1970s Costumes!

Do you have a 1970s party coming up? Need a 1970s costume? Costume Direct stocks a huge variety of 1970's costumes!

The social progressive values started in the sixties developed into the 1970s, with a move into the environmentalist movement. The feminism movement, anti-war movement and civil rights movement continued into the seventies decade. The early 70s saw the rise of soft/ pop rock music with recording artists such as Elton John and Fleetwood Mac. The Godfather, Saturday Night Fever and Star Wars were huge movies of the 70s, still widely acclaimed today. Clothing styles during the 1970s were influenced by outfits seen in popular music groups and Hollywood films.

Clothing styles during the 1970s were influenced by outfits seen in popular music groups and Hollywood films. Much of the 1970s fashion styles were influenced by the hippie movement of the 1960s. Significant fashion trends of the 1970s began with a continuation of the mini skirts, bell bottoms and psychedelic dresses from the late 1960s, was soon sharply characterized by several distinct fashion trends that have left an indelible image of the decade commemorated in popular culture. These include platform shoes, worn by both men and women. Wide-legged, flared trousers were another fashion mainstay for both sexes throughout most of the decade, and this style has been immortalized in the 1977 film, 'Saturday Night Fever'. The "disco look", complete with three-piece suits for men, which the film further popularized, lasted until it was gradually replaced by punk fashion. Hot pants were a fashion craze for young girls and women in the early 1970s. Sideburns and beards came back into style for men, as well as the large, round Afro. Women's hairstyles went from long and straight in the first half of the decade to the feathery cut of Farrah Fawcett.

Hippie Print Leg Avenue Womens Costumes

1970's Disco Queen Costume

Dancing Queen 70's Womens Costume

Whether you have a 1970's party, 70s fancy dress up, decade party or just a fancy dress up party, you'll have plenty of choice with Costume Direct's 1970's costumes!

Wizard of Oz Costumes

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore!"

The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American musical fantasy film based on the popular L. Frank Baum stories, about a teenage girl, Dorothy, who lives in Kansas with her aunt and uncle. Dorothy and her dog Toto are caught in a tornado's path and somehow end up in the land of Oz. Things in Oz are strange and beautiful, but Dorothy is desperate to get back home. In Oz, Dorothy is told to follow the yellow brick road to the emerald city to see the Wizard of Oz who can help her get home. Along the way, she meets a myriad of colorful characters such as the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, the Scare Crow and the Wicked Witch of the West. Her film follows the journey of Dorothy and her friends to meet the wizard, who everyone says can help her return home and possibly grant her new friends their goals of a brain, heart and courage. Dorothy is helped by the Good Witch of the North, but she's also in trouble with the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge for the death of her sister, for which she blames Dorothy.

Dorothy Wizard of Oz Womens Costumes

Dorothy Wizard of Oz Leg Avenue Womens Costume

Dorothy Wizard of Oz Womens Costume

Dorothy Wizard of OZ Plus Size Womens Costume

Dorothy - Deluxe Wizard of Oz Girls Costume

The film received large positive reviews, won two Academy Awards and was nominated for Best Picture of the Year. The song, "Over the Rainbow" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the film itself received several Academy Award nominations. Telecasts of The Wizard of Oz began in 1956, re-introducing the film to the public and eventually becoming an annual tradition, making it one of the most famous films ever made. The film was named the most-watched motion picture in history, is often ranked among the Top 10 Best Movies of All-Time, and is the source of many memorable quotes referenced in modern popular culture. As such a famous movie, the characters of the film are easily recognizable and make for a great costume!

Tin Man Wizard of Oz Mens Costumes

Scarecrow Wizard of Oz Mens Costumes

Cowardly Lion Wizard of Oz Mens Costumes

Dorothy can be recognized by her brown hair, classic blue dress with capped sleeves, white apron and iconic sparkly red shoes. The Dorothy costume is a popular character to dress up as, as her outfit is simple and can be customized to be worn for women of all ages. Whether you want to wear the more classic longer Dorothy dress, or change it up to be worn shorter, you'll be easily recognized as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz!

Dorothy's Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers

Dorothy Wizard of Oz Wig

Dorothy- Toto in a Basket

Alice in Wonderland Costumes

"I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!" Said the White Rabbit as he ran past Alice in Wonderland just after she fell down that unfortunately placed hole.

