The 1970s is the decade I reach for when someone wants a costume they can mostly find in a thrift shop. Disco sparkle, bohemian softness, glam rock and early punk all sit inside those ten years, and each one is read through a few shapes rather than an expensive costume set. Bell-bottoms, platform shoes, wide collars, tinted glasses, feathered hair and a bit of metallic fabric will place you in the era before anyone sees the details. There's something here for women, men, couples, families, kids and groups, and the four big moods (disco, hippie, glam and punk) are the easiest places to start. The ideas below run from simple to showy, with a few famous faces along the way.
Thrift Rails Hide Most of This Decade
Real 1970s clothing still turns up in charity shops, and modern retro-cut pieces are everywhere. I shop by shape first and only look at the label later. A few things I check on every rail:
- Flares should fit snugly through the hip and thigh before they kick out. A loose leg all the way down reads as modern wide-leg, not 70s.
- Collars need to be long and pointed. A shirt with a small modern collar won't place you in the era, however loud the print.
- Polyester was the decade's fabric, and it's honest to the look, but it doesn't breathe. For a dancing party, a cotton blend in the same shape is more comfortable.
- Hemlines on flares should almost cover the shoe. Buy them a touch long and wear the platforms when you pin the hem.
Vintage sizing runs small compared with modern labels, so try things on rather than trusting the tag. And give anything secondhand a wash before you wear it; old polyester can hold a musty smell that only shows up once you warm up.
1. 70s Disco Diva Costume
A disco diva starts with a sequined jumpsuit or a metallic halter top over dramatic flared pants. Silver, gold, turquoise and magenta catch party lights best. Hair goes into soft, bouncy curls or a full curly wig with real volume, and the makeup can stay simple: shimmery eyeshadow, glossy lips and a little highlight on the cheekbones. Big hoops, stacked bangles and a tiny metallic clutch add the jewellery, with platform sandals or chunky platform boots underneath. Sequins scratch the inside of the arms after a few hours of dancing, which surprises people. If that bothers you, a stretchy lamé-look fabric or a glittery wrap dress moves more freely and is far kinder to skin.
2. 70s Disco King Costume
The white three-piece suit is the men's 70s costume people name first. Flared white trousers, a matching vest and a fitted jacket go over a black shirt with an oversized pointed collar, worn with a few top buttons open and a gold-tone chain. Hair should look thick, brushed back and slightly feathered, and light bronzer with tidy sideburns does the grooming. Black platform shoes or heeled ankle boots finish the outfit. A white suit shows every drink and every scuff, so I'd keep a stain pen in the jacket pocket. For a prop, carry a battery light-up dance-floor tile or a silver microphone. The look gets more convincing the more you pose in it, so it rewards anyone who actually likes to dance.
3. 70s Flower Child Costume
Flower child is the gentlest 70s costume to put together from everyday clothes. Begin with high-waisted bell-bottom jeans and a loose peasant blouse, crochet top or floral tunic, then layer a brown fringed vest for texture. Long hair goes loose with a centre part, or a natural wavy wig does it for you. A daisy crown, round tinted sunglasses and a peace-sign necklace make the idea obvious. I keep the makeup fresh with peach blush, mascara and a few tiny flowers painted near one cheek. Fringe sheds and tangles on cheap vests, so give it a quick comb-through before you wear it. A small bunch of artificial daisies or a fabric peace sign is enough to carry, and brown clogs, moccasin-style flats or low platform sandals keep it comfortable for parties, school or trick-or-treating.
4. 70s Hippie Man Costume
The men's hippie look takes faded flared jeans, a tie-dye T-shirt, an open suede-look vest and a wide patterned headband. If tie-dye is hard to find, a thrifted paisley shirt says the same thing. Shoulder-length hair, or a straight brown wig with a centre part, gives the shape. Round sunglasses, wooden bead necklaces and a peace medallion are easy to wear all night. Makeup can be nothing more than optional bronzer and a drawn-on mustache or sideburns. A small tambourine with ribbons tied on is a fun, light prop. Wear worn-in brown boots or comfortable sandals over neutral socks. I like a slightly frayed hem on the jeans, but cut the threads short; long strings catch under heels and trip people on stairs.
5. 70s Roller Disco Costume
Roller disco is bright and cheerful: satin shorts, a striped fitted top and striped knee socks, with a cropped bomber or sparkly zip-up vest for warmth. Hair goes in a high ponytail, feathered layers or soft curls with a colourful sweatband. Pastel eyeshadow, rosy blush and glossy lips suit it. Star earrings, wristbands and a mini disco-ball necklace add the details. Real skates are fun for a controlled photo, but I'd never wear them at a crowded party. White sneakers with bright removable laces are the safe choice, and you can still carry a pair of skates by their tied laces over one shoulder. Teens and groups take to this one quickly because it's easy to move in.
6. 70s Studio Disco Costume
Late-70s nightclub glamour is a step dressier than the disco diva. Think a draped metallic dress, a sleek satin jumpsuit or a flowing sequined caftan in gold, bronze, silver or jewel tones. Hair goes into polished waves, a big blowout or a neat curly bob. Smoky metallic eyeshadow, defined lashes, warm blush and glossy lips hold up under camera flash. Oversized earrings, a sparkling cuff and a small envelope clutch finish the jewellery. Platform heels give the disco shape, although block-heeled sandals are easier on the feet. A faux VIP pass makes a fun prop and explains the concept. Satin shows sweat marks quickly under the arms, which is one reason I'd keep the cut loose and flowing instead of tight.
7. 70s ABBA Group Costume
For ABBA, two members wear white flared jumpsuits with metallic trim, platform boots and long feathered or wavy hair. The other two take ruffled shirts, fitted vests, flared trousers and shiny boots in a matching blue, silver or gold. Everyone shares bright eyeshadow, rosy cheeks and a touch of shimmer so the four look like one act. Handheld microphones, toy keyboards or glitter-covered cardboard music notes are light enough to carry all evening. Matching star appliqués stitched onto thrifted pieces are what pull mismatched shops into a band. If you'll walk between places, wedge sneakers hidden under long flares give the height without the wobble. Line up side by side for photos and copy one stage pose.
8. 70s Elton John Costume
An Elton John tribute is all about the jacket and the glasses. Start with an embellished jacket, brightly coloured flared pants and a ruffled or glittery shirt. Rhinestone-style trim, iron-on stars and metallic fringe will transform a cheap thrifted blazer, though iron-ons can lift on synthetic fabric, so I add a few stitches at the corners. A short reddish-blond wig or natural hair with soft volume and a neat side part handles the head. Oversized jewelled glasses matter more than anything else, with glitter eyeshadow and rosy blush behind them. Carry a toy keyboard or a cardboard piano-key prop instead of anything bulky, and finish with platform boots in white, silver or a colour from the suit. Pink, blue, gold and white all in one outfit isn't too much here.
9. 70s Glam Rock Star Costume
Glam rock pairs futuristic shine with big stage makeup. Start with a metallic jumpsuit, fitted lamé top or sequined jacket over flared trousers, in a colour story of silver, electric blue, red and gold. Hair becomes a bright red shag, spiky mullet or heavily teased layers. A lightning bolt, star or sweep of metallic shadow across the eye gives the graphic makeup, kept clean rather than scary. Platform boots are essential to the silhouette. Stacked cuffs, a glittery scarf and a lightweight microphone finish it. When I can't find a jumpsuit, I stitch matching metallic panels onto a fitted top and thrifted pants. For the lightning bolt, mark the outline with a liner pencil first; it's far easier to fill a line than to freehand a clean edge.
