The 70s was a decade of fashion that has left its mark on the industry to this day. From bold colors and patterns to striking hairstyles and makeup trends, there is no doubt that women’s clothing in the 70s made an impact.
Men’s fashion also had its own unique style during this era, with bright colors, loud prints, and plenty of accessories. Footwear wasn’t forgotten either – platforms were all the rage! And don’t forget about pearls – they were essential for any stylish outfit from 1970-1979.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration or just want to take a trip down memory lane, dive into our blog post exploring everything you need to know about 70s fashion!
Table of Contents
- 70s Fashion Overview
- Women’s Clothing in the 70s
- Men’s Clothing in the 70s
- Footwear in the 70s
- Hair & Makeup Trends of the 70s
- Popular Fabrics & Patterns of the 70s
- Popular Colors of the 70s
- FAQs in Relation to 70s Fashion
- Conclusion and final thoughts 💭
70s Fashion Overview
The 1970s was a time of great change and experimentation in fashion. From the hippie-inspired looks of the early 70s to the disco glamour of the late 70s, this decade saw some truly iconic styles that are still popular today.
History of 70s Fashion
The 1970s began with a continuation of the 60s style, including bright colors, bold prints, and flowing maxi dresses. However, as the decade progressed, there were several new trends emerged, such as bell bottoms for both men and women, hot pants for women, platform shoes for both genders, and more tailored silhouettes.
This era also saw an increase in DIY fashion, with people creating their own unique pieces from thrift store finds or fabric scraps.
Popular Styles of the 70s
One trend that defined this era was bohemian chic which included long skirts or dresses made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen paired with peasant blouses or ethnic jewelry.
Another popular look was punk rock which featured leather jackets studded with metal spikes and chains, along with ripped jeans and combat boots.
Disco culture also had its moment during this time period, where people would wear flashy metallic fabrics such as lamé paired with tight-fitting clothes to show off their dance moves on the dance floor.
The 70s was a decade of bold fashion statements and daring looks. From bell bottoms to platform shoes, the era’s style is still inspiring today. Now let’s explore how women dressed during this exciting time period!
Key Takeaway: The 1970s was a time of great experimentation in fashion, with many iconic styles still popular today. Popular trends included bohemian chic, punk rock, and disco glamour.
Women’s Clothing in the 70s
The 70s was a time of great fashion and style, with many iconic looks that are still popular today. Women’s clothing in the 70s included a variety of dresses and skirts, tops and blouses, outerwear, and accessories.
Let’s take a look at some of these pieces to see how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe for an effortless vintage-inspired look.
Dresses & Skirts: Dresses were often made from lightweight fabrics like polyester or cotton blends, while skirts ranged from mini to maxi lengths. Popular styles included wrap dresses, A-line silhouettes, bell sleeves, and peasant blouses.
For more formal occasions such as weddings or parties, floor-length gowns with beading or sequins were also popular choices.
Tops & Blouses: Tops during this era featured vibrant colors like bright oranges and yellows, along with bold prints such as paisley or floral designs. Blouses had ruffles around the neckline or cuffs for added texture and interest.
Sheer fabric was also used to create romantic Victorian-inspired looks which could be paired with jeans for a casual yet stylish outfit option.
Outerwear during this period consisted mainly of denim jackets in various shades of blue, along with corduroy coats in earthy tones like brown or olive green.
Accessories included wide-brimmed hats adorned with feathers as well as colorful scarves draped around the neck area for extra warmth on chilly days out in nature.
Jewelry pieces usually consisted of large hoop earrings crafted from gold-plated metal combined with chunky gemstone rings set on silver bands, perfect for adding an eye-catching touch to any ensemble.
The 70s was a time of great fashion exploration for women, with bold and daring styles that have become iconic today. Men’s clothing in the 70s also saw its own unique trends, from colorful suits to more relaxed trousers and shirts.
Key Takeaway: The 70s was a time of vibrant fashion and style, with many iconic pieces that are still popular today.
Men’s Clothing in the 70s
The 1970s was a decade of bold fashion choices, and men’s clothing was no exception. Suits and blazers were popular pieces for formal occasions, while shirts and trousers could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Outerwear such as coats, jackets, vests, hats, scarves, and gloves completed any look.
Suits and Blazers: The 70s saw an increase in suit-wearing for both casual events like parties or dinners out as well as more formal affairs like weddings or job interviews.
