Decades Day For Spirit Week
Spirit Week is one of those times of year that feels like pure magic for kids. The hallways are buzzing, the teachers are smiling (well, mostly!), and everyone’s showing off their school pride in the most fun and creative ways possible. And when Decades Day rolls around oh, that’s when things really get good!
Whether it’s the groovy ‘70s, the totally tubular ‘80s, or the grungy ‘90s, Decades Day is the perfect excuse to throw on some retro vibes and celebrate a little nostalgia. It’s fun for kids, teachers, and parents alike and it’s surprisingly easy to pull together awesome looks without spending a ton of money or stressing about costumes.
Let’s chat all about how to rock Decades Day, how to help your kids choose their favorite throwback style, and a few creative ideas to make it extra memorable!
What Is Decades Day?
If you’re new to Spirit Week (or your child just came home saying, “Mom, I need an outfit for Decades Day tomorrow!”), here’s the scoop.
Decades Day is when students and staff dress up in outfits inspired by a specific decade. Each class might choose a different one like the ‘50s, ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s or the whole school might vote on one decade for everyone to celebrate.
It’s all about creativity, community, and a little bit of good old-fashioned silliness. Kids love showing off their outfits, and parents get a fun trip down memory lane while helping put them together!
Picking a Decade: Let Your Kid’s Personality Lead the Way
One of the best parts of Decades Day is watching your child’s personality shine through their outfit. Before you start raiding closets or heading to the thrift store, talk with your child about what kind of “vibe” they want to go for.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular decades and what makes each one fun:
The 1950s: Classic Cool
Think Grease, milkshakes, and jukeboxes!
For girls: Poodle skirts, scarves, ponytails, and saddle shoes.
For boys: Jeans, a white tee, leather jacket, and slicked-back hair.
This decade is perfect for kids who love that old-school, polished look and bonus, it’s super easy to recreate with clothes you might already have.
The 1960s: Peace & Love
Tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and flower power all the way.
Look for colorful tops, round sunglasses, and headbands.
This is a great choice for creative kids who love color and want to make a big, fun statement.
The 1970s: Groovy Disco Fever
The ‘70s were all about funky prints, flared pants, and disco vibes.
Think shiny fabrics, platform shoes (if you dare!), and big sunglasses.
You can even throw in a peace sign necklace or sparkly scarf for some extra flair.
The 1980s: Bold and Bright
Big hair, neon everything, and totally over-the-top accessories.
Girls can wear leggings, oversized sweatshirts, and scrunchies.
Boys can rock band tees, acid-wash jeans, and maybe a faux mullet wig for fun.
The louder, the better it’s basically a chance to wear all the bright colors at once and call it fashion!
The 1990s: Grunge Meets Pop
Flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and chokers ruled the ‘90s but so did Clueless-style plaid skirts and crop tops.
Your kid can go the casual, rock-band route or lean into bubblegum pop style.
And yes, butterfly clips are totally back, so dig them out of storage if you have any!
The 2000s: Y2K Flashback
Okay, this one might make you feel a little old but Y2K is officially vintage now!
Think denim everything, metallic tops, and chunky accessories.
It’s fun, it’s sparkly, and it’s a total blast from the past for us parents who lived through it the first time.
Easy Outfit Ideas Using What You Already Have
You don’t have to spend a dime to make Decades Day fun. Check your closets, ask friends, or hit up the local thrift store you’ll be amazed what treasures you can find.
Here are a few quick, budget-friendly ideas:
- Bandanas – work for almost every decade! Use them as hair accessories, scarves, or tied around jeans.
- Denim Jackets – great for the ‘80s, ‘90s, or 2000s.
- Plain white sneakers or Converse-style shoes – they fit nearly every era.
- Graphic tees – anything with a band logo, smiley face, or retro print can work.
- Accessories – sunglasses, jewelry, hats, and belts make a big difference.
If you want a one-stop shop, you can also check out party stores or online costume shops for “Decades” accessories like ‘70s wigs or neon bracelets that add instant flair without breaking the bank.
Fun Ways to Bring the Theme to Life
Outfits are just the start! Decades Day can be even more exciting when you add a few extra touches at home or in the classroom.
