70s Outfit Ideas: Six Looks From the Decade and How to Copy Them
The 1970s had no single uniform, which makes it one of the easiest decades to dress up as. Pick one of six looks and build it from thrift finds and your own closet.
A good 70s outfit is easier to put together than almost any other decade costume, because the 1970s did not have one uniform. Fashion historians describe the decade as being about individuality: hippie styles carried over from the late 1960s, disco brought shine, and everyday clothes turned casual and comfortable. The one shape that ties most of it together is fitted on top and loose at the bottom. Choose one of the looks below, and you will be recognizably "seventies" from across the room.
The silhouette to aim for
Through the middle and late part of the decade, the classic outline for both men and women was a close-fitting top over wide, flared trousers. If you get only one thing right, make it the flare. Bell-bottoms or wide-leg trousers, a slim knit top or blouse, and a heeled boot or platform shoe will read as 70s even with no other details.
Six 70s looks
1. Early-70s hippie
The decade opened with the hippie look still going strong: tie-dye shirts, embroidered peasant blouses, ponchos, fringe, frayed jeans and ankle-length maxi dresses in bright florals. Accessories were handmade or natural: wooden beads, shells, leather and feathers. This is the most forgiving look to copy, since a long floral skirt and a loose blouse already get you most of the way.
2. All-denim
Jeans were everywhere in the 70s, in a sturdy, thick denim that was often pre-faded. For a 70s denim outfit, wear flared jeans with a denim shirt or jacket, or try a denim skirt with knee-high boots. Patches and embroidered flowers on the legs add an instant homemade touch.
3. The jumpsuit
From the mid-70s onward, the jumpsuit was one of the biggest trends in women's casual wear, usually flared at the leg. Sleeves ranged from none at all to long bell sleeves. A one-piece is ideal for a party because it is a whole outfit in one hanger; add a wide belt and platforms.
4. Wrap dress and blazer
The knee-length jersey wrap dress, cinched at the waist, became one of the defining women's looks of the decade because it worked at the office and on the dance floor. For a polished retro 70s outfit for female guests, pair a patterned wrap dress with heeled boots, or try a blazer with wide lapels over flared trousers.
5. Mid-70s casual
By the mid-70s, T-shirts with slogans and graphics had become everyday wear, along with chunky cardigans, turtlenecks and tracksuits. Earth tones were everywhere: rust, mustard, brown, olive and orange. This is the comfortable option: a ringer T-shirt or striped knit, cords or flares, and sneakers.
6. Disco night
For shimmer, sequins and halter necklines, see our full guide to the 70s disco outfit.
A quick 70s outfit table
| Look | Top | Bottom | Finish with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hippie | Peasant blouse or tie-dye | Maxi skirt or frayed flares | Beads, headband, sandals |
| Denim | Denim shirt or jacket | Flared jeans | Patches, wide belt, boots |
| Jumpsuit | Flared one-piece | (same piece) | Platforms, big hoop earrings |
| Wrap dress | Patterned wrap dress | (knee length) | Knee boots, scarf |
| Casual | Slogan T-shirt, turtleneck | Corduroy or flares | Cardigan, sneakers |
Winter and ski-lodge variation
For a cold-weather party or a 70s ski outfit, layer a quilted puffer vest over a turtleneck, add a bright knit hat and scarf, and keep the flared trousers or wear corduroy. Stripes and bold color blocking make it read as retro rather than modern.
Hair and makeup
- Long and straight with a center part was the most common women's style for much of the decade.
- Feathered "wings" flicked back at the temples are a mid-70s classic; a round brush and a little hairspray will get you close.
- The shag, a choppy layered cut, works for any hair length; a shaggy wig is the shortcut.
- The afro was worn by both men and women throughout the decade.
- Daytime makeup was mostly light and natural; save glitter and color for a disco look.
If you use a wig, our guide on washing a costume wig keeps it party-ready for the next event.
Where to find the pieces
Thrift stores are the best source for a 70s theme outfit: look for flared trousers, wide collars, wrap dresses, turtlenecks, suede or corduroy jackets and anything in mustard or rust. Check your own closet for flared jeans and boots first. If you are going to a themed event, our 70s party outfit guide has quick builds for every budget, and the decades party guide covers the other eras.
Questions
What is the easiest 70s outfit to put together?
Flared jeans, a fitted turtleneck or peasant blouse and boots. Add a headband or big sunglasses and you have a recognizable 70s look.
What colors say 70s?
Earth tones such as rust, mustard, brown, olive and orange, plus the bright tie-dye and floral prints of the early decade.
What shoes go with a 70s outfit?
Platform shoes, chunky heels, knee-high boots and clogs all fit, and sneakers work for a casual mid-70s look.
What did women wear in the 70s?
Everything from maxi dresses and peasant blouses to jeans, jumpsuits, wrap dresses and pantsuits. Trousers became everyday wear for women during the decade.