10. 70s Donna Summer Costume
Donna Summer's Queen of Disco image calls for a flowing sequined caftan, a sparkling wrap dress or a jewel-toned halter jumpsuit. I look for wide sleeves or flared legs, because fabric that swings is half the effect on a dance floor. Hair goes in long, glossy waves or a voluminous dark curly wig. Gold eyeshadow, defined lashes, warm blush and a glossy berry lip suit the richness of the outfit. Add chandelier earrings, layered bracelets and a faux microphone. Gold or silver platform sandals keep the attention on the garment. A floor-length hem looks dramatic in photos, but have it taken up to just above the shoe so you're not stepping on it all night. This one suits a dressier party.
11. 70s Farrah Fawcett Costume
Farrah Fawcett lives in the hair. The outfit is relaxed 70s sportswear: high-waisted flared jeans with a fitted red top, a vintage-style graphic tee or a light zip jacket. Blond hair gets those big face-framing wings from large rollers and a round brush, flicked back and away from the face, or you can buy a layered blond wig. Sun-kissed makeup with bronzer, soft brown shadow, mascara and glossy peach lips fits the California mood. Aviators and an optional retro skateboard add the props, with white sneakers on the feet. A dressier version swaps in a satin wrap dress and heeled boots. Feathered hair drops by mid-evening unless it's set with a firm-hold spray while still warm from the brush, so do that step properly.
12. 70s Charlie’s Angels Group Costume
Charlie's Angels works best when the three outfits differ but share one warm palette. One person wears a flared jumpsuit, another a belted midi dress, the third a blouse with bell-bottoms. Hair can be feathered layers, smooth waves or bouncy curls, with bronzed makeup, defined lashes and glossy neutral lips. Matching detective badges, small notepads or retro sunglasses are safe props. Shoes can vary, from knee-high boots to platform sandals and heeled ankle boots, as long as the colours stay in family. Camel, cream, rust and chocolate brown are the shades I'd stick to. For photos, stand back to back in confident poses instead of carrying anything that looks like a weapon.
13. 70s Brady Bunch Family Costume
The Brady Bunch scales to almost any family size, which makes it a favourite for mixed ages. Adults wear patterned button-down shirts, knit vests, flared trousers and long-sleeve mini dresses. Kids take striped tops, plaid pants, corduroy skirts or sweater vests in mustard, avocado, orange and brown. Centre parts, flipped ends, feathered layers and neat bowl cuts cover the hair, and the makeup stays light with rosy cheeks and natural lips. The best detail is a small cardboard frame each person holds around their face to recreate the show's grid in photos. Loafers, Mary Janes, ankle boots or sneakers all suit. I'd lay every thrifted piece out on the floor together first, because repeated colours are what make a family look coordinated rather than random.
14. 70s Scooby Gang Group Costume
The 70s mystery gang reads through shapes and colour rather than exact copies. One person wears a teal shirt with brown flared pants and an orange neck scarf. Another takes a white sweater, red skirt, orange knee socks and glasses. The others wear a purple mini dress with a green scarf, an orange sweater with red flares, and a soft brown dog costume with floppy ears. Wigs follow each look in blond, red, brown and auburn. Makeup stays natural and cartoon-bright, with optional freckles for the dog. Magnifying glasses, notebooks and a large cardboard snack box are harmless props. Shoes run from brown loafers and red heels to purple boots, sneakers and paw slippers. Whoever wears the dog costume will be warmest in the group, so give that part to the person who runs cold.
15. 70s Saturday Night Fever Couple Costume
The Saturday Night Fever pairing puts one person in a white three-piece suit and the other in a flowing red dance dress. The suit needs flared trousers, a fitted vest, wide lapels and a black open-collar shirt, with dark hair brushed back and sideburns. The red dress should have a full skirt or fluttering hem that moves, and her hair can go in a soft curled updo or feathered waves. Both wear bronzed makeup with a little shimmer. A small disco-ball purse or a faux dance-contest ribbon makes a nice prop, with black platform shoes and metallic heeled sandals on the feet. I'd practise one dance pose together before the party, the classic pointed-arm one, because people will ask for it all night.