Here are a few ways to make it extra special:
Make a Playlist
Play songs from your chosen decade while getting ready for school!
Dancing around the kitchen to Stayin’ Alive or Material Girl sets the tone for a fun day.
You can even make a mini playlist for your child to share with their class if the teacher allows it.
Create a Photo Booth
Grab a colorful sheet or fabric backdrop, add some props (think sunglasses, records, fake mustaches, or signs with phrases like “Totally Rad!”), and snap some pictures before school.
These photos make adorable memories and your kids will love looking back on them year after year.
Trivia or Guessing Games
Teachers or parents can put together a quick “Name That Tune” or “Guess the Decade” trivia game.
Play a few seconds of an old hit or show a photo of a retro gadget (cassette tapes, anyone?) and have the kids guess which decade it’s from.
It’s fun and a little educational!
Spirit Week = Connection & Confidence
Spirit Week, and especially Decades Day, isn’t just about dressing up it’s about connection. It helps kids feel included, boosts school spirit, and gives them confidence to express themselves.
Even the shyest students often light up when they see their classmates participating. It’s a chance for them to be creative and silly without worrying about fitting in, because everyone’s having fun together.
If your child tends to get nervous about dressing up, remind them that it’s all in good fun and they can keep it as simple or as extra as they want. Some jeans, a vintage tee, and a scrunchie totally count!
Easy Classroom or Group Ideas for Teachers & Parents
If you’re helping organize Spirit Week or Decades Day at school, here are a few fun ways to keep the energy going:
1. Hallway Time Machine
Have each grade decorate their hallway to match a different decade!
The ‘50s hallway could have cardboard jukeboxes and soda shop signs.
The ‘80s hallway? Neon posters, cassette tapes, and boom boxes.
It’s like walking through history but way more fun.
2. Decades Parade
Let students show off their outfits in a mini “fashion parade” around the school. Play decade-themed music and have everyone cheer.
You could even hand out fun awards like “Best Disco Moves” or “Coolest Retro Look.”
3. Classroom Craft Corner
Have students design their own “Decades Day Posters” featuring their favorite trends or slang from that era. It’s a creative way to tie in learning with fun!
4. Snack Time Throwback
For older grades, plan a treat that matches the decade think soda floats for the ‘50s or colorful candy for the ‘80s.
It’s a small thing, but kids love those extra touches that make the day special.
Family Fun: Bring Decades Day Home
Once school’s out, why not keep the fun going at home?
You can turn Decades Day into a little family theme night.
Here are some ideas:
- Movie Marathon: Watch a classic movie from your chosen decade like Back to the Future (1980s) or Grease (1950s).
- Dance Party: Crank up a retro playlist and teach your kids some dance moves from your childhood.
- Decade-Themed Dinner: Make it fun milkshakes and burgers for the ‘50s, fondue for the ‘70s, or pizza bagels for the ‘90s!
It’s a sweet way to end the day and make memories your kids will talk about long after Spirit Week ends.
A Few Extra Tips for Parents
- Take photos! You’ll want to look back on these and your kids will too when they’re older.
- Stay comfortable. If your child’s outfit has lots of layers or accessories, make sure they can move easily and handle a full school day.
- Check the weather. A leather jacket might look amazing… until it’s 28°C outside!
- Encourage creativity. Some of the best Decades Day looks come from kids who think outside the box like mixing eras or adding their own twist.
Why Decades Day Never Gets Old
The best part about Decades Day is how it brings generations together.
Parents get to share stories about their school days (“Yes, I really did wear those jeans!”), and kids get to experience a little bit of that fun, carefree energy we all remember.
It’s one of those school traditions that builds community and gives everyone something to smile about which is exactly what Spirit Week is all about.
Decades Day is more than just a chance to dress up it’s a day that celebrates creativity, history, and school spirit all rolled into one. Whether your child shows up looking like a disco star, a grunge rocker, or a ‘50s greaser, they’ll feel proud, included, and excited to be part of something fun.
So dust off those old accessories, grab some hairspray, and get ready to make some memories. Spirit Week only comes once a year so why not make it a day to remember?
