Discover the biggest 1970s fashion trends. Photo Credit: iStock
The 1970s were a time of unique style and fashion. 70s fashion was the era of disco, bell bottoms, and leisure suits. While some may view the fashion of this decade as over the top, there is no denying that the style was unforgettable. The overall style became more casual this decade compared to the 1960s.
Designers such as Halston, Yves Saint Laurent, and Diane von Furstenberg helped define the decade’s trends. Read on as we’ll take a look at some of the most iconic 70s fashion trends and get inspiration for your own wardrobe.
A boho-style blouse was a fashion staple of the 1970s. Photo Credit: iStock
Contents
- 1970s Fashion Overview
- Bell Bottom Jeans
- Maxi Boho Dresses
- Flared Pants
- Platform Shoes
- Midi Skirts & Knee High Boots
- Wrap Dress
- Hot Pants
- Leisure Suits
- Disco Style
- Rock Style
- Sweater Dresses
- Leather Jackets
- Tie-Dye Style
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the style in the 70s?
- How to dress for a 70s party?
1970s Fashion Overview
The 70s saw a time of rising self-expression through fashion, with silhouettes that were form-fitting at the top and loose at the bottom. 70s style was empowering as individuality became an essential part of dressing, and more women entered the workplace.
In the 1970s, women’s increased participation in the workforce had a significant impact on fashion trends. As young women began to take on more professional roles, they demanded stylish and functional clothing. Although women wore suits, they were usually paired with skirts rather than pants.
The hippie look was popular during the 70s, noted for its loose shapes and painterly prints. Photo Credit: iStock
This was also the time of the rise of youth countercultures, with scenes like punk, hippy, disco, and glam rock standing out. During the 1970s, many young people earned a reputation as the “Me Generation” because of their culture’s intense focus on self-expression. This spirit of individualism heavily influenced the decade’s fashion trends in both tangible and intangible ways.
Popular fabrics such as velvet, suede, and polyester were seen on the famous stars of the 70s for both day and night wear. In its own way, 70s fashion was a form of rebellion against traditional norms, giving each individual their own sense of identity. This freedom in fashion changed the landscape for decades to come, creating a timeless legacy.
A woman wears a shirt, flared jeans, and platform sandals in the 1970s. Photo Credit: iStock
Bell Bottom Jeans
Initially inspired by sailor uniforms, bell bottoms are a mainstay of 1970s style. They were popular during the 60s but really took off in the 1970s thanks to stars like Cher and Jane Birkin, who popularized them.
Loon pants are another style of bell-bottom trousers that flare from the knee. Bell bottom style jeans flared from the calf and were often worn with platform heels, boots, or clogs.
Today, bell bottom style jeans are back in style, although they are now called flared jeans with more subdued proportions. They look great with tight t-shirts and blouses, and can be dressed up with a 70s-inspired blazer.
A model wears a long red maxi dress with purple accents. Photo Credit: iStock
Maxi Boho Dresses
Another popular trend for 1970s style includes maxi dresses. They were perfect for channeling a boho look. Stars like Ali McGraw and Diana Ross could be seen in long boho dresses. Maxi dresses were also popular when it came to hippie style.
Maxi dresses in the 70s were characterized by an empire waist that was high and very loose on the body. They come in a variety of fabrics, including lightweight cotton for warm-weather looks. Maxi boho dresses can be easily paired with platforms or sandals for a stylish look.
Dressed in yellow, a fashion model wears a vest, printed blouse, and flared pants from the seventies. Photo Credit: iStock
Flared Pants
For women, flared pants were the perfect addition to their wardrobe, offering a comfortable yet stylish alternative to the traditional form-fitting pants of the time. These pants were made from flowy materials such as cotton, linen, or polyester.
They also featured wide, bell-bottom legs that created a distinctive silhouette. Whether paired with a simple tank top or a statement blouse, flare-shaped pants were a versatile staple that could be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.