16. 70s Grease Couple Costume
Sandy and Danny give a couple two different school looks in one pairing. Sandy wears shiny black fitted pants, an off-the-shoulder black top, a red belt, curled blond hair and red heels, with winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks and bright red lipstick. Danny takes black trousers, a fitted black T-shirt and a black faux-leather jacket, slicked-back dark hair, subtle sideburns and clean black shoes. A folded retro yearbook, school pennant or cardboard record makes a safe shared prop. For a daytime version, Sandy can switch to a pastel midi skirt and cardigan. Shiny stretch pants show every lump of what's underneath, so I'd wear smooth, no-line underwear and check them in daylight first.
17. 70s Wonder Woman Costume
The 1970s television Wonder Woman needs a red fitted top, a blue star-patterned skirt or shorts and tall red boots. Opaque tights or fitted leggings give extra coverage and warmth. Long dark hair goes in smooth, full waves with a gold-tone headband across the forehead. Defined lashes, rosy cheeks and a classic red lip make the face. Wide metallic wrist cuffs and a soft gold rope loop work as decoration, not as an action prop. A short red cape is handy on a cold night. At home, I'd cut the stars and the cuffs from metallic craft foam and attach the stars with removable fabric tape. Keep the boots flat or low-heeled, because tall red boots with a high heel are rarely comfortable past the second hour.
18. 70s Princess Leia Costume
Princess Leia's original white look is one of the easiest movie costumes from the decade. Begin with a long white mock-neck dress with loose sleeves and a lightly belted waist, with opaque white leggings underneath for warmth. The side buns are the identifier. On real hair, I'd plait two braids and coil each one into a bun, pinning as you go, which holds far better than twisting loose hair. A pre-shaped wig needs pinning carefully too. Keep makeup understated with soft eyes, pink blush and a natural rose lip. A silver belt from craft foam or metallic fabric, a painted cardboard message device and white ankle boots finish it. Check the fabric isn't sheer in flash photos, and shorten the hem so it clears your shoes.
19. 70s Luke Skywalker Costume
Farm-boy Luke Skywalker comes together from plain neutral layers. Wear an ivory wrap-front tunic over beige pants with a wide brown utility belt and cream leg wraps, plus a soft brown vest if you like that early-film look. Blond hair goes shaggy and side-swept, with a little bronzer for an outdoorsy face. Instead of a weapon prop, carry futuristic binoculars, a small droid-inspired bag or a cardboard control panel, and wear brown ankle boots. Leg wraps slide down unless each one is secured, so I wrap them over the trouser and finish with a safety pin on the inner side. Light cotton and linen-look fabric keep it cool indoors, and a neutral thermal shirt hides easily under the tunic for trick-or-treating.
20. 70s Laverne And Shirley Duo Costume
Laverne and Shirley is a duo built on coordinated workwear and one famous detail. Both wear cuffed high-waisted jeans, fitted sweaters and canvas sneakers. Laverne's top needs a large scripted initial, and Shirley takes a neat cardigan or collared blouse in a coordinating colour. Hair can go in short curled bobs, side ponytails or half-up waves, with natural makeup, pink cheeks and simple lipstick. Patterned neck scarves add colour, and empty retro-style milk bottles or small lunch boxes make light props. Red, blue, cream and pale pink keep the palette cheerful. I cut the initial from felt and stitch around the edge, since felt letters glued to a knit sweater tend to peel by the end of the night. No heels or fancy dresses are required.
