So 70s themed party dress that's flattering and chic... fuck

[custardlover]

It's impossible isn't it? I've got a 40th to go to and the theme is 1977 (see what they did there). There will be a lot of old school friends there and I want to look good and ideally not like an ABBA tribute act - any suggestions? It's cocktails and dancing rather than a dinner so a party dress would be what I would normally go for. I'm 5'8, size 10 and a pear (SUCH HUGE THIGHS) so the jumpsuit look - which I really like - just doesn't really work on me :(

Look for vintage items on eBay. You might find something you love.

What about a maxi and wedges? Or something a bit more "disco" like a shorter dress with flared sleeves. I think as long as you buy vintage you'll look as far from fancy dress as possible!

I think it's time to move on from all the tired Abba cliches. As I recall, I was trying to look like Siouxie Sioux in 1977 - and very chic and elegant I looked too

1977? You can go as a punk if the ABBA stuff doesn't appeal. I did this recently: over the top dark make-up, a ripped up and safety pinned Sex Pistols t-shirt, etc.

I agree with changingShorts - 1977 was the year of punk for me. You could go with the leather trousers and ripped t-shirt and backcombed hair or go down the Blondie route.

Some gorgeous dresses here

I'd go all Margo Leadbetter from the Good Life. I genuine love her 70s suburban lady who lunches style, lots of elegant drapy dresses with swirly prints, matching headscarves and gold jewellery. Accessorise with a (faux) fur wrap and a cigarette in a holder.

go punk

Go for an A-line maxi dress with sleeves, chunky sandals and a centre parting (if you can get away with it) You don't have to go for anything garish - there are loads of single-colour options on eBay.

I would totally go Debbie Harry.

Go in red, white and blue/ union Jack stuff. It was the year of the Queens silver jubilee.

Yes, In 1977 I wanted to be Debbie Harry not Agnetha Faltskog.

You could also look at disco, Chic, Saturday Night Fever etc.

corduroy maxi dress
and brown long boots. Or platforms. I have some Orla Kiely + Clarks sandals that would be just the thing.

Floppy felt hat like this

77 was the summer of punk. Not an Abba suit in sight.

I'm sure I was still wearing corduroy (mind you I was only just a teenager).

Punk is easy if you are a) very skinny or b) very young.

I was never skinny enough, even when I was very young.

When my mother wouldn't let me dress like Debbie Harry, I was wearing tired skirts, what we called gypsy tops and wedges in 1977.
Corduroy was most certainly in.

This is very 1970s but could be flattering

Oh, sorry, just noticed you said no jumpsuits.

Depends what you like. Debbie Harry and punk or a bit of 70's glamour. Both work. Personally, I'm with BluthsFrozenBananas and I love a bit of Margot Leadbetter.

What about this?
Or this?
Or this?
Or a mix of both with this?
Etsy is my undoing...

Look up Gunne Sax dresses, there are some gorgeous hippie type ones that could work?

Love Gunne Sax dresses. A bit like Laura Ashley but sexier.

Or this?
Stepping away from the keyboard...

We I don't normally like Biba or velvet but I have been eyeing this up to do me over the Christmas party season. They have styled it on the model with a polo neck which I didn't plan on but it does look very 70s

topvintage.nl/nl/tag/70s
Lots of good options here

DH and I went as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to a 70s party and Star Wars is very 1977.

A Darth Vader outfit would hide thighs!