The 1970s was a memorable era for fashion and style. From disco-inspired looks to bold prints and accessories, women embodied confidence and freedom in their fashion choices. Now, these iconic styles are making a comeback and reviving the frenzy. With modern twists, the 1970s fashion is being embraced by women of all ages as a celebration of liberation and individuality. In this article, we will explore the resurgence of 1970s women’s fashion and how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe.
The Style of the ’70s
If you’re a fan of fashion from the past, it’s no secret that the ’70s were a time of great change in the industry. With the rise of disco and the influence of musicians like David Bowie on the fashion-conscious public, new trends emerged that would go on to shape the decade’s unique aesthetic. Here, we take a closer look at some of the most significant fashion trends of the time.
The Rise of Disco
Disco had a huge impact on fashion during the ’70s. With the popularity of nightclubs and discos, people wanted clothes that were bold and flashy enough to make a statement on the dance floor. Clothing made with materials like polyester and spandex became popular due to their stretchy and shiny properties, helping dancers move freely while still looking stylish. Bell-bottom pants were also a hit, and were often paired with tight shirts, tall platform shoes, and oversized jewelry like dangling earrings and necklaces.
For women, another popular trend was the wrap dress, created by designer Diane von Fürstenberg. Featuring a flattering, feminine silhouette, the wrap dress quickly became a staple item in many women’s wardrobes. It was versatile enough to be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both daytime and nighttime wear.
Meanwhile, men’s fashion was influenced by icons like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. The classic white disco suit became a symbol of the era, and men often wore them with wide-collared shirts and flashy shoes.
Reviving the ’70s Look
If you’re looking for a fashion style that’s classic, comfortable, yet still edgy, then the ’70s look might be perfect for you. Here are tips on how to revive the 1970s style in modern times, including how to mix vintage and contemporary pieces.
Style Tips for Mixing Vintage and Contemporary Pieces
If you want to create an authentic ’70s look, you’ll need both vintage and contemporary pieces. However, mixing the two can be tricky. Here are some tips to pull off this style:
- Start with a statement piece. The most effective way to blend vintage and modern style is by starting with one significant statement piece. This could be a vintage blouse, jacket, or a pair of flared jeans. This will serve as the inspiration for your whole outfit.
- Keep color palettes muted. The 1970s were notorious for bold colors, but that doesn’t mean you need to imitate them head-to-toe. Choose one or two bright pieces and pair them with muted colors such as beige, brown, and black. This will help balance the outfit and highlight each piece without too much distraction.
- Focus on the fabric. Mixing fabrics is a great way to update a vintage piece. Pair a velvet jacket with distressed denim, or a corduroy skirt with a silk blouse. The contrast in textures adds depth and interest to the outfit.
- Accessorize. Accessories play a crucial role in pulling off the ’70s look. Opt for long statement necklaces, wide brimmed hats, and chunky bangles. Retro sunglasses like aviators and oversized lenses are also great style boosters.
The Influence of Iconic Women
The 1970s was a time of change in women’s fashion, as new styles emerged and old ones were reimagined. A major driving force behind these changes was the influence of iconic women who were known for their fashion sense and style.
Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett was a sex symbol of the ’70s, known for her beachy blonde hair and stunning smile. However, it was her role on the hit TV show “Charlie’s Angels” that catapulted her into the fashion world. Her character, Jill Munroe, was arguably the most fashionable of the Angels and helped popularize the feathered hairstyle that became a staple of the era.
Off-screen, Fawcett was a trendsetter in her own right, known for her love of denim and casual, yet chic, style. Her influence can still be seen today in the popularity of high-waisted jeans and oversized blazers.
Cher
Cher is a fashion icon who has transcended decades, but her impact on ’70s fashion is undeniable. Her daring and bold style choices, including daring plunging necklines and bell-bottom jumpsuits, helped to push fashion boundaries and inspire women to take risks with their wardrobe.
Her signature look of long, straight hair and dramatic makeup also influenced beauty trends of the decade. Today, Cher’s influence can be seen in the resurgence of flared pants and a bold, confident attitude towards fashion.
Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg is a designer who made a major impact on ’70s fashion with her signature wrap dress. She created a versatile, comfortable and chic garment that became a symbol of the era, popular with working women who were looking for stylish, yet practical attire.
The wrap dress allowed women to embrace their curves in a way that was both fashionable and flattering. Today, the wrap dress is still a staple of women’s fashion and von Furstenberg’s influence can be seen in the many designers who have created their own updated versions of the classic garment.
Accessorizing Your Look
To complete the retro feel of your ’70s-inspired outfit, accessorizing is a must. These statement accessories not only complete your fashion look but also enhance the retro vibe.
Platform Shoes
The platform shoes were the ultimate shoe trend in the 1970s. They were the epitome of disco fashion and were first popularized by singers like David Bowie and Elton John. Today, platform shoes have made a comeback and are widely popular across the fashion industry. For a ’70s-inspired outfit, pair your platform shoes with a jumpsuit or a maxi dress for the ultimate retro look.
Floppy Hats
Another staple accessory of the 1970s is the floppy hat. The wide-brimmed floppy hats were a fashion statement of their own. They were usually paired with flowing, loose-fitting outfits such as maxi dresses or bell-bottom jeans. To achieve a full ’70s look, accessorize with a floppy hat that is a neutral color or a bold pattern. Consider pairing your floppy hat with a simple maxi dress to let the hat stand out.
