Have the Grooviest Halloween Ever With These '70s-Era Costumes Ideas
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Have the Grooviest Halloween Ever With These '70s-Era Costumes Ideas
Whether you're someone who starts planning the perfect Halloween costume months ahead of time or wait around until the last minute to throw something together, everyone wants to look their best come Halloween. Many folks love to host themed parties, which means dressing up in everything from a Disney character to something punny. But parties or not, we suggest you throw it back to the decade known for bell bottoms and disco and opt for something on this list of best '70s Halloween costumes.
You'll find scary, sexy and sweet DIY and store-bought ideas that pay homage to the flashy fashion and pop-culture moments of the decade. For the movie and TV fans that still can't get enough of Carrie, The Brady Bunch or The Godfather, to music fans who know every word to all of ABBA and Prince's songs, this groovy list of '70s-inspired costumes has it all.
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DIY Lava Lamp Costume
Did someone say groovy? Nothing says the '70s quite like a lava lamp. Blogger Aww Sam shares her step-by-step guide to creating this eccentric costume, which can be customized to include any color you like.
Get the tutorial at Aww Sam
RELATED: 80 Best Homemade Halloween Costumes Kids and Adults Can Easily DIY at Home
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Rainbow Rave Disco Costume
Main Content
halloweencostumes.com
$39.99
With a jumpsuit as colorful and shiny as this, you'll be the star of the dance floor at any Halloween party you attend. Dress up the outfit with some clunky gold earrings, a bright pair of over-the-top sunglasses and some seriously high heels.
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DIY Farrah Fawcett Costume
As one of the stars of the original Charlie's Angels, Farrah Fawcett simply exudes '70s energy. Channel this look from her very first episode with a red sweatshirt, dark bell bottom jeans, sneakers and a mini skateboard. For her famous hair, you can either opt for a wig or try curling your hair at home.
RELATED: 17 Photos of Old Hollywood Stars Before They Were Famous
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Rocky Balboa Costume
Rocky
amazon.com
$27.95
Since hitting the big screen back in 1976, Rocky Balboa has been a classic movie character that audiences have loved for years. With this gold-and-red boxing robe, embossed with "Italian Stallion" on the back, you'll look just like Rocky right before his big fight with Apollo Creed. Just throw on a pair of exercise shorts beneath the robe and a white pair of sneakers and get ready to square up.
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DIY 'The GodFather' Costume
Debuting in 1972, American crime film The Godfather is still a classic. Although there are many great looks to wear as Halloween costumes, Don Vito Corleone is one of the best. If you already own a tux, the rest of this costume is all in the small details — a fake mustache and fake cigar will do the trick.
RELATED: 35 Cool Men’s Halloween Costumes Every Guy Can Pull Off
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Tony Manero 'Saturday Night Fever' Costume
Smiffys
amazon.com
$42.52
Halloween might not be on Saturday this upcoming year, but that doesn't mean you can't catch the Saturday night fever. If your moves and style are as good as Tony's, you'll definitely make an impression in this movie-inspired suit. Need a second costume for your significant other or friend? Have them dress up as Stephanie.
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DIY "Crocodile Rock" Family Costume
Who doesn't love a creative DIY costume that's also punny?! For a group of three, this "Crocodile Rock" costume is not only super easy to create but it's absolutely unique and adorable. Although a little trickier to build from scratch, this trio is definitely worth the investment in accessories and extra pieces.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess
RELATED: 51 Creative Family Halloween Costumes That Bring the Group Together
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Sonny and Cher Costumes
FutureMemories
amazon.com
$44.95
Sonny and Cher were the couple during the '70s as they released new music and hosted two TV shows. Dress as this classic couple with a friend or partner and belt out a few verses of "I've Got You Babe."
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Jazzercise Costume
Main Content
halloweencostumes.com
$19.99
The '70s and '80s were times of leg warmers, leotards, sweatbands and bike shorts. This Halloween costume takes the exercise gear out of the studio and on to the street, making you ready for even the most ferocious of trick-or-treaters. If you don't have a leotard, you can always use a one piece bathing suit as a layer over the bike shorts. Just don't forget those leg warmers – it can be chilly in October, after all.
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DIY Gloria Steinem Costume
As an outspoken feminist, journalist and social political activist, Gloria Steinem dominated and led much of the American feminist movement in the late '60s and early '70s. Much of this costume can be DIY'ed with clothing already in your closet, but her iconic color-tinted glasses are the one piece you'll want to invest in.
