Are you stuck between choosing a ’70s or ’80s style for your wardrobe makeover? You’re not alone—many people face the dilemma of selecting the right decade for a fresh new look.
As fashion enthusiasts, we understand the challenge of expressing individuality while staying on trend. Let us guide you through the key differences between 70s and 80s fashion.
Here’s the plan:
- Discover how 70s boho chic and disco glam compare with 80s power dressing and bold colors.
- Learn how to style key pieces to reflect your personality.
Take the first step—read on and see how adopting either era can completely transform your wardrobe. You’ll leave with a fresh sense of style that shows confidence and creativity!”
1. Women’s Style: 70s vs. 80s Fashion
Women’s Style in the 70s
Women’s style in the 1970s reflected a strong sense of individuality and boldness, shaped by the cultural shifts of the decade. Disco 70s fashion became iconic, with sequins, metallic fabrics, and platform shoes defining glamorous evening looks.
Bohemian trends also flourished, featuring flowing silhouettes, floral patterns, and peasant-inspired designs.
The punk movement introduced an edgy aesthetic with leather jackets, ripped clothing, striking accessories, and androgynous styles offered tailored suits and blazers, challenging traditional gender norms.
Popular materials like denim, corduroy, polyester, and suede brought variety and texture to wardrobes. Accessories such as oversized sunglasses, wide-brim hats, scarves, and chunky jewelry added flair, while platform shoes and knee-high boots became iconic footwear choices.
Fashion in the 1970s was heavily influenced by music and social movements, reflecting the era’s focus on self-expression, freedom, and breaking away from convention. Women’s clothing during this time was defined by a mix of bold trends and cultural influences, making it a standout period in fashion history.
See Also What Is Italian Women’s Style?
Women’s Style in the 80s
Women’s style in the 1980s was marked by boldness, energy, and extravagance, reflecting the spirit of the era. Fashion focused on power and confidence, with structured and tailored outfits representing workplace success.
Bright colors, neon tones, and striking patterns became key elements, showcasing a love for bold, expressive looks.
Fitness culture blended athletic wear with everyday fashion, creating a casual yet energetic vibe. Evening styles were glamorous, while 80s Grunge fashion introduced a rebellious aesthetic with ripped jeans, flannel shirts, and oversized jackets.
Accessories were essential, with oversized jewelry and statement pieces enhancing the overall look, while hairstyles were big and voluminous, often styled with headbands or scrunchies.
The 1980s fashion scene was heavily influenced by pop culture, especially music icons, and reflected a celebration of individuality and creativity.
2. Men’s Style: 70s vs. 80s Fashion
Men’s Style in the 70s
Men’s style in the 1970s was marked by bold choices and a variety of influences that reflected the social and cultural shifts of the time. Disco fashion became popular, with men wearing polyester shirts, flared pants, and wide-collared suits, often paired with platform shoes.
The bohemian look also gained traction, featuring loose-fitting shirts, vests, and ethnic-inspired patterns. Meanwhile, the punk movement introduced a rebellious style, characterized by leather jackets, band t-shirts, torn jeans, and spiked hair.
Casual wear became mainstream in the 70s, with items like turtlenecks, leisure suits, and bell-bottom jeans. Bold patterns such as paisley, plaid, and florals were common, with colors ranging from earthy tones to vibrant shades.
Accessories like wide belts, scarves, and aviator sunglasses were popular additions to complete outfits. 70s British fashion blended punk rebellion with Savile Row’s tailored sophistication.
Men’s Style in the 80s
Men’s style in the 1980s was bold and attention-grabbing. Power dressing dominated with oversized suits, wide shoulder pads, and large ties symbolizing success. 1980s Italian fashion introduced refined tailoring and luxurious fabrics, with designers like Giorgio Armani and Gianni Versace leading the way.
Denim was a key part of men’s wardrobes, with jeans, jackets, and shirts being worn frequently. Leather jackets were also popular, often paired with jeans for a rock-inspired look.
Hairstyles played an important role in fashion, with many men sporting voluminous styles, mullets, or fades, influenced by popular musicians and movie stars.
Accessories such as chunky watches, chain necklaces, and aviator sunglasses added flair to outfits, complementing the bold attitude of the era. Men’s fashion in the 80s was about making a statement, whether through corporate, casual, or athletic-inspired looks.
3. Iconic Fashion Designers: 70s vs. 80s Fashion
70s Style Legends
Yves Saint Laurent: Yves Saint Laurent was a leading figure in 1970s fashion, known for blending elegance with modern style. He introduced iconic pieces like the safari jacket and tuxedo suits for women, famously known as “Le Smoking.” His collections often drew inspiration from global cultures, with his 1976 Russian Collection featuring folkloric patterns. Saint Laurent’s style combined feminine tailoring, bold patterns, and a mix of structured and flowing silhouettes.
