Disco Clothes

A whole page about Disco Clothes? Yes, well there's more to it than just Afro wigs, tight white trousers and leopard-skin tops you know! Although you probably can't go wrong wearing all three together.

Seriously, though, as a DJ I do get to see a very wide range of disco clothing worn by real people performing on the dance-floor. If you're considering a 70s or 80s theme night, a fancy dress competition or even if you're just looking for a bit of a retro disco outfit for the odd night out ... read on.

First things first: disco is about plenty of feel-good dance-floor action. So it's painful to see people attempting to have a good time in clothes which aren't really comfortable to dance in. When you are trying on disco clothing, dance in it for a minute or two to get an idea of how suitable they are.

If you are going for a retro period look or fancy dress, the cut and style of your disco clothes are important. But if you just want to add a disco 'flavour' to your outfit, you can do it with accessories plus a few disco party supplies (hopefully provided by the host!) Disco is very much about light effects: anything that sparkles and shimmers is good! Sequins, lame, pearlescent effects, metallic hairspray (men too!), and hot bright colours can all add to the disco vibe.

Disco clothes for women (1970s-inspired)

If you've got it and you want to flaunt it, hot pants are a classic 1970s disco garment. Bell-bottom trousers, halter-necks, platform soles and cat suits also scream '70s!' Exotic and ethnic clothing were also very popular but remember 'hippy' isn't the same as 'disco' ... you are aiming for a look which uses stretchy fabrics and lots of shine and shimmer. Think Spandex, Lycra, and white clothes that glow in UV light.

Disco clothes for men (1970s-inspired)

Well, flares and platform soles are reliable standbys but what else can you wear? The thing to remember is that disco clothing from this period is all about stretch and shine. For men this means it is also about satin shirts and jackets, gold medallions and open shirts with the collars turned up ... yes it's John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever and just remember that the spotlight could be on you at any time!

Disco clothes for women (1980s-inspired)

If you don't want to go for the tight nylon dress, chunky white heels and dancing round your handbag, think Hollywood glamour and historical drama! The 1980s was when the New Romantics developed their nightclub look with frills, silks, velvets and pure flamboyance. Big hair and big make-up ruled and it was all about individualised glamour harking back to the elite style of the 1930s and 1950s film stars. Remember, although power-dressing and shell-suits are very 1980s they are not very disco so leave them out! If you just want to add a little 80s flavour then headbands, big neon earrings, tacky sunglasses or leg-warmers might do the trick.

Disco clothes for men (1980s-inspired)

You too can go the Adam Ant/David Bowie route with New Romanticism (dandies and buccaneer looks with huge frilled shirts and tight trousers). Black eyeliner and wild backcombed hair will give you the 'Cure'. Or the casual party look could mean a white T-shirt with a big slogan and trainers or Doc Martens for a comfy all-night 'clubbing' spree. (Bear in mind that the latter option could be seen by some not as authentic disco clothing but a cop-out!)

The main thing to remember about disco clothing is that it is to help you have a good time and set a fun party mood. Invest a little time and creativity in choosing your outfit, accessories and a little sparkle – and the disco is set for success.

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