Men often wore double-breasted suits with wide lapels in bright colors like yellow or green paired with matching ties to make a statement.
Blazers also made their way into men’s wardrobes during this time period; they came in solid colors but were usually adorned with patches on the elbows for a preppy look that has been making its way back into style recently.
Shirts and Trousers: Shirts were typically worn untucked over trousers that had pleats at the waistband to give them extra volume – perfect for tucking into boots! Button-down collars gave off a smart vibe, while patterned shirts added flair to any outfit.
Denim jeans became increasingly popular during this era too; they could be dressed up with loafers or dress shoes when going out but still looked great when paired with sneakers for everyday wear.
Outerwear & Accessories: To complete any 70s look, men would add outerwear such as coats (trench coats being particularly fashionable), jackets (leather biker styles being especially trendy) vests (often plaid) hats (fedoras being most common), scarves (in various prints) and gloves (usually leather).
These items not only kept you warm but also helped you stand out from the crowd!
Today these classic looks are making their way back onto runways around the world, so if you want to channel your inner 70’s man, why not try pairing one of these timeless pieces with modern-day staples? A blazer can easily be thrown over a pair of skinny jeans, while vintage-inspired accessories take any outfit from drab to fab.
Men’s clothing in the 70s was characterized by suits, blazers, trousers, and shirts that gave off a bold look. To complete the ensemble, stylish accessories and outerwear were essential for both men and women.
Moving on to footwear in the 70s, let’s take a closer look at what shoes were popular during this era.
Key Takeaway: The 1970s was a decade of bold fashion choices for men, from suits and blazers to shirts and trousers. Outerwear such as coats, jackets, vests, hats, scarves, and gloves were popular accessories that completed any look.
Footwear in the 70s
Footwear in the 70s was no exception, with many styles being popular for men and women. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic shoes from this era.
Women’s Shoes: Platform shoes were all the rage in the 70s, especially those made of suede or leather with chunky soles and high heels.
Other popular shoe styles included ankle boots, moccasins, wedges, and slingback pumps. Women also loved wearing sandals that had multiple straps across their feet or around their ankles.
Men’s Shoes: The classic loafer was an essential part of any man’s wardrobe during this time period as well as dressy oxfords and monk strap shoes for more formal occasions.
Men also wore casual sneakers such as Converse All-Stars or Adidas Sambas, which were often paired with jeans or corduroys for a relaxed look.
Today you can still find these vintage shoe styles but they have been updated to fit modern trends, like platform sneakers or loafers with bright colors and bold prints that are perfect for making a statement on your next night out.
Whether you’re looking to add some retro flair to your outfit or just want something comfortable yet stylish, footwear from the 70s is sure to be a hit.
In the 70s, footwear was an essential part of any fashionable outfit. From platform heels to clogs, women’s shoes were bold and daring, while men’s shoes had a more laid-back style. Now let’s take a look at some of the popular hairstyles and makeup trends from this era!
Hair & Makeup Trends of the 70s
The 70s were a time of experimentation and boldness when it came to fashion, including hair and makeup. Women’s hairstyles ranged from long, voluminous curls to short shags.
Men had their own distinct styles as well, with the most popular being feathered cuts or Afros. Makeup was also an important part of the decade’s style, featuring bright colors and heavy eyeliner looks.
Hairstyles for Women: During this era, women embraced big hair in all its forms.
Popular hairstyles included Farrah Fawcett-style flips and layers as well as Cher-inspired long locks with lots of volume at the crown.
For those looking for something more daring, there were pixie cuts that featured bangs or sideburns along with feathery layers throughout the length of the cut.
Hairstyles for Men: The 70s saw men embracing longer hairstyles than ever before – think John Travolta in Grease! Feathered haircuts were especially popular among young men who wanted to look stylish without having to spend too much time styling their hair each morning.
Afros were another common style during this era; they could be worn naturally or sculpted into shapes using gel or mousse products.
Makeup trends: Makeup during this period focused on creating dramatic eyes with lots of mascara and thick black eyeliner applied around both upper and lower lash lines (think Twiggy).
Brightly colored eyeshadows such as blues, greens, oranges, and purples added even more drama to these looks, while blush was used sparingly on cheeks for a subtle flush of color rather than contouring like we see today.
Lipstick shades tended towards nudes, but some women opted for brighter hues, such as red or pink depending on their personal preference.
