The 1970s was a decade of vibrant fashion, iconic pop culture, and unforgettable music. Whether you're gearing up for a Halloween party or a themed event, dressing up in a '70s costume is a surefire way to stand out. Here are the top 10 '70s costume ideas for adults, each with detailed descriptions to help you achieve the perfect look.
1. Disco Diva
Description:
The disco era was all about glitz, glamour, and dancing the night away under the shimmering lights of a disco ball. To embody a disco diva, you'll need a sparkly dress, preferably with sequins or metallic fabric. Pair it with platform shoes, large hoop earrings, and bold makeup, including glittery eyeshadow and glossy lips.
Key Elements:
-
Sequined or metallic dress
-
Platform shoes
-
Hoop earrings
-
Glittery makeup
Tips:
Consider adding a feather boa or a shiny jacket to complete the look. For an authentic touch, style your hair in voluminous curls or wear a curly wig.
2. Hippie
Description:
The hippie movement was a defining aspect of the '70s, characterized by a love for peace, nature, and free-spirited living. A classic hippie costume includes bell-bottom jeans, a tie-dye shirt, and a fringed vest. Accessories like a flower crown, peace sign necklace, and round sunglasses are essential.
Key Elements:
-
Bell-bottom jeans
-
Tie-dye shirt
-
Fringed vest
-
Flower crown
-
Peace sign necklace
-
Round sunglasses
Tips:
Opt for natural, minimal makeup and let your hair flow freely or wear it in loose braids. Adding a tambourine or a guitar prop can enhance the authenticity of your costume.
3. 'Charlie's Angels'
Description:
Channel the crime-fighting glamour of the original Charlie's Angels trio: Kelly, Sabrina, and Jill. Each character had a distinctive style, but all shared a love for sleek, stylish outfits. Think tailored jumpsuits, bell-bottom pants, and fitted blouses.
Key Elements:
-
Tailored jumpsuits or bell-bottom pants
-
Fitted blouses
-
High-heeled boots
-
Feathered hair or wigs
Tips:
Coordinate with friends to form the complete trio. Carrying toy guns or walkie-talkies can add a fun, playful element to your costume.
4. Ron Burgundy from 'Anchorman'
Description:
Ron Burgundy, the iconic character from *Anchorman*, is known for his distinctive '70s style. A burgundy suit, a wide-collared shirt, and a fake mustache are the hallmarks of this look.
Key Elements:
-
Burgundy suit
-
Wide-collared shirt
-
Fake mustache
-
Brown leather shoes
Tips:
Complete the look with a prop microphone and practice some of Ron Burgundy's famous lines to stay in character throughout the event.
5. KISS Band Member
Description:
KISS, the legendary rock band, is known for their extravagant costumes and face paint. Choose your favorite band member—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, or Peter Criss—and replicate their iconic look with black and silver outfits, platform boots, and dramatic face makeup.
Key Elements:
-
Black and silver outfit
-
Platform boots
-
Face paint (specific to the band member)
Tips:
Use high-quality face paint to ensure it lasts throughout the night. Adding a toy guitar can make your costume even more convincing.
6. 'Saturday Night Fever'
Description:
John Travolta's character, Tony Manero, in Saturday Night Fever is an iconic representation of '70s disco culture. A white three-piece suit with a black shirt and gold chains is essential for this look.
Key Elements:
-
White three-piece suit
-
Black shirt
-
Gold chains
-
Black dress shoes
Tips:
Practice some classic disco dance moves to really bring the character to life. A slicked-back hairstyle or wig will complete the transformation.
7. Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter)
Description:
Lynda Carter's portrayal of Wonder Woman in the '70s TV series remains iconic. The costume includes a red bustier, blue star-spangled shorts, a gold tiara, and red boots.
Key Elements:
-
Red bustier
-
Blue star-spangled shorts
-
Gold tiara
-
Red boots
-
Gold bracelets
Tips:
A lasso of truth prop can be a fun addition. Style your hair in loose waves or wear a wig to match Lynda Carter's look.
8. Sonny and Cher
Description:
Sonny and Cher were a dynamic duo in the '70s, known for their coordinated outfits and musical performances. For Sonny, opt for a patterned shirt, bell-bottom pants, and a mustache. For Cher, a long, flowing dress with fringe or sequins and long, straight hair are key.
Key Elements:
-
Patterned shirt and bell-bottom pants (Sonny)
-
Long, flowing dress with fringe or sequins (Cher)
-
Mustache (Sonny)
-
Long, straight wig (Cher)
Tips:
Perform a duet of "I Got You Babe" to really impress at the party. Matching accessories like oversized sunglasses can enhance the look.
9. Carrie (Prom Scene)
Description:
Sissy Spacek's character in Carrie is unforgettable, especially the prom scene covered in blood. A prom dress, tiara, and fake blood are essential for this costume.
Key Elements:
-
Prom dress
-
Tiara
-
Fake blood
Tips:
Apply the fake blood liberally to your dress and skin for a dramatic effect. Carry a bouquet of flowers to complete the prom queen look.
10. Elvis Presley (Aloha from Hawaii)
Description:
Elvis's white jumpsuit from his "Aloha from Hawaii" concert is one of his most iconic looks. The costume includes a white jumpsuit with rhinestones, a wide belt, and a red scarf.
Key Elements:
-
White jumpsuit with rhinestones
-
Wide belt
-
Red scarf
-
Sunglasses
Tips:
Practice some of Elvis's signature dance moves and phrases to stay in character. A styled pompadour wig or slicked-back hair will complete the look.
Conclusion
The '70s was a decade rich in diverse and memorable fashion and pop culture. Whether you choose to be a disco diva, a hippie, or an iconic character from the era, these costume ideas will ensure you stand out at any event. Embrace the vibrant colors, bold patterns, and unique styles of the '70s to create a costume that's both fun and nostalgic.
