Disco dressing: When the invitation says funky '70s chic, here's what to wear

There's something about the '70s that just makes people smile. The era of Saturday Night Fever, outrageous platforms and colorful polyester fabrics in wild patterns practically guarantees a good time — even in the 21st century. "It's all about the party," says  Laura Levine, co-owner of Replay on 19th, a Heights vintage shop.

When Lester and Sue Smith were looking for a fun idea for their big Feb. 4 benefit for Texas Children's Cancer Center, they centered on a '70s disco theme. An Evening with Disco Legends at the George R. Brown Convention Center will feature Gloria Gaynor, The Pointer Sisters, Nile Rodgers and guest dj Ultragrrrrl.

The attire is disco or black tie, so partygoers are scouring Houston's vintage shops for the perfect '70s-themed outfit to wear. We tagged along as gala co-organizer Sue Smith and Dominique Sachse, who will be the evening's emcee, tried on some of the period's funkiest looks pulled by stylist Dawn Bell.

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Dominque gets funky in a flowered halter jumpsuit, available by rental at The Way We Wore. The wig makes the look and once on, Dominque was hooked--the fro was a must!

The floral-patterned halter jumpsuit captured the free spirit stylist Dawn Bell, shown left, was looking for. Dominique's own green wedges were the perfect compliment to the '70s style. The photo shoot with Dominique took place at Retropolis.

Sue Smith strikes a disco pose in a '70s white pantsuit, $43; gold belt, $12; yellow Bakelite "Night and Day" necklace, $68; and gold hoop earrings, $22, all at Replay on 19th, where the photo shoot of Sue took place.
   

From her perch at Retropolis, photographer Michelle Watson captured Dominique doing moves John Travolta would be jealous of. Purple disco/dance dress, $35 at Beatniks, and silver Lurex disco dance shoe, $32, at Retropolis.

Sue and Lester Smith are champion ballroom dancers who are expected to heat up the dance floor at their disco-themed benefit.

Sue wears a black dance fever catsuit with red sequin detail, $54, and black disco mesh earrings, $14, both at Replay on 19th. Dave Rossman photographed Sue.
 

Stylist Bell was looking to the rainbow for this colorful look. "The '70s were all about disco and the rainbow palette and this look says that," she says. Multi-colored sequin top, $50 at Beatniks: blue velvet '70s high waisted pant, $26 at Replay on 19th; peacock feathered earrings, $18 at Retropolis.

"What I like about the '70s is it was a departure from the '60s. It was more free-spirited in the way people wore the clothes," said Bell, a vintage expert who owns Coronation Vintage, shown here with Sue Smith at Replay on 19th. "And, of course, disco was just fun. Pulling the clothes (for the photo shoot) made me remember how much fun it was. I lived through it." 

Gold lamé never goes out of style. Sue wears gold lamé pants, $24 at The Way We Wore; gold glitter belt, $12 at Retropolis; disco multi-colored thread top, $65 at Coronation Vintage; feathered earrings, $12, and gold strappy disco dance shoes, $24, both at Replay on 19th,

Glitter was a '70s hallmark. Brown sequined tube top, $18, and metallic floral pants, $32, both at Coronation Vintage; beaded silver and gold belt, $18, and gold heart bangle necklace, $14, both at The Way We Wore; gold wedge platform with silver glitter heel, $24, and yellow feather earring, $12, both at Replay.
  

After posing throughout Retropolis, it was this casual, yet glamorous moment that summed up the feel of the shoot.

Long gold sequined dress, $325 at Cheeky Vintage; gold and silver platform wedge, $24 at Replay; gold heart mirrored earrings, $14 at The Way We Wore.

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Where to shop:

Replay on 19th, 373 West 19th St., 713-863-9344

Retropolis, 321 West 19th St., 713-861-1950

The Way We Wore, 2602 Waugh Dr., 713-526-8910

Cheeky Vintage, 2134 Richmond Ave., 713-533-1121

Beatniks,  709 East 11th Street, 832-390-1122

Coronation Vintage, by appointment only, 713-459-9210

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Click here to purchase tickets to An Evening with Disco Legends, Feb. 4, George R. Convention Center, $500 each, or call 832-824-6818.