The 70s was a time of bold hairstyles and daring makeup looks, from Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hair to bright eyeshadow.
Moving on to fabrics and patterns, this decade was also known for its unique fashion trends that remain popular today.
Key Takeaway: The 70s were a time of boldness and experimentation when it came to fashion, hair, and makeup.
Popular Fabrics & Patterns of the 70s
From bold prints to textured fabrics, the 70s saw some truly unique trends that are still popular today. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic fabrics and patterns from this era.
Printed Fabrics: Printed fabrics were all the rage in the 70s, with floral designs being particularly popular.
These prints could be found on everything from blouses to dresses to jumpsuits. To incorporate printed fabric into your wardrobe today, try pairing a vintage-inspired dress or top with modern accessories for an updated look.
Textured Fabrics: Textured fabrics like velvet and corduroy were also big during this time period, especially when it came to outerwear, such as coats and jackets.
If you want to add texture to your outfit without going full-on 70s style, opt for pieces made out of faux fur or suede instead – they have just as much impact but feel more contemporary!
Patterned Fabrics: Patterns such as stripes and polka dots were everywhere in the 70s – think sailor tops paired with bell bottoms!
Today you can find these same patterns on everything from skirts to bags; just make sure not to go overboard by mixing too many different types together at once!
For a subtle nod towards this era’s fashion sensibilities, pair one patterned item with neutral colors like black or white for an effortlessly chic ensemble.
Overall, the 1970s had its own distinct sense of style when it came to clothing materials and patterns. Embrace this era by incorporating printed florals, textured velvets, or patterned items into your wardrobe.
Pair one patterned item with neutral colors like black or white for an effortlessly chic ensemble that will give any outfit an instant dose of retro glamour.
The 70s was a time of experimentation with fabrics and patterns, from printed to textured and patterned.
Moving on, we will explore the popular colors of the era that gave these fabrics their unique look.
Key Takeaway: The 1970s was a decade of fashion exploration and experimentation, with bold prints, textured fabrics, and patterned items all being popular.
Popular Colors of the 70s
Neutrals: Neutral colors such as black, white, beige, and brown were popular in the 70s. These colors are timeless and can easily be incorporated into modern-day outfits for a classic look.
For example, you could pair a vintage-inspired blouse with flared jeans or a midi skirt for an effortless retro vibe.
Pastels: Soft pastel shades like baby blue, powder pink, and lemon yellow were also popular during this era. To recreate the 70s style today, try pairing these delicate hues with denim pieces or floral prints to create an on-trend look that’s perfect for summer days.
Bold Colors: Bright colors like orange, red and green were also seen frequently in fashion during the 1970s.
If you want to make a statement with your outfit, then why not go bold? Try wearing bright trousers with a plain top, or accessorize your look with colorful jewelry pieces to add some extra flair.
FAQs in Relation to 70s Fashion
What fashion was popular in the 70s?
Popular styles included bell-bottom jeans, maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and wide-leg trousers. Bright colors were popular, as well as psychedelic prints. Platform shoes and wedges were also fashionable during this time period.
Accessories such as chunky jewelry made from wood or plastic were common additions to any outfit. The classic string of pearls was also a staple accessory for many women in the 70s, often paired with an evening gown or dressy blouse for formal occasions.
How do you dress like 70s?
The 70s were a time of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and unique silhouettes. To dress like the decade, start with some classic pieces such as bell-bottom jeans, A-line skirts, or flared trousers paired with a fitted top.
Add in some statement accessories like wide-brimmed hats, chunky jewelry, and platform shoes to complete the look.
For those looking for more subtle styling cues from the era, opt for natural fabrics like cotton or linen in earthy tones and muted prints. Finish off your outfit with a pair of oversized sunglasses for an iconic 70s vibe!
Conclusion and final thoughts 💭
From bright colors to psychedelic patterns, the decade brought about a new wave of style that is still influencing modern trends today.
Women’s clothing featured mini skirts, bell bottoms, jumpsuits, and more, while men’s styles included leisure suits, tight pants, and wide collars.
Footwear ranged from platform shoes to clogs, while hair & makeup saw big changes, with natural looks becoming popular.
Fabrics like polyester were also widely used in combination with vibrant prints such as tie dye or paisley designs. With so many iconic pieces making up 70s fashion, it’s no wonder why this era continues to inspire us today!
