70s fashion for women is a blend of glamour and nostalgia that has recently made its mark in the fashion industry. It’s a style that’s all about long, flowy dresses, platform shoes, bell-bottom jeans, and bold prints and colors. This era was all about embracing individuality and letting your clothes do the talking. From vibrant maxi dresses to elegant jumpsuits, the 70s gave us some iconic fashion trends that continue to inspire us today. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most iconic 70s fashion trends for women.
The 70s Fashion for Women in Detail
The 70s is an era that brought new life to fashion, influencing the way people dressed and providing women with exciting opportunities for dressing up in a flamboyant way. The 70s fashion for women emerged as an expression of freedom and rebellion against the traditional fashion styles that were previously designed mainly for men. It was an era that had a significant impact on fashion as it managed to blend elegance and comfort.
The Trends
The decade of the 70s can be defined by the emergence of bohemian and hippie fashion trends. Bohemian fashion for women included long, flowy dresses, floral prints, oversized hats, and boots. Hippie fashion, on the other hand, was all about embracing natural materials, colored fabrics, and flaunting eclectic accessories. This period also saw the birth of the unisex look, which incorporated oversized jackets, loose-fitting shirts, and jeans.
- Disco
In the latter part of the 70s, disco became more prominent, and women’s fashion took a dramatic shift. The disco trend brought with it glittery and shimmery outfits, revealing jumpsuits, hot pants, and mini skirts. The platform shoe became popular, with its high and towering soles, along with metallic and patent leather boots.
- Hair And Makeup
Women’s hairstyles during the 70s ranged from hippie braids and flowy locks to bobs and glam curls. One of the most iconic hairstyles was the Farrah Fawcett feathered look. Makeup was also a significant feature of the 70s fashion, characterized by bold and bright colors. Women flaunted heavy eyeliner, thick mascara, and bright-colored eye shadows. The lips were emphasized with bright red or pink lipstick.
The Popularity of Bell Bottoms and Platform Shoes
In the 70s, bell bottom pants and platform shoes became a fashion trend that took the world by storm. This period was a time when the hippie culture was in full swing, and fashion was transforming into something more relaxed, comfortable, and daring.
The Rise of Bell Bottoms
One of the iconic clothing items from the 70s fashion scene was the bell bottom pants. They were high-waisted, fitted on the hips, and widened towards the ankles, creating a bell-shaped silhouette. Bell bottoms were made from various materials such as denim, corduroy, and velvet, and adorned with different decorations ranging from embroidery, patches, and wide belts.
Bell bottom pants were initially favored by sailors in the 19th century as they made it easy for them to roll their pants up when washing the deck. They later became popular among the US Navy and finally made their way into the fashion world in the 60s, when young people began wearing them as a symbol of rebellion.
The Evolution of Platform Shoes
Platform shoes, on the other hand, reached their peak popularity in the early 70s. These shoes have thick soles that raise the foot several inches from the ground, giving the wearer additional height and confidence. Platform shoes were initially conceived as an accessory for women’s lingerie, and it wasn’t long before they evolved into everyday wear.
One of the reasons platform shoes gained popularity was that they were versatile. They could be worn with flared jeans, hippie dresses, or miniskirts. The shoes usually had bold, colorful designs that appealed to the younger, rebellious crowd. With platform shoes, women could make a statement with their footwear, and that was important during the 70s.
Bell bottom pants and platform shoes were some of the most prominent fashion trends of the 70s, and they symbolized the bold, daring, and carefree attitude of the decade. They have since made a comeback, with some of the biggest fashion brands borrowing elements from the iconic styles and transforming them into modern designs.
The Individualism of Hippie Fashion
The 70s was the year that marked the rise of the hippie fashion culture. This movement brought in a new type of individualism and self-expression through clothing. The hippie fashion trend was all about loose and flowy fabrics, bold colors, and unique patterns that symbolized freedom, peace, and love. Hippie fashion marked the merging of different cultures where Eastern fashion elements met Western fashion. Some of the crucial fashion subtypes that emerged in the 70s highlighted the fashion preferences of hippies.
The Tie-Dye Trend
The Tie-Dye trend was one of the most iconic fashion statements of the 70s and was an essential part of hippie fashion. Tie-Dye was all about the vibrant colors, where colors blended into each other and created a mesmerizing pattern. The hippies loved their tie-dye clothing, whether it was shirts, pants, skirts, or even dresses. The dye could be made at home without any need of much expertise, which made it more appealing to people. The clothes could be easily made colorful by the tie-dye technique. Tie-Dye represented the hippie movement as a whole, which was all about being different and unique. Tie-dye was essentially a symbol of protest against the culturally conformist and commercially controlled fashion industry.
