Fancy dress emergency

[bigfatfeet]

I am going to a party this evening at which 70s/80s dress is "strongly encouraged". I am an introvert and going on my own, so this is my idea of hell, but I would like to manage a bit more than a token effort.

I don't get to go out out much so would like to look nice rather than deck myself in some flammable monstrosity from a fancy dress shop - any suggestions for something I can cobble together from my existing wardrobe (or from the nearby shops) so I can comply with the spirit of the dress code without looking like a complete arse on the bus on the way there?

[MrsLeighHalfpenny]

Shell suit from charity shop, with a few items of tacky jewekry.
Jacket with big shoulder pads
Denim, denim and more denim, preferably with cheesecloth.
Starsky Cardigan and afro type wig

[mouldycheesefan]

Shell suits is 90s nobody wore them in the 70s and 80s!

Do you have a Dallas or dynasty type dress could wear with big hair, charity shop good option

[mouldycheesefan]

70s hippy? Any flower power or boho clothes or flares, jewellery, headband, facepaints

[bigfatfeet]

I do have a pair of super-wide denim trousers which I actually quite like - I reckon the hippy look might be a possibility. Thanks!

[bigfatfeet]

I would much prefer glam to tacky and have a jumpsuit which I have worn a grand total of once - I reckon I could 70s that up, and can certainly manage big hair. You are a GENIUS!

[JumpandScore]

I definitely had a shell suit from c&a in the late 80s, was my pride and joy.

The jumpsuit sounds perfect op

[bigfatfeet]

I think I also had a shell suit in the late 80s, I got it in the market, it was turquoise and mauve and I bloody loved it. Fails the flammability test though...

[defineme]

I think a side pony tail gives the perfect 80s touch to a jumpsuit, though pixie boots would be divine.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Have you got a black body con dress and black high heels? Red lipstick = Robert Palmer backing singer.

[ijustwannadance]

RaRa/frilled short skirt or denim cut off short (cut an old pair of jeans maybe?), patterned lace tights, vest, denim jacket with sleeves rolled up, ankle boots or coloured stilettos. Bright cheapo jewellery from primark. Anything fluro.
Think Madonna in desperately seeking susan.

[MrsLeighHalfpenny]

Shell suits were definitely 80's. Flower power and hippies, however, were 60's.

I know. I was there.

[ArcheryAnnie]

A jumpsuit is 80s - side ponytail, really obvious blusher, if you have any legwarmers you can wear bunched up over the bottoms of the jumpsuit trousers that would complete the look.

[bigfatfeet]

I am on my way in jumpsuit and sequin jacket I had forgotten I owned with absolutely enormous hair. Not really sure whether I'm going for 70s or 80s, but I feel happy with my outfit - thanks everyone for your help!