11 Best 1970s costume ideas for adults

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1. Disco Dancer

The disco era defined much of 1970s fashion and culture, making a disco dancer costume one of the most iconic choices for a '70s look. To create an authentic disco dancer costume:

For women:

Choose a sparkly, sequined mini dress or jumpsuit in bright colors like gold, silver, or bold jewel tones
Look for halter necks, plunging necklines, and short hemlines
Pair with metallic or clear platform shoes - the higher the better
Add large hoop earrings and lots of shimmery makeup
Style your hair big and voluminous, or try a sleek Farrah Fawcett-inspired feathered look

For men:

Opt for a shiny, colorful polyester shirt unbuttoned halfway down the chest
Pair with high-waisted bell bottom pants
Add a wide belt and platform shoes
Accessorize with a gold medallion necklace and tinted sunglasses
Style your hair in a shaggy cut or afro

Both men and women can complete the look with some disco dance moves. Practice "The Hustle" and be ready to point dramatically at the ceiling. Don't forget to bring along a mini disco ball as a prop to really set the mood.

2. Hippie

While the hippie movement peaked in the late 1960s, the bohemian hippie style remained popular well into the 1970s. This makes for an easy and recognizable costume. To achieve an authentic hippie look:

Start with flared jeans or bell bottom pants
Add a loose, flowy top like a peasant blouse or tie-dye t-shirt
Layer on a fringed vest or jacket
Accessorize with lots of beaded necklaces, headbands, and round sunglasses
Wear sandals or go barefoot
Style your hair long and straight, or try braids or a messy updo
Draw a peace sign on your cheek with face paint
Carry props like a guitar, tambourine, or protest sign

For added authenticity, research some popular hippie slogans and catchphrases from the era to use. Phrases like "Make love, not war" and "Peace, love, and happiness" capture the spirit of the movement.

3. ABBA Member

The Swedish pop group ABBA rose to international fame in the 1970s with their catchy disco hits and flamboyant stage costumes. Dressing as an ABBA member makes for a fun and recognizable costume, especially if you can coordinate with friends to form the full group. To recreate an ABBA look:

For women (Agnetha or Anni-Frid): Choose a colorful, shiny jumpsuit or mini dress with dramatic sleeves or cape details. Look for bold patterns and lots of sequins.
For men (Björn or Benny): Opt for a white or pastel suit with wide lapels and flared pants. Add a ruffled shirt underneath.
All members should wear platform boots
Style hair in feathered waves or a shag cut
Apply dramatic, shimmery makeup
Accessorize with large star-shaped earrings for women

To really sell the costume, learn some ABBA choreography and be prepared to break into song with hits like "Dancing Queen" or "Mamma Mia."

4. John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever

John Travolta's character Tony Manero from the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever epitomizes the disco era and makes for an instantly recognizable costume. To recreate this iconic look:

Start with a white three-piece suit - make sure the jacket and pants have a slim fit
Add a black button-up shirt underneath, leaving the top few buttons undone
Accessorize with a thin gold chain necklace
Style your hair in a short, slicked-back look
Practice your disco moves, especially the famous pointing pose

For added authenticity, carry a can of hairspray as a prop and work on perfecting your Brooklyn accent. You can also add a pair of sunglasses to wear indoors, just like Tony does in the film's famous dance scenes.

5. Farrah Fawcett

As one of the original Charlie's Angels, Farrah Fawcett became a 1970s style icon. Her famous red swimsuit poster look is instantly recognizable and fairly simple to recreate:

Find a red one-piece swimsuit
Pair with light blue jeans or denim shorts
Add white sneakers
Style your hair in Farrah's signature feathered waves - this is the most important part of the look. You may want to invest in a wig if you can't achieve the style with your natural hair.
Apply natural, glowy makeup with frosted lips
Accessorize with a simple necklace

To really embody Farrah's character, practice her bright smile and bubbly personality. You can also carry a toy gun as a prop to represent her Charlie's Angels role.

