant swing of the disco era, you can discover plenty of fun styles and accessories if you’re looking to bring a star-worthy appearance to the party. Or, dress up as one of the iconic game show hosts that captured the 1970s.

But there are also tons of fun outfits you can wear from different decades that also make for great DIY Halloween costumes. Are you searching for what you can wear for Decades Day? We’ve compiled a list of the best Decades Day outfits to help you plan your memorable costume! So dig up all your best time capsule ideas because we're going way back into the past. 

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• 1920s Decades Day Outfits: Jazz Age, Speakeasies, Gatsby Swag
• 1930s Decades Day Outfits: Gangsters, Bootleggers, Hollywood's Golden Age
• 1940s Decades Day Outfits: Vintage Military, Film Noir, Classic Disney
• 1950s Decades Day Outfits: Rockabilly, Rebels, American Diners
• 1960s Decades Day Outfits: Woodstock, Vietnam, Civil Rights
• 1970s Decades Day Outfits: Disco, Roller Rinks, Game Shows
• 1980s Decades Day Outfits: Hip Hop, Punk, Yuppies
• 1990s Decades Day Outfits: Grunge, Raves, Sitcoms
• 2000s Decades Day Outfits: Reality TV, Teen Idols, The Matrix
• 2010s Decades Day Outfits: Social Media, Athleisure, Hipsters

1920s Decades Day Outfits: Jazz Age, Speakeasies, Gatsby Swag

1. Flapper

Elevate any costume party with a flapper gown for the best Decades Day outfits. Find a vintage dress with fringe and add a headband with a feather for an authentic accessory. Put on your most comfortable heels for a night of jazz dancing!

2. Gentleman Costume

Dress to the nines in a sleek gentleman costume for your Decades Day. Create a stylish ensemble featuring a blazer, waistcoat, fashionable fedora or nifty newsboy cap and timeless pocket watch. Your outfit will be a showstopper at any big event.

3. Fighter Pilot

Travel through time by dressing up as a 1920s fighter pilot. Any gender can wear this outfit for fun attire at your Decades Day party. Wear a lightweight flying suit, leather jacket, cargo boots and gloves. You can also add a helmet and scarf for a traditional touch.

4. Casual Day Dressing

Keep your costume simple by wearing a casual outfit from the 1920s. Find cozy garden party dresses that are traditional to the time period, and pair this attire with an elegant hat or scarf. Order your dress one size up for an accurate and loose-fitting 1920s outfit.

1930s Decades Day Outfits: Gangsters, Bootleggers, Hollywood's Golden Age

5. Gangster

Dress up as a classic 1930s gangster for one of the best Decades Day outfits for guys. Wear an all-black, gray or pin-striped suit for a sleek look. Pair this with a bold black or red tie for a simple outfit for your Decades Day event. Or go a different direction in the way of Peaky Blinders and don your best British gangster outfit (although this TV series was based in the 1920s to be accurate). 

6. Bootlegger

Be the star of any Decades Day party with an authentic bootlegger outfit. Pair a beige long-sleeve shirt with brown pants, suspenders and a brown cap. This classic look from the Prohibition era is affordable and easy to put together for your big event.

7. Working Girl

Transform your look by dressing as a working girl for Decades Day. Wear a tweed suit, vintage pencil dress or classic bias-cut skirt. Add a stylish beret or tilt cap to your hair to complete this traditional 1930s feminine look.

8. Hollywood Glam

Dress to impress with a classic Hollywood outfit for any Decades Day event. Wear a sleek long gown and feather boa for a stylish costume. Vintage suits, suspenders and fedoras were also traditional looks for men in this glitzy era.

1940s Decades Day Outfits: Vintage Military, Film Noir, Classic Disney

9. Vintage Military

Travel back in time by honoring our military veterans from World War II. Find a classic military suit in tan or olive green. Add patches and a traditional military cap for a classic look. You can also wear a knee-length pencil skirt in tan or green to complete the look.

10. Hollywood Starlet

Dress as a fabulous Hollywood starlet for the best Decades Day outfits. Wear a long elegant gown, a faux fur coat and a glistening tiara for a glamorous outfit. You’ll be ready to hit the red carpet at your Decades Day party with this gorgeous costume.

11. Rosie the Riveter

Represent a powerful symbol of American feminism on Decades Day. For a simple Rosie the Riveter outfit, pair a blue jumpsuit or all-denim outfit with a red polka dot headscarf, cargo boots and red lipstick. Everyone will recognize and appreciate your iconic costume.

12. Disney Dapper Day

Embody classic Disney with a fun and dapper outfit. Find a knee-length dress that flares out on the sides. Customize your attire to represent Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Snow White or any of your favorite Disney characters from the early Disney days. Or just go as the man himself, Walt Disney. 

