The 1970s were really four or five decades squeezed into one: hippie layers, disco sequins, glam-rock satin, roller-rink stripes and the first wave of punk. That range is the fun of dressing for it, and also the trap. When I style a 70s look, I pick one of those movements and commit to it from hair to shoes, because a random pile of fringe, flares and hoops reads as a generic party outfit. Bell-bottoms, platforms, peasant blouses and wide collars still turn up on thrift racks all the time, so most of these ideas can be pulled together without buying a bagged costume. Each one below covers the clothes, hair, makeup and footwear, plus the small fix I'd make before wearing it out.
How I Spot a Real 70s Piece on a Thrift Rack
Most of these costumes start with one secondhand garment, so it helps to know what you're hunting for. Genuine 70s trousers sit high, at or just above the natural waist, and the flare usually begins at the knee rather than the hip. Polyester double knit was everywhere in that decade; it feels slightly spongy, barely wrinkles and holds up to a night of dancing far better than many modern costume fabrics.
- Check the collar first. A wide, long point on a shirt or blouse is the fastest sign of the era.
- Look at the zipper. Metal zips in a side or back seam turn up on many older dresses, while a long invisible zip is usually a later piece.
- Sniff and inspect the underarms. Old polyester can hold stale smells, and a wash with a cup of white vinegar usually clears it.
- Ignore the size label. Vintage sizing runs much smaller than today, so measure the waist against a pair of trousers that fit you.
If you can't find true vintage, a modern wide-leg trouser with a high waist is the closest substitute. Skinny or bootcut styles never quite read right, however well you style the top half.
Hemming Flares for the Shoes You'll Actually Wear
Bell-bottoms only look right when the hem almost covers the shoe, so always pin the length while wearing the platforms or boots you plan to dance in. I pin with the shoes on, aim for the back of the hem to sit about a finger's width off the floor, and let the front break softly over the toe. Hem them in flats and you'll be stepping on them all night.
For a one-night costume, fusible hemming tape pressed with a hot iron holds well enough on cotton and denim. It struggles on slippery polyester and lamé, so on those I'd do a quick running stitch by hand instead.
1. Gold Sequin Disco Costume
A gold sequin jumpsuit with flared legs and a wrap bodice does nearly all the work here. I add a matching gold belt because a one-piece in sequins can look shapeless under party lights, and the belt gives the waist a line. Big soft curls or a rounded wig, champagne shadow and a glossy nude lip keep the face glamorous without tipping into stage makeup. Hoops, a sparkly cuff, a metallic clutch and gold platform sandals finish it. If a jumpsuit is a hassle for bathroom trips, gold flares with a sequin top give the same effect, and honestly I'd choose that version for a long night.
2. Flower Power Hippie Costume
A floral maxi dress with loose bell sleeves is the easiest base in the whole list. I look for warm blooms in orange, mustard or pink, since the cooler florals tend to read 90s rather than 70s. A faux-suede fringe vest adds the texture the dress lacks on its own. Center-parted waves with a flower crown or braided band across the forehead, peach blush, soft brown liner and one small painted flower on the cheek keep the face fresh. Round tinted glasses, beads, a peace pendant and a small woven bag are plenty. Clogs, flat sandals or low platform boots all work, and none of it will bother anyone at a family event.
3. Silver Disco Jumpsuit Costume
Silver pushes disco toward the futuristic side of the decade. A lamé or metallic jumpsuit with a halter neck and wide legs is the base, and if the halter is more open than you want, a fitted pale camisole underneath fixes it without spoiling the line. Real lamé creases and shows every fold, so I hang it in a steamy bathroom rather than ironing it. A sleek high ponytail with curled ends, silver shadow, thin liner and clear gloss suit the cool tone. Add geometric earrings, stacked bangles and a mirrored or reflective clutch. White or silver platform boots go last, and they need to be ones you can stand in for hours.
4. Boho Peasant Blouse Costume
This is the costume I suggest when someone wants a 70s look they can wear to a casual party or a school dress-up day. An embroidered peasant blouse over a tiered maxi skirt in rust, mustard, cream or olive gives the shape, and a wide brown belt keeps the layers from swallowing you. A crochet vest is optional. Loose waves, small side braids or natural curls all suit it, with warm brown shadow, terracotta blush and a muted rose lip. Wooden-look beads, a woven bag with fabric flowers and flat ankle boots or clogs finish it. Thrifted pieces genuinely help here: slightly faded prints and mixed patterns look lived in, which is exactly right for boho.
