How to Shine at London’s Best Decade Dances

When Saturday night hits, do you sometimes find yourself wondering what it would be like to party the night away in a different decade? Or perhaps – like any good student – you’ve got an overload of fancy dress items and nowhere to wear them. Well fret no more! In the bright city lights of London there’s a club night for any year you desire. So whether you’re a fan of a ‘50s T-bar sandal or a pair of toe-tapping ‘70s platforms, get on your time-appropriate dancing shoes and head on out to the era of your choice.

1920s: Prohibition

Somewhere in the heart of London, a secret stash of gin is served hidden in a teacup. Rows of flappers excitedly dance the Charleston while pinstripe-suited gangsters gamble the big bucks, alongside a live swing band lost in a hedonistic haze of the roaring ‘20s. Throw on your glad rags and pile on your pearls, London’s Prohibition night transports you to the very era of opulent debauchery. Team a sequinned headband with finger-waved hair and invest in a tasselled dress with a dropped waist. Guys should polish up their shoes and don their best braces over button down shirts. To be privy to the next clandestine soiree, guests must sign up to the mailing list online.

prohibition1920s.com

1950s & ‘60s: Stumblin’ Slims

The moment you walk into Stumblin’ Slims rock ‘n’ roll club, you’ll be transported straight to the jiving ‘50s and swinging ‘60s. Specialising in a dirtier side to the times of full skirted poodle pop, Stumblin’ Slims is home to rockabilly DJs and plenty of tight leather. With vibes of a gritty late-night drag race crossed with a dynamic twist contest, don a polka dot dress and lashings of red lipstick to prepare for all things Americana – think live bands, T-birds and popcorn girls. Boys can do their best rock ‘n’ roll impressions with high school baseball jackets and old school Levi’s.

56 Shoreditch High St, E1 6JJ – stumblinslims.com

1970s: Carwash

Prepare yourself for a cavorting carnival of glitter; Carwash is London’s most outrageous retro fancy dress party. It even has its very own ‘70s dress code – albeit with a mantra that seemingly just screams the crazier the better. With music ranging from Chaka Khan to the Bee gees, Jackson 5 to Blondie, there’s an eclectic mix of funk, soul, disco, pop and groove – or in the club’s own words, anything that inspires the boogie. The perfect excuse to dress to excess and pile on every fancy dress item in your clothing arsenal: sequins, glitter, platform boots, cropped tops, flared jeans – you know the drill. Anything goes at Carwash!

256 Old Street, Hoxton, EC1V 9DD – carwash.co.uk

1980s: Maggie’s

More than just your standard ‘80s music night, Maggie’s is a full blown club dedicated to the era of shoulder pads and The Smiths. Put aside your political stance (the name is a reference to Thatcher, Prime Minister of the decade) and party on down in a sea of neon glow sticks and daiquiri cocktails. Marvel at the bartenders dressed like Tom Cruise circa Top Gun and the tables made of giant Rubik’s cubes. Break out your loudest prints, tightest Lycra leggings and pile on as many necklaces as you can. This is also the opportune moment for guys to indulge their inner desires and make like a New Romantic – what more do you need from a club?

329 Fulham Road, SW10 9QL – maggies-club.com

1990s: I love the ‘90s

You may think that the decade of the ‘90s happened too recently to warrant its own club night, but you’d be wrong – it’s actually been 20 years since 1992 and this time around we’re over 18! The recent fashion resurgence of grunge – think stompy Dr. Martens, acid wash denim and an abundance of velvet – means that for this club night, you can simply raid the rails of your local high street. Whether you’re a guitar-loving Britpopper or a loyal fan of the Top of the Pops chart hits, throw on a flannel shirt and fishnet tights and immerse yourself in the soundtrack to your childhood.

20-22 Highbury Corner, N5 1RD – thegarage.co.uk

Tags: clubs, decades, Saturday night

Category: Entertainment, Fashion