Whether you're heading to a disco-themed party, a retro bash, a 70s tribute night, or just need to put together a last-minute groovy look, the 1970s are one of the most fun — and surprisingly easy — decades to dress up as. With bold colors, wide collars, bell bottoms, and platform shoes, 70s outfits have a natural "costume" energy that makes them perfect for any occasion where you want to stand out.

This guide covers the best 70s outfit ideas for men and women, what to look for in a quality 70s costume, and where to find the pieces that'll have everyone calling you the life of the party.

The Defining Look of 70s Fashion

Before diving into specific costume ideas, it helps to understand what made 70s fashion so distinct — and so recognizable decades later:

• Bell bottoms and wide-leg trousers — The silhouette of the decade. Trousers flared dramatically from the knee, often hitting the floor.
• Polyester everything — Shiny, smooth, and colorful. The Saturday Night Fever era popularized the polyester suit as the ultimate going-out look.
• Earth tones and bright pops — Burnt orange, avocado green, mustard yellow, deep brown — accented by turquoise, hot pink, and gold.
• Wide collars and lapels — Shirts were open at the chest, collars spread across shoulders, and lapels competed with the bell bottoms for width.
• Platform shoes — Every gender, every occasion. Extra height was part of the aesthetic.
• Bold prints — Floral patterns, geometric shapes, and abstract swirls were everywhere.

Best 70s Outfit Ideas for Women

The Disco Queen

Inspired by Studio 54, ABBA, and Donna Summer, the disco queen look is all about shimmer and movement. Think sequined mini dresses, metallic halter tops, flared silver pants, and as much glitter as you can manage. Pair with platform heels, a feather boa, and dramatic eye makeup.

Browse our Women's Funny Costumes and Decade Costumes for disco-ready options, or check out our Retro Costumes collection for full 70s ensemble sets.

The Flower Child / Bohemian

The 70s were also the era of the boho goddess — flowing maxi dresses, embroidered peasant blouses, fringed vests, and headbands worn across the forehead. Earth tones, floral prints, and natural textures defined this look. Add round wire-frame sunglasses and leather sandals to complete the hippie aesthetic.

Our Hippie Costumes collection has great boho-inspired pieces to start from.

The Charlie's Angels Agent

For a slightly more put-together 70s look — think high-waisted flares in a neutral tone, a fitted turtleneck or blouse, and a belted waist. Big waves or a feathered Farrah Fawcett hairstyle (or wig) instantly sells the reference. Browse our Wigs & Facial Hair section for period-appropriate hair options.

The 70s Prom Queen

Satin A-line gowns in pastel colors, elbow-length gloves, and a simple crown. This look works perfectly for decade-themed events where you want an elegant touch. Our Women's Costumes collection has formal gown options in retro silhouettes.

Best 70s Outfit Ideas for Men

The Disco King

This is the look most people picture when they think "70s costume" — a wide-collared polyester disco suit in a bold color (white, black, burgundy, or gold), unbuttoned to mid-chest, and paired with dress shoes or platforms. Add a gold chain necklace and slicked-back hair to become the king of the dance floor.

Our Men's Disco Costumes collection has complete suits and separates designed to nail this look right out of the box.

The Leisure Suit Lounger

The leisure suit was peak 70s male fashion — a matching jacket and wide-leg trouser set, often in earth tones or with subtle plaid. Pair with a patterned shirt (collar out over the jacket lapels), a wide tie, and loafers. This look is instantly recognizable and endlessly photographable at themed events.

The Rock Star

Platform boots, skinny or bell-bottom jeans, an open-front blousy shirt, and a rock star attitude. Think David Bowie, Elton John, or any glam rock icon of the decade. A feathered wig or dramatic mullet-style hair from our Decades Wigs collection completes the transformation.

The Hippie / Woodstock Veteran

Tie-dye t-shirt, faded flares, a headband, and sandals. One of the most effortless 70s men's costumes — minimal investment, maximum recognition. Our Men's Hippie Costumes has everything you need.

70s Outfit Ideas for Groups

Going as a group? Here are themed ensembles that work brilliantly together:

• ABBA tribute — Two women in jumpsuits/sequined dresses, two men in white flared suits. Iconic and immediately recognizable.
• Saturday Night Fever crew — Matching white polyester disco suits for the men, halter tops and flares for the women.
• Scooby-Doo gang — Fred's white collar and ascot, Daphne's purple dress, Velma's orange turtleneck and skirt, Shaggy's green shirt and brown pants. One of the most fun group book/TV character themes.
• Charlie's Angels trio — Three women in different 70s looks (casual, evening wear, and athletic). No props needed — just attitude.

For group costumes, our Groups & Couples Costumes collection has coordinating sets that simplify the process.

Essential 70s Accessories

The accessories often make or break a 70s costume:

• Wigs — Feathered hair, afros, long straight curtains, or dramatic mullets. Browse our Decades Wigs for 70s-appropriate options.
• Sunglasses — Round wire frames, oversized tinted lenses, or aviator-style. These are inexpensive additions from our Accessories section.
• Jewelry — Big chunky rings, gold chains, peace sign pendants, and hoop earrings. Available in our Costume Jewelry collection.
• Hats — Wide-brimmed fedoras, floppy sun hats, and newsboy caps were all 70s staples. Browse our Hats & Headpieces section.

70s Makeup and Hair Tips

Women's 70s Makeup

70s makeup was either bohemian-natural or dramatically disco — not much middle ground:

• Disco look: Heavy metallic eyeshadow (gold, silver, copper), defined liner flicked outward, glossy lips, sun-kissed skin
• Boho look: Minimal eye makeup, peachy blush, nude or peach lips, dewy skin

Our Makeup and Face Paint collections have everything you need to build either look.

Men's 70s Hair

Men's hair in the 70s was longer than the decades before or after — side parts, feathered layers, or naturally fuller styles. A quality wig from our Decades Wigs collection makes this effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors are most associated with 70s fashion?

The iconic 70s color palette includes earthy tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, avocado green, and chocolate brown — often combined with metallic gold, silver, or white for disco looks. Bright turquoise and hot pink appeared in more bohemian styles.

What's the difference between a 70s costume and a disco costume?

Disco is a subset of 70s fashion — specifically the late-70s nightclub and dance music scene. Disco costumes lean heavily into sequins, metallic fabrics, and polyester suits. A broader "70s costume" might also include hippie/boho looks (early 70s) or soft rock/country-influenced styles.

Can I wear a 70s costume to a general costume party?

Absolutely. 70s costumes read clearly and photographically well. They don't require explanation, they're comfortable to wear all night, and they photograph brilliantly. One of the most versatile costume decades.

Get the Groovy Look — Shop Our Retro Collection Now

Whether you're a disco king, a flower child, or a Saturday Night Fever legend in waiting, we've got the 70s outfit you need.

• Men's Disco Costumes — Polyester suits, flared trousers, and full disco ensembles
• Retro Costumes — The best of 60s, 70s, and 80s in one place
• Decade Costumes — Shop by era
• Hippie Costumes — Boho vibes and festival-ready looks
• Decades Wigs — Feathered hair, afros, and glam rock styles

Time to get groovy. 🕺✨