1. Disco Dancer
The disco era defined 1970s fashion and pop culture. For a fun disco dancer costume:
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Start with a shimmery, colorful jumpsuit or dress with bell bottoms
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Add platform shoes or boots
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Style hair big and fluffy or in an afro
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Accessorize with oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and a disco ball necklace
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Teach your child some disco moves like "The Hustle"
This eye-catching costume allows kids to embrace the flashy, fun side of 70s style. The metallic fabrics and bold colors capture the essence of disco fever.
2. Hippie
For a laid-back flower child look:
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Use flared jeans or a long flowy skirt
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Add a fringed vest or tie-dye shirt
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Make a floral headband or wear a floppy hat
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Accessorize with peace sign necklaces and round sunglasses
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Give them a toy guitar as a prop
The hippie costume celebrates the free-spirited, peace-and-love ethos of the early 70s counterculture. It's comfortable for kids to wear and easy to customize.
3. ABBA Member
Channel the iconic Swedish pop group with:
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White or pastel-colored bell bottom jumpsuit
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Shiny fabric or sequins
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Platform boots
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Long, straight hair (or wig)
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Microphone prop
ABBA's catchy tunes and distinctive style make this a fun choice, especially for music-loving kids. It works great as a group costume too.
4. Charlie's Angels
For aspiring crime-fighters:
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High-waisted flared jeans or pants
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Fitted turtleneck or button-up shirt
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Add a blazer or leather jacket
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Style hair in feathered waves
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Toy gun as an accessory (if appropriate)
This costume pays homage to the groundbreaking TV show featuring three female detectives. It's empowering and allows for some variation between the three Angels' styles.
5. Star Wars Character
With the original film's 1977 release, Star Wars characters make great 70s costumes:
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Luke Skywalker: White tunic, brown belt, toy lightsaber
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Princess Leia: White dress, belt, iconic hair buns
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Darth Vader: Black cape, mask, chest piece, lightsaber
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Han Solo: White shirt, black vest, blue pants with red stripes
These costumes tap into the massive cultural impact of Star Wars and offer options for different personalities.
6. John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever
Recreate Travolta's iconic look:
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White three-piece suit
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Black button-up shirt
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Gold chains
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Slicked-back hair
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Strike the famous pointing pose
This costume captures the essence of 70s disco culture and allows kids to emulate one of the decade's biggest stars.
7. Roller Skater
Roller skating was huge in the 70s. Put together this active costume with:
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Brightly colored shorts or skirt
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Striped knee-high socks
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T-shirt with iron-on transfer design
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Roller skates (or roller blade-style skates for easier walking)
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Sweatbands for wrists and head
This costume is fun, colorful, and perfect for energetic kids who want to stay mobile on Halloween.
8. Marcia Brady
Channel the eldest Brady daughter:
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Plaid miniskirt or bell-bottom pants
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Fitted turtleneck or polo shirt
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Long, straight blonde hair (or wig)
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Knee-high socks
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Platform shoes
The Brady Bunch was a cultural touchstone of the early 70s, and Marcia was the epitome of 70s teen fashion.
9. David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust
For a bold, artistic choice:
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Red or orange mullet wig
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Colorful, glittery jumpsuit
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Platform boots
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Lightning bolt face paint
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Toy guitar as prop
This costume celebrates Bowie's iconic alter ego and the glam rock movement of the early 70s. It's perfect for creative, music-loving kids.
10. Hippie Van Driver
Create a mobile 60s holdover:
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Tie-dye shirt
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Jeans or corduroys
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Headband
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Round sunglasses
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Create a cardboard "van" to wear over shoulders, decorated with flowers and peace signs
This costume combines the hippie aesthetic with the iconic VW van, allowing kids to bring their own "vehicle" to parties or trick-or-treating.
11. Elton John
Emulate the flamboyant singer:
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Colorful, sequined jacket
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Oversized, novelty sunglasses
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Feather boa
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Platform shoes
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Toy piano keyboard as prop
Elton John's extravagant style perfectly encapsulates 70s glam rock fashion. This costume allows kids to go all out with color and accessories.
12. Disco Ball
For a unique twist on 70s style:
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Create a spherical costume using cardboard or foam
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Cover it in small mirror tiles or silver sequins
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Add arm and leg holes
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Wear silver leggings and long-sleeved shirt underneath
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Add a headband with a stem to complete the look
This creative costume turns your child into the ultimate disco party accessory. It's eye-catching and captures the essence of 70s nightlife.
When putting together these costumes, remember that the 1970s were all about bold colors, patterns, and textures. Don't be afraid to mix and match or go over the top - that's part of the fun of 70s style!
Many of these costumes can be created using thrift store finds or items already in your closet. Look for synthetic fabrics, bold prints, and flared silhouettes to capture that authentic 70s vibe. Accessories like chunky jewelry, headbands, and oversized sunglasses can really complete the look.
For hair and makeup, think big and bold. Teased hair, afros, long straight styles, and feathered looks were all popular. Makeup often featured colorful eyeshadow, lots of blush, and glossy lips.
These costume ideas allow kids to step back in time and experience the fun, free-spirited nature of the 1970s. Whether they're into music, movies, TV shows, or just love the fashion, there's a 70s costume idea here for every child. Encourage them to learn about the decade and the significance of their chosen character or style - it can be a great opportunity for a fun history lesson!
Remember, the most important thing is for kids to have fun and feel comfortable in their costumes. With these groovy 1970s ideas, they're sure to be the hit of any Halloween party or trick-or-treating adventure.
