44 Iconic Decades Day Outfits to Rock Every Era in 2025
Not sure which way to go for your Decades Day Outfits? This Spirit Week favorite is all about channeling fashion trends from the past — whether that means flapper fringe, disco jumpsuits or 90s grunge.
Every decade carries its own style stamp. Fashion experts at Elle argue the 1970s set the bar with disco fever and bold accessories, but the fun is in exploring them all — from Gatsby-era glam to Y2K metallics. Each look is more than just a costume; it’s a chance to step into the stories of another time.
And because Decades Day often overlaps with events like Spirit Week or even Halloween (we're talking DIY Halloween costumes), the possibilities go beyond accuracy. Sometimes it’s about putting your own spin on history, other times about digging through time capsule ideas to surprise everyone with a forgotten gem.
We’ve gathered outfits that stretch from the 1920s through the 2010s, giving you plenty of ways to dress up, look back and keep the conversation going across generations.
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- 1920s Decades Day Outfits: Jazz Age & Gatsby
- 1930s Decades Day Outfits: Old Hollywood & Gangster Style
- 1940s Decades Day Outfits: WWII-Era & Film Noir
- 1950s Decades Day Outfits: Rockabilly & Diner Style
- 1960s Decades Day Outfits: Hippie & Mod
- 1970s Decades Day Outfits: Disco & Roller Rink
- 1980s Decades Day Outfits: Neon, Punk & Power Dressing
- 1990s Decades Day Outfits: Grunge & Pop Culture
- 2000s Decades Day Outfits: Y2K & Reality TV
- 2010s Decades Day Outfits: Influencers & Athleisure
1920s Decades Day Outfits: Jazz Age & Gatsby
The 1920s were about excess and rebellion — jazz clubs, flapper dresses and a generation determined to shake off the old rules and reject formality. Whether you lean toward a glitzy, over-the-top Great Gatsby-themed party or practical 20s daywear, the fashion was bold for its time and still makes a statement today.
1. Flapper
Capture the spirit of the Jazz Age by donning a vintage flapper dress for your Decades Day outfit. Add pearls and Mary Jane heels for a dance-floor-ready outfit that still feels timeless.
2. Gentleman Costume
Dress to the nines in a sleek gentleman's costume for your Decades Day. Create a stylish three-piece ensemble with a blazer, waistcoat, fashionable fedora or nifty newsboy cap and top it off with a timeless pocket watch. Your outfit will be a showstopper at any big event.
3. Fighter Pilot
Aviation was booming in the 20s, and pilots became cultural heroes. A leather jacket, goggles and scarf make for an adventurous, gender-neutral costume. Add a flight helmet and scarf for a traditional touch.
4. Casual Day Dressing
Not every look was sequins and champagne. Keep it simple with a casual outfit from the 1920s. Find cozy garden party dresses that are traditional to the time period, and pair it with an elegant hat or scarf. Order your dress one size up for an accurate and loose-fitting 1920s outfit.
1930s Decades Day Outfits: Old Hollywood & Gangster Style
The Great Depression didn’t stop style — it sharpened it. Suits got leaner, dresses sleeker and the silver screen gave everyone a glimpse of glamour, even when real life was tough.
5. Gangster
Dress up as a classic 1930s gangster for a show-stopping Decades Day outfit for guys. A pinstriped suit, fedora and bold tie call up the Prohibition era. Or go with a Peaky Blinders (although this TV series was set in the 1920s to be accurate) vibe and don your best British gangster outfit . Add a toy cigar or violin case and you’ve got a costume that feels straight out of a crime drama.
6. Bootlegger
Be the star of any Decades Day party with an authentic bootlegger outfit. Pair a beige long-sleeve shirt with brown pants, suspenders and a brown cap. Go with rolled-up sleeves for more of a working-class Prohibition-era vibe. It's easy to put together and is an affordable option.
7. Working Girl
Transform your look by dressing as a working girl for Decades Day. Wear a tweed suit, vintage pencil dress or classic bias-cut skirt. Add a stylish beret or tilt cap to your hair to complete this traditional 1930s feminine look. It’s a stylish option that nods to resilience and sophistication during a tough decade.