We all know the story, have read about her in books, and seen her in movies, and we all love her costume. The Alice in Wonderland costume is all about that beautiful blue dress, her luscious long blonde hair, her stripey socks or stockings and the ribbon in her hair. Some elements you can't forget, are the puffy sleeves and puffy skirt which achieves added volume thanks to the petticoat she wears underneath. Remember the classic scene of Alice falling down the rabbit hole - all you can see is the many layers of skirts and bloomers she wears underneath and those stripey socks! Make sure your Alice dress also has a peter-pan collar and maybe some lace for a feminine touch. Because Alice in Wonderland was originally written for a audience living in 1856, think about the amount of clothing they had on to make your costume really authentic; corsets, bloomers, petticoats, slips, aprons etc. You won't be Alice in Wonderland until you put on a blonde wig, or style your already blonde hair into Alice's sleek 'do'. Add another simple 'Alice' touch by tying a blue ribbon around your hair. Find yourself some shiny black mary-janes and some stipey socks or stockings and voila!

Alice - Miss Wonderland Leg Avenue Womens Costume

Alice In Wonderland Sweet Womens Costume

Alice - Wonderland Flirt Womens Costumes

The Queen of Hearts is a character from the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by the writer Lewis Carroll. She is a foul-tempered Monarch, that Carroll himself pictured as "a blind fury", and who is quick to decree death sentences at the slightest offense. Her most famous line, one which she repeats often, is "Off with their heads!" In the Disney animated feature Alice in Wonderland, the Queen appears as Alice puts it in a moment of temper, a "fat, pompous, bad tempered old tyrant". Her presence is all the more striking because of how tiny her husband the King is (he barely comes up to her knee). The Queen of Hearts not only makes for a great costume for an Alice in Wonderland party, but for a villains party as well!

Queen of Hearts Deluxe Womens Costume

Queen of Hearts Womens Costumes - Enchanting

Queen of Hearts Playing Card Leg Avenue Womens Costume

Queen of Hearts Womens Costumes - Sweet & Sexy

Queen of Hearts Womens Costume

Red Queen of Hearts Alice In Wonderland Womens Costume

The King of Hearts is a character from the book Alice's adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. He seems to, when compared to the Queen of Hearts, be the moderate part of the Wonderland government. The Disney movie portrays the King of Hearts as a dwarf wearing an extremely tall crown, a long red coat with white trimmed fur, and who is very much subdued by the Queen in terms of popularity among their subjects.

King of Hearts Deluxe Mens Costume

"Why is a raven like a writing desk?" The Mad Hatter is a fictional character created by Lewis Carroll in his novel 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. The phrase "mad as a hatter" pre-dates Carroll's work, both both the Hatter and the March Hare are initially referred to as "both mad". The Mad Hatter explains to Alice that he and the March Hare are always drinking tea, because when he tried to sing for the Queen of Hearts she sentenced him to death for "murdering the time". He escapes decapitation, but in retaliation Time halts himself in respect to the Hatter, keeping him and the March Hare stuck at 6.00 forever - "Tea Time!" The tea party, when Alice arrives, is characterized by switching places on the table at any given time, making short, personal remarks, asking unanswerable riddles and reciting nonsensical poetry, all of which eventually drive Alice away.

The Mad Hatter Mens Costume

The name "Mad Hatter" was clearly done and inspired by the phrase "as mad as a hatter". Mercury was used in the process of curing pelts used in some hats, making it impossible for hatters to avoid inhaling the mercury fumes given off during the hat making process; hatters and mill workers thus often suffered mercury poisoning, causing neurological damage, including confused speech and distorted vision. Hat making was the main trade near where Carroll spent his childhood, and it was not unusual then for hatters to appear disturbed or confused; many died early as a result of mercury poisoning.

Mad Hatter Deluxe Velvet Top Hat - Purple

He continuously asks Alice for an answer to his riddle at the "Mad Tea Party", and when she gives up and asks for the answer, he admits that he himself does not have one. The Mad Hatter's quirks and oddities have made him a character that has lasted through the ages, perhaps even more popular today than when Carroll created him. This is particularly due to Burton's recent interpretation of the Mad Hatter portrayed by Johnny Depp, solidifying the Mad Hatter as one of the most popular characters in storybook history. The Mad Hatter Mens Costume is therefore one of the best costumes to dress up in for a TV/ Movie party, character party, animation party and loads more! Do you have a Tea Party to go to? Why not purchase the Mad Hatter Deluxe Hat? Have a couples party to go to? Why not go with the Mad Hatter Womens Costume?

Mad Hatter Sexy Womens Costume

Mad Hatter Womens Costume

Mad Hatter Womens Costume by Starline

Harry Potter Costumes

The boy who lived...

