13 Halloween Costumes From the ’70s That Were All the Rage (And You Might Still Remember)
It was a decade of disco balls, platform shoes, and, of course, outrageously fun costumes. Of course, we’re talking about the 1970s, an era of iconic characters, far-out fads, and enough DIY magic to make your costume the envy of the block. As we look back at some of the decade’s most memorable looks, you might be surprised to disover that some of these 1970s Halloween costumes are still trendy today:
Farrah Fawcett Mane Magic
Credit: Instagram
Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairstyle wasn’t just a style choice but a cultural phenomenon. Halloween provided the perfect excuse to go all out with this iconic look. Think big, voluminous waves teased to perfection, ideally paired with a swimsuit and a sarong for a touch of California beach vibes.
Stormtrooper Invasion
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The release of Star Wars in 1977 was a pop-culture supernova, and Halloween costumes rode the wave. Kids (and some daring adults!) donned white plastic stormtrooper armor, complete with helmets that masked their identities. These costumes were a symbol of the film’s futuristic world and the immense allure of space exploration.
Kung Fu Fury
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Bruce Lee’s martial arts films took the world by storm in the 1970s, inspiring a generation of wannabe kung fu masters. Halloween costumes mirrored this craze. Kids sported black gi uniforms, belts tied around their waists, and (with varying degrees of success) mimicked nunchuck skills they’d picked up from movie marathons.
Sonny and Cher Couples Act
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This iconic couple was known for their flamboyant style and musical chemistry, making them a perfect choice for a playful couple’s costume. Sonny could channel his signature look with a sharp tuxedo and slicked-back hair, while Cher could unleash her inner fashionista in a fringed minidress, go-go boots, and a bold-colored wig.
Disco Dazzler
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Forget the everyday closet – Halloween in the 1970s was all about outrageous fashion. The disco dazzler embodied this perfectly. Imagine shimmering jumpsuits in every color imaginable, platform shoes that defied gravity, and enough sequins to create a disco ball explosion. Wide headbands, feathery boas, and mountains of glitter completed this look, ensuring you’d be the most luminous life of the party.
Rubik’s Cube Enigma
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This seemingly simple puzzle toy became a global obsession in the late 1970s. Crafty costume enthusiasts brought the cube to life with giant cardboard boxes painted in the signature six colors. Worn on their heads or carried as oversized props, these costumes were instantly recognizable to anyone who’d spent hours trying to solve the colorful puzzle.
CB Radio Chatterbox
Credit: Youtube
Citizen Band radios were all the rage in the 1970s, allowing people to connect and form communities over long distances. For a unique costume idea, kids might craft a cardboard replica of a CB radio complete with antennas and knobs. Trucker hats or clothes decorated with CB slang phrases like “10-4” (meaning “understood”) added extra authenticity.
The Pet Rock Paradox
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Remember these? Pet Rocks, smooth stones marketed as low-maintenance companions, were a novelty item in 1975. The concept’s absurdity made them a pop culture punchline and, of course, a Halloween costume inspiration. Kids might carry a painted rock or wear a name tag, declaring themselves the proud owner of a “pet rock.”
Disco Demon’s Delight
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Beyond the theatrics of Kiss, the 1970s embraced a more generic “disco demon” concept, perfect for unleashing your inner mischief-maker on Halloween. Think dark makeup with sparkly accents, devil horns fashioned from construction paper, capes made from bedsheets, and maybe even a plastic pitchfork. Creativity was key – let your inner demon shine through!
Greased Up T-Birds
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The 1978 film Grease captivated teenagers and ignited a fascination with the 1950s greaser style. For a cool group costume, a bunch of friends could slick back their hair, don leather jackets, and embody their inner Danny Zuko or Kenickie. Pink ladies could join in the fun, sporting poodle skirts and bobby socks for a complete tribute to the film’s iconic greaser and pink lady dynamic.
Astronaut Adventure
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The dream of space exploration remained vibrant in the 1970s. Kids who gazed up at the stars might dress up as astronauts, complete with silver jumpsuits, toy space helmets, and perhaps even a cardboard rocket strapped to their backs. This costume celebrated scientific discovery and the endless possibilities of space travel.
Bohemian Rhapsody
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The hippie movement of the 1960s continued to influence fashion in the 1970s. A “bohemian” costume captured this free-spirited vibe. Think flowing tie-dye shirts in psychedelic colors, bell-bottom jeans that flared dramatically, headbands adorned with peace signs, and maybe even a toy guitar slung across the back for a touch of artistic flair. This look was all about embracing a carefree, nonconformist attitude and celebrating self-expression.
The Super Friends
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This iconic superhero group was a mainstay on Saturday morning cartoons throughout the 1970s. Kids dressing up as their favorite heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Aquaman were a common sight. These costumes, often made from pajamas or brightly colored clothing with makeshift capes and masks, showcased the enduring appeal of superheroes and the power of imagination.