The emphasis on fitted shapes, ease of dressing, and indeed the Halston effect are some of the factors that set the ‘70s apart as a decade in terms of fashion. Due to its strong eye for minimalism and languid fabrics like cashmere and ultra−suede, the renowned designer’s dresses stand out. Instead of the other way around, women wore the garments in the 1970s.
From bell sleeves and flares to shearling coats and miniskirts, the decade gave rise to a diverse range of fashion inspirations that developed during a ten−year period. The emergence of disco and an unapologetic embracing of glamour were aided by fashion heroes like Bianca Jagger and Jane Birkin. Take a look at clothing styles from the past that helped shape the fashion of the era and still serve as models for modern women.
Early 1970s: Ladies continued to wear the 1960s hippie style. Bell bottoms, maxi dresses, tattered jeans, midi skirts, tie−dye, ponchos, and peasant blouses were among the popular fashions. Headbands, scarves, chokers, and jewelry made of stones, wood, beads, and feathers are a few items of clothing that will go well with your early ‘70s hippie ensembles.
Vibrant colors and patterns had a significant influence on men’s fashion in the early 1970s. Bell bottoms were frequently worn with ruffled or lace−trimmed satin tops. For special and even everyday occasions, brightly colored three−piece and double−breasted suites in paisley, corduroy, wool, as well as shredded velvet were favored. For males, more laid−back outfits featured pleated pants, flannel jackets, bell bottom jeans, tie−dye, and sweaters paired with oxford shoes, channels, boots, or flip−flops.
Women who eschewed the hippie appearance in the early 1970s frequently opted for a dressier or dressier−casual outfit. This outfit featured flared slacks, fitted wide−lapel blazers, tight t−shirts or skirts, sweaters, blazers, and footwear. Popular pastel hues include baby blue, yellow, lavender, and peach.
The hippie look was out of style for both men and women by the middle of the 1970s, giving way to a more laid−back everyday look. Fitted t−shirts with intricate graphics, catchphrases, and sports emblems have become increasingly fashionable.
The sleeker cuts, narrower waists, and perfectly straight legs in the pants of men’s suits gave them a considerably more European flair. Despite the continued popularity of suits for all situations, more casual looks are being promoted more strongly. Think khaki chinos, jeans, leather jackets, flannel or western outfits, knitwear, sweatshirts, and oxford shoes to achieve this look.
Women started to participate in the workforce at quite a larger rate during the midst of the decade, which resulted in more specialized business models. If you’re putting together this kind of outfit, consider a fitted blouse, a midi skirt, and high heels.
In the middle to late 1970s, disco became the dominant trend in fashion. For women, disco fashions included high cut−out skirts featuring boots or chunky heels; tube tops; jersey wrap dresses; rhinestone shirts; and spandex shorts.
Disco fashion for guys is best exemplified by John Travolta’s role in Saturday Night Fever. It was fashionable to wear powder blue, beige, or white three−piece suits with wide epaulettes and extended pants. Sportswear was a preferred disco alternative for males. This style featured low−top shoes, cardigans, jumpsuits, sweaters, and puffer vests. T−shirts were frequently worn with the collars popped and untucked.
In addition to disco trends, women’s fashion loosened up in the late 1970s. The silhouette of the wearer was frequently an inverted triangle as clothing became baggier as well as more exposing. Glance for cowl−neck blouses, sundresses over tight t−shirts, sweat pants, strapless tops, embroidered vests, and jeans, skirts, or Daisy Dukes to put together a wardrobe for this look. The color scheme changed to earthier tones, including browns, tans, grays, and pale blues.
The 1970s were known as the “Me Decade” because of how much personal flair and expression were celebrated in the decade’s fashion. This meant that adhering to a particular style did not imply following the established guidelines. Because of this, the media shifted its emphasis from brands to the consumer rather than the other way around. The hippie movement of the 1960s, which promoted the idea that one should not adhere to the dominant commercial fashion but rather dress however one pleased, had an influence on the “Me” movement. Ironically, high fashion and ready−to−wear clothing companies in the 1970s both embraced the hippie movement’s rejection of trends.
The 1970s are currently in style. You will undoubtedly see maxi dresses, lace−up peasant blouses, or psychedelic designs no matter which fashion magazine pages you turn to, whether it’s Marie Claire or Vogue. Retro−inspired shapes that debuted on the runway and later made their way into the ready−to−wear market were prevalent in the Autumn/Winter 2015 collections. However, there are some differences between the present 70s trends and how they were done the first time. For instance, the traditional leather jacket and flared trousers combo was worn with a thick sweater and platform boots, but the look is now diluted with sharp heels and light shirts.
To sum up, the rigid guidelines that had to be strictly adhered to in accordance with the procedure established in society were not a representation of 1970s fashion. People could wear whatever they wanted and be whoever they wanted. It didn’t matter what they wore—mini skirts, peasant blouses, or flashy suits—it was all about the mood, very much like how people dress today. Additionally, the fashion of the 1970s was a kind of remembrance of the Vietnam War, giving rise to a vivid color scheme and timeless wacky silhouettes that are still in style now.
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