Harry Potter is the title character and main protagonist of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The majority of the books' plot covers seven years in the life of the orpahn Potter, who, on his eleventh birthday, learns he is a wizard. Thus, he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to practice magic under the guidance of the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, and other school professors. Upon venturing into the wizarding world, Harry discovers that he is already famous throughout the novel's magical community, and that his fate is tied with that of Lord Voldemort, the feared Dark Wizard and murderer of his mother and father.

The series chronicle the adventures of Harry and his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts. The main story arc concerns Harry's quest to overcome the evil wizard Lord Voldemort, whose aims are to overcome death, to conquer the wizarding world, subjugate non-magical people and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry Potter. Potter represents the resistance, and eventually comes to symbolise good triumphing evil.

Since the release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on 30 June 1997, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. As of June 2011, the book series has sold about 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages, and the last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history. The books, with the seventh book split into two parts, have been made into an eight-part film series and is the highest grossing film series of all time. The series also originated much tie-in merchandise, making the Harry Potter brand worth in excess of $15 billion

The huge success of the Potter franchise has led to the massive popularity of Harry Potter costumes. Whether you want to dress up as Harry Potter himself, or be his loyal sidekicks Ron and Hermione, you'll easily be recognised as a student of Hogwarts! Why not wear a Death Eater costume and attempt a Death Eater's kiss? Or do you want to be he-who-must-not-be-named? Dress up as the Dark Lord Voldemort for your next fancy dress party!

Harry Potter Adult Costume

Harry Potter Boys Costume

Lord Voldemort Adult Costume

Death Eater Mens Costume

Harry Potter Wand, Robe, Glasses, Childrens Dress Up

Harry Potter is the most easily recognisable character from the series. You can easily replicate his look by drawing on a lightening bolt scar on your forehead, wearing his signature round glasses, and having his shaggy, untidy black hair! You'll be at hit at your next Harry Potter party, fancy dress party, group costume party and more!

Flapper Costumes

Flapper costumes are instantly recognisable and perfect for your next costume party! Whether you have a 1920's party to go to, an era's party or a decades party, you'll be the bees knees in a flapper costume!

Flapper in the 1920's was a term applied to a "new breed" of young Western women who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was considered acceptable behaviour. Flapper's beaviour was considered outlandish at the time and redefined women's roles. The image of flappers were young women who went by night to jazz clubs where they danced provocatively, smoked cigarettes through long holders and openly drank alcohol, a defiant act in the American period of Prohibition.

In addition to their irreverant behaviour, flappers were known for their style, which largely emerged from French fashions, especially those pioneered by Coco Chanel, the effect on dress of the rapid spread of American jazz, and the popularization of dancing that accompanied it.

The flapper style made girls look young and boyish: short hair, flattened breasts and straight waists accentuated it. Flapper dresses were straight and loose, leaving the arms bare and dropping the waistline to the hips. High heels also came into vogue at the time, reaching 2-3 inches. Boyish cuts were in vogue, especially the bob cut. Finger waving was used as a means of styling. Hats were still required wear and popular styles included the Newboy Cap and Cloche Hat. Jewelry usually consisted of art deco pieces, especially many layers of beaded necklaces.

Flapper Fabulous 1920's Deluxe Womens Costume

The evolving flapper look required heavy make-up in comparison to what had been previously been acceptable. With the invention of the metal lipstick container as well as compact mirrors bee stung lips came into vogue. Dark eyes, especially Kohl-rimmed, were the style. Blush also came into vogue.

Flapper - 1920's Womens Costume - Red

Although the appearance typically associated now with flappers (straight waists, short hair and a hemline above the knee) did not fully emerge until about 1926, there was an early association in the public mind between unconventional appearance, outrageous behaviour, and the word "flapper".

20's Cutie Flapper Womens Costume

You'll be the cat's meow in one of our Flapper Costumes!

Perfect Party Costume... THE PANDA.

Ever wanted to dress up as a panda for a fancy dress party? We know we have! Pandas make perfect costumes for parties with an animal theme, jungle theme, 'P' theme, black and white theme, funny costume theme and heaps more! And besides their usefulness for wearing to parties, a panda costume makes for great everyday attire!

Cute Panda Costume!

Everybody always dresses up in gorilla costumes, but we want to know... Why not panda costumes?! These cute creatures make for a great costume, and look so good in black and white!

Cutest Panda Yet!

How cute is this baby! Dress up your little munchkin, and raise awareness for pandas!

Have your own panda costume!

There's nothing like dressing up as panda for your next trip to the zoo! Come on, we dare you!

Panda costume not your thing? Plenty more animals where those came from! Browse through our Animal Costumes.