What is the easiest decade to dress up as?

The 1980s and 1990s are the easiest because you can use modern bright colors, denim, flannels, and athletic wear that you might already own.

How do I dress for Decades Day if I have no budget?

Wear a plain t-shirt and jeans, roll up the cuffs, slick back your hair with gel, and go as a 1950s greaser, or wear an oversized flannel shirt for a 90s grunge look.

What are some classic 1970s Decade Day ideas?

A tie-dye shirt, bell-bottom jeans, a brown fringe vest, round sunglasses, and a peace sign necklace make an instant 70s hippie outfit.

AI-generated example

Decade Day Costumes

Travel through time with iconic retro looks for school spirit week.

Decade Day is a classic school spirit week and theme party favorite that lets you channel the fashion of a bygone era. Whether you choose a 1950s poodle skirt, a 1970s disco jumpsuit, or 1980s neon athletic wear, these outfits are instantly recognizable and fun to put together. The perfect look relies on key signature pieces, bold color palettes, and era-specific accessories.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $15–50

See yourself in one of these →What you need

Try it on

See yourself as Decade Day Costumes

One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.

Choose or drop a photo of yourselfJPG · PNG · HEIC

One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.

Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.

Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.

Decade Day Costumes costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Decade Day Costumes

Result

40 Decade Day costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Decade Day Costumes costume

Retro graphic tee or tie-dye shirt
A colorful tie-dye shirt for the 60s/70s, or a neon graphic tee for the 80s.
DIY: Tie-dye a plain white cotton t-shirt at home using fabric dye.
Amazon
Era-defining bottoms
Bell-bottom jeans for the 70s, acid-wash denim for the 80s, or baggy cargo pants for the 90s.
DIY: Use fabric paint or patches to decorate an old pair of jeans.
Amazon
Themed outerwear
A brown fringe vest for a 60s hippie look or a bright windbreaker for an 80s/90s vibe.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off a denim jacket to make a retro vest.
Amazon
Signature headwear
A floral headband, a neon sweatband, or a backwards baseball cap depending on your chosen era.
DIY: Tie a colorful bandana around your forehead as a retro headband.
Amazon
Era-appropriate eyewear
Round wire-rimmed glasses for the 60s, aviators for the 70s, or shutter shades for the 80s.
Amazon
Statement jewelry
Peace sign necklaces, chunky neon plastic earrings, or metallic chain necklaces.
DIY: Cut a peace sign out of cardboard, wrap it in foil, and hang it from a cord.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Select your target decade (50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s) to keep your look cohesive.
2
Put on your base layer, such as a tie-dye shirt with bell-bottoms or a neon tee with track pants.
3
Layer on your outerwear, like a fringe vest, denim jacket, or retro windbreaker.
4
Style your hair according to the era, using plenty of hairspray or gel if opting for an 80s look.
5
Add key accessories like retro sunglasses, themed jewelry, and a matching headband or hat.
6
Finish the look with classic canvas sneakers, high-top shoes, or boots.

Makeup & hair

For a 60s/70s look, wear hair long and parted down the middle with minimal makeup. For the 80s, go for high side-ponytails or crimped hair paired with bright blue eyeshadow and pink lipstick.

Decade Day Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up as a 1970s disco duo in matching metallic jumpsuits, or a 1950s greaser and poodle-skirt dancer.
group: Have each member of your group dress as a different decade, spanning from the 1920s flapper to the 1990s grunge rocker.
kids: An 80s workout look with a bright leotard, leggings, and leg warmers is comfortable and easy for school.
Plus size: A flowy 1970s bohemian maxi dress or an oversized 1990s flannel shirt with jeans offers a comfortable, stylish fit.
pet: A simple tie-dye bandana or a miniature neon sweatband makes a quick pet-friendly retro accessory.

Tips

Check local thrift stores first, as they are packed with authentic vintage clothing from various decades.
Prioritize comfort for school or work by wearing broken-in sneakers rather than platform shoes.
Keep accessories lightweight so they do not get in the way during a busy day.
Take photos against a simple background to let the bright colors and retro patterns pop.

Decade Day Costumes costume FAQ

What is the easiest decade to dress up as?: The 1980s and 1990s are the easiest because you can use modern bright colors, denim, flannels, and athletic wear that you might already own.
How do I dress for Decades Day if I have no budget?: Wear a plain t-shirt and jeans, roll up the cuffs, slick back your hair with gel, and go as a 1950s greaser, or wear an oversized flannel shirt for a 90s grunge look.
What are some classic 1970s Decade Day ideas?: A tie-dye shirt, bell-bottom jeans, a brown fringe vest, round sunglasses, and a peace sign necklace make an instant 70s hippie outfit.

Did you know? School spirit weeks popularized 'Decade Day' in the late 20th century as a creative way for students to explore fashion history using their parents' old clothes.