Elise Chase-Sinclair - Freelancer, Fashion Enthusiast
While hippy style was relaxed and inspired by nature, disco 1970s fashion was full of bold, bright colors and maximalist style. One’s fashion sense usually matched the type of music someone listened to in the 1970s.
Disco fashion was all about being as bright as a disco ball. Sequins and shiny fabrics would reflect the lights on the dancefloor while boogie-ing the night away. Gold and silver lamé blouses and dresses made a bright statement, as did long slip dresses in bold satin fabrics.
Saturday Night Fever 70s Disco Fashion For Men
The iconic film Saturday Night Fever shows the height of 70s fashion, especially for men.
Collars were wide and worn with the top few buttons undone - disco fashion liked to show a little skin! Bright colors such as purple, orange, red, and white were popular.
The 70s disco men's fashion in the flick includes the outfit star John Travolta wears on the movie poster - a white suit jacket with matching flared trousers, and a wide black collar pulled over the lapel of the jacket. He wears a few different red and maroon clothes - shirts with wide collars, tucked into high-waisted flared trousers when not wearing that iconic white suit.
The shirts are usually unbuttoned halfway to show a little chest - women and men often showed their collarbone area with undone buttons and plunging necklines.
70s Disco Outfits For Women
Skin was in on the dancefloor - necklines other than a plunging V included halter (which had ties behind the neck) and strapless bandeau styles. Off-the-shoulder dresses were popular as well and often included ruffles.
Dresses with a plunging neckline commonly had a long and flowing skirt. Fabrics were usually a bright color, patterned florals, or candy stripes; metallic fabrics and sparkles were top choices for disco dancers, too. Long skirts might have a high slit for ease of movement and to really flow while dancing.
Bandeau-style tops were often made from stretchy fabrics and worn with the signature 70s silhouette of a high waist. Again, bright colors were a 70s disco outfit top pick.
1970s Disco Fashion Footwear
When you think of '70s disco fashion, platform shoes might be the first thing that comes to mind, but other footwear styles also defined the era.
Strappy sandals for women looked great with the long flowy dresses. Straps over the toes and around the ankle were often made from metallic fabrics like silver or gold for the disco floor sparkle.
Knee-high, high-heeled boots for women make a disco outfit really pop. You can see them in bright colors, white, or a more versatile brown suede. Some were scrunched down the calf, while others had a more sleek equestrian-inspired look.
The boots might match the outfit or provide some fun contrast and pop of color.
1970s Fashion Silhouette
Bell bottoms or flares were the main trouser cut for both men and women in the 1970s. Whether someone’s style was disco, bohemian or business casual, most people wore flared pants.
Flared jumpsuits were a disco statement item for both men and women. The styles would often have a low neckline for both sexes. Sometimes the neckline would go in a deep V past the chest or slightly above the navel, similarly exposing the chest to leaving a shirt unbuttoned halfway.
Feathered and windswept hair for women was in fashion, portraying a carefree and fun look. The hair was often down and natural - not tied back. It was often curled away from the face (think Farrah Fawcett!). Men had some volume in their hair too, often around earlobe length.
Belts for men and women and neck chains were a disco fashion staple. Shirts would usually be tucked in with a statement belt. A gold chain necklace would hang in the opening of a plunging neckline.
High-waisted trousers that hugged curves for women with a crop top in bright colors were another disco staple. Or on warmer nights “short shorts” or “hotpants” were worn with a halter, bandeau, cropped or plunging V tops tucked in with a belt, accentuating the waist.
While crop tops in the 2020s often have a straight hem and are sporty in style, the crop tops of the 70s disco outfits often had a tie under the bust and/or a keyhole opening in the neckline. Some tied in the back. Again, these would often be in bold colors, patterns, and sparkly or shiny fabrics.
Disco “Soul Train” 70s Black Fashion
Fashion and music often influence each other, and this was very evident with the disco Soul Train TV show. It hosted soul musicians of the day, as well as a number of “Soul Train Dancers” who were dressed in their soul and disco best. The show was created for a Black target audience.
The same bright colors and fashions as 70s disco fashion for men and women appeared on the dancers on the show. Natural curly hair for Black men and women known as an “Afro” was popular as well.
What the dancers wore on the show was often very colorful and bright, making it fun for the viewers at home to watch. Hoop earrings, bright eyeshadow, and lip gloss gave those 70’s disco outfits for women a shiny touch. Gold accessories added some sparkle.
The 1970s disco fashions were about having fun and being bold with your choices. Who wouldn’t want to shine as bright as a disco ball?
