The 1970s disco era was all about glitz, glamour, and groovy dance moves. If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever or sparkle like Donna Summer under the disco ball, then a DIY 70s disco costume is the perfect project. Not only are these costumes fun and nostalgic, but they’re also surprisingly easy to create with a few thrifted items, craft supplies, and some creativity.
Whether you’re preparing for a Halloween party, retro night, themed wedding, or dance competition, this guide will show you exactly how to design your own custom disco outfit that screams Studio 54.
Step 1: Choose Your Disco Vibe
The 70s had a wide range of disco styles, so start by deciding which look you want to rock:
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Saturday Night Fever Suit – White three-piece suit with a black shirt and wide collar (classic John Travolta).
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Glam Disco Diva – Glittery jumpsuits, sequins, halter tops, and bold makeup.
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Funky Soul Style – Bell bottoms, patterned shirts, platform shoes, and giant afros.
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Go-Go Inspired – Mini dresses, tall boots, and metallic accessories.
Your disco costume should match your personality—are you sleek and chic, or bold and funky?
Step 2: Core Clothing Pieces
For Men:
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Bell-bottom pants or flares (thrift stores or modern retro brands).
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Patterned shirt with wide lapels—look for paisley, floral, or geometric prints.
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Leisure suit or blazer (white, black, or pastel).
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Platform shoes or chunky boots.
For Women:
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Jumpsuit or romper with flared legs.
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Mini dress or leotard with sequins or metallic fabric.
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High-waist bell bottoms with a halter top.
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Go-go boots or platform heels in white, silver, or metallic.
💡 Tip: Thrift stores are treasure troves for authentic 70s looks!
Step 3: Sparkle & Shine (The Disco Factor ✨)
Disco was all about shimmering under the lights, so don’t be afraid to add glitter, sequins, and metallics.
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Fabric spray paint (silver or gold) to jazz up plain clothing.
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Sequin trim or fabric glue to decorate collars, cuffs, or pant legs.
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Face glitter or body shimmer for that extra glow.
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Disco-ball jewelry like hoop earrings or chunky bracelets.
You can DIY sparkle onto a plain outfit with just fabric glue + sequins—super cheap, super effective.
Step 4: Accessories Make the Look
Disco style is all in the details! Here’s what to add:
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Afro wig or feathered wig (for instant retro vibes).
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Satin scarves or wide belts to break up your outfit.
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Sunglasses – Oversized shades or tinted aviators.
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Necklaces & bangles – Think gold chains or chunky plastic jewelry.
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Props – Carry a mirror ball or toy microphone for fun.
Step 5: Hair & Makeup
For Men:
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Long sideburns (fake if needed).
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Slicked-back hair or afro wig.
For Women:
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Big, bouncy curls (use hot rollers or hairspray for volume).
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Glitter eyeshadow in silver, blue, or gold.
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Shiny lip gloss or bold red lipstick.
💡 Pro Tip: Hairspray is your best friend—think BIG HAIR, the bigger the better!
Step 6: DIY Disco Costume Ideas
If you don’t want to sew or spend too much money, here are some quick DIY hacks:
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Aluminum foil accessories – Make shiny cuffs, belts, or even a disco headband.
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Use scarves as belts or head wraps for instant flair.
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Upgrade old clothing – Add glitter spray, sequins, or beads to transform plain items into disco-ready outfits.
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Mix and match decades – A modern jumpsuit + some disco accessories can look just as authentic.
Example DIY Disco Outfit (Under $50)
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Thrifted bell-bottom pants – $10
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Patterned shirt – $7
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Platform shoes (Amazon) – $20
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Afro wig – $8
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Glitter spray & sequins (craft store) – $5
Total: $50 or less for a complete disco costume
Step 7: Hit the Dance Floor 🕺💃
Once your outfit is complete, practice some classic disco moves to really sell the look:
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The Hustle
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The Bump
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YMCA
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The Point Move (Travolta style)
With the right costume and moves, you’ll look like you stepped straight out of Studio 54.
Final Thoughts
Making your own custom 70s disco costume is all about having fun with bold colors, flashy fabrics, and funky accessories. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune. With a few thrift finds, some glitter, and creativity, you can put together a show-stopping outfit that will make you the star of the dance floor.
So grab your bell bottoms, shine up those platforms, and get ready to party like it’s 1977—because disco never dies!
