Disco Fever: A Comprehensive Guide to Groovy 1970s Costumes
Introduction
Prepare to boogie back in time to the era of flared trousers, psychedelic prints, and disco fever! The 1970s was a decade of exuberant self-expression, and costumes played a central role in capturing the flamboyant spirit of the era. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to create an authentic and eye-catching 1970s costume.
Key Features of 1970s Costumes
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Bold Colors and Prints: The 1970s was characterized by vibrant hues and groovy patterns. Expect to see an array of shocking pinks, electric blues, and psychedelic swirls.
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Flared Bottoms: Bell-bottom jeans and flared trousers were ubiquitous in the 1970s. These loose-fitting garments added a touch of drama and movement to any ensemble.
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High Waistlines: Both men and women wore high-waisted pants and skirts, accentuating the iconic 1970s silhouette.
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Platform Shoes: Towering platforms added height and a touch of disco flair to any outfit.
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Accessories: Accessories played a crucial role in completing a 1970s look. Think oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and wide-brimmed hats.
Types of 1970s Costumes
The 1970s offered a diverse range of costume options, catering to different tastes and events.
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Disco Queen: Embrace the glitter and glamour of disco with a sparkly jumpsuit, platform shoes, and a disco ball purse.
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Groovy Hippie: Channel the peace and love vibes with a tie-dye shirt, flared pants, and a headband with a flower crown.
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Rock Star: Get ready to rock with a leather jacket, flared jeans, and a bandana.
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Studio 54 Glam: Recreate the iconic Studio 54 scene with a sequined dress, fur coat, and oversized sunglasses.
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Saturday Night Fever: Pay homage to the iconic John Travolta film with a white suit, flared trousers, and a medallion.
Creating Your Own 1970s Costume
Choose a Character or Theme: Start by deciding on a specific character or theme from the 1970s that you want to embody. This will help you narrow down your costume choices.
Thrift Store Finds: Thrift stores are a treasure trove for finding authentic 1970s clothing and accessories. Don't be afraid to dig through piles of vintage gems.
DIY: If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own 1970s-inspired garments. There are plenty of tutorials and patterns available online to help you get started.
Accessorize: Accessories can make or break a 1970s costume. Complete your look with oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Get the Hair and Makeup Right: The 1970s was known for its iconic hairstyles and makeup. Consider getting a perm, a feathered haircut, or some glitter eyeshadow to complete your transformation.
Costume Inspiration from Iconic Figures
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Cher: The disco queen herself! Cher was known for her extravagant costumes, including sequined jumpsuits and feathered headdresses.
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David Bowie: Bowie's androgynous and glam rock style made him a fashion icon of the 1970s.
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Stevie Wonder: The blind singer-songwriter was known for his slick suits and stylish sunglasses.
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Farrah Fawcett: Her feathered hair and red swimsuit made her a pop culture sensation and a symbol of the 1970s.
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John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever": Travolta's white suit, flared trousers, and medallion became synonymous with the disco era.
1970s Costume Table
Item |
Where to Find |
Average Cost |
Flared jeans |
Thrift stores, online retailers |
$20-$50 |
Disco jumpsuit |
Costume stores, online retailers |
$50-$100 |
High-waisted skirt |
Thrift stores, vintage boutiques |
$30-$60 |
Platform shoes |
Costume stores, online retailers |
$40-$80 |
Oversized sunglasses |
Thrift stores, online retailers |
$10-$30 |
Chunky jewelry |
Thrift stores, vintage boutiques |
$15-$40 |
Wide-brimmed hat |
Thrift stores, vintage boutiques |
$20-$50 |
Costume Styling Tips and Tricks
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Consider Your Body Type: Choose clothing that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident.
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Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different elements of the 1970s style to create your own unique look.
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Accessorize Wisely: Accessories can take your costume to the next level. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
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Get Creative: The 1970s was all about experimentation. Don't be afraid to break some fashion rules and have fun with your costume.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overdoing It: It's easy to go overboard with 1970s fashion. Avoid wearing too many bold pieces at once or your costume will look cluttered.
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Choosing Uncomfortable Clothing: Costume parties can be long, so make sure to choose clothing that you can move around in comfortably.
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Ignoring Accessories: Accessories are essential for completing a 1970s costume. Don't neglect this important element.
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Not Paying Attention to Hair and Makeup: Hair and makeup are just as important as your clothing for creating an authentic 1970s look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What are some popular 1970s costume themes?
Popular themes include disco, hippie, rock star, Studio 54 glam, and "Saturday Night Fever."
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Where can I find authentic 1970s clothing?
Thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and online retailers are all good places to start your search.
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How can I style my hair and makeup for a 1970s look?
Consider getting a perm, a feathered haircut, or some glitter eyeshadow. For makeup, opt for bold eyeliner, blush, and lipstick.
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What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a 1970s costume?
Avoid overdoing it, choosing uncomfortable clothing, ignoring accessories, and not paying attention to hair and makeup.
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Can I create my own 1970s costume?
Yes, you can find plenty of tutorials and patterns online to help you create your own authentic garments.
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What are some iconic 1970s figures that I can base my costume on?
Consider Cher, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Farrah Fawcett, or John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever."