70s Party Outfit Ideas for Every Budget, Plus Last-Minute Fixes

The invitation says "70s", the party is on Saturday, and you have no idea what to wear. A 70s party outfit is one of the friendliest theme costumes there is: the decade mixed hippie, casual, glam and disco styles, so almost any combination of flared trousers, bold prints and earth tones fits. This guide is about getting it done. Pick your effort level, then use the finishing touches to make it look intentional.

Level 1: from your own closet (free, 20 minutes)

Look for these in your wardrobe before you buy anything:

• Flared, bootcut or wide-leg jeans or trousers
• A fitted turtleneck, a ribbed knit top or a patterned blouse
• A long floral skirt or maxi dress
• A suede, corduroy or denim jacket
• Heeled boots, clogs or chunky sandals

Combine one top and one bottom from the list, then add two accessories from the finishing-touches section below. Flares plus a fitted top already match the decade's classic outline: close at the top, loose at the bottom.

Level 2: one thrift-store run (low budget, an afternoon)

Thrift stores are full of real 70s pieces and modern copies. Go with a list so you do not get lost in the racks:

1. One statement piece: a patterned wrap dress, a wide-collar printed shirt, a jumpsuit or a fringed vest.
2. The right colors: rust, mustard, burnt orange, brown and olive, or bright psychedelic prints.
3. Accessories: big sunglasses, a wide belt, chunky jewelry, a silk scarf.

Try trousers on with the shoes you plan to wear; flares should almost touch the floor.

Level 3: the full look (more time, more fun)

Choose a single, clear theme and commit to it with hair and makeup. Good choices:

Theme	What it takes
Disco queen or king	Sequins or satin, flares, platforms, glitter; see our 70s disco outfit guide
Flower child	Peasant blouse, maxi skirt or bell-bottoms, flower crown, beads
Roller-rink kid	Striped knit top, shorts or flares, knee socks, a sweatband
Leisure-suit dad	Matching jacket and flares, wide collar out over the lapels, medallion
Jumpsuit glam	Flared jumpsuit, wide belt, big hoop earrings, blow-dried hair

Womens 70s party outfit ideas

• Wrap dress and boots: a knee-length patterned wrap dress with knee-high boots was one of the decade's signature looks.
• Halter top and flares: a halter-neck or sequined top with wide trousers for a dance party.
• Maxi dress: a long floral or patterned dress with a headband and sandals.
• Denim on denim: flared jeans, a denim shirt and embroidered patches.
• Pantsuit: a fitted blazer with wide lapels and matching flares for a polished late-70s look.

For more styles and menswear, see our 70s outfit ideas and 70s outfits for men.

Finishing touches that say "70s"

• Oversized sunglasses or tinted glasses
• A headband worn across the forehead, or a flower crown
• Long beaded necklaces, a medallion or a peace-sign pendant
• Hair: long with a center part, feathered "wings" at the temples, a shag or an afro
• A little glitter on the cheekbones for a disco night

Last-minute fixes

If the party is tonight:

• Turn straight jeans into "flares" visually by wearing them over platform or heeled boots.
• Tie a printed scarf around your head or neck.
• Wear a plain T-shirt and draw a peace sign or a smiley face on paper, pinned on.
• Center-part your hair and blow it straight, or flick the front back with a round brush.
• Borrow sunglasses. Big ones.

Stay comfortable all night

Most 70s parties involve dancing, so test your shoes before you go and bring flats if you are wearing platforms. Synthetic fabrics get warm, so layer a jacket you can take off. If you are hosting rather than attending, our decades party guide has ideas for music, decorations and a costume contest.