To create that authentic 70s feel and look, participants should “time warp” to the era itself and see what it's all about. After mentally visiting the era, guests may emerge knowing how to dress for a 70s party.
The 70s in History
Historically, the 1970's were sandwiched between the war-dominated 60s and the self-indulgent 80s. Vietnam War protesting from the 1960's continued with the infamous Kent State killings occurring on May 4, 1970 in which four student protesters lost their lives. Though the United States would pull their troops out of the war in 1973, the American people remained at odds on the issue.
This decade also saw its share of political scandal. The 70s saw three presidents in Nixon, Ford and Carter. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned among tax evasion charges followed by President Nixon's resignation due to impending impeachment. Nixon's Watergate scandal remains a sign of corruption to this day.
The decade celebrated happy times as well. July 4, 1976 marked the country's 200th anniversary and the word “bicentennial” adorned banners nationwide. As the nation approached the 80s, the seriousness of war gave way to less grave issues like making money and keeping fit with aerobics.
Their Hip Clothes
“Versatility” was the fashion word of the 70's. The “mini skirts,” made popular in the 60s, continued their reign in the early 70s. Soon, this hem-defying fashion was joined by its opposing partner, the “maxi dress.” This dress skimmed the floor in plaids and solids often with a belted waist.
Probably the most famous fashion feed from the 1970s was the bell-bottom. It began slowly in the decade with a slight flare to the legs of jumpsuits and jeans. By the mid 70s, the flare was dramatic, beginning at the knee and ending with a bell-shaped hem. Later in the decade, the flare would decline resulting in the straight leg 80's fashion. Skin-tight “hip huggers,” however would again make their presence known to later generations.
Like it or not, the Disco scene had a place in the 70s. Dance club attire, though not acceptable day wear, came out at night to make a shining statement. The Disco ball threw glimmering light on dancers in gold lame, tight stretch clothes and halter jump suits.
One foot trend, acceptable both on the dance floor and the street, was the platform shoe. Ranging from 1” to 4” (depending on how short the wearer), these shoes, coupled with bell bottoms, were the rage. Eventually, the clog replaced the platform shoe as a comfortable, but less dangerous, option.
Their Groovy Music
The 70s were ushered in by sugary chart toppers by the Jackson 5, The Carpenters and Simon and Garfunkel. In 1970, artists at the top of the Billboard Charts sang about being a “Bridge over Troubled Waters” and sweet, snuggling tunes like “Close To You” and “I'll Be There.”
By 1975, the Charts showed an eclectic choice of music. Country favorites like Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" and John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" rubbed shoulders in the Top 10 with crooners like The Captain and Tennille and Neil Sedaka. Americans tried out all kinds of music.
Later in the decade, Rock and Disco fought for the Charts. In 1979, The Knack's “My Sharona” battled for the top spot of the year with Donna Summer's “Bad Girls.” Eventually, rock would prevail and the 80's kept that tradition.
Their Far-Out Culture
Every era has their pop culture, ideas that form and later represent the era; the 70's were no exception. The “Brady Bunch” contributed with language like “far-out” and “groovy” and the much repeated phrase “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.” The Brady's also symbolized 70s icons like the station wagon and the Ranch style home.
Farrah Fawcett Majors and her entourage on “Charlie's Angels” dictated the hair styles (and bikini wear) for women. The Afro became the male standard that everyone had to try at least once. The hippie-style shoulder length hair for men still appeared regularly.
On television, the decade opened with Westerns and Police Dramas as “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Hawaii Five-O” were the favorite shows. By the mid 70s, television lightened up with comedies like “All In the Family” and “Laverne & Shirley” topping the ratings. By the end of the decade, America showed they were ready to think about Vietnam again when “MASH” premiered (and stayed) as one of the top shows. Two new genres were introduced when the night-time soap opera “Dallas” and the news magazine “60 Minutes” became American favorites in 1979. Lastly, the “Dukes of Hazard” left an impression in 1979 with a final icon… the Daisy Duke shorts.
Putting Together an Authentic Outfit
As previously mentioned, costume stores sell 70s outfits for a “quick fix.” However, these thin, polyester versions are good in a pinch but they're not authentic material.
To create an authentic, homemade version, a person must first decide on their desired look. Will they show up at the party as a Disco Diva or Dude, a peace-loving Hippie, or a Brady.
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| Peace-loving Hippie Girl |
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| D.I.Y Disco Diva |
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Hot pants and bell-bottomed trousers were 70s popular fashion trends |
As for the hair, a fake Afro or long hair captures the look for men. Tying a belt around the hairdo and letting it hang down does create a care-free Hippie look. A pair of large sunglasses also say “groovy.” Women can try to recreate the “Farrah” look with large, tousled curls or the “Marcia Brady” look with straight gleaming hair. Of course, if going for the Marcia look, don't forget the lip gloss.
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