Relive the Classics: Women’s 70s Fashion Trends

If you’re a fashion lover, you know just how much trends come and go. However, one decade that left a mark in the fashion industry is the 70s. Fashion trends during this era can be summed up as a mix of vintage, bohemian, and psychedelic styles. These are key elements that make up women’s 70s fashion. From the bell-bottoms, jumpsuits, and platform shoes, to the floppy hats, long skirts, and fringes. These are just some of the iconic styles that have made their way back to modern-day fashion. Relive the classics and take inspiration from these vintage styles that are still relevant today.

Understanding the 70s Fashion Trends

The 70s was a decade of revolution, freedom, and discovery in the fashion industry. The fashion trends of that time were heavily influenced by the hippie movement and the disco era, making it a unique and iconic period in fashion history. In this section, we will explore the key characteristics, themes, and styles that defined the women’s 70s fashion trends.

The Characteristics of 70s Fashion

The 70s fashion can be described as bold, colorful, and diverse. The fabrics used during this time were often synthetic and lightweight, with an emphasis on comfort and ease of movement.

• Bold patterns and prints – The 70s was known for its loud and bold paisley, floral, and geometric prints. These bold patterns were often seen on maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and blouses.
• Lots of denim – Denim was a staple fabric in the 70s, with flared jeans and denim jackets being particularly popular. The rise of women’s liberation also meant that women were now wearing denim pants and shorts as everyday wear.
• Vibrant colors – Bright and bold colors were a defining feature of 70s fashion. Hot pink, neon green, and electric blue were just some of the popular colors of the decade.
• Natural materials – Despite the popularity of synthetic fabrics, natural materials such as cotton, linen, and hemp were also popular, giving clothing a more natural feel.

The Themes of 70s Fashion

The themes of 70s fashion were heavily influenced by the rise of the hippie counterculture and the disco era. These themes included:

• Hippie chic – The hippie movement brought about a fashion trend that focused on flowy and loose clothing. Clothing such as bell-bottoms, peasant blouses, and maxi dresses epitomized this trend.
• Disco fever – Disco was a huge part of 70s culture, and this was reflected in fashion. This meant clothes that sparkled, shone, and emphasized movement, such as jumpsuits and platform shoes, were popular among women.
• Androgyny – The rise of women’s liberation also meant that women’s fashion became more gender-neutral. Women started wearing pants, suits, and other traditionally masculine styles.

The Styles of 70s Fashion

The styles of 70s fashion were diverse and wide-ranging. Some notable styles include:

• Bell-bottoms – Bell-bottoms were a defining style of the decade, with their flared shape and wide hem. They were worn by both men and women, often paired with platform shoes.
• Peasant blouses – Peasant blouses were a popular style for women. They were often loose-fitting and made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen, and were adorned with embroidery or lace.
• Jumpsuits – Jumpsuits were a disco-inspired trend that became highly popular in the late 70s. They were one-piece garments that could be worn as both formalwear and casualwear.
• Platform shoes – Platform shoes were a popular trend in the disco era. They provided some extra height and were often adorned with glitter or metallic finishes.

Colors and Prints

The 70s were a time of bold fashion choices, with bright colors and vibrant prints taking center stage. Clothing featured a range of hues, from sunny yellows to fiery oranges, and bold greens to electric blues. This explosion of color allowed women to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd.

Floral and Paisley Prints

One of the most iconic prints of the 70s was the floral print, which was used on everything from dresses to blouses to headbands. The patterns featured bold, oversized blooms in a rainbow of colors, giving off a strong bohemian vibe. Another popular print was paisley, which was often combined with earthy tones for a more subdued look. This teardrop-shaped motif was used in a variety of ways, from all-over prints to eye-catching accents on collars and cuffs.

Today, these classic prints are still as popular as ever, with many designers drawing inspiration from the 70s when creating new collections. Whether you prefer a head-to-toe floral look or just a subtle pop of paisley, there’s a way to incorporate these timeless prints into your wardrobe.

Hair and Makeup

If you’re looking for a blast from the past, the 70s is the perfect era to draw inspiration from when it comes to hairstyles and makeup. Women in the 70s rocked some iconic looks that are still being recreated today. Here are some of the most popular hairstyles and makeup looks from the 70s:

The Farrah Fawcett Feathered Look

The feathered hair look was made famous by Farrah Fawcett in the 70s and remains a popular hairstyle today. This style consists of long, layered hair with feathered bangs that are flipped out to the sides. It’s a great look for those who want to add volume and texture to their hair.

The Shag Haircut

The shag haircut was all the rage in the 70s and is still a popular cut today. This style is characterized by its choppy layers, wispy bangs, and overall shaggy look. It’s a great low-maintenance cut that adds texture and volume to your hair.

Disco Glam Makeup

The disco glam makeup style is all about bold colors and shimmery finishes. Think bright eyeshadow, bold eyeliner, and lots of glitter. This style also features bold, defined brows and a contoured face. It’s a fun and daring look that was popular in the disco era.

