10+ Themed Outfit Tips For Decades Day Success

The nostalgia of decades day is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of dressing up in themed outfits that pay homage to bygone eras. Whether you’re a fan of the roaring twenties, the psychedelic sixties, or the neon-lit eighties, decades day is the perfect opportunity to express your creativity and showcase your favorite style from a particular decade. In this article, we’ll delve into 10+ themed outfit tips to ensure your decades day is a resounding success, exploring the fashion highlights of each era and providing you with the expertise to create an authentic and eye-catching look.

1. Research Your Decade

Before diving into creating your outfit, research the decade you’re interested in. Look at old photographs, movies, and fashion magazines from that era to get a sense of the prevailing styles, colors, and fabrics. This will help you understand the essence of the decade’s fashion and guide your purchasing or styling decisions. For instance, the 1920s were characterized by flapper dresses, suits with wide legs, and an abundance of accessories like hats, gloves, and jewelry. In contrast, the 1980s were marked by bold, vibrant colors, oversized clothing, and statement pieces like oversized blazers and chunky jewelry.

2. Identify Key Pieces

Every decade has its iconic pieces that define its fashion. For example, the 1950s are known for poodle skirts and leather jackets, symbolizing the rebellious spirit of the emerging youth culture. The 1960s, on the other hand, introduced the mini skirt and go-go boots, reflecting the era’s emphasis on freedom and nonconformity. Once you’ve identified these key pieces, you can either purchase them, borrow from friends, or get creative and make your own. Consider thrift stores, vintage shops, or online marketplaces as valuable resources for finding authentic or replica items from your chosen decade.

3. Accessories Make the Outfit

Accessories can make or break an outfit, especially when it comes to decades day. Accessories such as hats, scarves, belts, and jewelry can instantly transport your look to another era. For the 1940s, consider adding a fedora hat and a pocket watch to evoke the sophisticated, wartime-inspired fashion of the time. The 1970s, with their disco and punk influences, can be represented by big, flashy jewelry and oversized, flashy sunglasses. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed accessory in completing your themed look.

4. Hair and Makeup

Hair and makeup play a crucial role in completing your decades day look. Each decade had its unique hairstyles and makeup trends. The 1960s, for example, were famous for beehive hairstyles and bold, cat-eye makeup, reflecting the era’s emphasis on glamour and experimentation. The 1980s saw the rise of big hair, with volume at the roots and plenty of hairspray, as well as bright, bold lip colors and heavy eye makeup. Research the typical hairstyles and makeup trends of your chosen decade and try to replicate them as closely as possible. You can find numerous tutorials online that can guide you through the process.

5. Shoes

Shoes can be a fantastic way to anchor your outfit in a specific decade. From the saddle shoes of the 1950s to the platform shoes of the 1970s, each era had its distinctive footwear. The 1920s, for instance, featured Mary Janes and T-strap shoes, which were popular among flappers for their comfort and style. Ensure your shoes are period-specific to avoid any anachronistic elements in your outfit. If you can’t find the exact style, look for modern interpretations or get creative with DIY modifications.

6. Fabric and Texture

The fabric and texture of your clothing can also evoke a particular decade. The 1970s, for example, were big on polyester and velvet, reflecting the era’s fondness for luxurious, synthetic materials. The 1990s saw a rise in denim and PVC, symbolizing the decade’s emphasis on casual, streetwear-inspired fashion. Choose fabrics that were prevalent during your chosen decade to add an extra layer of authenticity to your outfit.

7. Group Effort

If possible, coordinate with friends to create a group theme. This can be especially fun if you’re all dressing from the same decade or even portraying characters from a specific movie or song from that era. A group effort can lead to some incredibly creative and memorable outfits, as you can play off each other’s ideas and create a cohesive, immersive experience.

8. Mix and Match

While authenticity is key, don’t be afraid to mix and match elements from different parts of the decade or even slightly adjacent decades if it serves your overall aesthetic. Fashion is about experimentation and having fun, so use decades day as an opportunity to express your creativity and personal style.

9. Attention to Detail

The smallest details can make your outfit stand out. Whether it’s a brooch from your grandmother’s attic, a vintage watch, or a carefully crafted vintage-style bag, these details can elevate your look from good to great. Consider adding period-specific props, such as vintage cameras, vinyl records, or vintage-style phones, to further enhance the authenticity of your outfit.

10. Confidence is Key

Lastly, remember that confidence is what truly makes an outfit shine. Own your look, whether you’re channeling Audrey Hepburn’s elegance from the 1950s or David Bowie’s androgynous chic from the 1970s. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll exude a positivity that will make your decades day outfit truly unforgettable.

Bonus Tip: Sustainability

In the spirit of reducing waste and living more sustainably, consider repurposing or upcycling old clothes to fit your theme. Not only is this friendly to the environment, but it also adds a layer of creativity and challenge to your outfit planning. You might find old items in your closet or thrift stores that, with a little imagination and DIY effort, can be transformed into stunning, decade-specific pieces.

Conclusion

Decades day is a celebration of fashion’s rich history, offering a unique opportunity to explore, learn from, and pay homage to the styles of the past. By following these themed outfit tips, you’ll not only ensure a successful and enjoyable decades day but also contribute to the preservation and admiration of fashion’s diverse and evolving landscape. Whether you’re a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to express themselves through clothing, decades day is the perfect occasion to let your creativity shine and have fun with fashion.