1950s Decades Day Outfits: Rockabilly, Rebels, American Diners

13. Rockabilly

If you’re looking for easy Decades Day outfits for girls, dress up in classic rockabilly style. Find a fashionable swing dress that flares at the sides. Include a vibrant headscarf, sunglasses and leather jacket to complete this feminist look. For boys, slick your hair up and put on a plain white, sleeveless t-shirt, blue jeans and if you have one, a leather jacket. Don't forget one essential item, your hair comb. 

14. Prom Queen

Dress to impress as an elegant prom queen from the 1950s. Wear a classy dress with a ball gown skirt that flares out at the waist. Add ruffles, bows and tulle for a traditional design from the era. Don’t forget to wear the shiny tiara and sash — you are prom queen, after all! This also makes for great Decades Day outfits for couples as you can go as the prom king and queen. 

15. Marilyn Monroe

Channel a beloved icon for one of the best Decades Day outfits for adults. There are many options you can wear to achieve a Marilyn Monroe costume. Wear Marilyn’s classic white knee-length dress from The Seven Year Itch or her stylish pink ball gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. Remember to find a blond wig to complete the look.

16. Rebel

Don a classic rebel style for the best Decades Day ideas for boys. Pompadour hair is a must, so lather on that hairspray to achieve the look! Then, pair slim-cut jeans, a motorcycle jacket and sunglasses for a fun costume at any Decades Day event. Channel your inner James Dean or take inspiration from the movie Grease.

17. American Diner Server

Travel back in time to portray a fun server from 1950s American diners. Find a simple knee-length gown that flares out at the sides. Add a white apron, a cute hat and cozy sneakers to round out the classic look. For the boys, take a button-up, short-sleeved shirt, bowtie and vest and top it off with a soda-jerker hat, which you can easily craft using paper.

1960s Decades Day Outfits: Woodstock, Vietnam, Civil Rights

18. Hippie

How do you dress for the 60s decade? If you’re looking for easy Decades Day outfits for girls, incorporate a colorful hippie costume. Simply tie-dye an old shirt and add some bell-bottom jeans. Complete the look with round sunglasses, a vibrant headband and a peace sign necklace. Boys can wear a long flowy bandana, a tie-dye shirt or waistcoat and a pair of rugged jeans.

19. Day Suits or Dress

Dress for the occasion with an elegant but comfortable day suit or dress. Pair a tailored skirt and oversized coat with high heels and a pillbox hat. Find a suit with plaid or patterns for a traditional workday look from the 1960s.

20. Military Veteran

Pay tribute to our service members who served during the Vietnam War by dressing as a military veteran. Find a vintage green suit and pair it with a classic cap or hardshell helmet. This costume will command respect at any Decades Day party.

21. Mod Styles

Travel back in time to bring back the funky British mod style of Quadrophenia and Edie Sedgwick. Wear a graphic t-shirt and mini skirt in bold colors and patterns to pay tribute to this style. You can also wear button-down shirts and ankle-high boots to pair with the costume.

22. Motown Diva

Elevate Decades Day by dressing up as a Motown Diva. Find a glitzy and elegant floor-length gown and wrap a feather boa around your shoulders. This costume will be a real showstopper at any Decades Day event.

1970s Decades Day Outfits: Disco, Roller Rinks, Game Shows

23. Disco Diva

Rock one of the best 70s outfits as a disco diva. Wear a vibrant jumpsuit with high heels or chunky sandals. Find an outfit with sparkles that will catch the captivating glow of the disco ball. You’ll be ready to boogie in this costume all night!

24. Roller Disco

Grab a pair of rollerblades for one of the best Decades Day ideas for boys. Find a shiny shirt, bell-bottom jeans and sunglasses to complete this outfit. He won’t mind dressing up if he can play around on his roller skates! For the girls, high-cut sporty shorts and thigh-high socks are a must. 

25. House Wife

Draw inspiration from Mad Men for one of the best Decades Day outfits. Wear a flowy house dress with light colors and patterns. Pair your outfit with a headband, pearl necklace and cozy cardigan to complete the look.

26. Game Show Host

Channel an iconic game show host from the 70s for your Decades Day party. Wear a classy suit and tie for a traditional style. Don’t forget the cheeky smile and microphone to ensure everyone at the event knows it’s game time!

1980s Decades Day Outfits: Hip Hop, Punk, Yuppies

27. Punk Rocker

Are you wondering what to wear for the 80s decade? If you’re looking for easy Decades Day outfits for boys or girls, a punk rocker can be a simple outfit to throw together. Gather ripped jeans, a band t-shirt and a leather or denim jacket. Style your hair with a spiked or mohawk hairstyle.

28. Aerobics Instructor

Channel an iconic costume as an aerobics instructor for one of the best Decades Day outfits for adults. Find a colorful leotard or leggings with an oversized t-shirt. Combine this outfit with leg warmers and a headband to complete the look.