8. Hollywood Glam
Dress to impress with a classic Hollywood outfit for any Decades Day event. Floor-length gowns, feather boas and fur stoles capture the silver screen’s golden glow. For men, tuxedos or suspenders with slicked-back hair bring the red carpet vibe.
1940s Decades Day Outfits: WWII-Era & Film Noir
With rationing and war, 1940s fashion was practical — yet out of that came iconic looks: structured shoulders, utilitarian suits, and the sultry film-noir silhouettes that defined a generation of stars.
9. Vintage Military
Travel back in time and honor our military veterans from World War II. Find a classic military suit in tan or olive green and add patches and a traditional military cap for a classic look. For a more feminine look, you can also wear a knee-length pencil skirt in tan or green to complete the look.
10. Hollywood Starlet
Decades Day outfits from the 40s wouldn't be complete without a callout to Rita Hayworth or Lauren Bacall, the decade's fabulous Hollywood starlets. Think long gowns, fur wraps and bright lipstick. You’ll be ready to hit the red carpet at your Decades Day party with this gorgeous costume.
11. Rosie the Riveter
Rosie became an enduring symbol of American feminism and wartime resilience. A denim jumpsuit or blue coveralls with a red polka dot headscarf captures her look instantly. Cargo boots and bold red lipstick finish the costume. It's one of the most recognizable Decade Day outfits from the 1940s.
12. Disney Dapper Day
Disney’s rise in the 1940s brought characters like Minnie Mouse and Snow White into the spotlight, inspiring playful fashion along the way. A flared knee-length dress or dapper suit styled with vintage accessories nods to the era. You can channel a princess, pay tribute to classic animation or even show up as Walt himself.
1950s Decades Day Outfits: Rockabilly & Diner Style
The 1950s swung between wholesome diners and rebellious greasers. From prom dresses with layers of tulle to slicked-back hair and leather jackets, fashion reflected a country caught between tradition and teenage independence.
13. Rockabilly
If you’re looking for easy Decades Day outfits for girls, a classic rockabilly style is easy to pull off. A swing dress with a flared skirt, bold headscarf and cat-eye sunglasses instantly takes you back to a sock hop. For boys, slick your hair up and put on a plain white, sleeveless t-shirt, blue jeans and if you have one, a leather jacket. Don’t forget the pocket comb — it’s part of the performance.
14. Prom Queen
Dress to impress as an elegant prom queen from the 1950s. Wear a classy dress with a ball gown skirt that flares out at the waist. Add ruffles, bows and tulle for a traditional design from the era. Don’t forget to wear the shiny tiara and sash — you are prom queen, after all! This also makes for great Decades Day outfits for couples, as you can go as the prom king and queen.
15. Marilyn Monroe
From the white halter dress of The Seven Year Itch to the pink satin gown in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Monroe set the decade’s fashion icons and gives you plenty of range for your Decades Day outfits. A blond wig seals the look, and a bold red lip makes it unmistakable.
16. Rebel
Don a classic rebel style for Decades Day and channel 50s icons like James Dean or the cast of Grease. Pompadour hair is a must, so lather on that hairspray to get the look. Then pair slim-cut jeans, a motorcycle jacket and sunglasses for that “too cool to care” finish that became the uniform of 1950s teenage rebellion.
17. American Diner Server
Poodle skirts weren’t the only uniform of the decade — soda jerks and servers had their own. A knee-length dress with an apron, a paper hat and cozy sneakers to round out the classic look. For the boys, take a button-up, short-sleeved shirt, bowtie and vest. Top it off with a soda-jerker hat, which you can easily craft using paper.
1960s Decades Day Outfits: Hippie & Mod
Fashion in the 1960s was split-screen: streamlined mod dresses in London, tie-dye and fringe in California. Both looks reflected revolution — cultural and personal — and still make instantly recognizable Decades Day outfits.
18. Hippie
Tie-dye, bell-bottoms and round sunglasses defined the counterculture look of the 1960s. For Decades Day outfits, an old shirt turned tie-dye paired with jeans, a colorful headband and a peace sign necklace will nail the vibe. Guys can lean into it too with a long bandana, waistcoat and rugged jeans — straight out of Woodstock.
19. Day Suits or Dress
Dress for the occasion with an elegant but comfortable day suit or dress. Pair a tailored skirt and oversized coat with high heels and Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox hat. A plaid or pastel suit instantly recalls this era of First Lady chic and polished 60s style.
