Retro Decades Party Theme: Costumes

Wearable Accessories (by Decade)

1950s: Rock ‘n’ Roll Diner Vibe

  • Cat-eye sunglasses
  • Poodle skirts or neck scarves
  • Leather jackets
  • Saddle shoes
  • Temporary tattoos (anchor, pin-up style)

1960s: Peace & Psychedelia

  • Round Lennon-style sunglasses
  • Tie-dye bandanas
  • Flower crowns
  • Fringe vests
  • Peace sign necklaces

1970s: Disco & Funk

  • Afro wigs
  • Gold chain necklaces
  • Bell-bottom pants
  • Glittery headbands
  • Platform shoe covers (for photo fun)

1980s: Neon & New Wave

  • Fingerless lace gloves
  • Neon leg warmers
  • Slap bracelets
  • Big plastic earrings
  • Rubik’s cube necklaces
  • Mesh or off-the-shoulder tops

1990s: Grunge, Pop, and Hip-Hop

  • Bucket hats
  • Temporary butterfly tattoos
  • Flannel shirts
  • Choker necklaces
  • Mood rings
  • Fanny packs

Handheld Accessories & Props

  • Inflatable boomboxes, microphones, and cell phones
  • Disposable cameras or Polaroid-style props
  • Custom “yearbook” signs (e.g., “Class of ’85”) for selfies
  • Faux vinyl records as handheld signs
  • Mini View-Masters loaded with custom slides

Interactive Accessories

  • “Which Decade Are You?” buttons guests can pin on after taking a quiz
  • Lanyards with fake backstage passes labeled by decade (e.g., “Disco King 1978” or “MTV VIP 1984”)
  • Glow sticks or bracelets for late-night dancing
  • DIY name tags with prompts like:
    • “Hi, I’m [Name], and my first concert was _____”
    • “I remember when ____ was cool”

Photo Props Box

Create a decade mashup prop station with:

  • Giant peace signs
  • Record album frames
  • VHS tape frames
  • Retro sunglasses
  • Microphones and disco balls
  • “Totally Tubular,” “Boogie Time,” “Groovy Baby” cardboard signs

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