How to Dress for a 1970's Party

Having trouble picking out the perfect disco digs for that upcoming 1970's costume party? Have you forced yourself to forget how you dressed back then? Or maybe you weren't born yet. Get the ideal look and enter the world of John Travolta, the Bee Gees and Farrah Fawcett, even if it's for just one groovy night.

Instructions

Women

1. Select your look from a variety of popular 1970's styles, such as a mini skirt or granny dress, flared or bell-bottom pants, belled-sleeved blouses or a sexy catsuit.

2. Pick your shoes. You have three main options: disco platforms, clogs or knee high boots.

3. Accessorize with macramé bags, friendship bracelets, or tights with leg warmers.

4. Choose your outerwear. If you choose a coat, go for a quilted style or fabrics, such as velvet, wool velour or faux fur. For something different, forget the coat altogether and throw on a poncho or shawl.

5. Style your hair accordingly. Bob shorter hair with barrel curlers and part longer hair in the center. If you have curly hair, flaunt it; big, curly hair was all the rage back during the disco decade. If your natural hair just isn't cutting it, most costume stores have inexpensive wigs in a variety of 1970's styles.

6. Make yourself up right. For blue eyes, pick frosty blue eyeshadow with pink cheeks. If you have green or brown eyes choose green or lavender eyeshadow combined with peach cheeks. An orange lip gloss is best for everyone. Finish off your 1970's look with black mascara and white eyeliner.

Gentlemen

1. Pick pants that are skintight, in a boot or bell-bottom cut. It is best to go with a stretchy synthetic fabric, but jeans or corduroys will also work.

2. Choose a shirt with an open neck and belled sleeves. Consider covering with a tight polyester cardigan of contrasting color or a fitted leather or vinyl jacket. Remember wide collar and tight fit equals 1970's sexy.

3. Accessorize with a medallion to rest on a tanned, baby oiled chest. If this isn't the style for you, button up and get yourself the widest necktie you can find.

4. Style your hair with collar length waves or an afro. Don't be afraid to use wig. Moustaches, beards and sideburns are a great way to top off your authentic look.

5. Add the finishing touch. A hairy chest was popular during the disco era, so if you've got one, flaunt it. If not, check your local costume shop for fake hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Explore your fabric options, which include heavy crepes, sequins, satin, velvet, polyester, velour, knit, corduroy or cheese cloth.

• For disco wear, base your outfit on stretch clothes and reflective fabrics that shine under disco lights like satin, sequins, animal prints or bright whites.

• Tanned bodies were big for both men and women. So if you're pale, buy some bronzer.