Sparkling platforms were a popular trend on the dancefloor during the decade. Photo Credit: iStock
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes were all the rage in 70s fashion. Platforms were mainstays in the wardrobes of some of the most fashionable women. The thick platform heel added an extra bit of drama to any 70s look. These platforms could be seen everywhere, from the vibrant colors and flashy sequins of disco stars to the chunky clogs of hippies.
Paired with bright socks, it made the footwear stand out even more. Whether at a nightclub or walking down the street, you could see plenty of platform style shoes during this decade. They were all the rage.
Women could wear midi-length skirt with boots for a chic outfit idea during the decade. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com
Midi Skirts & Knee High Boots
Midi skirts were some of the most iconic 70s fashion trends. They hit just below the knee and beautifully framed the legs. Midi skirts were often seen in colors like mustard yellow and burnt orange, with materials such as velvet or corduroy or patterned fabrics.
Paired with knee-high boots, this outfit is quintessential 1970s style. Knee-high boots could be found in all colors and materials, from leather to suede. Platform boots, knee-high boots, granny boots, over the knee boots, and cowboy boots were popular choices for footwear during this decade.
A wrap dress could be worn as casual or fancy clothes during the 1970s. Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Wrap Dress
Another 70s fashion trend that has stood the test of time is the wrap dress. This timeless piece of clothing could be seen on some of the most stylish women in Hollywood. Designer Diane Von Furstenberg’s iconic wrap dress will forever remain an emblem of the 70s.
It featured long sleeves, a v-neckline, and a belted waist. The look was both chic and classy, making it easy to wear in the 70s and still relevant today. From jersey wrap dresses to satin styles, they can be worn different ways. The colors could be bold with vibrant patterns or more neutral in a calming palette often associated with 70s fashion.
Hot pants in denim and other materials could be worn with peasant blouses during the 1970s. Photo Credit: iStock
Hot Pants
The 1970s were also the decade of hot pants. These were shorts that hit above the thigh and often featured a tight fit with plenty of stretch, although one could wear hot pants in denim too. These shorts were seen in vibrant colors like red or yellow.
But some styles also included patterns such as florals, stripes, and stars. Hot pants could be dressed up and down and were shown off by icons like Farrah Fawcett and Catherine Bach.
The leisure suit was worn by women and men alike during the 1970s. Photo Credit: iStock
Leisure Suits
The 70s gave us one of the most iconic 70s styles: the leisure suit. A women’s leisure suit from the 1970s was a casual, comfortable, and stylish outfit consisting of a matching jacket and pants made of lightweight synthetic materials such as polyester, often in bright colors and bold patterns. It was a popular choice for both women and men in the 1970s.
A stamp commerates the disco dancefloor and style of the era. Photo Credit: iStock
Disco Style
Disco fashion was at the forefront of this electric era. The dance floor was a place to express oneself and showcase a love of all things glittery and flashy such as shiny satin dresses. And fashion was the perfect medium to make that statement.
The go-to choices were sparkling mini dresses, satin shirts, sleek jumpsuits, and daring hot pants made in shimmering materials such as spandex, lamé, and sequins. High-heeled shoes added an extra touch of glamour, elongating the legs and commanding attention. To truly stand out, bold, flashy accessories such as oversized earrings, stacks of bangles, and statement necklaces were a must-have.
Studio 54 located in New York City is often associated with disco style. This nightclub was the place to be for celebrities and influencers alike. The club quickly became famous due to its exclusive guest list featuring stars like fashion models Bianca Jagger, Brooke Shields, and Grace Jones as well as Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, Elton John, and Andy Warhol.
David Bowie’s iconic Ziggy Stardust makeup is a staple of 70s glam rock. Photo Credit: 360b / Shutterstock.com
Rock Style
1970s fashion also saw the rise of punk and glam rock style. The first was about statement pieces and making a bold declaration with one’s wardrobe. Punk elements such as safety pins, leather jackets, ripped jeans, and graphic tees were popular items during this era.
70s rock bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Ramones heavily influenced 70s punk style. Later in the decade and during the early 1980s, Debbie Harry and Blondie would help define the period.
