Looking to rock the iconic 70s style?
You’re not alone! Many people struggle with finding the right balance between casual comfort and bold fashion choices. But don’t worry – it’s easier than you think to master 1970s fashion and show off your unique style.
I’m here to help. With my experience in fashion, I’ll provide you with everything you need to know about 70s attire.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The standout trends from the 70s
- Key pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe
- Tips for accessorizing and styling the look
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to nail that perfect 70s look for any occasion.
Ready to transform your style? Let’s get started!
1. 70s Style
Women’s 70s Attire
Women’s 70s fashion reflected bold styles and a free-spirited approach to clothing, blending relaxed and glamorous elements. Flowy maxi dresses, high-waisted pants, and wrap dresses became staples of the decade, offering elegance and comfort.
Disco 70s fashion brought sequined outfits, metallic fabrics, and tailored pantsuits to the forefront, adding sparkle to nightlife. Vibrant prints, miniskirts, and knee-high boots brought energy and flair to both casual and party settings.
Casual options like denim overalls, ponchos, and knitwear provided stylish yet practical choices for everyday wear.
Accessories such as layered jewelry, wide-brimmed hats, and platform shoes enhanced outfits, while hairstyles and makeup ranged from natural and boho to bold and dramatic. The 70s was a standout decade in fashion, marked by individuality and iconic trends.
Men’s 70s Attire
Men’s 70s fashion was all about bold, expressive styles that combined casual comfort with polished looks. Flared pants and wide-collared shirts became key pieces, showcasing the decade’s relaxed yet stylish vibe, often influenced by 70s British fashion.
Suits with broad lapels and textured materials like corduroy added sophistication, perfect for formal occasions. Casual styles included denim jeans, oversized shirts, and patterned jackets, while graphic tees and knit sweaters offered a more laid-back feel.
Platform shoes, wide belts, and accessories like aviator sunglasses or scarves helped complete many outfits. Hairstyles ranged from long and wavy to short and sharp, matching the confident and playful spirit of the time. The 70s was a period of bold experimentation in men’s fashion, leaving a lasting impression.
2. Key Elements of 80s Attire
Bell-Bottoms and Flared Pants
Bell bottoms and flared pants were key trends of the 1970s. They were known for their wide, flared legs, which became iconic during the decade. Made from materials like denim, corduroy, or polyester, they were popular for both men and women.
The wide flare was often balanced with fitted tops or tucked-in shirts, creating a distinctive silhouette.
No discussion of 70s fashion is complete without mentioning bell-bottoms. These pants were often paired with platform shoes for added height and drama. Flared jeans, which were popularized by the hippie movement, provided a more casual alternative to the formal bell-bottom trousers.
Maxi Dresses and Skirts
Maxi dresses and skirts were essential elements of 70s attire, reflecting the bohemian vibe of the decade. Flowing, ankle-length dresses and skirts became popular among women, often decorated with floral patterns or ethnic-inspired prints.
Made from lightweight materials like cotton, polyester, or silk, these garments embodied a relaxed and free-spirited style.
Perfect for both casual outings and formal events, maxi dresses and skirts highlighted the bohemian aesthetic of the 70s. The flowing designs were often paired with accessories like chunky jewelry, headbands, and sandals, contributing to the laid-back yet stylish look.
These garments became iconic symbols of effortless fashion and individuality in the 1970s.
Denim Everywhere
Denim was a key element of 70s fashion, becoming a must-have for both men and women. Jeans, jackets, and vests were wardrobe essentials, with flared jeans standing out as a favorite. Denim pieces were often customized with patches and embroidery, reflecting the DIY spirit of the era and adding a unique touch to each item.
Denim was versatile, with denim jackets and full denim jumpsuits also making bold statements. The addition of flares, embellishments, and patchwork designs allowed for personal expression, making denim a defining feature of 70s attire and a symbol of casual, stylish fashion.
Leisure Suits & Jumpsuits
Leisure suits were a key trend in 70s menswear, known for their relaxed tailoring and bold colors. Made mostly of polyester, these suits featured wide lapels and flared trousers and were often paired with wide-collared shirts.
Available in pastel and vibrant colors, leisure suits became an iconic symbol of 70s fashion, combining casual style with a sophisticated look.
