37 Best '70s Halloween Costumes to Get the Party Started
Bring the disco era to Halloween with one of these groovy DIY or store-bought costumes.
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When it comes to finding the perfect Halloween costume — even if you waited until the last minute to throw something together — everyone wants to look their best. If you're headed to a Halloween costume party this year, there's no shortage of inspiration out there, from Disney characters to funny pun costumes. But one of the best sources of inspiration is your favorite decade. There are all kinds of rad '80s costumes and cool '90s costumes of course, but we suggest throwing it back to the decade best known for bell bottoms and disco. That's right: This is your guide to the best '70s Halloween costumes.
On this list, you'll find scary, sexy and sweet DIY and store-bought ideas that pay homage to the flashy fashion and best pop-culture moments of the decade. For movie and TV fans that can't get enough of Carrie, The Brady Bunch or The Godfather, to music fans who know every word to all of ABBA's greatest hits, this groovy list of '70s-inspired costumes has it all.
DIY Lava Lamp Costume
Did someone say groovy? Nothing says the '70s quite like a lava lamp. Blogger Aww Sam shares her step-by-step guide to creating this eccentric costume, which can be customized to include any color you like.
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DIY Farrah Fawcett Costume
As one of the stars of the original Charlie's Angels, Farrah Fawcett simply exudes '70s energy. Channel this look from her very first episode with a red sweatshirt, dark bell bottom jeans, sneakers and a mini skateboard. For her famous hair, you can either opt for a wig or try curling your hair at home.
Main Content Rainbow Rave Disco Costume
With a jumpsuit as colorful and shiny as this, you'll be the star of the dance floor at any Halloween party you attend. Dress up the outfit with some clunky gold earrings, a bright pair of over-the-top sunglasses and some seriously high heels.
Since hitting the big screen back in 1976, Rocky Balboa has been a beloved character. With this gold-and-red boxing robe, embossed with "Italian Stallion" on the back, you'll look just like Rocky right before his big fight with Apollo Creed. Just throw on a pair of exercise shorts beneath the robe and a white pair of sneakers and get ready to square up.
DIY 'The Godfather' Costume
Debuting in 1972, American crime film The Godfather is still a classic. Although there are many great looks to wear as Halloween costumes, Don Vito Corleone is one of the best. If you already own a tux, the rest of this costume is all in the small details — a fake mustache and fake cigar will do the trick.
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DIY Disco Ball Costume
Why simply channel disco when you can be a disco ball? This DIY costume uses a balloon and paper mache to make a hollow ball that, once decorated with reflective silver tape and shoulder straps, looks exactly like the disco balls everyone used to dance under. Throw on a pair of silver heels for some extra sparkle.
Halloween might not be on Saturday this year, but that doesn't mean you can't catch Saturday night fever. If your moves and style are as good as Tony's, you'll definitely make an impression in this movie-inspired suit. Have your partner dress up as Stephanie to turn this into a couple's costume.
DIY "Crocodile Rock" Family Costume
Who doesn't love a creative DIY costume that's also punny?! For a group of three, this "Crocodile Rock" costume is not only super easy to create but it's absolutely unique and adorable. Although a little trickier to build from scratch, this trio is definitely worth the investment in accessories and extra pieces.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
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Sonny and Cher were the couple during the '70s. Dress up with a friend or partner and belt out a few verses of "I've Got You Babe."
Donna Summer
Donna Summer was the Queen of Disco, so channel her energy by wearing a sequined caftan, platform heels and colorful eye makeup — you'll be ready for even the most ferocious of trick-or-treaters.
DIY Gloria Steinem Costume
As an outspoken feminist, journalist and social political activist, Gloria Steinem dominated and led much of the American feminist movement in the late '60s and early '70s. Much of this costume can be DIY'ed with clothing already in your closet, but her iconic color-tinted glasses are the one piece you'll want to invest in.
Elton John
Elton John was one of the biggest rock starts of the '70s — and a stylish one at that. You'll be the star of any party in an Elton-esque getup, including feathers and bold glasses.
DIY 'Carrie' Costume
Bring the gore with this DIY Carrie costume. The scene where the newly-crowned prom queen gets covered in pig's blood is one of the most memorable horror movie scenes, which makes it a thrilling costume for those who want to really wow a crowd. Once you're dressed as a prom queen, cover yourself in fake blood (the more the better) to truly capture this iconic scene.
"Don't act like you're not impressed" with this Ron Burgundy costume. The movie Anchorman, set in 1975, follows funny man Ron and his newscaster friends. Going in a group? Dress up as some of the other leads like Veronica Corningstone, Brick Tamland, Brian Fantana and Champ Kind.
It's been almost 50 years since the Rubik's Cube was invented and we still can't solve one. Pay homage to this pesky puzzle with this quirky and unique costume.
DIY ABBA Costume
You are the dancing queen, and you need a look that shows it. Dress as a member of the Swedish pop group ABBA, or grab three more friends and go as the entire band. Once you throw on a ruffled jumpsuit and a blonde wig, make your way to the center of the dance floor and ask the DJ to play some of ABBA's greatest hits like "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo" or "Super Trooper."
Laurie Strode from 'Halloween' Costume
Dress up as babysitter Laurie Strode from Halloween for a truly classic costume that is easy to DIY. To create Laurie's look, grab a pair of dark jeans and a denim button down from your closet. Then it's just a matter of finding a good wig and fake knife for your accessories. If you aren't too attached to your shirt, add some rips and tears to make it more accurate.
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DIY Twiggy Costume
As one of the most iconic fashion models and faces of the '70s, Twiggy had a look like no other. Her pixie cut and heavily-lined eyes made her one of the most recognizable celebs in the world at the time. Rock one of her classic looks with a matching floral printed top and pants, neck scarf and white chunky boots. If there are two aspects of the outfit you must not forget, it's her signature heavy winged eyeliner and her short hair.
This hippie-approved look exudes peace and love. As you can see, fringe was very in during the '70s. For this costume, the dress underneath comes in either a red floral (as pictured) or a black floral pattern. Whichever you decide, you'll be looking groovy all Halloween long.
RELATED: 24 Groovy Hippie Halloween Costume and Accessory Ideas
DIY Diana Ross Costume
Diana Ross has always hit new heights with her looks, but this red-feathered dress she wore during a solo performance in 1978 is one of our favorites. Since leaving The Supremes in 1970 and launching her solo career, she's continued to be a music and style icon. Who wouldn't look good dressed up as her?
RELATED: 60 Photos That Prove the '70s Was the Decade With the Best Style
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
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