Seventies Costumes

I may be a bit biased about this, being a child of the 1970s myself, but in my humble opinion, it just happens to be the coolest decade in history. And why do I think this is so? From my point of view, things were just simpler, less stressed-out and well, just so much cooler. No, we didn't have the internet, we didn't have great games consoles, or 2000 channels on the TV. But as a kid you could play out with your friends on the street without fear. You could play games that required you to use your imagination (a novel concept I know). And of course, we had the coolest fashions and toys. Here is a list of some of my favourite 70s things:

1. The Space Hopper- These retro looking hoppers were a design classic, and they were so much fun to bounce around on! Hours of fun for all!
2. Chopper Bikes - These bikes were sooooo cool! Honestly, riding one of these things made you feel like one of those dude from the TV programme 'chips'.
3. Fondue
4. Concorde collars on your shirt
5. Star Wars Part 4 (not the crappy recent films)
6. Chunky Jumpers with far out patterns
7. Bowl haircuts
8. Corduroy Flared Trousers
9. Garish wallpaper
10. The Beano and Dandy comics

These are just a few of my favourite things from the 70s. Just thinking about them makes me feel all nostalgic and warm inside. That's why when I get invited to fancy dress events I always get dressed in 70s style costumes and clothing. Of course, you don't always have to buy a costume. Sometimes I buy a costume from 70s Costumes, and sometimes I decide to make or recycle my own costume. You can find some great tips at this site.

I hate to admit it, but I'm also a bit of a sucker for Medieval Fancy Dress as well! But I'll save that for another day and another lens!

There's no doubt in my mind that when it comes to fashion and style, the 1970s rocks! There was no regard for subtlety, or elegance, but then who cares about those things? The seventies were all about being bold and proud of your style and individuality. Big hair, perms and afros were the order of the day. And let's not forget the pastel shades, the flared trousers and the concorde collars (that had the potential to take someone's eye out they were so big!)

The sunglasses back then were anything BUT subtle. In fact the bigger and badder the better. The whole 'pimp' look was in fashion and this meant wearing clothes in a way that would make a real statement.

It seems such a shame to me that nowadays we shy away from these bolder, brassier clothes. There was a sense of theatricality and drama to the style- it was a style that said 'I'm proud to be me' and that 'I'm not afraid of anything'. Perhaps we are too afraid to be individuals nowadays- more's the pity in my opinion.

So, I hereby call on my brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues to rise up, to dust down their flared trousers and leisure suits, and once again embrace the boldness that 70s fashion has to offer- I thank you!

There's no doubt that the 1970s was well known for its fashions, but it was just as well known for its rock and pop stars. The number of mega groups and artists that emerged from that decade is just mind boggling- Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, David Bowie- the list goes on!

What these artists also gave us was an incredible contribution to the world of style and fashion. David Bowie for example created a whole new persona in Ziggy Stardust, one that experimented with the concepts of gender. Elton John brought a whole new sense of theatricality to the world of rock and fashion.

Its not at all surprising then that when it comes to 70s costumes, some of the most popular ones around are the rock and pop stars. If you're stuck for an idea for your next costume why not dress up as one of your musical heroes?