Decade Day Ideas: Step Back In Time With Awesome Outfits

Are you getting ready for a fun event where you need to pick a specific time period to dress up? Maybe your school is having a spirit week, or you have a party coming up that's all about going back in time. Finding just the right look for a decade day can be a little tricky, but it's also a really exciting chance to show off your creative side. We've gone through each decade and picked out some of the most popular fashion trends from that time, so you can easily put together something amazing.

You'll have everything you need to create the perfect outfit for decades. Whether you're gunning for a standout appearance or just want to join the fun, this guide is here to help. We understand wanting to look good and feel good, and that's why we've put together so many different options for you. So, if you need some cool outfit ideas for this decade day, this list is just for you, you know?

Whether you’re a fan of the glitz of the roaring twenties or the hip hop vibes of the 90s, check out these decades day spirit week ideas. We've put together the ultimate guide to dressing for every decade! From vintage hippie vibes to disco diva glamour, find out how to truly embody the spirit of the past. Fifteen decades of fashion, ready for you to recreate, more or less.

Table of Contents

• What's a Decade Day?
• Roaring Twenties: Glamour and Flapper Fun
  • Key Elements for the 1920s
  • Outfit Ideas for the 1920s
• Fabulous Fifties: Poodle Skirts and Rock 'n' Roll
  • Key Elements for the 1950s
  • Outfit Ideas for the 1950s
• Groovy Sixties: Hippie Vibes and Mod Looks
  • Key Elements for the 1960s
  • Outfit Ideas for the 1960s
• Seventies: Disco Fever and Boho Chic
  • Key Elements for the 1970s
  • Outfit Ideas for the 1970s
• Eighties: Neon, Leg Warmers, and Big Hair
  • Key Elements for the 1980s
  • Outfit Ideas for the 1980s
• Nineties: Grunge, Hip-Hop, and Pop Culture
  • Key Elements for the 1990s
  • Outfit Ideas for the 1990s
• Frequently Asked Questions About Decade Day Ideas
• Ready to Rock Your Decade Look?

What's a Decade Day?

A "decade day" is a special event where people dress up in clothing styles from a particular ten-year period. This could be for a school spirit week, a themed party, or just a fun gathering with friends. It’s a chance to explore history through fashion, which is pretty cool, if you ask me. People often pick a decade they feel a connection to, or one that has very recognizable fashion.

Roaring Twenties: Glamour and Flapper Fun

The 1920s were a time of big changes, especially in fashion. Women's clothing became much looser and more relaxed, moving away from the tight corsets of earlier times. It was all about freedom and a new kind of elegance, you know? This era, sometimes called the Jazz Age, really had its own distinct look.

Key Elements for the 1920s

• **Flapper Dresses:** These were often loose-fitting, straight dresses with dropped waists. They had lots of fringe, beads, or sequins that would move when you danced.
• **Headbands and Headpieces:** Sparkly headbands with feathers or jewels were very popular.
• **Long Pearl Necklaces:** Often worn in multiple strands, sometimes knotted.
• **T-Strap Shoes:** Shoes with a strap across the top of the foot.
• **Feather Boas and Gloves:** For a touch of drama and sophistication.
• **Short, Bobbed Hair:** A very common hairstyle for women during this time.

Outfit Ideas for the 1920s

• **Classic Flapper:** A sequined or fringed dress, a feathered headband, long pearl necklaces, and T-strap heels. Maybe a faux fur stole, too.
• **Dapper Gent:** A pinstripe suit, a fedora hat, a tie, and polished shoes. A pocket watch could add a nice touch, as a matter of fact.

Fabulous Fifties: Poodle Skirts and Rock 'n' Roll

The 1950s brought us iconic styles like the poodle skirt and the cool greaser look. This decade was all about optimism and a bit of playful rebellion, especially with the rise of rock and roll music. It's a very recognizable era for decade day ideas, obviously.

Key Elements for the 1950s

• **Poodle Skirts:** Full, swing skirts, often with an applique of a poodle.
• **Button-Down Shirts:** For men, tucked in with rolled sleeves.
• **Cardigans and Twin Sets:** Sweaters worn over blouses.
• **Cat-Eye Glasses:** A popular eyewear style.
• **Bandanas and Scarves:** Worn in the hair or around the neck.
• **Leather Jackets:** A staple for the "greaser" look.
• **Denim:** Jeans were becoming more common, especially for a casual, rebellious feel.

Outfit Ideas for the 1950s

• **Greaser Look:** A white T-shirt, a leather jacket, dark jeans, and slicked-back hair. Maybe a comb in the back pocket, too.
• **Diner Sweetheart:** A poodle skirt, a fitted top or a cardigan, bobby socks, and saddle shoes. A ponytail with a scarf would complete it, essentially.

Groovy Sixties: Hippie Vibes and Mod Looks

The 1960s were a time of big cultural shifts, and fashion certainly reflected that. You had the bright, bold Mod style, and the free-spirited Hippie movement. It's a decade with a lot of different looks, which is great for decade day ideas, naturally.

Key Elements for the 1960s

• **Tie-Dye:** Bright, swirling patterns on shirts, dresses, and headbands.
• **Bell-Bottoms:** Pants that flared out from the knee.
• **Mini Skirts:** A revolutionary fashion item, very short.
• **Go-Go Boots:** Knee-high boots, often white.
• **Peace Signs and Floral Prints:** Common symbols and patterns.
• **Fringe Vests:** Suede or faux suede vests with long fringe.
• **Headbands:** Worn across the forehead for a hippie look.

