29 Grooviest 70s Outfit Ideas for Your Retro Party Look in 2025

It's safe to say that 70s outfits have found a new home in the 21st century. You can laugh, but your grandparents may have known what they were doing after all. Whether you're getting dressed up for a disco-themed party or you simply want to add some retro- or boho-inspired pieces into your wardrobe, there are plenty of ways to draw inspiration from the 1970s. 

According to The FW, it was an era defined by extremes. From disco to pivotal political moments like the Watergate scandal, the 70s truly were a time of change and disruption in American culture. It was also a decade that gave us new trends and ideas in the world of fashion and entertainment. So, what would you wear to a 70s party? What time capsule ideas were popular back then?

Boogie with us as we explore the bold flares and even bolder patterns that mark the decade. We’ll share an array of the grooviest tips to help you fit in under the disco ball, on the dance floor or anywhere else your 70s outfit takes you.

Jump to Section 

• 70s Disco Outfits That Shine
• 70s Outfits Women Will Love
• 70s Outfits Men Will Rock
• Fun 70s Outfit Ideas for Kids

70s Disco Outfits That Shine

1. Add Sequins and Sparkles

At any disco theme party, sequins and sparkly looks are a big hit. Remember, this was the era of the disco ball, so mimic the bright, shiny lights in your outfit, whether it’s a sparkly mini-dress or an embellished pair of pants. A pair of sequin bell-bottoms instantly nails the look, especially when paired with chunky heels. When it comes to 70s disco outfits for females, they're a staple for a reason. 

2. Opt for Bright Colors

There is nothing shy about the colors used in vintage 70s fashion looks. In your 70s outfit, aim for bright pops of colors like pink, green, yellow and orange. The wilder the pattern, the better! Go neon with your 70s-inspired outfit if the mood allows.  Rock this look at your local roller rink for a fun 21st birthday party idea.

3. Wear Bold Jewelry

Add a chunky necklace or 70s-inspired earrings to your next 70s outfit look to really recreate the bold glamor of the 1970s. You can find jewelry to pair with your favorite 70s outfit on Amazon or other online retailers. Try a local jeweler to support the community and look great while doing it. Statement cuffs or bangles in metallic tones also fit perfectly with 70s disco outfits for females.

4. Try a Glittery Eye Look

Don’t forget your makeup as part of the entire look when you’re headed to a disco party or themed party. The 70s were about bold color everywhere, so try a bright blue eyeshadow with dramatic eyeliner for a party look. Or go for bold eye makeup in neutral tones for a more retro everyday style that will fit your 70s outfit like a pair of spandex tights. 

5. Include Bold Florals

Large floral patterns in tones of orange, pink, lavender and gold were everywhere in the most popular 70s outfits. Add florals to your 70s outfit in the form of a flowy blouse or go really bold with bright, floral wide-leg pants. Choosing an oversized floral shirt is also a solid pick if you’re searching for casual men’s outfit 70s options.

6. Don a Gold Lamé Dress

Nothing will make you feel more like a disco-dancing queen or king than a shimmery lamé dress or high-waisted bell-bottoms. Opt for the most iconic color, gold, or find similarly shimmery options with pink or silver pieces for your 70s outfit.

For a glamorous nod to Studio 54, choose a plunging neckline or exaggerated sleeves — a hallmark of 70s disco outfits for females who wanted to stand out on the dance floor.

7. Wear Cool Shades

Look back at movie stars from the 70s and you’ll often see them wearing aviator-style sunglasses or other large shades. If you're looking for theme party ideas, why not offer your guests sunglasses as a party favor they can wear during the dancing portion of the evening? Donning the same groovy shades will give them a case of Night Fever! Adding mirrored lenses completes the retro look and makes them a versatile 70s outfit idea you can pull off year-round.

8. Add Fringe to Everything

Many of the styles in the early 70s outfits still retain the hippie trends of the 60s. A long fringed vest or pants embellished with fringe are sure to help you move and groove on the dance floor. Layer fringe on jackets or handbags and you’ll have a standout piece that works just as well at music festivals as it does for a 70s theme outfit.

