The 1970s was definitely an era of fashion from bell bottoms, feathers, fringe, and lace to platform wedges, denim, satins, and sequins. It was noticeable that the ‘70s was able to preserve the 1960s hippie look while giving it a more modern and refined look. The 1970s was indeed a time when fashion was evolving in different ways. It saw the birth of the anti-conformist casual chic approach to fashion such as sneakers, jeans, and t-shirts. Let’s take a look at the top fashion trends of the ‘70s.
- Platform Shoes – These shoes were popular fashion trends that you will usually see on the disco scene and nightlife on both men and women during the 70s. This shoes easily matched the outrageous outfits from bell bottom pantsto dresses, jumpsuits, and shirts. The platform shoes back in the 70s are usually made from cork, wood, and plastic. They were all designed with all sorts of colors, shapes, and materials which makes it so easy to pick a trendy pair of platform shoes that you could wear for any occasion.
- Maxi Dresses – The maxi dress is the right outfit for the neo-feminist movement as well as the hippie culture that was popular over the 70s. These dresses often focus on themes like goddesses, nature, and folkloric fashion and they often came with floral, paisley, psychedelic, and gingham prints. Maxi dresses are easy, stylish and comfortable to wear because it is made of natural materials and it had a feminine print that’s why it is a popular fashion trend among women back in the 70s.
- Bell Bottom Pants – The bell bottom pants were a popular fashion trend with the hippies during the 70s because it showed a relax and easy-going atmosphere. But it’s not long before it became a mainstream fashion trend in both men and women thanks to celebrities such as Farrah Fawcett and the popular music group Sonny and Cher who were often seen sporting the bell-bottom pants. Men like to pair their polyester bell bottom pants with suit jackets while women prefer to wear high-waisted bell bottoms.
- Kaftan – During mid-to-late ‘70s, Kaftans, Kimonos, and other styles from India and Africa were turned into home-style robes for casual wear. These loose and flowing robes from hot and humid countries slowly made their way into the fashion scene thanks to popular designers like Yves Saint Laurent. These Kaftans and Kimonos were made with cotton, silk, polyester, and every fabric that you can think of. They are even embroidered and edged in silver, gold, and other metallic trimmings.
- Tie Dyed Dress, Pants and Shirts – Probably one of the most iconic fashion trend from the ‘70s are the tie-dyed clothes. The trend was started by the so-called “Flower Children” and it slowly gained popularity across the world. Maybe because popular artists and celebrities such as Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, and Janis Joplin approved and sported this style. Back in the ‘70s, people would make their own tie-dyed clothes at home in colorful designs without any prints and patterns and they are often paired with bell bottom pants.
- Halter tops, crop tops, Tube tops, and tank tops – These tops are often exaggerated with rhinestones, diamantes, and sometimes there are enhanced with gold lame or had attractive paisley and floral prints. They are often paired with stone-washed denim, hot pants, and bell bottoms.
- Floppy Hats – During the ‘70s the floppy hats were a fashion essential. Women liked to pair their colorful hats with their special dresses. Floppy hats were made out of felt and they were often accessorized with flowers, bows, vines, and ribbons.
- Hot Pants – These short shorts took the fashion world by storm. Back in the ‘70s, the hot pants became a regular sight on the runways of Paris and Rome, on the streets, and in disco clubs. They are often made with fabrics such as denim, velvet, and satin. Hot pants are considered as the embodiment of social and cultural advancement during the 1970s.
- Wrap Dresses – This comfortable and feminine daywear dress was created by Diane Von Furstenberg. It became popular during the ‘70s because it matched women’s interest in stylish but relaxed clothing and it also complimented all body types. Wrap dresses were also seen as a symbol of female empowerment because it portrayed a sophisticated, fashionable, and “lady boss” look when worn in the office.
- Leisure Suits – This fashion trend consists of a shirt like jacket with matching trousers and they are often associated with the 70s disco culture. Leisure suits became popular during the 70s because you can wear them during formal business but they are casual enough to be worn even outside of the office. Plus, they are fashionable and inexpensive.
These are the top fashion trends of the 1970s. Which of these trends do you want to bring back?
To learn more about how these trends reflected and influenced the culture of the time, read our post on the Influence of Television on Pop Culture of the 70s.