If you are looking for a great 70s costume to wear to a 70s theme party, it helps to know what people actually wore in the 1970s before you start putting an outfit together. The decade had a distinctive look, and getting a few key pieces right does most of the work.
1970s Fashion Staples
Some of the defining 70s fashion staples include polyester leisure suits, bell bottom jeans, jackets and shirts with wide lapels, ponchos, peasant blouses, tie-dyed shirts, halter-tops, army jackets, tight miniskirts, maxi dresses, corduroy slacks, hip huggers, and jumpsuits. Mixing a couple of these together, rather than trying to wear all of them at once, usually gives the most convincing 1970s theme party outfit.
70s Hairstyles
Feathered locks are ideal for women, while men can use David Cassidy and Andy Gibb's winged looks for inspiration. For a hippie look, wearing your hair long works well. The afro, shag cut, and mullet were also very popular during the 1970s. If your own hair can't be styled into an afro, a wig is an easy way to complete the look without needing a haircut.
70s Shoes
In the 70s, knee-high boots were everywhere and look great with gaucho pants. Platform shoes and canvas sneakers were the go-to options for men, and both are still easy to source for a costume today.
Jewellery, Sunglasses and Accessories
You can finish off a 70s costume with a pair of peace symbol earrings, since beads were also very popular in the 70s. A beaded choker is another easy addition, and tying a colourful scarf around your neck adds an authentic touch. Don't forget a pair of groovy tinted sunglasses. The 60s & 70s accessories range covers most of these finishing pieces in one place.
Finishing the Look
You can cap off your costume with long sideburns if you're going for a men's look, while women can add a perm-style wig. A colourful headband helps if you're aiming for more of a hippie vibe, and both women and men can top off their costumes with a wide-brimmed floppy hat.
Popular 70s Costume Themes
Most 70s outfits fall into one of three broad styles, so picking a theme first makes shopping or DIY-ing much easier. A disco look leans into jumpsuits, flares and metallic fabric for a Studio 54 feel. A hippie look is all about flowing peasant blouses, ponchos, and long hair with a headband. A glam rock look pushes the boldest colours and biggest platforms in the wardrobe. Once you've picked a lane, the hair, shoes and accessories sections above all slot in around it.
Group and Couples 70s Party Ideas
A 70s theme party is one of the easier group themes to coordinate, since most of the era's staples, bell bottoms, platforms, afros, and disco jumpsuits work for almost any character. Pairing a disco jumpsuit with a hippie-style outfit, or coordinating a group around one colour palette, is an easy way to make a group photo pop without everyone needing matching costumes.
Where to Find a 1970s Costume
You can put together the 70s costume from a couple of items you already have at home, or buy a ready-made costume online if you'd rather skip the hunting around.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a 1970s theme party?
Bell bottoms, a wide-lapel shirt or a disco jumpsuit are the quickest way in. Add platform shoes, tinted sunglasses and a few beaded accessories to round out the era.
What hairstyles suit a 70s costume?
Feathered layers, an afro, a shag cut or a mullet are the most recognisable 70s hairstyles. A wig is an easy shortcut if you don't want to restyle your own hair.
How do I put together a 70s costume without buying a full outfit?
Start with bell bottoms or a maxi dress from your own wardrobe, then add era-specific accessories like a headband, beaded choker or tinted sunglasses to pull the look together.
What's an easy 70s costume idea for a group?
Pick one colour palette or a mix of disco and hippie styles across the group. Because platforms, bell bottoms and afros work for almost any 70s character, the group doesn't need to match exactly to look coordinated.