Jumpsuits, a practical yet stylish one-piece garment, also gained popularity during the decade. They came in a variety of materials, from denim for casual wear to metallic options for Disco attire, adding versatility and flair to 70s fashion.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes were a defining element of 70s fashion, known for their thick soles that added height and style. Popular among both men and women, platform sandals and boots became a staple on disco dance floors.
Available in a wide range of styles, from subtle to bold, these shoes featured vibrant colors, glitter, and metallic finishes. Platform shoes quickly became essential for anyone wanting to make a statement, reflecting the bold and energetic vibe of the 70s.
Hair and Makeup
Hair and makeup in the 70s were bold and expressive. Women often wore feathered hairstyles, like Farrah Fawcett’s, or long, center-parted hair associated with the bohemian style. Men opted for longer hairstyles, with shag cuts and afros representing pride and individuality.
Makeup varied from natural looks to vibrant styles. Disco makeup featured smoky eyes, shimmery eyelids, and glossy lips, while the hippie style favored minimal makeup with earthy tones for a fresh, natural look.
Accessories
Accessories in the 70s were bold and impactful. Oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and wide belts added a dramatic flair to outfits. Headscarves and turbans also became popular, giving a sophisticated touch to both casual and bohemian styles.
3. 70s Attire Across Events
Evening and Formal Events
Evening and formal events in the 70s highlighted a blend of elegance and boldness. Women often wore long, flowing gowns featuring empire waistlines or wrap details.
These were typically made from luxurious fabrics like satin or velvet in deep jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire, and ruby. To complete the look, they paired these gowns with heels, ankle straps, and stylish clutches.
Men’s formal attire included tuxedos, often with ruffled or patterned shirts for a modern twist. Wide ties or bold-colored bow ties, along with shiny leather shoes, were essential elements to finish the outfit.
These outfits were perfect for upscale occasions like weddings, galas, or fine dining. Accessories were key, with women wearing statement pieces like chandelier earrings, and men choosing bow ties and pocket squares. Hair and makeup for women featured soft waves or updos with dramatic eye makeup, while men kept their hair neatly styled.
Athleisure and Sportswear
In the 70s, athleisure and sportswear gained popularity, blending fitness culture with fashion. Women wore tracksuits featuring bold stripes and vibrant colors, often paired with fitted shorts and tank tops for casual wear.
Sneakers or tennis shoes with tube socks added to the sporty aesthetic. For men, polyester tracksuits with zip-up jackets were common, along with jogger pants and graphic T-shirts. Athletic sneakers combine practicality and style.
These outfits were perfect for activities like gym workouts, jogging, or casual sports. Accessories like headbands, sweatbands, and sneakers from brands like Adidas or Puma were essential. Hair was typically kept practical with ponytails or short styles, and makeup was minimal or natural.
Bohemian and Hippie Style
The bohemian and Hippie 70s fashion was all about comfort, natural beauty, and free-spirited expression. Women wore flowing maxi skirts, crochet tops, and kaftans in earthy tones, accessorizing with bead necklaces, headbands, and fringe bags. Barefoot sandals or leather flats completed the laid-back look.
Men favored tunics or loose-fitting shirts with vibrant patterns, paired with beaded necklaces and braided hair for an authentic boho feel. Sandals or moccasins complemented the natural style.
The style was perfect for music festivals, outdoor picnics, or casual events. Accessories like wide-brimmed hats, headbands, and handcrafted jewelry like beaded necklaces or bracelets were key. Hair was often worn long and loose, adorned with flowers, while makeup kept to earthy tones with a minimal touch.
70s Attire: A Recap
70s Attire showcases a decade of self-expression and bold fashion. Iconic pieces like the wrap dress, blue jeans, and disco dresses defined the era, blending individuality with flair. The bohemian aesthetic and glitzy disco vibe were key aspects of the 70s style, featuring wrap dresses, bell-bottom pants, and bell sleeves in vibrant patterns.
Perfect for a themed party, 70s attire encouraged breaking fashion norms and confidently showcasing personal style. Whether it was wrap dresses for casual outings, blue jeans paired with bold shirts or disco dresses lighting up the dance floor, the playful spirit of 70s style left a lasting impression.
Today, the influence of 70s fashion continues to shine, making the wrap dress and blue jeans timeless choices for both casual and modern looks.