20. Military Veteran
Pay tribute to our service members who served during the Vietnam War by dressing as a military veteran. Find a vintage green suit and pair it with a classic cap or hardshell helmet. Whether worn as tribute or statement, it’s a strong, unmistakable look of the decade.
21. Mod Styles
Travel back in time to bring back the funky British mod style of Quadrophenia and Edie Sedgwick. Go bold with a miniskirt, graphic patterns and go-go boots. Or wear button-down shirts and ankle-high boots to pair with the costume. Inspired by London’s Carnaby Street, the mod look was playful and futuristic for its time.
22. Motown Diva
Elevate Decades Day by dressing up as a Motown Diva. Sequined gowns, feather boas and teased hair bring Diana Ross and The Supremes to life. This costume will be a real showstopper at any Decades Day event.
1970s Decades Day Outfits: Disco & Roller Rink
Few decades scream “party” like the 70s. From mirror-ball jumpsuits to sporty roller-rink shorts, this was fashion meant to move and sparkle under the lights.
23. Disco Diva
Rock one of the best 70s outfits as a disco diva. A sparkly jumpsuit with platform shoes is pure Saturday Night Fever. Or find an outfit with sparkles that will catch the captivating glow of the disco ball. You’ll be ready to boogie in this costume all night!
24. Roller Disco
Grab a pair of rollerblades for a fun Decades Day idea for boys. Bell-bottoms, knee-high socks and a shiny shirt make the perfect roller rink vibe. He won’t mind dressing up if he can play around on his roller skates! For the girls, high-cut sporty shorts and thigh-high socks are a must.
25. Housewife
Draw inspiration from Mad Men for Decades Day outfits with modern pop culture appeal. A patterned house dress with pearls and a headband captures the softer side of 70s domestic style.
26. Game Show Host
Channel an iconic game show host from the 70s for your Decades Day party. Wide lapels, pastel suits and a big smile bring back the golden age of television. Don’t forget the cheeky smile and microphone to ensure everyone at the event knows it’s game time!
1980s Decades Day Outfits: Neon, Punk & Power Dressing
The 80s didn’t do subtle. From ripped denim and safety pins to neon spandex and oversized blazers, everything was louder, brighter and bigger than life. Early hip hop fashion, for instance, emerged in the Bronx with oversized logo gear, sneakers and tracksuits long before streetwear became mainstream. If you want an 80s Decades Day outfit that turns heads, this era has you covered.
27. Punk Rocker
If you’re looking for easy 80s Decades Day outfits for boys or girls, a punk rocker is an easy outfit to throw together. Ripped jeans, a band tee and a leather jacket set the stage. Add safety pins, studs and a spiked hairstyle for the full rebellious look.
28. Aerobics Instructor
Channel an aerobics instructor, think Jane Fonda, for one of the most iconic 80s Decades Day outfits for adults. Find a colorful leotard or leggings with an oversized t-shirt. Add leg warmers and a headband to complete the look.
29. Stylish Sweaters
Oversized sweaters in bold colors and geometric patterns were 80s staples, spotted everywhere from sitcoms to the school hallways. For Decades Day outfits, look for a slouchy knit in a loud print and pair it with jeans or leggings — cozy, easy to find and instantly recognizable.
30. Hip Hop Artist
Level up Decades Day as a hip-hop artist for one of the funkier Decades Day outfits for guys. Adidas tracksuits, chunky gold chains and bucket hats bring 80s streetwear to life. Sneakers complete the look that defined an era of rap and breakdancing.
31. More is More
Go all in on your 80s theme party with layered accessories to fit the time period. Think gold jewelry, bigger hairstyles and bangles and bracelets galore. Whether you’re dressing up as an aerobics instructor or hip-hop artist, the more you accessorize your look, the more traditional your 80s costume ideas will be. Take 80s icon Cyndi Lauper as your inspiration.
32. Tracksuits
Nothing says 80s casual like a brightly colored tracksuit. A matching windbreaker jacket and pants in neon or shiny fabric will nail the look. Finish it off with white sneakers and you’ve got the decade’s off-duty uniform.
For even more inspiration, these 80s costume ideas could give you the perfect look for your next event.