21. 70s Mary Tyler Moore Costume
Mary Richards' city style is a quiet costume that people of a certain age love. Wear a tailored coat, a fitted turtleneck, a knee-length skirt and tall leather-look boots in navy, camel, rust or cream. The knit beret is the giveaway, especially if you toss it in the air for a photo. Brown hair goes in a smooth shoulder-length flip or a softly curled bob wig, and makeup stays fresh with defined lashes, peach blush and pink lipstick. Carry a structured handbag and a small notebook as a nod to the newsroom job. Indoors, the coat comes off to show a belted knit dress or a skirt and sweater. A flip needs a round brush and spray to hold its curl, so do it last before you leave.
22. 70s Punk Rock Costume
Late-70s punk should look deliberately mismatched and homemade. Pair slim black jeans with a torn-looking graphic tee, a plaid overshirt and a studded faux-leather jacket. Safety pins are decoration only; I close every one and stitch it flat to the fabric so nothing sharp sticks out in a crowd. Hair becomes a choppy shag, short spikes or a temporary bright streak. Smudged black eyeliner and a matte berry or neutral lip keep it bold but family-friendly. A chain necklace, a button-covered bag and a handmade cardboard band pass are the accessories, with black lace-up boots or worn canvas sneakers. Unlike disco, punk wants a narrow shape and rough texture. Keep layers light so the jacket can come off in a hot room.
23. 70s Glam Rock Couple Costume
A glam rock couple coordinates two stage outfits through metallic fabric, platform boots and colourful makeup. One person might wear a silver jumpsuit with a bright cropped jacket, the other flared velvet pants and a sequined blouse. Give the hair contrasting shapes, like a red shag and a teased platinum mullet. Clean graphic eye designs, glitter along the cheekbones and glossy lips finish the faces. Matching star earrings or metallic scarves tie the two together, and microphones or cardboard album covers make the props. A shared palette of silver, blue, red and white keeps both personas in one band. Loose glitter on cheeks ends up everywhere by midnight, so I press it into a little lip balm or glitter gel rather than dusting it on dry.
24. 70s Funk Musician Costume
A 70s funk musician needs rich colour and bold tailoring. Wear a jewel-toned leisure suit with wide lapels over a patterned satin shirt, in burgundy, mustard, emerald or purple flares. Natural hair can go full and voluminous, or a rounded curly wig that fits securely does the work. Tinted aviators, a wide-brim hat and layered gold-tone necklaces add swagger, and warm bronzer with a neat mustache finishes the face. Carry a toy keyboard, tambourine or decorative microphone, and wear platform loafers or heeled ankle boots. A wide-brim hat over a big wig gets pushed up and off, so size the hat a little larger or skip the wig under it. If you can't find a matching suit, pair contrasting trousers and a blazer and repeat both colours in the shirt.
25. 70s Soul Train Dancer Costume
A Soul Train dancer is about movement first. Choose a fitted patterned jumpsuit, a wrap top with flared pants, or a metallic mini dress with tall boots, in geometric prints, warm earth tones or bright jewel colours. Hair goes in a rounded natural shape, long waves or a feathered blowout. Colourful eyeshadow, glowing cheeks and glossy lips suit the energy. Large hoops, bangles and a wide belt add detail without tying you up. A small cardboard dance-line sign or a retro record sleeve makes a good photo prop. If you'll actually dance, I'd pick metallic sneakers over platform boots, or at least platforms with a stable sole. Learn one simple pose that swings the flared fabric out.
26. 70s Tennis Player Costume
A retro tennis player is a sporty break from sequins and flares. Wear a white polo with a pleated mini skirt or short athletic shorts, plus a striped cardigan or zip jacket in green, navy or red. Hair goes in a feathered bob, shaggy cut or a ponytail held with a terry-cloth headband. Makeup is just a sunscreen-style glow, mascara and tinted balm. Striped wristbands, tall tube socks and white court sneakers bring the period. Carry a vintage-style wooden racket or a cardboard version with soft edges, which is kinder in a crowd. For a duo, one person wears the white skirt outfit and the other short shorts with a tucked-in polo. A small sports bag holds your phone and keys, so the prop earns its place.