RELATED: The 20 Best Feminist Books to Put on Your Reading List This Year
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Jimi Hendrix Costume
Main Content
halloweencostumes.com
$59.99
Although Jimi Hendrix died in September of 1970, his legacy as a rockstar and great musician lives on even today. As a pioneer of the electric guitar, he's a memorable character of the '70s — and a stylish one at that. You'll be the star of any party with this getup.
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DIY 'Carrie' Costume
Bring the gore with this DIY Carrie costume. The scene where the newly-crowned prom queen gets covered in pig's blood is one of the most memorable horror movie scenes, which makes it a thrilling costume for those who want to really wow a crowd. Once you're dressed as a prom queen, cover yourself in fake blood (the more the better) to truly capture this iconic scene.
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Ron Burgundy from 'Anchorman' Costume
fun shack
amazon.com
$39.95
"Don't act like you're not impressed" with this Ron Burgundy costume. The movie Anchorman, which is set in 1975, follows funny man Ron and his other newscaster friends through their epic day-to-day adventures. For the guy who loves to make people laugh, this costume is the perfect Halloween pick. Going in a group? Dress up as some of the other leads like Veronica Corningstone, Brick Tamland, Brian Fantana and Champ Kind.
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DIY Disco Ball Costume
Why simply channel disco when you can be a disco ball? This DIY costume uses a balloon and paper mache to make a hollow ball that, once decorated with reflective silver tape and shoulder straps, looks exactly like the disco balls everyone used to dance under. Throw on a pair of silver heels for some extra sparkle.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY
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Prince Costume
Fun World
amazon.com
$38.86
An iconic look for an iconic singer. This Prince costume is perfect for the person who likes to be the star or the show. Although the American musician didn't rock this specific look until 1981, it's the perfect outfit to pay homage to his beginnings in the music industry in the late '70s.
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Rubik's Cube Costume
Smiffys
amazon.com
$53.76
It's been almost 50 years since the Rubik's Cube was invented and we still can't solve one. Pay homage to this pesky puzzle with this quirky and unique costume.
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DIY ABBA Costume
You are the dancing queen, and you need a look that shows it. Dress as a member of the Swedish pop group ABBA, or grab three more friends and go as the entire band. Once you throw on a ruffled jumpsuit and a blonde wig, make your way to the center of the dance floor and ask the DJ to play some of ABBA's greatest hits like "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo" or "Super Trooper."
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Laurie Strode from 'Halloween' Costume
Dress up as babysitter Laurie Strode from Halloween for a truly classic costume that is easy to DIY. To create Laurie's look, grab a pair of dark jeans and a denim button down from your closet. Then it's just a matter of finding a good wig and fake knife for your accessories. If you aren't too attached to your shirt, add some rips and tears to make it more accurate.
RELATED: Here Is How to Watch All 13 Halloween Movies with Michael Myers in Order
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DIY Twiggy Costume
As one of the most iconic fashion models and faces of the '70s, Twiggy had a look like no other. Her pixie cut and heavily-lined eyes made her one of the most recognizable celebs in the world at the time. Rock one of her classic looks with a matching floral printed top and pants, neck scarf and white chunky boots. If there are two aspects of the outfit you must not forget, it's her signature heavy winged eyeliner (which you can easily learn how to do) and her short hair.
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Hippie Costume
SATINIOR
amazon.com
$35.99
This hippie-approved look exudes peace and love. As you can see, fringe was very in during the '70s. For this costume, the dress underneath comes in either a red floral (as pictured) or a black floral pattern. Whichever you decide, you'll be looking groovy all Halloween long.
RELATED: 24 Groovy Hippie Halloween Costume and Accessory Ideas
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DIY Diana Ross Costume
Diana Ross has always hit new heights with her looks, but this red-feathered dress she wore during a solo performance in 1978 is one of our favorites. Since leaving The Supremes in 1970 and launching her solo career, she's continued to be a music and style icon. Who wouldn't look good dressed up as her?
RELATED: 60 Photos That Prove the '70s Was the Decade With the Best Style
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"Space Oddity" David Bowie Costumes
Introducing Mr. and Miss Space Oddity. If you’re going to channel the British rockstar, you have to go all out. Use basic face paint to create his bold red-and-blue lightning look. For some extra sparkle, add some gold glitter on your face.