70s Outfits Women Will Love

9. Rock a Bell-Bottom

How do you dress like the 70s, especially for the best Decades Day outfits? Pay attention to the silhouettes. 70s outfits were all about bell sleeves and bell-bottom pants, so add some flared denim to your wardrobe for a piece that’s perfect for the disco or for trying out new trends in your day-to-day wardrobe. Look for high-waisted cuts, since the rise was typically longer in authentic female 70s outfits, giving them that signature elongated leg line.

10. Try a Wrap Dress

Wrap dresses were also a staple of the 70s. Made famous by brands like Diane Von Furstenberg, the wrap dress was often viewed as a sign of women’s liberation. Incorporate this trend into your wardrobe today for a chic office look or an understated nod to the 70s outfit at your next retro party. Pair it with oversized hoop earrings or bangles to complete the polished yet free-spirited style that defined so many 70s-inspired outfits.

11. Wear Bold Patterns

Florals weren’t the only patterns that rose to popularity in the 70s. Mod patterns with groovy colors like brown, turquoise and orange were everywhere, from kitchen appliances to patterned garments. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns in your 70s outfit ideas. For a more daring approach, layer geometric prints with suede or leather accents — a pairing that embodies the eclectic confidence of the decade.

12. Add a Platform Boot

All those bell-bottomed pants in the 70s sometimes called for an elevated shoe look. Platform boots, whether ankle height or taller, pair perfectly with long pants or with mini dresses and are great for hitting the disco scene.

You can try a more neutral option in brown or black to wear on a daily basis, or go slightly extreme with white go-go boots to complete your 70s outfit. To stay authentic, seek out square-toe designs, which were more popular than the rounded or pointed toes we see today.

13. Wear Crocheted Clothes

Some of the styles from the 60s that carried over into the next decade included tie-dye and fringed elements, as well as vests and tops crocheted in neutral colors. Try a duster-length crocheted sweater over a mini dress for your next 70s-themed party.

You can also incorporate the 70s outfit essentials that are crocheted in the form of belts, headbands and handbags. Look for handmade crochet pieces at vintage shops or Etsy for authenticity — mass-produced crochet rarely nails the loose, bohemian weave of the originals. If you're already experienced in making crochet Christmas ornaments, take the next step and make your own clothes!

14. Try a Feathery Hairstyle

Style icons like Farrah Fawcett became known for their glamorous personal styles. Copy the Charlie’s Angels star’s look by styling your hair in large curls with feathered bangs and layers at the front of your face. Don’t forget the hairspray!

A round brush and a blow dryer are key for achieving the signature “winged” shape, so consider adding those tools if you’re recreating this look for a 70s outfit.

15. Incorporate Corduroy

Corduroy was another big trend of the 70s that works well in costumes or simply in your wardrobe. From flared corduroy pants to tiny miniskirts, this stretchy, versatile fabric was a hallmark of 70s outfits.

It is also a fabric that works in modern outfits, so don’t be afraid to incorporate it into your daily wardrobe for a chic take on the 70s. For authenticity, look for wide-wale corduroy, which was far more common in the decade than the finer versions we see today.

16. Add a Boho Hat

No matter what 70s trend you’re going for, adding a hat completes the look. Try a more boho wide-brimmed option, or get adventurous with a 70s page-boy style hat in a patterned or sequined style.
Earthy shades like Camel or burgundy are also strong options — pairing well with both flowy dresses and tailored trousers and making a hat a versatile accessory across multiple 70s outfits.

17. Opt for a Jumpsuit

If mini-dresses or flowy pants aren’t your style, there is another 70s outfit trend that’s perfect for a theme party. Wear a jumpsuit, either patterned or simple. From denim to corduroy, the 70s were a time when the jumpsuit trend really took off.

Choose a halter-neck or wide-leg cut to stay true to the era and if you’re headed to a dance floor, metallic fabrics will instantly give you that disco-ready edge.

Stylish 70s Outfit Ideas for Men

18. Wear a Leather Blazer

The sport coat silhouette was also popular in the 70s, but rather than wearing typical fabric jackets, men often wore long blazers in rich leather. Whether you opt for the real deal or for a faux leather variety, paired with a patterned shirt and bell-bottomed jeans, you can’t go wrong with this addition to your 70s outfit. Look for tones like cognac, oxblood, or dark brown — they reflect the earthy palette that dominated the decade.