Emilio Pucci: Emilio Pucci, initially famous in the 1960s, continued to influence fashion in the 1970s with his psychedelic prints and vibrant color schemes. His designs were popular among jet-setters and celebrities, reflecting the glamor of the era. Pucci’s signature style featured bold, kaleidoscopic patterns on sleek and comfortable fabrics, capturing the energy of 1970s fashion.
Halston: Halston, often called the “king of 70s American fashion,” defined the sleek, minimalist look of the disco era. His designs, such as flowing halter dresses, Ultrasuede shirt-dresses, and elegant evening gowns, became favorites among high society and celebrities. Halston’s focus on clean lines and luxurious fabrics created an effortless, yet sophisticated style.
Vivienne Westwood: Vivienne Westwood played a key role in shaping the punk fashion movement of the late 1970s. In collaboration with Malcolm McLaren, she introduced rebellious designs featuring tartan prints, ripped clothing, safety pins, and provocative graphics. Her work challenged traditional fashion norms and became synonymous with the punk subculture’s anti-establishment attitude.
80s Style Legends
Giorgio Armani: Giorgio Armani changed fashion in the 1980s with his well-tailored power suits, which became symbols of success. His designs were simple yet stylish, using clean lines and neutral colors that appealed to both professionals and celebrities. Armani focused on high-quality fabrics and elegant simplicity, creating timeless looks that redefined modern fashion. His signature style included soft-shouldered suits and a refined, understated approach.
Gianni Versace: Gianni Versace was known for his bold and dramatic designs in the 1980s. He used bright colors, vibrant prints, and luxurious fabrics to create a sense of glamour. Versace’s fashion was bold and flashy, representing the excess and luxury of the era. His designs featured baroque-inspired patterns, metallic materials, and daring shapes, making a strong impact on fashion.
Jean-Paul Gaultier: Jean-Paul Gaultier stood out for his unconventional approach to fashion in the 1980s. He mixed punk influences with high fashion, creating memorable pieces like the cone bra and skirts for men. Gaultier’s designs challenged traditional gender roles and celebrated individuality. His bold and playful designs pushed the boundaries of fashion.
Calvin Klein: Calvin Klein defined 1980s style with his minimalist designs and casual luxury. His clean, simple looks and famous advertising campaigns helped redefine what was considered sexy in fashion. Klein’s jeans, underwear, and fragrance ads became iconic, and his focus on neutral tones and simplicity made casual chic popular while still feeling sophisticated.
4. Key Influences in 70s vs 80s Fashion
Factors Behind 70s Fashion
Social Movements: The 1970s fashion was influenced by social movements like the hippie movement, which popularized bohemian styles such as bell-bottoms and tie-dye. The women’s liberation movement led to more functional clothing like pantsuits and wrap dresses, while the Civil Rights Movement inspired Afrocentric fashion with bold colors and natural hairstyles.
Music and Pop Culture: Pop culture and music shaped 1970s fashion as well. The disco era brought glamorous styles, such as metallic fabrics and sequined dresses, while rock and punk music inspired rebellious looks like leather jackets and band T-shirts. Punk fashion included studs and tartan patterns, and films like Saturday Night Fever influenced both disco and androgynous styles.
Television and Film: Television and film helped shape fashion trends as well. TV shows like Charlie’s Angels and films like Saturday Night Fever promoted glamorous and sporty looks. Sci-fi films like Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey brought futuristic designs with metallic materials.
See Also Italian Disco Fashion
Factors Behind 80s Fashion
Media and Pop Culture: The 1980s fashion was heavily influenced by media and pop culture. Musicians like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince popularized bold trends such as neon colors and leather jackets. The launch of MTV made music videos and fashion inseparable, while films like Flashdance and TV shows like Dynasty influenced athleisure and glamorous looks.
The Fitness Craze: The fitness craze also impacted fashion. Aerobics, led by Jane Fonda, made workout wear like leggings and leotards trendy. The focus on fitness led to body-hugging styles, with activewear brands like Adidas becoming popular.
Technological Advancements: Technological advancements played a role in 80s fashion as well. Synthetic fabrics like Lycra, Spandex, and nylon allowed for the popularity of body-conscious clothing, including leggings and bodysuits. Mass production and global trade made fashion more accessible, helping trends spread quickly.
70s vs 80s Fashion: A Recap
The fashion of the 1970s and 1980s reflect two distinct periods, each shaped by its cultural shifts and societal trends. The 70s were characterized by freedom, individuality, and bohemian influences, with relaxed fits, earthy tones, and bold patterns defining the look. It was a decade that celebrated unique, expressive styles.
In comparison, the 80s marked a time of excess and power dressing. The era was known for structured silhouettes, bright colors, and the influence of fitness culture. Music, television, and fitness trends played a major role in shaping the bold, statement-making fashion of the decade.
Both decades had a lasting impact on fashion. The 70s offered a laid-back yet vibrant style, while the 80s introduced dramatic, attention-grabbing looks. Whether drawn to the easy-going vibe of the 70s or the bold statements of the 80s, each decade offers its own form of expression.