27. 70s Track Star Costume
The 70s track star is short running shorts, a fitted ringer T-shirt, tall striped socks and a zip-front warm-up jacket in red, royal blue, yellow or forest green. Hair can be a shaggy layered cut, a feathered bob or a simple ponytail. Makeup stays minimal with rosy cheeks and optional freckles. Add a fabric headband, wristbands and a handmade race number. I pin the number at all four corners from the inside of the shirt, so it doesn't flap or tear through the fabric. A lightweight medal on a ribbon makes the final prop. Wear comfortable white sneakers with bright laces rather than real vintage shoes. Everything moves easily, and the jacket is a handy layer to take off.
28. 70s Boho Folk Singer Costume
A boho folk singer starts with a flowing prairie dress, an embroidered peasant blouse or a tiered maxi skirt in warm florals. Layer a crochet vest or fringed shawl on top. Long hair with a centre part and soft natural waves suits it, with a thin braided headband if you like. Brown eyeliner, peach blush and muted rose lips keep the face earthy. Carry a lightweight cardboard guitar or a miniature guitar-shaped bag, plus layered pendant necklaces and a few slim bangles. Brown ankle boots or suede-look clogs finish it. Maxi skirts drag through wet leaves and catch on steps, so I'd hem it to clear the floor by a couple of centimetres if you're walking outside.
29. 70s Western Cowboy Costume
The 70s cowboy swaps black leather for a pearl-snap shirt, a suede-look fringed jacket, flared jeans and a big decorative belt buckle. Rust, turquoise, tan and cream suit the period better than all black. Hair goes into feathered layers or a neat shag under a soft felt cowboy hat. Warm bronzer, brushed brows and an optional mustache cover the grooming. A patterned neck scarf and a leather-look crossbody pouch are useful accessories. Keep any costume rope short and tied off as decoration. Brown cowboy boots finish it. Floral embroidery or rhinestone trim makes it more playful. If the hat is loose, a strip of foam weatherstrip inside the band snugs it up without anyone seeing.
30. 70s Private Detective Costume
A 1970s private detective is practical layers plus a few period clues. Wear brown flared trousers, a wide-collar patterned shirt and a tan blazer or belted trench coat, with a dark turtleneck under it on a cold night. Sideburns, a thick mustache or a feathered shoulder-length shape take care of the hair. Subtle bronzer keeps the face natural. Tinted aviators, a small notebook and a magnifying glass are safe props, and brown loafers or block-heeled boots finish the outfit. I'd leave out any shoulder holster and wear a crossbody document pouch for your phone instead. Earth-tone plaids and geometric prints keep the costume readable once the coat comes off indoors.
31. 70s Game Show Host Costume
A colourful leisure suit is all it takes to turn into a 1970s game show host. Wear flared trousers and a matching jacket in powder blue, burgundy, mustard or cream, with a wide-collar patterned shirt, a contrasting tie and polished platform loafers. Smooth side-parted hair with full sideburns, or a feathered wig, finishes the head, and light bronzer with an optional mustache is enough for the face. Carry a slim microphone and a stack of oversized cardboard answer cards, plus a removable name badge that doesn't reference a real show. Practise a big welcome pose for photos. Polyester leisure suits don't breathe at all, so expect to get warm and wear a thin cotton tee underneath. Matching solid pants and a blazer will do if a full suit won't turn up.
32. 70s Flight Attendant Costume
A 1970s flight attendant needs a knee-length A-line dress or fitted skirt suit in orange, teal, navy or mustard. Add a contrasting neck scarf, a slim belt and a small pillbox-style hat. Hair goes into a smooth bob, flipped ends or a neat curled updo, with defined lashes, rosy cheeks and classic pink or red lipstick. Carry a small structured handbag and a handmade cardboard boarding pass. Low block heels or polished loafers keep it comfortable. I'd avoid any real airline name or logo; a wing pin cut from metallic craft foam is enough. Pillbox hats slide back on smooth hair, so anchor yours with two bobby pins crossed in an X through the hat edge. Add opaque tights and a coat for outdoor walking.