5. White Disco Suit Costume
A fitted white three-piece suit sets you apart from a room full of sequin dresses. High-waisted flares, a longline vest and a wide-lapel blazer form the base, with a jewel-toned satin blouse and a big pointed collar underneath. Teal, purple or hot pink against white is the contrast that makes it read. The collar is the detail I fuss over most, because a modern narrow collar flattens the whole effect, so I go looking for a vintage blouse or a costume shirt with a deliberately oversized point. Feathered shoulder-length hair or a layered wig, blue shadow and glossy lips suit it. Add a medallion, a compact clutch and white platforms, and dance with the blazer open so the blouse stays on show.
6. Rainbow Roller Disco Costume
Roller disco needs no crafting at all, just bright athletic pieces. Rainbow-striped high-waisted shorts, a fitted tee or long-sleeve ringer top, striped tube socks pulled to the knee and a satin bomber are the core. Pigtails, a high ponytail or fluffy curls with scrunchies, pastel shimmer, pink blush and a berry gloss keep the mood light. Star earrings, wristbands and a belt bag are practical rather than fussy. Quad skates are the obvious finish when the venue allows them. At a crowded house party I'd wear white sneakers and carry clean skates by their tied laces instead; nobody wants a wheel on their foot.
7. Orange Bell-Bottom Costume
Burnt orange flares say 1970s faster than almost any other single garment. Pair them with a fitted cream blouse with big flared sleeves and a brown paisley or geometric vest. A smooth center part with curled-under ends or feathered layers, copper shadow, peach blush and a caramel lip carry the earthy palette into the face. Square sunglasses, a long pendant and a structured brown bag suit it, and brown platform boots balance the width of the hems. Orange flares can be hard to find, so the sewist's fix is to open the outer seam of straight thrifted trousers from knee to hem and set in a triangle of fabric. It's an easy evening job and adapts to any leg length.
8. Psychedelic Mini Dress Costume
A swirl-print mini dress in purple, orange, pink and lime can carry the whole costume, as long as the accessories stay quiet. My rule is to pull one color out of the print for opaque tights, which makes the outfit look planned rather than chaotic. A sleek bob, flipped ends or straight hair with a wide fabric headband suit the short shape, with lavender shadow, defined lower lashes and pale pink gloss. Oversized circle earrings and a small patent bag are enough. White knee-high platform boots give the crisp period line. If the hem feels too short, fitted shorts underneath or a dress that finishes nearer the knee solves it.
9. Glam Rock Star Costume
Glam rock is all about shine and proportion. Metallic flares and a fitted star-print top are the base, topped with a cropped velvet jacket in electric blue, red or purple. Teased volume, a few clip-in glitter strands or a shaggy wig give the hair its height. I sweep the eyeshadow up toward the temples and add a couple of metallic star stickers by one eye, then a glossy lip. A narrow neck scarf, layered chains and stacked cuffs add the stage detail, and a toy microphone is the only prop I'd bother with. Silver or black platform ankle boots finish it, and keeping the makeup symmetrical stops it from sliding into clown territory.
10. Denim Hippie Costume
Flared jeans you may already own are the heart of this one. Add a tie-dye tee or embroidered cotton blouse and a denim vest covered in patches. If you cut the flowers, rainbows and peace signs from felt, stitch them on rather than gluing; glued felt peels off denim after a few hours of movement. Long center-parted hair with two thin face-framing braids and a patterned scarf across the forehead make the theme clear. Keep the face natural with brown mascara, cream blush and tinted balm. Round glasses, friendship bracelets, a canvas crossbody and clogs or flat boots finish it. Sewing bright fabric triangles into the jeans' side seams gives you wider, patterned flares for a stronger handmade look.
11. Studio Disco Diva Costume
A draped halter dress gives you nightclub glamour that is still easy to move in. I look for emerald, deep purple or sapphire in a midi length with a fitted waist and a skirt that swings. A slim metallic belt and a light faux-fur stole in white or a matching jewel tone add the evening polish. Full glossy curls with crown volume, smoky jewel-toned shadow, long lashes and a berry lip suit the color. Rhinestone drops and a sparkly clutch give enough shine. Metallic platforms or closed block heels finish it. This is the one I'd send to a dressier indoor party, because it looks grown-up rather than costume-shop.