Statement Jewelry
Jewelry was more than just an accessory in the ’70s; it was a statement. The bigger, the better. Statement jewelry was a must-have item for any fashion icon of the seventies. Chunky beaded necklaces, large hoop earrings, and bangles were some of the most popular pieces. To create a modern take on the ’70s statement jewelry style, consider pairing a chunky necklace or large earrings with a plain t-shirt, or a jumpsuit. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your pieces and create the perfect retro style.
Retro Sunglasses
No outfit is complete without a pair of glasses, and for a ’70s-inspired outfit, the perfect style glass is retro sunglasses. Oversized, round framed glasses were the trend back in the ’70s, and today, they are making a comeback in the fashion world. For the perfect ’70s look, consider pairing your retro sunglasses with a floral dress or a jumpsuit.
Beauty Trends of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade of cultural change and experimentation. The beauty industry was no exception. The trends of the era ranged from natural looks to bold and colorful statements.
Hair Trends
Hair in the 70s was largely influenced by the hippie movement. Long, straight hair was considered fashionable. Women also began experimenting with feathered hair. Feathered hair, which was popularized by Farrah Fawcett, was characterized by long layers and feathered edges.
- Bold Cuts – The emergence of the feminist movement saw women cutting their hair shorter as a sign of empowerment and liberation. Some of the popular short styles were the Pixie cut, the Shag cut, and the Wedge cut.
- Bangs – Bangs were in style during the 70s. Feathered bangs were popularized by actresses like Jane Fonda and goldie Hawn.
Makeup Trends
The makeup trends of the 1970s were influenced by the hippie and disco culture. Women wore striking and bold makeup looks to accompany their dramatic fashion sense.
- Glitter – Glitter and shimmer were standard on the disco dance floor. Women incorporated shimmer into their eye makeup to add shine and sparkle.
- Bold Eye Shadow – Women of the 70s wore colorful and bold eyeshadow. Colors like blue, green, and purple were popular. Eyeshadow was applied high on the lids and was blended well toward the brow bone.
- Natural Look – Natural makeup was also in style, influenced by the hippie movement. Earthy tones and neutral shades were applied on the eyes, and nude lip colors were worn.
- Heavy Blush – Women of the 70s wore heavy blush. Bright pink or peach-colored blush was applied on the apples of the cheeks and blended outwards.
- Dark Lips – Dark and dramatic lip colors were considered fashionable during the 70s. Dark reds, browns and oranges were popular choices.
Mixing and Matching
The 1970s was an era of innovation and creativity in fashion. This era introduced a wide variety of styles and trends that are still fashionable today, and it’s all about mixing and matching those styles to create a unique look.
The Art of Mix and Match
The beauty of 1970s fashion is that it allows for a vast array of creative ways to mix and match different styles. You can pair denim skirts with flowery tops, accessorize with jewelry and scarfs, or wear platform shoes with fitted jumpsuits. Experimenting with different patterns, textures, and colors can be a fun way to find your very own unique style.
- Make sure to pick a few key pieces to anchor the outfit. This can be a flared jumpsuit, a suede vest, or a patterned skirt.
- Solid color turtlenecks or crewneck sweaters are an excellent option to pair with long skirts or wide-leg pants.
- Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures. Combining stripes with flower prints, or velvet with denim, can add contrast and depth to your outfit.
- Accessorize with chunky jewelry, long scarfs, and wide belts to make an even bolder statement.
- Invest in platform shoes, which were all the rave in the 70s, and can add a few inches to your height.
- Opt for luxuriously comfortable fabrics like velvet, silk, and suede in rich earth tones that were prevalent in the 70s and add an extra layer of tactile interest.
By following these guidelines, you can mix and match 70s clothing styles to create an outfit that is fresh, unique, and entirely your own. With some creativity and courage to experiment with styles outside your comfort zone, your 70s outfits can be a strikingly modern look that is all your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Q: Are 1970s fashion trends making a comeback? | A: Yes! The colorful and eclectic style of the 1970s is being embraced by many fashion designers and enthusiasts. |
| Q: How can I incorporate 1970s fashion into my wardrobe? | A: You can try incorporating vintage pieces into your outfits, like flared pants or platform shoes. You can also look for modern pieces with a 70s-inspired twist. |
| Q: What colors were popular in the 1970s? | A: Earth tones were popular, as well as vibrant colors like orange, yellow, and green. |
| Q: Can men wear 1970s fashion? | A: Absolutely! Men can rock the 70s look with items like bell-bottom jeans, corduroy jackets, and bold patterned shirts. |
| Q: What accessories were popular in the 1970s? | A: Accessories like floppy hats, oversized sunglasses, and stacked bangles were popular in the 1970s. |
| Q: Can I wear 1970s fashion to work? | A: It depends on your workplace dress code, but you can always incorporate subtle 70s-inspired pieces like a flowy blouse or printed scarf. |
Thanks for joining us on our trip back to the 1970s!
If you’re feeling nostalgic for the colorful and carefree fashion of the past, there are plenty of ways to incorporate 1970s trends into your wardrobe today. From flared pants and platform shoes to flowy blouses and printed scarves, there’s something for everyone. We hope you enjoyed this journey back in time and that you’ll continue to visit us for all your fashion inspiration needs!