6. Elton John

Known for his flamboyant stage costumes and oversized glasses, Elton John makes for a fun and recognizable 1970s costume. To channel the Rocket Man:

Start with a brightly colored, sequined or feathered jacket - the more outrageous, the better
Pair with tight pants or shorts in a contrasting color
Add platform boots
Find the biggest, most dramatic glasses you can - bonus points for tinted lenses or unusual shapes
Style your hair in a shaggy cut or consider a balding wig for later '70s Elton
Accessorize with lots of rings and a sequined or feathered hat
Carry a toy piano or microphone as a prop

To really sell the costume, learn some Elton John songs and be prepared to perform. "Crocodile Rock" or "Bennie and the Jets" are great options from his '70s catalog.

7. Roller Disco Skater

Roller discos were all the rage in the late 1970s, combining two of the decade's biggest trends. This costume allows you to embrace both disco fashion and retro roller skating style:

Start with a brightly colored, shiny leotard or unitard
Add leg warmers in a contrasting color
Find some vintage-style roller skates, or create the illusion with platform shoes
Accessorize with sweatbands on your wrists and head
Style your hair big and voluminous, or in a high ponytail
Apply colorful, shimmery makeup
Add elbow and knee pads for authenticity (and safety if you actually plan to skate!)

This costume works great for couples or groups too - just coordinate your colors for a synchronized look. Don't forget to practice your roller dance moves!

8. David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust defined glam rock style in the early 1970s. This costume requires some effort but makes for a show-stopping look:

Find a colorful, metallic jumpsuit or bodysuit
Add tall platform boots
Style a spiky red wig or dye your hair bright red
Apply dramatic makeup including the iconic lightning bolt across the face
Accessorize with chunky jewelry and maybe a guitar prop

To really embody Ziggy, study Bowie's unique movements and mannerisms from this era. You can also learn some lyrics from "Ziggy Stardust" to quote throughout the night.

9. Hippie Flower Child

For a softer, more feminine take on '70s hippie style, embrace the flower child look:

Choose a long, flowy maxi dress in a floral print or pastel color
Add a fringed vest or shawl
Wear sandals or go barefoot
Make a flower crown with real or artificial flowers
Style your hair in long, natural waves or braids
Apply minimal, natural makeup
Accessorize with lots of beaded jewelry and a peace sign necklace

To complete the flower child vibe, carry a basket of flowers to hand out. You can also learn some popular folk songs from the era to sing or strum on a guitar.

10. Studio 54 Socialite

Studio 54 was the place to see and be seen in late '70s New York City. Channel the glamorous nightclub's regulars with this high-fashion disco look:

Choose a slinky, metallic dress or jumpsuit
Look for dramatic details like a plunging neckline, high slit, or one-shoulder style
Add the highest heels you can manage
Style your hair in voluminous waves or a sleek updo
Apply dramatic, glittery makeup including false lashes
Accessorize with statement jewelry and a fur stole or wrap
Carry a glass of champagne as a prop

To really embody the Studio 54 vibe, practice your most aloof, too-cool-for-school expression and be prepared to name-drop some '70s celebrities.

11. Mork from Ork

For a more quirky '70s costume, consider Mork from the TV show Mork & Mindy. This alien character played by Robin Williams had a distinct look that's easy to recreate:

Find a red jumpsuit or pair red pants with a red long-sleeved shirt
Add rainbow suspenders
Wear white sneakers
Find egg-shaped prop to represent Mork's spaceship
Learn some of Mork's catchphrases like "Nanu Nanu" and "Shazbot"

To really capture Mork's character, practice some of Robin Williams' manic energy and improvised alien behaviors.

When putting together any 1970s costume, remember that bold colors, shiny fabrics, and exaggerated silhouettes are key. Don't be afraid to go over-the-top - the '70s were all about excess and self-expression. Accessories like oversized sunglasses, headbands, and lots of jewelry can help complete any '70s look.

For added authenticity, research some popular slang terms from the decade like "far out," "groovy," and "can you dig it?" Incorporating these phrases into your conversation will help you stay in character all night.

Finally, consider the music and pop culture of the era when choosing your costume. The 1970s saw the rise of disco, punk rock, and glam rock, as well as iconic films like Star Wars and Jaws. Referencing these cultural touchstones in your costume choice or accessories can add an extra layer of recognition and appreciation from fellow partygoers.

Whether you choose a glamorous disco look, a laid-back hippie style, or an iconic character costume, embracing the spirit of the 1970s is sure to make for a fun and memorable Halloween experience. So put on those platform shoes, turn up the Bee Gees, and get ready to boogie down like it's 1975!

Tags: Costume ideas