29. Stylish Sweaters

Grab an oversized, comfortable sweater for a cozy outfit during Decades Day. Find a sweater with bold patterns or vibrant colors. Wear this top with jeans or leggings to round out your classy chic outfit. 

30. Hip Hop Artist

Level up Decades Day as a hip-hop artist for one of the best Decades Day outfits for guys. Grab your favorite pair of branded sneakers and pair them with a uni-colored Adidas tracksuit. Accessorize with large gold jewelry, sunglasses and a bucket hat.

31. More is More

Go all in on your 80s theme party with more accessories to fit the time period. Layer up on gold jewelry, bigger hairstyles and more bangles and bracelets. Whether you’re dressing up as an aerobics instructor or hip-hop artist, the more you accessorize your look, the more traditional your outfit will be. Take 80s icon Cyndi Lauper as your inspiration.

32. Tracksuits

Get comfortable with a classic tracksuit for one of the best 80s Decades Day outfits. Find a vibrant two-piece tracksuit with a windbreaker jacket and long pants. Pair this with comfortable white tennis shoes to complete the look.

1990s Decades Day Outfits: Grunge, Raves, Geeks

33. Geek Chic

Elevate a geeky style for a fun costume for Decades Day. Wear high-waisted jeans with suspenders. Pair this outfit with thick-rimmed glasses, a cropped denim jacket and a lopsided ponytail.

34. Rave Culture Outfit

Be the life of the party with a fun rave culture outfit from the 90s. Wear phat pants, a style of jeans that are fitted at the waist and flow out down the legs. Combine this with a tie-dye shirt, bucket hat and lots of glitter to elevate the event! Don't forget your lollipop or large pacifier to complete the aesthetic. 

35. Grunge

If you’re looking for easy Decades Day outfits for boys, dress him up in classic grunge for a perfect outfit for any 90s theme party. Combine an old plaid flannel shirt with ripped jeans and combat boots. Round out the look with a beanie and rubber bracelets. There are so many great musicians you can turn to for inspiration from Kurt Cobain to Eddie Vedder. 

2000s Decades Day Outfits: Emo, Teen Idols, Y2K

36. Emo

Bring a moody style to any Decades Day event by dressing in emo fashion. Dress in all black or pair skinny jeans with a band T-shirt. Accessorize with black eyeliner, vans shoes and a studded belt. Style your hair with long-swept bangs that conceal half your face.

37. Popstar

Pay tribute to the 2000s with an iconic popstar outfit. Resemble your favorite celebrity from the time period by wearing oversized sunglasses, sneakers and low-rise jeans. Any boy band or female pop artist would be proud!

38. Y2K Style

Show up to the Decades Day party by wearing the best Y2K outfits. Mix retro and futuristic fashion to create a unique outfit. Find clothing or accessories in vibrant colors and metallic fabrics. Add furry bucket hats, butterfly clips and oversized sunglasses to complete your Cyberpunk look.

39. Taylor Swift’s Country Era

Channel old-school Taylor Swift for a fun Taylor Swift themed party. Pair a cute sundress with sparkly cowgirl boots and a floral crown. You’ll be ready to dance all night to Taylor’s timeless Country hits!

2010s Decades Day Outfits: Social Media, Athleisure, Hipsters

40. Social Media Influencer

Find your most stylish clothes to portray a social media influencer for Decades Day. Whether you’re channeling a celebrity influencer or popular Instagram influencer, there are tons of iconic picks. Make sure to grab your phone to capture the event for your social media!

41. Athleisure

Keep it cozy with athleisure wear for your Decades Day event. Wear leggings or biker shorts with a matching compression jacket and comfortable sneakers. This casual style is easy to put together and will perfectly fit in with the 2010 decade.

42. Hipsters

Hit your local thrift store to find pieces for a hipster outfit, Wear an iconic graphic t-shirt, flannel long-sleeve and white-washed skinny jeans. Complete this look with combat boots, a cozy beanie and thick-rimmed glasses.

43. Neon Colors

Pull out your neon clothing and accessories for one of the easiest outfits for Decades Day. Find colors that glow under blacklights, such as neon pinks, fluorescent green and electric blues. This outfit is perfect for any Decades Day or Neon party!

44. Rhyme Without Reason

Get creative with your costume by combining your costume with a friend. Pick two costumes that rhyme, even if they don’t make sense, by combining your outfits with a rhyme. Everyone will love the thought that went into your costumes. Find the best rhyme without reason ideas to elevate your Decades Day event. This idea is great for mixing up decades as you can really dress up as anything!

From portraying a hipster from the 2010s to dressing up as an aerobics instructor from the 80s, there are tons of Decades Day outfits that will fit your style. Whether you’re looking for 90s Decades Day outfits or an easy outfit to assemble, getting creative with your outfit will make for a fun and memorable Decades Day with your friends!

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