1970s fashion is not complete without mentioning the glam rock style popularized by stars such as style icons David Bowie and Elton John. This look was all about being larger than life with sparkly clothes, outrageous makeup, and over-the-top hairstyles.
From bright eyeshadow to glittery jackets, the 70s glam rock music scene was all about being bold. Bright jumpsuits, disco-style shirts, and sequined trousers were popular items during this era.
Women would wear a sweater dress or layer knits during the 1970s. Photo Credit: iStock
Sweater Dresses
In the 1970s, the sweater dress was a staple in the wardrobes of fashion-savvy women. This versatile and cozy piece perfectly represented the decade’s relaxed yet chic aesthetic. From its chunky knit fabric to its wide range of necklines and lengths, the sweater dress was the epitome of effortless style.
Pairing the sweater dress with over the knee boots or opaque tights was a standard go-to, creating an on-trend and comfortable look. Women often belted the sweater dress to cinch the waist and add a touch of femininity, highlighting their curves and creating a more fitted silhouette.
The 1970s was a time of experimentation in the fashion world, and the knit dress was no exception. Whether styled with a bold statement belt or layered over a collared shirt, this timeless piece could be worn in countless ways to suit the occasion and the wearer’s taste.
A model walks a Chloe runway show in a brown leather jacket and pants reminiscent of the seventies. Photo Credit: fashionstock.com / Shutterstock.com
Leather Jackets
Leather jackets were a signature 70s fashion item worn by some of the most stylish people. They typically had more exaggerated lapels and shoulders than today’s jackets, creating a bolder statement. These jackets could be seen in various colors, including brown, red, black, and tan.
People often paired them with flared jeans for an iconic 70s look or over bright minidresses for a disco vibe. For men, they could be worn as part of an everyday outfit or to make an impact at nightclubs or parties. Leather pants also became popular during this era, seen on both men and women alike.
A blue tie-dye dress for casual wear. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com
Tie-Dye Style
During the 70s, tie-dye was popularized by hippies and other counterculture movements and was often seen on shirts, dresses, and even jeans. People commonly wore vibrant color combinations of yellow, green, orange, pink, purple, and blue. The 70s tie-dye style focused on a more ‘free spirit’ feel with bold patterns like swirls or ombre designs.
People accessorized tie-dye garments with headbands in matching colors as well as fringe details to create boho vibes. Accessories such as flower crowns were also standard, as they added an extra burst of color against the bright dyes.
Denim was popular in the decade as shown by a woman wearing a denim on denim look. Photo Credit: iStock
Conclusion
The 70s was an era of liberation and discovery – especially when it came to fashion. With disco-inspired looks featuring bell bottoms, bold prints, and wrap dresses ruling the runway, trends that were once seen as too daring for mainstream culture had been accepted – even celebrated.
This newfound freedom embraced bold colors, prints, and statement pieces that added a sense of luxury to everyday life. The world had been craving something unique and different; with the 70s providing just that, it’s no surprise why so many people are still rocking those same styles today.
A 1970s bridesmaid dress featuring bell sleeves and ruffle accents; flowing skirts were also popular. Photo Credit: iStock
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the style in the 70s?
70s style was about pushing the boundaries—embracing earthy tones and eccentric patterns, the clothes worn accentuated the female figure with body-hugging cuts, and playing with footwear to create maximum impact.
Bell bottom style jeans were the staple of 70s fashion, worn with colorful printed blouses, long flowing maxi dresses, and platform shoes. The 70s was a decade of bold fashion statements and daring trends.
How to dress for a 70s party?
For women at a 70s party, a flowy maxi dress in a bold print is the perfect choice. Pair it with platform heels and chunky jewelry for a bohemian vibe, or go for a more retro look with a fitted jumpsuit and over the knee boots.
If you’re feeling daring, opt for short shorts and a crop top combination, accessorized with oversized sunglasses and a funky headscarf like the era’s style icons.