Decades Party Outfit Ideas from the ’20s to 2000s
Updated: 07 Jul 2025
Nothing says fun like a decades-themed party, a chance to step into the past and embody the most iconic styles of yesteryears. Whether you’re channeling Gatsby glamour, disco fever, or Y2K sass, this style guide will walk you through decades of party outfit ideas from the roaring 1920s to the early 2000s. We’ve mixed DIY retro costumes, thrift-savvy tricks, and modern wardrobe finds so you can dress to impress without breaking the bank.
Ready to turn heads and get Pinterest-worthy? Let’s explore what to wear to a decades party, complete with accessory ideas, hairstyle tips, and gender-inclusive inspiration!
✨ 1920s – The Roaring Glam of Flappers and Dapper Gents
Women’s Outfit Ideas:
Think Gatsby, jazz, and speakeasies! A 1920s outfit is all about glitz, fringe, and drama.
Style Essentials:
- Fringe or beaded dress (a slip dress with DIY fringe can do the trick!)
- Feathered headband or jeweled hair clip
- Long pearl necklaces layered
- T-strap heels or Mary Janes
- Faux fur stole or shawl for added flair
Hair & Makeup:
Go for finger waves or a faux bob using bobby pins. Add bold red lips and kohl-rimmed eyes for an authentic jazz-age glow.
Men’s Outfit Ideas:
Channel Jay Gatsby or a 1920s gangster.
Style Essentials:
- Pinstripe or solid suit (vest optional)
- Bow tie or skinny tie
- Newsboy cap or fedora
- Slicked-back hair (pomade helps)
- Two-tone Oxford shoes or loafers
🧵DIY Tip: Convert a basic blazer into a vintage-looking suit by adding thrifted suspenders and a pocket watch chain.
🌸 1950s – Rock ‘n’ Roll, Greasers & Poodle Skirts
Women’s Outfit Ideas:
Get ready to twist and shout! The 1950s were playful and polished.
Style Essentials:
- Poodle skirt or swing dress
- Fitted cardigan or tied-up blouse
- Saddle shoes or ballet flats
- Cat-eye sunglasses
- Headband or scarf tied in Rosie-the-Riveter style
Hair & Makeup:
Victory rolls or a voluminous ponytail with a scarf. Winged eyeliner and cherry lips are a must!
Men’s Outfit Ideas:
You can go either clean-cut or James Dean rebel.
Style Essentials:
- White tee + leather or denim jacket
- Cuffed jeans
- Converse or black boots
- Hair slicked back into a pompadour
🧵DIY Tip: Cut out a felt poodle and iron it onto a thrifted A-line skirt. Instant throwback!
1970s – Disco Kings and Boho Queens
When it comes to 70s disco outfit ideas, the key is to go bold, funky, and free-spirited.
Women’s Outfit Ideas:
Go Studio 54 or flower child the ’70s had it all.
Style Essentials:
- Flared pants or bell-bottoms
- Halter top or peasant blouse
- Platform heels or clogs
- Oversized sunglasses
- Sequin jumpsuit (if you’re feeling extra disco)
Hair & Makeup:
Think Farrah Fawcett curls, teased volume, and metallic eyeshadow with glossed lips.
Men’s Outfit Ideas:
Own the dance floor like a true disco stud or laid-back hippie.
Style Essentials:
- Button-down shirt with a loud print
- High-waisted pants with flares
- Open shirt with chains or medallions
- Afro wig or center-parted hair
- White or pastel suit for pure disco vibes
🧵DIY Tip: Use fabric glue to add gold sequins to a second-hand shirt or turn a pair of wide-leg jeans into bell-bottoms with inserts.
🕶 1980s – Neon, Athleisure & Total Excess
If you’re unsure what to wear to a decade’s party, the ’80s is your loud and proud safety net!
Women’s Outfit Ideas:
Think Madonna meets Jane Fonda with a splash of glam rock.