The Fringe Clothing Trend
The Fringe Clothing Trend that emerged in the 70s was another iconic fashion trend that showcased the individualism of the hippie fashion movement. The Fringe clothing trend was all about long flowy fabrics with a string of tassels or fringe-like embellishments hanging from the fabric’s edge. The trend started from leather jackets and then expanded to shirts, dresses, skirts and even bags. The Fringe trend was used to add a little touch of eccentricity to the clothes and to show the hippies’ love for all things free-spirited, wild, and free. Fringe clothing trend made the statement that hippies can create fashion and design themselves without having to follow the fashion industry.
The Headbands
The Headbands were one of the most popular hippie fashion accessories. Hippies often styled their headbands with a natural and loose flowing hairstyle, and it was their way of adding a little bit of bohemian flare to their outfits. Headbands were often made of soft, lightweight fabrics such as cotton, silk, or hemp. They frequently featured bold and colorful prints, beaded embellishments, or intricate embroidery. Headbands were seen as a symbol of peace and love, and they were often adorned with flowers, which made them a quintessential symbol of the hippie movement.
The Evolution of Bohemian Style
The bohemian style emerged in the early 19th century in Paris and was associated with artists, writers, and musicians who rebelled against traditional societal norms. It was an eclectic mix of different cultures and styles focusing on free-flowing fabrics, bright colors, and bold and intricate patterns.
The Bohemian Style in the 70s
The bohemian style became mainstream in the 70s, and women’s fashion embraced the style with open arms. The bohemian look became synonymous with freedom, individuality, and creativity, and women embraced the style for its comfortable and relaxed look.
- The bohemian style was a mix of different elements – The bohemian style was a blend of different fashion elements such as earthy tones like rust, ochre, and brown, mixed with bold, intricate patterns.
- The famous bohemian style staples – The bohemian style staples included comfortable, flowing maxi dresses, flared jeans, peasant blouses, and suede jackets. Accessories like wide belts with large buckles, long beaded necklaces, and floppy hats completed the look.
- The bohemian style was for everyone – The bohemian style of the 70s broke away from traditional fashion norms, and anyone could embrace the style. It was about individuality and self-expression and allowed women to be true to themselves.
- Bohemian-inspired fashion endures – The bohemian style has gone in and out of fashion since the 70s, but it has never really gone away. Today, bohemian-inspired fashion continues to be popular among women of all ages, reflecting its timeless appeal.
1970’s Disco Fashion: Shimmer, Glitter, and Sparkle
In the 1970s, a new movement emerged that impacted the fashion industry significantly – Disco. It was a time of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and extravagant styles. Disco fashion integrated elements of glamour, sophistication, and sensuality, all of which were popular in the music world at the time. The resulting outfits were an epitome of boldness, flamboyance, and extravagance.
The Rise of Disco Fashion
The 70s are associated with hedonism, fun, and dancing, and so is disco fashion. The music genre reflected the vibrant and celebratory moods of the era, portrayed through high-pitched and danceable tunes. The arrival of disco marked a significant shift in style from the previous decade’s flower power and mid-century simplicity. Suddenly, people wanted glitz, glamour, and boldness everywhere.
Clothing Range of the Disco Era
Disco fashion showcased outfits that were bold, flamboyant, and trendy, including flared pants, jumpsuits, hot pants, and mini dresses. These styles brought excitement and energy to the dance floor and easily became a hallmark of the era. Other popular trends included high-waisted pants, bell bottoms, platform shoes, and maxi dresses.
- Flared Pants
- Jumpsuits
- Mini Dresses
Flared pants were an integral part of disco fashion and gave a sense of movement, extravagance, and sophistication. These pants featured a loose and flowy fit at the bottom and a fitted waist that hugged the hips perfectly. Long and lean silhouettes with fitted waists were the embodiment of disco fashion.
The late 70s saw the popularity of jumpsuits soar, and with good reason. Jumpsuits had a unique ability to combine glamour and practicality in one garment. They were fitted at the top and flowed into flared pants at the bottom. Jumpers added glitz and glamour to any outfit they accompanied, and they stayed popular throughout the 80s.
