The era of the seventies was one of the most dynamic, exciting & influential times of the last century. The styles of the time were so impactful that they still drive trends today.
The combination of music and fashion made its biggest impact on the scene. New market entrants are creating their labels on the traditional 70s fancy dress look. The current styles always include vibrant colors, all part of the era. A flick through today’s categories show just how deeply the era entered the main stream. For example there is the disco scene with its disco pvc boots, high heel platform boots displayed by Nancy Sinatra in her hit “boots were made for walking”, pimp costumes worn by Huggy in the popular TV series Starsky and Hutch, and Elvis costumes. Yes, Elvis had a big impact on the 70s. Taking these all into account it is easy to see why the decade is so perennial.
The Disco was where it all happened, where you could hang out, dress like the stars and do your thing on the dance floor. Remember the psychedelic colors used in clothing design, or Woodstock and the hippie generation? All these in turn, were heavily influenced by 60’s costumes including pvc boots.
You can relive these moments from the past simply by taking a look at the influence they have in today’s fancy dress industry where demand thrives. You could do a lot worse than plan an event based on 70’s fashion by visiting online suppliers for ideas. Their ranges seem to get stronger every year, catering for everything from false tashes and afro wigs through groovy dresses and flares, to shiny PVC go-go boots.
For a party game here’s an idea. The music for the 70’s stood out so gather everyone on the dance floor and pick two people to be the judges. Then play these tracks: The Hustle, the Bus Stop and the Nut Brush. Dancers have got to dance through with as few mistakes as possible. Judges have to spot errors and ask those people to leave the floor. And as with the best of games, the last person still dancing is the winner. Tell people in advance what you’re planning and they will be more ready. Some may even practice beforehand.
Plan things well ahead to build up the excitement. Buy your invitation cards to suit. Start looking through the music of the time and collecting what you could put together for the night. Set up one or two of the most memorable films from the 70’s. Have them ready to play. Ask people in advance to think of a specific year in the 70’s of the things going on in their lives at the
time, which they are willing to share at your bash and set a time where they can share their memories.
If you plan this by setting it up in your invitation, and just getting the word out, people will come prepared and it will really help to make your 70s fancy dress party special.
The pop group Abba also had a big influence on this time. So perhaps you could make a complete party based on their outfits, and add some music for even better effect. So much of the 70’s was on copying the icons of the era! We look nostalgically back on the excitement of those fashion creations, and looking like the top performing artists we knew so well. It is important that you take the time to purchase something that really appeals to you. Dress up from head to toe so you can really play the role well. Make sure that you look like you just stepped out of a time warp.
Perhaps you are now starting to get excited at the power of all these suggestions will bring to your party. If you take the time and trouble to plan ahead you will strike an atmosphere where you recreate the time in a very powerful way, much more so than any one thing on its own.