Incorporating 70s Fashion Today

The fashion of the 70s was all about self-expression and freedom. From off-the-shoulder tops to flared pants, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this decade’s fashion into your modern wardrobe. Here are some tips and tricks to embrace the era:

Dramatic Statement Pieces

If you want to make a bold statement with your outfit, go for dramatic 70s-style pieces. For example, you can try a maxi dress with flowing sleeves or a leather fringe jacket. These pieces are perfect for dressing up an outfit or adding some flair to your everyday wear.

Flared Pants

Flared pants were all the rage in the 70s, and they are making a comeback today. These pants can elongate your legs and make you look taller. You can pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a crop top for a chic and stylish look.

Subtle Nods to the Era

If you want to incorporate 70s fashion trends into your wardrobe without going all in, there are subtle ways to do so. For example, you can add a pair of round sunglasses or a boho-inspired bag to your outfit. Swap out your regular sneakers for platform shoes to instantly add some 70s flair to your look.

Accessorize with Colorful Scarves

Another way to incorporate the 70s into your wardrobe is to accessorize with colorful scarves. You can tie them around your neck, wrist, or purse for a fun and flirty pop of color. Scarves can add a touch of bohemian style to any outfit, and they’re also versatile accessories that can be worn in many different ways.

Famous 70s Fashion Icons

Relive the iconic fashion trends of the 70s with the women who defined them. These ladies were not only known for their talent but also for their iconic fashion choices that shaped and influenced the decade’s style.

Cher

Cher’s flamboyant fashion choices defined ’70s fashion. Her distinctive style, such as wearing a midriff-baring top with flared pants, made her an icon. She also popularized bell-bottoms and platform shoes, which are now considered staples of the era.

Donna Summer

Donna Summer, the undisputed Queen of Disco, had a significant influence on ’70s fashion trends. She flaunted her curves with form-fitting jumpsuits that drew attention to her figure. Summer’s hairstyles including a funky Afro and glittery makeup, were widely imitated.

Bianca Jagger

Bianca Jagger, Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, made a name for herself as a fashion icon and socialite. Her bohemian-chic style featured tailored suits with exaggerated shoulder pads, wide-legged trousers, and breezy blouses. She was also known for accessorizing with a fashionable hat or turban.

Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin was known for her effortless, androgynous yet sexy style. Her signature look – a white tee paired with a relaxed-fit blazer and jeans – was a classic ’70s-style staple. She was also known for her classic ’70s look – a button-down shirt tucked into high-waisted jeans.

Susan Dey

Susan Dey’s keen sense of style on and off screen made her iconic. Her character, Laurie Partridge on The Partridge Family, was famous for her bell-bottoms, knit vests, and platform shoes. Susan’s off-screen style was little more grown-up, and she often incorporated elements such as a tailored blazer and wide-legged trousers into her wardrobe.

What Influenced 70s Fashion

The fashion trends of the 70s were greatly influenced by the cultural, political, and social happenings of the time. Here are some of the major events and movements that shaped the iconic fashion styles of the decade:

Disco Culture

The rise of disco music brought about a new fashion culture that was all about glitter, glam, and over-the-top style. The disco scene was all about flaunting your best look and standing out on the dance floor. This led to trends like platform shoes, metallic fabrics, and tight-fitting clothing for both men and women.

Women’s Liberation Movement

The Women’s Liberation Movement of the 70s had a significant impact on women’s fashion. As women fought for equal rights and opportunities, they also began to embrace a style that was more comfortable and functional. This led to the rise of pantsuits and other menswear-inspired styles that women could wear in the workplace.

Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement also played a role in fashion during the 70s. African-American women began celebrating their natural hair and embracing styles that celebrated their heritage. This led to the popularity of afros, braids, and other natural hairstyles that were inspired by African culture.

Hippie Movement

The Hippie Movement of the 60s spilled over into the 70s and had a significant impact on fashion. The counterculture movement was all about rejecting societal norms and embracing peace, love, and individuality. This led to trends like maxi dresses, peasant blouses, and earthy, bohemian styles that were all about freedom and self-expression.

Pop Culture Icons

The 70s were filled with pop culture icons that influenced fashion trends. From Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hair to John Travolta’s white suit in “Saturday Night Fever,” these icons set the tone for what was cool and trendy. Music also played a major role with artists like David Bowie and Elton John inspiring fashion with their unique and flamboyant styles.

Environmental Concerns

The 70s were a time of growing concern about the environment, and this was reflected in fashion as well. Eco-friendly materials like hemp and organic cotton began to be used in clothing, and there was a renewed interest in vintage and secondhand clothing as a way to reduce waste. This led to the rise of styles like tie-dye and patchwork, which were often made from recycled materials.

Thank You For Reliving the 70s with Us!

Thank you for reading our article on women’s 70s fashion trends! We hope you learned something new about this iconic era in fashion history. From psychedelic prints to platform shoes, 70s fashion was all about self-expression and embracing individuality. If you’re feeling inspired to incorporate some 70s style into your wardrobe, don’t be afraid to mix and match bold colors, patterns, and accessories. And be sure to check back for more fashion inspiration and tips!