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'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' Columbia Costume
Forum Novelties
amazon.com
$41.35
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an eclectic musical that is quirky, bold and quite colorful. This Columbia costume will have you yelling "Let's do the Time Warp again!" before you know it. Don't skimp on the accessories — the more the better to fully capture Columbia's spunkiness.
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DIY Liza Minelli Costume
Actress Liza Minelli could often be found dominating the public eye in the '70s. This vibrant look was just one of many colorful outfits she wore out and about. Liza wore this purple ensemble to celebrate one of her birthdays at Studio 54, the club where anyone who was anyone could be found in the '70s and '80s.
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Disco Diva Dress Costume
California Costumes
amazon.com
$22.98
Keep movin' and groovin' in this sultry disco dress. Paired with a printed head scarf and chic knee-high boots, you'll look like you came straight out of the '70s if you wear this on October 31st.
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DIY Legendary Rockstar Trio Costumes
Say what you want about the '70s, but they had some pretty great performers emerge on the music scene, like Sir Elton John, Freddie Mercury and, as we mentioned before, David Bowie. Make this trio of music legends come to life this Halloween on a budget by pulling from things already in your closet.
For Freddie Mercury
For David Bowie
For Elton John
Shop Sunglasses
Get the tutorial at Living After MidniteCourtesy of Living After Midnite - 28/36
'70s Denim Jumpsuit Costume
California Costumes
amazon.com
$54.99
Nothing compares to an all-denim jumpsuit. It’s the perfect outfit to get your boogie on. Consider tying the look together with a colorful belt and adding some gold jewelry or a patterned scarf to embellish the totally rad look.
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Elvis Costume
Rubie's
amazon.com
$42.17
A costume fit for The King. The great thing about this Elvis costume is that once you have the white jumpsuit, the rest is fairly easy to make work with items you already have. Slick back your hair with gel, throw on a red undershirt, black shoes and some thick sunglasses, and you’re ready to go.
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DIY Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) Costume
For seven seasons, Mary Tyler Moore starred as Mary Richards, an independent woman focused on her career as an associate producer at a news station in Minneapolis. Luckily for Halloween purposes, her stylish looks are fairly simple to recreate if you're feeling inspired. If you have a turtleneck, tights and knee-length skirt, you're more than halfway there already.
RELATED: 95 Easy Halloween Costumes You Can Quickly DIY Right Before the Party
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DIY Sandy and Danny Costumes
This costume never stops being a hit. Time to pull out all the black clothes you own and see what works for this Sandy and Danny costume. When it comes to hair, break out the big curlers, hair spray and pomade.
For Sandy
Shop Black Off-The-Shoulder Top
For Danny
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KISS Group Costume
If you're looking to live out a night as a heavy-metal rock star, now's your chance. Dress up as one of the KISS band members if you're heading out solo or as the entire band if you're hanging in a group.
RELATED: 35 Pop Culture Halloween Costumes to Wear in 2022 That Are Right on Trend
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Wonder Woman Costume
Costumes USA
amazon.com
$49.99
The original Wonder Woman series debuted in 1975, inspired by the super heroine introduced in the DC Comics series in 1942. Although her look has changed throughout the years, you can't find a more empowering or patriotic costume than her original red, white, blue and gold uniform.
RELATED: 38 Superhero Halloween Costume Ideas You Can DIY or Buy Last-Minute
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DIY Marcia Brady Costume
As the eldest of the three Brady girls in The Brady Bunch, Marcia was the pretty and smart overachiever in the family who set the bar high for the rest of her siblings. Even her fashion sense was top-notch. This simple look is a little tricky when trying to make all the elements match, but it's definitely doable and oh-so chic!
Shop Green Sleeveless Turtleneck
RELATED: 30 Fun Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movie and TV Characters
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Cindy Brady Costume
Rasta Imposta
amazon.com
$20.99
If you aren't quite a Marcia girl, perhaps you'd want to dress up as Cindy. As the youngest of the Brady sisters and the Brady kids overall, Cindy could always be recognized by her blonde pigtails for the first five seasons. This plaid dress combined with the perfect pigtail wig can easily transform anyone into Cindy Brady with little effort required.
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Go Go Girl Costume
fun shack
amazon.com
$34.95
Pretty in pink and comfortable to wear, this fluorescent dress is made with breathable and stretchy fabric which makes it perfect for a night of dancing.
Amazon