19. Don’t Shy Away from Pattern

A long-sleeved, collared shirt in a bright pattern is a perfect 70s outfit option for guys heading to a disco party. Pop the collar and unbutton your shirt halfway down to truly capture the essence of the 70s. Polyester shirts with swirling geometrics or oversized paisleys are especially authentic and can often be found in vintage shops at a fraction of the cost of modern reproductions.

20. Try a New Style of Denim

What is the 70s dress code? Men and women alike rocked wide bell-bottom pants that flared out at the ankle. Men look just as groovy in this 70s staple as women's 70s outfits. If you’re aiming for an authentic look, opt for high-rise denim with a slight fade through the thighs — the cut was looser through the hips than modern styles, making it unmistakably 70s. 

21. Grow out Your Sideburns

Hair trends in the 70s included large, feathered hair for the women and long sideburns for the guys. Many men in the 70s embraced the afro hairstyle too. If you can’t commit to the grow-out, costume sets often include stick-on sideburns — an inexpensive but highly effective way to finish off a men’s 70s look for a party.

22. Add a Gold Chain

Complete your open-collar shirt with a thick gold chain or a longer necklace. Jewelry for men was just as big a trend as it was for the ladies in the 70s, and it really adds that extra disco look to even the simplest 70s outfit ideas. Choose chunky links rather than fine chains — they were made to catch the light under a disco ball and signal confidence.

23. Sport a Velour Tracksuit

Nothing screams 70s outfits quite like a velour tracksuit. Look for one with bold stripes down the arms or chest — Adidas popularized the look, and originals are still easy to find on resale sites. The plush fabric works best in jewel tones like emerald or burgundy, which photograph beautifully under disco lights.

Paired with aviator shades and retro sneakers, this makes one of the most authentic 70s theme outfit choices for men who want comfort and style in equal measure.

24. Don’t Forget the Mustache!

In the 1970s, thick mustaches made a comeback as a style trend for men, and celebrities, athletes and politicians alike could be seen sporting some facial hair.  If you can’t grow your own, opt for a retro mustache pack on Amazon. Combine it with flared denim and a patterned shirt for a complete men’s outfit 70s look that feels effortless. It’s a small detail, but it sells the character more than almost any other accessory.

Fun 70s Outfit Ideas for Kids

25. Add Some Flower Power

Bright patterns were all the rage for just about everyone in the 70s, kids included. For an easy DIY 70s outfit for kids, paint simple flowers in a 3x3 grid on the front of a t-shirt in bright colors like hot pink and orange. Your flowers don’t have to be anything fancy to capture the true spirit of the 70s. Kids can also go for the boho look and wear long, flowy dresses or bell-bottoms.  

26. Go With the Tie-Dye

Another fun way to bring some 70s flair to your kids’ outfits is by adding some tie-dye. Although tie-dye became a trend a decade earlier in the 60s, the love of brightly swirled dyes carried over into the mid-70s psychedelic scene. You can DIY your own or find cute pre-made options online to add to your DIY Halloween costumes.

27. Include Peace Sign Jewelry 

Add some costume jewelry to your kids’ outfits at their next Decades Day. You can find long beaded necklaces featuring peace signs or smiley faces at your local party store to add some sparkle and shine to their costume. Or, keep things simple and make one yourself out of cardboard for an easy craft idea.

28. Wear a Headband

Making a 70s-style headband is a super simple DIY project. All you need is fabric in the grooviest shades and patterns. Cut or tear a long strip and use it as a headband. To prevent fraying, you can double up the fabric and seal it shut with a bit of fabric glue.

Take inspiration from the 70s and either wrap your headband around your head to hold your hair back, or place it flat on your forehead and tie it behind your head for a truly 70s, disco-style look. Another option is to use real flowers to create a garland of flowers for a Flower Power edge.

29. Don a Fringed Vest

Don’t forget the fringe on the kids’ outfits! A brown vest with a long fringe on the back is a great way to incorporate some 70s style without having to buy an entire outfit. You can also buy pre-made fringe on a spool at most craft stores. Use fabric glue to add to basic clothes and create an easy DIY costume your kids will love.

We hope these groovy disco options have given you plenty of 70s outfit ideas for your next party or spirit day. If you're ready to skip ahead, take a look at our top picks for 80s costume ideas, too! And don’t forget, many of these trends are back in style! Incorporate them into your everyday outfit and bring a touch of 70s fun everywhere you go.

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