You have been invited to a '70s costume party. Immediately, you think of hippies or disco. There is no denying, the 1970s represented a distinct fashion era. Finding the right costume to wear to the party is as easy as heading to your local costume shop. There you will find a wide range of '70s costumes, and with a little creativity, you can create your own costume and be the hit of the party.
Men's Costumes
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Visit any retro clothing store to see samples of men's fashions popular in the 1970s. Bellbottom jeans and trousers were a staple in any man's wardrobe. Hippies liked to wear loose-fitting clothing such as tunics or tie-dyed T-shirts. Pair these with platform shoes, sandals, moccasins or even bare feet to complete the hippie look.
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Rent the iconic movie, "Saturday Night Fever" to get ideas for the disco look. Tight polyester suits ruled the disco floors of the 1970s. Wear a satin shirt with a butterfly collar. Leave the top unbuttoned to proudly display a large gold medallion. Finish the look with matching platform dress shoes or boots.
Women's Costumes
The late '60s and early '70s was a time of female empowerment. Women were taking control of their lives and making bold clothing choices. Hippies and flower children wore flare-legged jeans or flowing peasant skirts with earthy and organic tops. Add some handmade jewelry pieces such as a beaded bracelet to authenticate the costume.
Choose a miniskirt paired with a halter top to be more daring. Enhance the outfit by adding knee-high boots. Break out the old four-wheeled roller skates for a fun roller derby outfit. Match a pair of tiny tight cotton shorts with a retro T-shirt featuring a '70s character such as Princess Leia or "Charlie's Angels." Don't forget the knee-length tube socks with color coordinated stripes.
Wear a halter-neck cat suit for an elegant glamorous look. A popular evening wear look for women in the '70s consisted of a bellbottom one-piece suit that featured a high-waisted belt. Look for a suit in an animal or tropical print for a true '70s look.
Hairstyles and Accessories
Complete your '70s costume by adding the right retro accessories and hairstyle to match your look. Hippie costumes are properly accentuated by beads, friendship bracelets and peace signs. Wear your hair long and straight.
If your costume falls on the disco side of the '70s, women should wear sparkling and dangling earrings. Think of anything that will catch the light of the disco ball. Men's jewelry was very loud and bold. Large flashy pendants and rings are a good choice.
Style hair with a curling iron, flipping the ends up in a feathered style, such as Farrah Fawcett did on "Charlie's Angels." Both men and women can don an afro wig for an easy '70s hairstyle.
Many of these items can be found in second-hand stores or on online auction sites such as eBay.