12. Tie-Dye Fringe Costume
Tie-dye flares, a matching fitted top and a long fringe vest give this costume color and movement in one go. If a full rainbow set is too loud for you, a tie-dye top with denim bell-bottoms tones it down. Loose waves with a braided cord across the forehead, soft gold shadow, coral blush and two tiny painted daisies at one temple keep it sunny. A peace necklace, round glasses and a small fringed bag reinforce the hippie read. Brown platform sandals or ankle boots balance the hems. One practical check: the vest fringe should end above the knee, or it tangles round your legs every time you walk or dance.
13. Pink Disco Queen Costume
Hot pink is a cheerful break from the usual silver and gold. A pink sequin wrap top with matching high-waisted flares, or a one-piece jumpsuit, gives you the base, and a wide rhinestone belt breaks up all that solid color. Feather the hair back off the face with a round brush or a layered wig, then keep the makeup in the same family: pink shimmer, defined lashes, rosy cheeks and clear gloss. Crystal earrings and a small silver clutch are enough jewelry. White platform boots show under the flares and lift the whole outfit. A star-shaped microphone adds personality and is easy to hold all night.
14. 70s Country Singer Costume
A rhinestone western shirt and high-waisted white flares give you a country stage costume. I look for a shirt with contrast piping, embroidered flowers or fringe across the yoke, and add a wide decorative belt as the focal point. Tall fluffy curls or a voluminous blonde wig with rounded bangs, soft blue shadow, pink blush and a glossy rose lip match the era's TV glamour. Big earrings and a toy microphone or small guitar-shaped prop finish the stage detail. White or tan cowboy boots skip the need for platforms, and a fitted denim jacket handles a cold walk. Iron-on rhinestones from a craft aisle are fine here, though I press them from the back of the fabric so they actually set.
15. Stevie Nicks Inspired Costume
Flowing black layers are what make a Stevie Nicks-inspired look read, and they're comfortable too. A long black dress with handkerchief sleeves or a tiered skirt is the base, with a velvet vest, a sheer shawl and a long patterned scarf in burgundy, gold or deep green. Long, loose, center-parted waves, smoky brown eyes and a muted rose lip suit it. Vintage-style pendants, bangles and rings add weight, and I keep the jewelry generic rather than leaning into anything ritual-looking. A tambourine trailing ribbons is the prop. Black platform boots finish the silhouette. Choose lightweight fabrics; heavy layers drag, and long sleeves plus a long scarf near stairs is how people trip.
16. Farrah Fawcett Inspired Costume
The feathered hair is the costume here, and everything else can be casual. Dark high-waisted flared jeans, a fitted red sweatshirt or zip athletic jacket, a white tank and clean white sneakers give the relaxed TV-era look. A layered blonde wig works, but if your own hair is long enough, a round brush and a blow dryer aimed away from the face will build those winged sections. Set them with spray while still warm or they drop within an hour. Bronzer, peach blush, soft brown liner and a glossy neutral lip keep the face sunny. A delicate pendant and a small vintage-style skateboard complete the reference, or swap the board for a striped gym bag if carrying it is awkward.
17. Cher Inspired Feathered Costume
A sleek black jumpsuit with wide legs and silver trim captures Cher's stage presence. Add a feather-look vest or a fringed cape that moves without dragging on the floor. Long, straight black hair with a razor-sharp center part is non-negotiable, so a waist-length wig is worth it if your hair is shorter. Long synthetic wigs tangle at the back where they rub a collar, so I brush them out before leaving and keep a wide-tooth comb in the bag. Bold lashes, smoky charcoal shadow, sculpted blush and a nude gloss suit it, with big silver earrings and stacked bangles. Black platforms blend into the long line. Pick fabric feathers over loose craft feathers, which shed everywhere.
18. Diana Ross Inspired Disco Costume
A shimmering silver gown is the base for a Diana Ross-inspired disco look. I look for a halter-neck maxi in fine sequins, shimmer or metallic pleats, then add a soft draped cape attached at the shoulders, which gives you that sweep of movement every time you turn. Full, brushed-out curls with plenty of volume around the face matter as much as the dress. Silver shadow, long lashes, soft liner, luminous cheeks and a berry gloss finish the face. Large crystal earrings and a toy microphone are all the accessories it needs. Silver platform sandals keep the palette consistent. Take the hem up a touch if it brushes the floor, or it will catch under the shoes on steps.
19. Donna Summer Inspired Costume
A red wrap dress is the late-70s dance-floor choice for a Donna Summer-inspired costume. A midi or maxi with a deep V, flutter sleeves and a swishy skirt gives the shape, and a gold belt sets the waist. Wrap dresses gape when you dance, so I put a fitted camisole underneath or add a hidden safety pin at the crossover. Voluminous curls or a full rounded wig frame the face, with bronze shadow, softly smoked liner and a glossy red or neutral lip. Gold hoops, bangles, a glittery clutch and gold platform sandals that show as the skirt moves finish it. A light microphone prop points to the music while the color and the hair stay the focus.