A shorter option for disco outfits were mini dresses that showed off legs and were often accompanied by knee-high boots. The dresses were of metallic, sequined, and bold prints. These dresses were for confident women who wanted to make a statement and show off their sense of style, and they achieved that to the fullest.
The Revamp of Denim Fashion
Denim has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a sturdy workwear fabric. In the 70s, denim evolved into a fashion statement that has endured through the decades. Women’s denim fashion in the 70s was a defining style that continues to inspire fashion designers today.
The Rise of Bell-Bottom Jeans
Bell-bottom jeans, also known as flared jeans, were the quintessential denim fashion item of the 70s. This style of jeans was a radical departure from the fitted and tapered silhouette of the 60s. Bell-bottoms were fitted at the waist and thigh and flared dramatically from the knee downwards. The exaggerated flare of bell-bottom jeans became a symbol of freedom, rebellion and nonconformity. Celebrities such as Farrah Fawcett and Cher popularized the trend, making them a must-have for any fashion-conscious woman.
The Denim Jacket
The denim jacket became a wardrobe staple in the 70s. The classic design featured a button-up front, two breast pockets, and a slim fit. However, designers experimented with different cuts, fabrics and embellishments, resulting in a wide range of denim jacket styles. Many women opted for the oversized denim jacket look, which was usually paired with a mini skirt or flared jeans – a perfect outfit for a casual lunch date or a night out with friends.
The Denim Jumpsuit
The denim jumpsuit, also known as the denim overall, was another denim fashion item that defined the 70s. This all-in-one outfit was comfortable, practical and versatile, making it a popular choice among women. The denim jumpsuit was available in different styles, such as the wide-leg, high-waisted, and fitted designs. It could be worn with a turtleneck, a striped t-shirt, or a blouse, depending on the occasion. The denim jumpsuit trend continued into the 80s and 90s, and it has recently made a comeback.
The Patchwork Trend
The patchwork trend was a popular design element in denim fashion during the 70s. Designers combined different shades and textures of denim to create unique and eye-catching garments. The patchwork trend was not limited to denim jeans, but also extended to denim jackets, skirts, and even handbags. The patchwork trend embodied the free-spirited and bohemian vibe of the era, and it still remains a trendy look today.
The Acid Wash Look
Acid wash denim was a popular trend in the 70s, in which fabric was treated with bleach and given a worn-out, faded appearance. The acid wash look was a departure from the clean and crisp denim of the past, and it embodied the rebellious and edgy style of the decade. Acid wash denim was not limited to jeans, but also extended to denim jackets, skirts, and vests. The acid wash trend has made a comeback in recent years, proving that everything old is new again.
The Denim Shirt
The denim shirt was another denim fashion item that gained popularity in the 70s. The classic design featured a button-up front, pointed collars, and two breast pockets. The denim shirt was originally worn as a work shirt, but it became a fashion item when women started to wear it as a blouse. The denim shirt was versatile and could be dressed up or down, making it a staple in many women’s wardrobes.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Q: What were the popular fashion trends of the 70s? | A: The 70s were known for bold colors, floral prints, bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and maxi dresses. |
| Q: How can I incorporate 70s fashion into my wardrobe? | A: You can incorporate 70s fashion into your wardrobe by wearing bell-bottom pants, maxi dresses, suede jackets, platform shoes, and wide-brimmed hats. |
| Q: Is 70s fashion still popular today? | A: Yes, 70s fashion is still popular today and many designers continue to draw inspiration from this iconic era. |
| Q: What are some iconic 70s fashion styles? | A: Some iconic 70s fashion styles include bell-bottom pants, maxi dresses, platform shoes, wide-brimmed hats, and aviator sunglasses. |
| Q: Where can I buy 70s-inspired fashion? | A: You can buy 70s-inspired fashion at vintage stores, online retailers, and many mainstream clothing stores that offer retro styles. |
| Q: Can 70s fashion be worn in a modern way? | A: Yes, 70s fashion can be worn in a modern way by pairing vintage pieces with contemporary styles, or by integrating 70s-inspired accessories into your current wardrobe. |
Thanks for Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane
We hope you enjoyed this brief guide to iconic 70s fashion for women. From groovy patterned maxi dresses to platform shoes and wide-brimmed hats, there are plenty of ways to channel the free-spirited style of this decade. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your wardrobe or simply want to experiment with a few retro pieces, we encourage you to add some 70s flair to your fashion choices. Remember to visit us again for more fashion tips, style inspirations, and trending topics!
