What Do You Wear To A 70s Disco Night?

The 70s was an iconic era known for its bold fashions, from bell-bottoms and jumpsuits to sequins and platform shoes. If you're planning to attend a 70s-themed disco party, you may be wondering: what do I wear to fully embrace the funky disco spirit? Read on for tips on assembling the perfect groovy disco outfit.

Essential Disco Styles

To nail that authentic 70s disco look, you'll want to familiarize yourself with some key fashion trends from the era.

Flared Pants

No 70s outfit is complete without a pair of flared pants. Bell-bottoms and bootcut pants ruled the dance floors, cut wide from knee to hem to flow and flare around your platform shoes.
Stick to crisply pressed trousers in silk, polyester or cotton. Pair with a fitted top tucked in to balance the volume.
For flair, opt for a bold print like paisley or graphic stripes. Denim flares also epitomize 70s cool.

Jumpsuits

Few garments encapsulate disco fashion better than the jumpsuit. One-piece but impossibly glam, jumpsuits came in sleeveless or halter styles perfect for showing off your best dance moves.
Try a metallic silver or gold jumpsuit straight out of Studio 54 dreams. For flair, look for one shoulder or asymmetric necklines.
Wide leg jumpsuits balance proportions beautifully. Finish the look with a skinny belt at the waist or open shirt over top.

Disco Styles For Women

Ladies, don your highest platforms and embrace your inner disco queen with these sexy, daring styles.

Mini Dresses

Nothing says disco diva quite like a shimmery minidress. These short, figure-hugging numbers paired perfectly with sky-high heels and attitude for days.
Mini slip dresses in jewel-toned satin, slinky halter dresses in graphic prints, or even a sequin-covered LBD will transport you straight to the disco. Make it modern with a blazer on top.
Pair your mini with go-go boots, strappy platforms or wedges. Finish with hoop earrings and bright lipstick.

Hot Pants

Also known as "short shorts," hot pants had women freeing their legs to usher in newfound fashion liberation. Nothing said fearless quite like hot pants and a cropped tee.
Raid your closet for the shortest shorts or mini skirt. Style cheekily with lace tights, a slim tee, and leather moto jacket for that Debbie Harry edge.
Lean into the leg-baring look with chunky heels or strappy wedges that lengthen your silhouette. Accessorize with bangles and a scarf in your hair.

Disco Fashions For Men

Gentlemen, break free from your stiff suits. Disco fashion welcomes you to embrace bold colors, prints and a looser silhouette.

Printed Shirts And Wide Lapels

Leave that Oxford button-down at home. Disco demands bolder prints, like paisley, florals, or art deco geometrics on breathable rayon or viscose.
Look for a bold pointed collar to get that wide lapel look. Pair with slim bellbottoms, and finish with leather accessories and a gold chain.

Leisure Suits

Leisure suits emerged as the menswear middle ground between business formal and casual Friday. These elastic-waisted suits separate business on top from party below.
Find one in a lightweight fabric like velveteen, polyester knit, or even embroidered denim. Style the jacket with a print shirt open at the collar.
The matching bottoms can be slim or flared. Pair with white loafers or platform Oxfords. Top with a floppy fedora for iconic 70s swag.

Disco Shoes That Boogie

Don your dancing shoes – here's how to finish your outfit on the perfect disco footwear note.

Platform Heels

Ladies, balance your minidress perfectly with vertiginous platform heels. Tower over the crowd with chunky straps, glitter, and height for days.
Go for classic 70s brands like Pleasers that dominated the disco scene. Look for details like exaggerated vamps and island platforms.
Finish with neon ankle straps or metallic leather for that strobe-ready shine. Practice walking in them before hitting the dance floor!

Men's Platform Shoes

Gents, step up your disco cool with Oxfords and loafers atop gum or crepe platforms. Effortlessly add inches while keeping the exaggerated look.
Find two-tone spectator shoes with perforations, or slip-on loafers in metallic shades. Details like kiltie fringe or tassels add flair.
Look for a chunky heel and exaggerated sole. Pair with wide flares to balance the proportions.

Disco Accessories

Pull together your fabulous retro outfit with era-appropriate accessories that dazzle.

Statement Jewelry

Disco demanded bold baubles, so look for brightly-hued bangles and cuffs in lucite, bamboo, or chunky resin. Stacks of mixed metals and stones make major impact.
Finish with long lariat or bib necklaces. Look for sculptural or natural shapes with colorful beads or pendants.
Hoop earrings always epitomize 70s style. Go big or go home – the larger the hoops, the more disco fabulous you'll be!

Headwear

Tie up a colorful scarf, channel Wonder Woman with a headband, or tie on a bandana. Fun headwear amplified the carefee disco spirit.
Ladies, try a sequin or feathered headband tucked behind feathered Farrah Fawcett locks. Add oversized novelty sunglasses and you're set!
Gents can don a felt fedora or panama hat tipped stylishly sideways or back. Add mirror shades for an iconic 70s look.

How To Get The 70s Disco Look

Bringing together your perfect disco outfit is easier than busting a move on the dancefloor. Follow these simple steps:

Pick your disco era. Do you crave 50s sock hops or the gritty 80s downtown scene? Choose what part of disco history inspires you most.
Make it comfortable. Disco demands movement, so make sure you can dance, twirl and boogie unencumbered by restrictive clothes.
Raid local vintage shops for era-appropriate pieces. Or reinvent items already in your closet for a modern take.
Go for bold colors, prints and textures for lots of visual interest under the disco lights. Don't be afraid to shine!
Layer pieces like tailored blazers, kimonos or capes on top for unexpected proportions. Finish with a wide obi belt.
Pick statement shoes and jewelry to tie together your glamorous disco look. Shine on that dancefloor!