20. ABBA Inspired Blue Costume
Blue and white give this ABBA-inspired outfit its bright pop feel. Royal-blue high-waisted flares and a fitted white top with dramatic bell sleeves are the base. I add blue star appliqués or metallic trim to both pieces so they look like a matched stage set rather than two separate garments. A smooth center part with curled ends and soft crown volume, icy blue shadow, fluttery lashes and a peach gloss keep it sunny. White statement earrings and a toy mic are plenty. White platform boots with a sturdy block heel extend the long line. With a friend, reverse the colors on the second outfit; alone, the sleeves and the palette still carry it.
21. Punk Rock Costume
Late-70s punk is the rough answer to all that disco sparkle. Slim black jeans or plaid trousers, a graphic tee and a cropped faux-leather jacket form the base, with a narrow studded-look belt, safety-pin-style clips and a red plaid scarf knotted loosely at the neck. A choppy shag, or temporary color spray on a short textured wig, gives the hair attitude. Spray color rubs off on collars and pillowcases, so I apply it outdoors and let it dry fully before getting dressed. Smudged black liner, heavy mascara, matte skin and a muted red lip finish the face. Layered chains, wrist cuffs, a record sleeve as a prop and black lace-up boots suit the look. Keep the hardware blunt if you're in a crowd.
22. 70s News Reporter Costume
A news reporter is a clever pick for work or a daytime decades event, since it needs no glitter at all. High-waisted brown flares, a rust pussy-bow blouse and a coordinating plaid blazer make the base. A smooth shoulder-length blowout with feathered sides or curled-under ends, matte neutral makeup, peach blush and a brick-red lip suit the polished look. Oversized square glasses, a simple watch and a structured satchel add the character. The prop is what tells people your job: a toy microphone with a handmade paper station label and a small notepad. Brown heeled loafers or square-toe boots finish it, and the earthy tailoring reads 70s without a single sequin.
23. 70s Flight Attendant Costume
A fitted knee-length dress in orange, navy or teal with long sleeves, a wide pointed collar and a matching belt makes a neat 70s flight attendant. Tie a printed neck scarf to one side, and add a cropped matching jacket if the night is cool. A smooth bob, curled-under ends or a tidy low bun keep the grooming crisp, with blue-gray shadow, precise liner and a coral lip. A small pillbox-style hat, a name badge and a compact structured travel bag sell the role. I pin the hat with two bobby pins crossed in an X through the base; one pin alone lets it slide. Low block heels keep it walkable. Skip real airline logos and make a simple wing badge instead.
24. 70s Aerobics Costume
Aerobics really boomed in the 80s, so a late-70s fitness costume has to lean on period athletic pieces to stay in the right decade. High-waisted running shorts, a rainbow-striped ringer tee and a zip track jacket in bright red, yellow or royal blue give the base. I use striped knee socks and white retro sneakers here and leave out the leg warmers, which pull the whole look straight into the next decade. A high ponytail with curled ends or a short feathered wig, blue liner, peach blush and a glossy lip keep the face fresh. A terry sweatband, wristbands and a rolled mat or small gym bag finish it. Simple cuts and coordinated colors keep the date right.
25. Earth-Tone Corduroy Costume
Not every 70s costume needs glitter. Rust corduroy flares, a mustard ribbed turtleneck and a fitted patchwork vest give an everyday retro look, with a wide brown belt and rounded buckle at the waist. A center part, soft waves and flipped ends suit it, and warm makeup ties in: bronze shadow, terracotta blush and a cinnamon lip. Square glasses, a long pendant and a structured saddle bag follow the earthy palette. Clogs or chunky loafers let the flares fall neatly over the foot. I like this one for anyone who hates dressing up, since every piece goes back into an ordinary wardrobe the next day. The texture of the corduroy does more for the decade than any packaged costume.
26. Crochet Vest Hippie Costume
A granny-square crochet vest gives this hippie costume most of its color and texture. Layer it over a cream peasant blouse with high-waisted denim bell-bottoms that have embroidered flowers near the hems. If you find a vintage vest, check the joins between squares first; old crochet tends to split there, and a quick whip stitch with matching yarn saves it. Natural curls, soft waves or two loose braids work, with a narrow woven band across the forehead. Warm brown shadow, peach blush, lightly coated lashes and tinted balm keep the face simple. Wooden-look hoops, a peace necklace, a fringed bag and wedge sandals or clogs finish it. Outdoors, swap the blouse for a fitted turtleneck and add a long suede-look coat, leaving the crochet visible.
27. Leopard Glam Rock Costume
Animal print and metallics make this glam-rock look bold without needing many pieces. Leopard flares, a fitted black satin blouse tied at the waist and a cropped metallic gold jacket form the base, with a wide black belt. A shaggy layered cut with teased volume or a shoulder-length auburn wig gives the hair its shape. Smoky black-and-gold shadow, strong lashes, highlighted cheeks and a glossy red lip suit the drama. Star earrings, stacked cuffs and a narrow neck scarf add the detail, with a toy mic or light tambourine as the prop. Black platform ankle boots ground the mix. I keep the leopard to the trousers only; a second animal print anywhere turns it from glam into noise.
28. 70s Prom Queen Costume
A pastel prom queen brings back a nostalgic 70s school dance. A floor-length empire-waist dress in powder blue, pale yellow or soft pink is the base, ideally with sheer bell sleeves, a ruffled neckline or fine floral trim. Thrift racks often hold real 70s bridesmaid dresses with exactly this shape, and they're usually cheaper than costume versions. Brushed curls with the side sections pinned back, pastel shadow, rosy blush and a glossy pink lip suit it. A small tiara, a homemade satin sash with a generic prom title and a faux-flower wrist corsage tell the story. A tiny drawstring purse, silver block heels and a short cardigan for cover finish it.
29. 70s Disco Witch Costume
This is the one to pick when the party is Halloween but you still want disco. A black sequin jumpsuit with wide legs, a fitted waist and bell sleeves goes under a flowing purple cape, which keeps the 70s line clear. A wide-brim pointed hat trimmed with silver stars and purple ribbon makes the witch part obvious. Glossy waves or a sleek center-parted wig, violet shimmer, black winged liner and a berry lip suit both halves of the idea. Star earrings, bangles and a little moon-shaped bag stay playful. Carry a short broom wrapped in metallic ribbon, and wear black platform boots under the flares. Pointed hats tip in a crowd, so a thin elastic under the hair at the back is worth adding.
30. Last-Minute Disco Costume
When time is short, look in your own closet first. Dark flared jeans or wide-leg trousers, a sparkly tank, satin blouse or metallic top, a colorful neck scarf and the widest belt with the biggest buckle you own give you the disco shape. Curl the front sections of your hair away from your face for a quick feathered effect, or pull it into a high ponytail with flipped ends. Blue or gold shadow, extra mascara, rosy blush and lip gloss handle the face. Hoops, stacked bracelets and oversized tinted glasses add period detail, and platform sneakers, wedges or chunky boots finish it. A small glittery bag pulls the shine together, and you're out the door.
Sequins, Platforms and Five Hours on a Dance Floor
Disco costumes look easy in a photo and get uncomfortable around the second hour. Most of the problems are predictable, so I fix them before leaving the house.
Scratchy sequins
Cheap sequin fabric is stitched onto a mesh that rubs the inner arm and the back of the neck raw. A fitted long-sleeve layer or a soft camisole underneath stops most of it, and a strip of medical tape over a rough inside seam handles the rest.
Walking in platforms
If you haven't worn platforms before, wear them around the house for an evening first. Chunky block heels are far steadier than tall thin ones, and a slightly scuffed sole grips a polished floor better than a brand-new slick one. A pair of flat folding shoes in your bag is not cheating.
Feathered hair that drops
Big curls and feathered wings fall fast in a warm, crowded room. Let each curled section cool fully before you brush it out, and set it with a firm spray while it's still in shape. Synthetic wigs don't need that, but keep them away from hot hair tools and candle-lit tables, because the fibers frizz and can melt with too much heat.
Most of the Decade Is Already on a Thrift Rack
The 70s give you more room to play than almost any other decade, from a metallic jumpsuit to embroidered hippie layers, glam-rock satin or plain corduroy in earth tones. Whichever way you lean, start from one strong silhouette: bell-bottoms, a flowing maxi or a wide-legged jumpsuit. Then let the hair, makeup and shoes follow that one direction. Thrift stores and your own wardrobe will supply most of it, and scarves, belts, appliqués and costume jewelry fill the gaps. Wear shoes you can stand in and carry props you can hold all night, and the outfit will still feel good at midnight.
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