33. 70s Lava Lamp Costume
A wearable lava lamp is funny and easier to recognise than you'd think. Start with a fitted black top and black leggings, then build a light tube-shaped overlay from flexible foam or poster board with generous openings for arms and legs. Translucent-looking pink, orange, purple or blue fabric blobs go across the middle, with silver panels at the top and bottom. Bright eye makeup and a sleek high ponytail or a colourful bob wig suit it. A small battery-powered light strand can go inside, as long as nothing touches the body. Silver sneakers or platform boots finish it. I always walk the finished tube through a doorway at home before the party; if you have to turn sideways, it's too wide.
34. 70s Disco Ball Costume
A disco ball costume starts with a silver mini dress, a metallic jumpsuit or a light rounded overlay covered in mirror-look squares. Holographic tape is my pick over real mirror pieces, which can crack and scratch. Silver tights or fitted leggings underneath give coverage. Hair goes in a high curly ponytail, a sleek bob or a voluminous silver wig, with metallic eyeshadow, face gems and glossy lips to keep the reflection going. Disco-ball earrings and a small record-shaped clutch are good accessories, with silver platform boots or metallic sneakers on the feet. If you build a rounded shell, give it wide shoulder straps and test sitting, walking and getting through a door before the night.
35. 70s Smiley Face Costume
A smiley face is a cheerful choice for anyone who doesn't want to play a character. Wear a yellow sweatshirt dress, a yellow jumpsuit, or a yellow top with flared pants. A large black felt smile and eyes go on the front with removable fabric tape, and a white or black turtleneck underneath adds warmth. Hair can be a fluffy curled bob, feathered layers or a yellow headband with small smiley pins. Yellow eyeshadow, rosy cheeks and a curved black liner flick near one eye keep it playful. Carry a round smiley handbag or cardboard sign, and wear white platform sneakers, yellow boots or black loafers. Fabric tape can let go on fleece, so if your sweatshirt is brushed inside, add a few stitches around the eyes. Round sunglasses add one more 70s nod.
Platform Shoes You Can Dance In Until Late
Platforms appear in almost every look above, and they're the piece most likely to end someone's night early. I look for a chunky block heel and a platform at the front, because the front platform reduces how steep your foot actually sits. A stiletto with a thin platform gives you all the height and none of the balance.
Wear them around the house for an evening before Halloween, on stairs as well as flat floors. Add a gel insert under the ball of the foot, and stick a strip of grip tape or a rubber sole protector on slick soles, since many costume platforms are hard plastic underneath. If you know you'll be walking a long way, a wedge sneaker under long flares gives the same line and nobody will see the difference.
Feathered Hair, With or Without a Wig
Feathering is the hairstyle that ties most of these costumes to the decade. On your own hair, blow-dry with a round brush, rolling the sides back and away from the face, then set each section with firm spray while it's still warm. Hot rollers do the same job with less skill required. If you're using a wig, check whether it's heat-friendly before you take a curling iron anywhere near it; a standard synthetic wig will frizz or melt. For those, I shape the layers with a wide-tooth comb and a little wig spray, and pin the front at the temples so it doesn't slide when you dance.
Start With the Flares, Then Build Up
So much of this decade comes down to a few shapes. Disco glamour, flower-child softness, glam rock, early punk, sporty separates and the film and television characters all start from a silhouette, and then hair, makeup and shoes do the rest. Thrifted flares, wide-collar shirts, scarves, jumpsuits and platform-style shoes cover most of the list. I'd put comfort and safe props ahead of perfect accuracy, and plan a layer for the weather. If you're dressing as a couple, family or group, agree on a colour palette first. That one decision is what makes separately sourced pieces look like they belong together.
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