Get ready to serve looks from the past 50 years! UNITY is excited to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with the UNITY Flashback Runway Costume Contest during Talent Night at the 2026 National UNITY Conference.
Join us for Flashback Night on Saturday, July 11, at 7:00 PM during Talent Night. Youth and adults are invited to dress in their best throwback outfits representing the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, or 2000s/Y2K.
To enter the contest, participants should come to Talent Night in costume and line up to the right of the stage near the DJ booth.
The UNITY Executive Committee will select one youth winner and one adult winner from each decade. Winners will receive their choice of a free 2027 UNITY Midyear Conference registration in Phoenix, Arizona, or a free 2027 National UNITY Conference registration in Orlando, Florida.
Dress the Decade
Need ideas? Think fun, creative, and conference-appropriate. Bonus points in spirit if your outfit is earth-conscious, thrifted, repurposed, or made with secondhand finds. Goodwill, local thrift stores, auntie’s closet, and youth council costume swaps are all fair game. Sustainable fashion is always in style.
1970s: Bell bottoms, fringe jackets, flower power prints, denim vests, tie-dye, round sunglasses, platform shoes, peace sign accessories, and earthy colors.
1980s: Bright neon colors, windbreakers, jean jackets, big belts, leg warmers, high-top sneakers, side ponytails, bold patterns, and oversized sweatshirts.
1990s: Flannel shirts, baggy jeans, overalls, graphic tees, bucket hats, denim-on-denim, tracksuits, scrunchies, plaid skirts, and classic 90s sneaker vibes.
2000s/Y2K: Cargo pants, velour tracksuits, butterfly clips, tinted sunglasses, shiny fabrics, layered tank tops, jersey-style shirts, chunky belts, rhinestones, and futuristic metallic accessories.
Keep It Sustainable
UNITY encourages youth councils and attendees to build their outfits in earth-conscious ways. Instead of buying something brand new, consider visiting a thrift store, borrowing from family, reusing old clothing, or creating a group costume from items you already have. The best flashback looks do not have to be expensive. They just need creativity, confidence, and a little throwback energy.
This is your chance to celebrate 50 years of UNITY, honor the decades that shaped us, and have some fun on the runway.
Come dressed, come ready, and bring your best flashback look to Talent Night.
Flashback Runway Costume Contest
Saturday, July 11
7:00 PM during Talent Night
Line up to the right of the stage near the DJ booth to enter