Y’all, I have attended TWO 1970s-themed parties this year. And I’m not even really a party person. Like, I’m the kind of guest who gets nervous at parties and my mouth just starts talking about serial killers and how most of them are still at large and hey who wants to take the Hare Psychopathy Test I already have it pulled up here on my phone!
All that to say, if I am a super weird introvert and have attended TWO 1970s parties by mid-year (also one 1920s party…), how many have YOU, you beautiful extroverts you, attended? How many 1970s costumes have you pieced together from your closet? How many trips to the thrift store looking for vintage T-shirts and crocheted pants have you taken? How many “disco outfits” have you broken down and bought from Amazon?
Whether you’re prepping for the next in a line of 1970s parties or just getting a head start on Halloween–or just love 1970s clothing!–check out my list of my favorite DIYs of 1970s fashions. And stay away from Amazon, because all of these tutorials can be created almost entirely from upcycled and stash materials!
DIY Dresses
off-the-shoulder dress. Off-the-shoulder dresses are VERY 1970s. Look for a frumpy dress with a big print or wild pattern, and follow this free tutorial to give it a vintage-style off-the-shoulder look.
Boho tunic. You can do SO MUCH with a vintage bedsheet… like sew this tunic that’s perfect for both a 70s party AND everyday living!
scarf maxi dress. Vintage-look scarves are relatively easy to thrift. Here’s how to turn three of them into a maxi dress that will look just right at at 70s party.
summer caftan. Here’s another dress that’s easy to sew from a vintage bedsheet or tablecloth. And with just a few straight stitches required, it’s perfect for a beginner sewer!
Boho-style kimono. Belt this kimono to wear as a dress, or wear it over a shirt and pants combo.
pillowcase sundress. You don’t often see a pillowcase upcycle sized for adults, so this tutorial is even more special!
DIY Tops and Bottoms
button up to bell sleeve shirt. This is an example of a 70s-look refashion that you could wear every day. It’s so cute and comfy-looking!
crochet crop top. This crop top doesn’t take a ton of yarn, so it’s possible to make it from the leftovers from your last big crochet project.
crocheted tablecloth to top. Even if you don’t know how to crochet, you can still wear crocheted clothes–you just have to sew them from crocheted fabric!
fringe T-shirt. You don’t need any sewing skills for this T-shirt upcycle! For extra fun, add wooden beads to the fringes.
flowered T-shirt. Pair this no-sew T-shirt with flower embellishments with a maxi skirt or patchwork skirt.
fringed vest. Get an authentic look to this vest by upcycling a wool blanket. Make a quick version by using stash felt.
scarf shirt. Scarves are perfect for upcycling into flowy, 1970s garments. Here, you’ll learn how to turn one large scarf into this cool and comfy shirt!
scarf halter top. Need to be even cooler and comfier? Take that single scarf and cut it down into a halter top!
tie-dye shirts. Need a no-sew way to get a vintage look? You want to tie-dye! Any white or mostly white T-shirt will work, even ones that already have graphics on them.
bell bottoms. Go big with this tutorial for wide, flowy bell bottoms, or a little more subtle with this tutorial for adding a panel to the side seam of your pants.
crocheted skirt or poncho. I know for a fact that this look is legit, because I still have the yellow, sherbet green, and baby blue poncho that my Mama crocheted for tiny little baby me way back when. Feel free to use up your weirdest stash yarns for this, because the wild, mismatched colors are at least half the point!
granny square shorts. Crochet shorts always give me a 1970s vibe, but these granny square shorts are EPIC.
Got a favorite 70s DIY? Tell me about in in the Comments below!