Outfit Ideas for the 1960s

• **Flower Child:** A tie-dye shirt or a flowing floral dress, bell-bottoms, a fringe vest, and a headband worn across the forehead. Bare feet or sandals work well, too.
• **Mod Style:** A brightly colored mini dress, go-go boots, and bold geometric patterns. Maybe a bob haircut, you know?

Seventies: Disco Fever and Boho Chic

The 1970s brought us disco lights and a relaxed, earthy style. It was a time for big hair, platform shoes, and lots of sparkle, or, on the other hand, a very natural, flowing look. This decade offers so many different avenues for decade day ideas, actually.

Key Elements for the 1970s

• **Bell-Bottoms and Flares:** Even wider than in the 60s, often in denim or corduroy.
• **Platform Shoes:** High soles on shoes and boots.
• **Polyester and Satin:** Common fabrics, especially for disco wear.
• **Sequins and Glitter:** For that undeniable disco glamour.
• **Wide Collars:** On shirts and jackets.
• **Bohemian Dresses:** Long, flowing dresses with ethnic prints or embroidery.
• **Afros and Feathered Hair:** Popular hairstyles.

Outfit Ideas for the 1970s

• **Disco King/Queen:** A shiny satin shirt with a wide collar, bell-bottom pants, and platform shoes. Lots of glitter and big hair are a must, obviously.
• **Boho Hippie:** A long, flowing peasant dress, a wide-brimmed hat, and sandals. Layered necklaces and a fringed bag would fit, too.

Eighties: Neon, Leg Warmers, and Big Hair

The 1980s were all about bold colors, big hair, and a strong sense of individuality. Think aerobics wear, power suits, and lots of denim. It's a decade that's pretty easy to spot in a crowd, for sure, and full of great decade day ideas.

Key Elements for the 1980s

• **Neon Colors:** Bright pinks, greens, yellows, and oranges.
• **Leg Warmers:** Worn over leggings or jeans.
• **Shoulder Pads:** Exaggerated shoulders on jackets and blouses.
• **Acid-Wash Denim:** Jeans and jackets with a faded, mottled look.
• **Tracksuits:** Often in bright colors or shiny fabrics.
• **Big Hair:** Achieved with lots of hairspray and teasing.
• **Scrunchies:** Hair ties made of fabric.

Outfit Ideas for the 1980s

• **Aerobics Instructor:** A bright leotard, leggings, leg warmers, and sneakers. A sweatband and a side ponytail would complete this, honestly.
• **Pop Star Look:** An oversized blazer with shoulder pads, a band t-shirt, ripped jeans, and high-top sneakers. Lots of bright accessories are key, too.

Nineties: Grunge, Hip-Hop, and Pop Culture

The 1990s offered a mix of laid-back grunge, vibrant hip-hop fashion, and mainstream pop styles. It was a decade that really embraced comfort and a kind of effortless cool. From poodle skirts to iconic bell bottoms and denim vests that’ll have your peers feeling nostalgic, this era has it all, you know?

Key Elements for the 1990s

• **Flannel Shirts:** Often worn oversized and unbuttoned over a t-shirt.
• **Baggy Jeans:** Loose-fitting denim, sometimes ripped.
• **Crop Tops:** Short tops that show the midriff.
• **Denim Vests and Jackets:** Often distressed or embellished.
• **Chokers:** Necklaces worn tight around the neck.
• **Platform Sneakers:** Chunky shoes with thick soles.
• **Bucket Hats:** A casual hat style.
• **Sportswear:** Branded athletic wear like tracksuits and oversized hoodies.

Outfit Ideas for the 1990s

• **Grunge Vibe:** A band t-shirt, an oversized flannel shirt, ripped baggy jeans, and combat boots. Messy hair is a must, obviously.
• **Hip-Hop Style:** An oversized sports jersey or a baggy t-shirt, wide-leg jeans, and chunky sneakers. A baseball cap worn backward or a bucket hat works well, too.
• **Pop Princess:** A crop top, high-waisted jeans or a denim skirt, and platform sneakers. Maybe some bright hair accessories, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decade Day Ideas

People often have questions when planning their decade day outfits. Here are a few common ones:

What are some easy decade day ideas for school?

For school, easy ideas often involve things you might already have or can find easily. For the 90s, think flannel shirts, baggy jeans, or a simple crop top. For the 80s, a bright t-shirt with some leggings and leg warmers works well. The 70s can be simple with bell-bottoms and a tie-dye shirt. The 50s are great with a simple full skirt and a cardigan. It's almost about picking a few key pieces that scream the decade, you know?

How do I make my decade day outfit look authentic without spending a lot?

Thrift stores are your best friend for authentic-looking pieces without breaking the bank. You can often find vintage items or things that just need a little adjustment. DIY is also great; for example, you can tie-dye an old white t-shirt for the 60s or add fringe to a vest for the 70s. Borrowing from friends is another good option, too. It's about being clever with what you have, pretty much.

Can I mix elements from different decades for a decade day?

Typically, for a "decade day," the idea is to stick to one specific decade to really capture its unique style. Mixing elements might make your outfit less clear about which decade you're representing. However, if it's a general "vintage" or "throwback" theme, then mixing could be fun! For a true "decade day," it's usually best to pick one and commit, honestly.

Ready to Rock Your Decade Look?

Whether you’re headed to a costume party, a themed event, or just want to shake up your style, these outfit ideas will have you set. Unleash your inner fashionista and travel back in time with these diverse and creative outfit ideas for decades day. We've put together a lot of options, so you can find something that truly speaks to you, more or less. Just pick your favorite era and have fun with it!

You can learn more about fashion history on our site, and link to this page our style guides for even more inspiration.

For more general fashion tips, you might find this external resource helpful: Vogue Fashion.