There's a reason the 70s and 80s never go out of fashion when it comes to fancy dress. Big hair, bigger collars, sequins for days and a soundtrack everyone knows by heart — few themes are as fun to dress for, or as forgiving if you've left it to the last minute. Whether you're heading to a disco-themed birthday, an Abba tribute night, a school decades day or an 80s neon party, this guide will help you put together a look that turns heads.
And because we're based right here in Ireland, you won't be waiting weeks for your outfit to arrive from overseas. Order before 1pm and we'll have it with you the next working day — so even a last-minute invite is no problem.
Why the 70s and 80s are the ultimate party theme
The beauty of these two decades is that almost anyone can find a look they'll feel great in. The 70s gave us disco glamour, flower-power hippies and flared everything. The 80s brought neon, shell suits, glam rock and pop royalty. There's no single "right" way to do it, which means a 70s or 80s party is one of the easiest themes to get a whole group involved in — and one of the most photogenic.
Nailing the 70s look
The 1970s are all about confidence and colour. Three styles dominate when it comes to fancy dress:
Disco fever. This is the showstopper end of the 70s — think glittering jumpsuits, flared white suits and platform shoes. If you want to make an entrance, our 70s disco costumes are built for exactly that. The Deluxe 70's Disco Fever white suit is a brilliant Saturday-Night-Fever-style statement for men, while the disco queen looks bring the sparkle for women.
Abba and the dancing queens. Few looks are as instantly recognisable — or as much fun in a group — as Abba. The jumpsuits, the capes, the metallics: it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any tribute night or 70s party. Our Abba and disco queen costumes capture that glittering Eurovision-winning energy, and they look fantastic as a foursome if you can rope in friends.
Flower power and hippies. For a more relaxed (and very comfortable) take on the era, the hippie look is hard to beat. Fringed waistcoats, headbands, round sunglasses and peace signs. Our 60s and 70s hippie costumes range has options for men and women, and it's a great choice if you want a costume you can actually dance and sit down in all night.
Finishing the 70s look: it's the accessories that sell it. A good Afro wig, a medallion, oversized sunglasses and platform shoes take a costume from "nice" to "unmistakably 70s." Don't underestimate how much a single statement accessory does.
Owning the 80s look
If the 70s are about glamour, the 80s are about attitude — louder, brighter and a little bit ridiculous, in the best possible way.
Neon and aerobics. Nothing says 80s like fluorescent colours. Leg warmers, headbands, shell suits and neon everything. This look is cheap to build, instantly recognisable and perfect for groups. Take a look at our 80s costumes for shell suits, tracksuits and neon pieces that capture the decade perfectly.
Pop icons. The 80s was the golden age of pop, and dressing as a music legend is always a winner at a decades party. From Madonna-inspired looks to glam-rock and new-romantic styles, there's a lot to play with. Our 80s costume range has plenty to build a pop-star look around.
Glam rock and punk. For something with a bit more edge, the rock side of the 80s — ripped looks, studs, wild wigs and bold make-up — is brilliant fun and very forgiving.
Finishing the 80s look: big hair is non-negotiable. A crimped or backcombed wig, sweatbands, fingerless gloves, chunky plastic jewellery and the brightest eyeshadow you can find. The 80s reward going over the top — there's almost no such thing as too much.
Dressing as a group
Decades themes are at their best with a group, and the 70s and 80s make it easy because everyone can pick a different style while still fitting the theme. A few combinations that always work:
- An Abba foursome — two "girls," two "boys," all in glittering 70s glam.
- A disco crew — matching flares and sequins, the whole group on the dancefloor.
- An 80s aerobics class — neon leotards, leg warmers and sweatbands for a brilliant, low-cost group look.
- A mixed decades night — let everyone choose their favourite era and style; it photographs beautifully.
Don't forget the party itself
A great costume deserves a great party to wear it to. If you're hosting a 70s or 80s night, the right decorations finish the job — disco balls, retro banners and themed tableware turn a room into a proper throwback. Browse our party supplies and decorations to set the scene, and remember that orders over €50 ship free.
Why shop with My Fancy Dress
We're an Irish family business, not a faceless overseas marketplace. That means:
- Next-working-day delivery across Ireland when you order before 1pm — no three-week waits.
- Free delivery on orders over €50.
- Real stock, real sizes — official and quality costumes you can rely on for the big day.
- A real team to talk to if you need help with sizing or have a question.
So whether you're going full disco diva, channelling your inner Abba, or pulling together the neon-est 80s look at the party, we've got you covered — and we'll get it to you in time.
