One of the biggest musical trends of the 1970s was that of disco. Disco combined elements of many different genres, such as funk, pop, psychedelic, salsa and pop and was at its most popular in the Seventies. Since then it has seen little success and is often ridiculed, both during its decline and in later years, for a variety of reasons, some better than others.
Even though disco may now be dead, the effect that it left on fashion lives forever – even if only in images from the 70s. With the extremes of disco fashion being recognisable, this makes it a suitable costume idea for a Halloween or theme party, and one that is suitable for both sexes. Bright colours are the key to much of disco wear.
The Head
One hairstyle that was popular with men and women, primarily but not solely African-American, was the Afro, a hairstyle that hasn’t seen much popularity since the period, which had hair combed away from the scalp to create a ball. Those without naturally kinky hair would have it treated so that it could be combed into an Afro. Wigs are available. Facial hair was worn by many men, often with quite extensive sideburns. The ducktail and pompadour hairstyles, known as the Elvis Presley hairstyle at the time, were still popular. Long hair, whether straight or kinked, was still popular for women, and some men.
The Body
Jeans with flared legs were popular for both men and women, and they didn’t just have to be blue. The flares also moved to other types of trousers. Three piece suits – trousers, waistcoat (vest) and jacket – were popular, and commonly called a leisure suit, with wide lapels for the jackets, flared legs for the trousers and the waistcoat themselves were high rise. The suits were not just in standard greys, blues and browns; many different colours were available, some quite garish.
Underneath the suit would be worn a colourful and shiny polyester Qiana shirt, often open at the neck to show of the chest hair (for men), which had long, pointed collars. Gold chains were commonly worn around the neck. Fastened shirts would be accompanied by a wide, “kipper,” tie, often in a range of colours.
Women might wear a waistcoat over a colourful shirt and jeans, rather than a full three piece suit. Otherwise, long, flowing, sheer dresses were also worn.
Jumpsuits and tracksuits, particularly colourful ones in velour, were also popular.
The Accessories
Gold chains were popular with men, especially those with a medallion. Necklaces were popular with both men and women.