1990s Decades Day Outfits: Grunge & Pop Culture
The 90s were about contradictions: polished sitcom wardrobes on TV, raw plaid and combat boots in the music scene. Between rave neon and geek chic, almost every subculture left a fashion mark.
33. Geek Chic
In the 90s, “geek” looks popped up everywhere from sitcoms to teen movies. Think high-waisted jeans with suspenders and thick-rimmed glasses, layered with a cropped denim jacket. A lopsided ponytail or mismatched socks seals the look with that quirky TV flair.
34. Rave Culture Outfit
Nothing said 90s like a rave. Phat pants with their wide legs, a tie-dye tee and a bucket hat set the base. Add glitter, glow sticks and maybe even a lollipop or pacifier for that unmistakable all-night rave outfit look.
35. Grunge
Grunge was the 90s uniform. An old plaid flannel over ripped jeans and combat boots instantly nails the look. Top it off with a beanie and rubber bracelets, taking cues from icons like Kurt Cobain or Eddie Vedder. It's a classic grunge look, perfect for any 90s theme party.
2000s Decades Day Outfits: Y2K & Reality TV
The new millennium leaned futuristic and fame-obsessed. Shiny fabrics, low-rise jeans, Matrix-inspired leather coats — and of course, the early wave of reality TV stars setting trends overnight.
36. Emo
Bring a moody style to any Decades Day event by dressing in emo fashion. Dress in all black or pair skinny jeans with a band T-shirt. Accessorize with black eyeliner, Vans shoes and a studded belt. Style your hair with long-swept bangs that conceal half your face.
37. Popstar
Pay tribute to the 2000s with an iconic popstar outfit. Oversized sunglasses, trucker hats and bedazzled jeans brought out early-2000s celebrity style. Channel Britney or NSYNC for a nostalgic throwback.
38. Y2K Style
Show up to the Decades Day party in your best Y2K outfit. Mix retro and futuristic fashion to create a unique outfit. Find clothing or accessories in vibrant colors and metallic fabrics. Add furry bucket hats, butterfly clips and oversized sunglasses to complete your Cyberpunk look.
39. Taylor Swift’s Country Era
Channel old-school Taylor Swift for a fun Taylor Swift themed party. Pair a cute sundress with sparkly cowgirl boots and a floral crown. You’ll be ready to dance all night to Taylor’s timeless Country hits. Perfect if you want a costume with both 2000s nostalgia and a personal touch.
2010s Decades Day Outfits: Influencers & Athleisure
By the 2010s, fashion was as much about the feed as the fabric. Influencers turned thrift-store finds into trends, athleisure blurred the line between workout and wardrobe, and hipster style made “ironic” look intentional.
40. Social Media Influencer
Trendy clothes paired with a smartphone are all you need. Snap selfies and strike a pose — the influencer look is less about what you wear than how you show it off. Whether you’re channeling a celebrity influencer or a popular Instagram influencer, there are tons of iconic picks. Make sure to grab your phone to capture the event for your social media!
41. Athleisure
Keep it cozy with athleisure wear for your Decades Day event. Leggings, crop tops and sleek sneakers made gym clothes everyday wear. Comfortable, easy and a staple of the decade.
42. Hipsters
Thrift-store finds defined the hipster look of the 2010s. Start with a graphic tee and a flannel layer, then add skinny jeans, combat boots and a slouchy beanie. Thick-rimmed glasses pull it all together with that offbeat, indie edge.
43. Neon Colors
Pull out your neon clothing and accessories for one of the easiest outfits for Decades Day. Find colors that glow under blacklights, such as neon pinks, fluorescent green and electric blues. It's perfect for any Decades Day or Neon party!
44. Rhyme Without Reason
Get creative with a friend by pulling together rhyme without reason ideas. Pick any two costumes that rhyme, like “men in black” and “lumberjack,” even if they don’t logically match. The fun is in the surprise, and it’s a great way to mix decades since almost anything can work.
From hipsters in the 2010s to disco divas in the 70s, every era has something iconic to bring to your Decades Day outfits. Fashion has always been a mirror of its time — a way people expressed freedom, rebellion or identity — which is why these styles still resonate today. Whether you’re pulling together easy Decades Day outfits or going all-in with DIY details, the fun comes from choosing a look that feels true to you and sharing that moment with friends.
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