What is the easiest decade to dress up as for Decades Day?

The 90s and 80s are usually the easiest because you can use modern items like flannel shirts, baggy jeans, or bright athletic wear that you might already own.

How do you dress for Decades Day if you have no costume?

Simply wear a pair of jeans, roll up the cuffs, tuck in a plain white t-shirt, slick back your hair, and you have an instant 1950s greaser look.

What do kids wear for Decades Day at school?

Popular options for kids include a 1960s hippie with a tie-dye shirt and headband, or a 1980s look with neon leggings and a side ponytail.

AI-generated example

Decades Day

Travel back in time with iconic retro looks from any era.

Decades Day is a classic school spirit week and party theme that lets you dress up in the fashion of a bygone era. Whether you choose a 1950s greaser, a 1970s hippie, or a 1980s neon fitness star, the best looks rely on unmistakable, era-defining silhouettes and bright colors. This guide helps you assemble a quick, recognizable retro outfit using everyday clothes and key vintage accessories.

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

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40 Decades 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 Decades Day costume

Retro graphic tee or top
A tie-dye shirt for the 60s/70s, a neon oversized tee for the 80s, or a flannel shirt for the 90s.
DIY: Tie-dye a plain white cotton t-shirt at home.
Amazon
Era-specific denim or pants
Bell-bottoms for the 70s, acid-wash jeans for the 80s, or baggy ripped jeans for the 90s.
DIY: Use fabric scissors to fray the hems of old jeans or roll up the cuffs for a 50s look.
Amazon
Statement jacket
A black faux-leather motorcycle jacket for the 50s, a fringed vest for the 70s, or a colorful windbreaker for the 80s/90s.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off an old denim jacket to make a retro vest.
Amazon
Period-accurate eyewear
Cat-eye glasses for the 50s, round wire-rimmed sunglasses for the 70s, or shutter shades for the 80s.
Amazon
Era accessories
A peace sign necklace for the 70s, neon sweatbands for the 80s, or a plastic tattoo choker for the 90s.
DIY: Cut a strip of colorful fabric to wear as a retro headband.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Pick your favorite decade (50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s) based on what you already have in your closet.
2
Put on your base layer, such as a tie-dye shirt, neon top, or flannel button-down.
3
Add your era-appropriate pants, ensuring the fit matches the decade (e.g., tight-rolled cuffs for the 50s, baggy for the 90s).
4
Layer on your outerwear, like a bright windbreaker, leather jacket, or denim vest.
5
Put on your footwear, such as classic canvas sneakers or chunky retro boots.
6
Accessorize with era-specific items like sunglasses, headbands, or jewelry to instantly sell the theme.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair to match the era: a sleek pompadour or ponytail for the 50s, middle-parted waves for the 70s, crimped hair or a high side-ponytail for the 80s, or space buns for the 90s.

Decades Day for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Go as a matching retro duo, like a 50s greaser and pink lady, or two 80s workout partners in neon spandex.
group: Have each friend dress up as a different decade to cover the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s as a timeline.
kids: A simple tie-dye shirt, peace sign necklace, and jeans make an easy, comfortable 1970s hippie look for school.
Plus size: Oversized 80s windbreakers and 90s flannel shirts offer comfortable, stylish, and highly adjustable retro fits.
pet: Put a colorful retro bandana or a tiny neon sweatband on your pet for a quick throwback vibe.

Tips

Focus on one or two highly recognizable props, like a toy boombox for the 80s or a peace sign for the 70s, to make your decade obvious.
Thrift stores are goldmines for authentic, budget-friendly vintage clothing and retro patterns.
Prioritize comfort for school or work by wearing broken-in sneakers that fit the retro aesthetic.
Stick to a cohesive color palette, like warm earth tones for the 70s or bright neon colors for the 80s.

Decades Day costume FAQ

What is the easiest decade to dress up as for Decades Day?: The 90s and 80s are usually the easiest because you can use modern items like flannel shirts, baggy jeans, or bright athletic wear that you might already own.
How do you dress for Decades Day if you have no costume?: Simply wear a pair of jeans, roll up the cuffs, tuck in a plain white t-shirt, slick back your hair, and you have an instant 1950s greaser look.
What do kids wear for Decades Day at school?: Popular options for kids include a 1960s hippie with a tie-dye shirt and headband, or a 1980s look with neon leggings and a side ponytail.

Did you know? Decades Day is one of the most popular spirit week themes in American high schools, often leading to a friendly competition between grade levels representing different eras.