Style Essentials:
- Off-the-shoulder sweatshirt or leotard
- Leg warmers + tights
- Acid-wash denim or tutu skirt
- Scrunchies, lace gloves, and layered necklaces
- Oversized blazer or shoulder pads (very Wall Street!)
Hair & Makeup:
The bigger, the better! Crimp your hair or tease it up. Add neon eyeshadow and blush from cheekbones to temples.
Men’s Outfit Ideas:
Go for synth-pop, Miami Vice, or metalhead.
Style Essentials:
- Windbreaker tracksuit or bold patterned shirt
- Skinny tie with a blazer
- Band tee + ripped jeans
- Chunky sneakers or high-tops
- Headband or mullet wig (optional but fabulous)
🧵DIY Tip: Grab a plain tracksuit and add fabric paint in neon splatters. Instant ’80s realness!
📼 1990s – Grunge, Minimalism & Pop Culture Cool
If you’re searching for 90s fashion inspiration, you’ve got a whole world of substyles to play with grunge, hip-hop, Clueless, and more.
Women’s Outfit Ideas:
Grunge or girl group? Why not both!
Style Essentials:
- Plaid flannel shirt over crop top
- Denim mini skirt or mom jeans
- Chokers and butterfly clips
- Combat boots or platform sneakers
Hair & Makeup:
Straight hair with a center part or high pigtails. Brown lipstick, frosted shadow, and thin brows reign supreme.
Men’s Outfit Ideas:
Think Nirvana, Fresh Prince, or the skater boy next door.
Style Essentials:
- Baggy jeans or cargo pants
- Oversized hoodie or flannel
- Backwards cap or beanie
- Graphic tee or sports jersey
- Air Jordans or Vans
🧵DIY Tip: Distress old jeans and add iron-on patches to create your own thrift-store grunge masterpiece.
💻 2000s – Y2K Baby Tees, Bling & Denim-on-Denim
Y2K is back and better than ever! Channel your inner popstar or boyband heartthrob with early 2000s nostalgia.
Women’s Outfit Ideas:
Low-rise and lots of sparkle!
Style Essentials:
- Baby tee or bedazzled tank top
- Low-rise jeans or denim skirt
- Rhinestone belt, tiny shoulder bag
- Juicy Couture tracksuit (if you can thrift one!)
- Tinted sunglasses
Hair & Makeup:
Straightened hair with mini clips or a zig-zag part. Glossy lips, body glitter, and pastel eyeshadow complete the vibe.
Men’s Outfit Ideas:
Go for bling or skater style.
Style Essentials:
- Baggy jeans with chains
- Graphic tee or oversized jersey
- Flat-brim cap
- Layered polos or denim jacket
- White sneakers (Air Force 1s if you’re lucky)
🧵DIY Tip: Use stick-on rhinestones to bedazzle old tops, jeans, or even your phone for the ultimate Y2K finish.
🎉 Style Your Dressing Tips for a Timeless Throwback
- Mix Old and New: Pair thrift store gems with modern basics (like a new bodysuit with vintage jeans).
- Hit the Thrift Stores Early: Great finds disappear fast, especially around Halloween and party season.
- Focus on One Bold Element: Whether it’s hair, accessories, or a statement piece, one era-defining element can carry the whole look.
- Don’t Overthink It: Imperfect is perfect! Decades outfits are about having fun, not recreating museum replicas.
- Accessorize Smart: Think sunglasses, belts, hairpieces, hats, and vintage-inspired jewelry to elevate simple outfits.
📸 Show Us Your Style!
We LOVE seeing how you recreate these iconic looks. Heading to a decades party soon? Rocking a DIY retro costume from this guide? Tag us on Instagram @StyleYourDressing and show off your time-traveling fashion! You might even get featured in our next style roundup. ✨
Whether you’re grooving through the 70s disco outfit ideas, pulling 90s fashion inspiration, or just wondering what to wear to a decades party, we hope this guide sparked your creativity. From feathered flappers to rhinestone rebels, each decade offers a unique vibe you can make your own.
Now grab your favorite outfit, cue the throwback playlist, and party like it’s 1999 or 1979, or 1929!
