The 1970s was a decade of fashion revolution, marked by flamboyant styles and vibrant colors. It was a time when polyester ruled and people were not afraid to make bold fashion statements. From tight-fitting pants to platform shoes, the fashion scene of the 70s was a culmination of the best elements from the previous decade.
The Early 1970s: A Blend of Mods and Hippies
The early 1970s fashion scene retained some of the elements from the 60s but added its own unique twist. Polyester became the material of choice, and bright, eye-catching colors dominated the scene. Both men and women embraced tight-fitting pants and platform shoes. High cut boots and low cut pants became popular among women. The fashion of the early 70s perfectly blended the mods with the hippies, creating a fun and vibrant era.
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The Rise of Pant Suits and Leisure Suits
As the 70s progressed, pants became even tighter and the flare of bell bottoms began to fade. The pant suit, leisure suit, and track suit became the go-to outfits for the average person. Cowl neck sweaters were a must-have for women, while men sported striped v-neck velour shirts. Tunics, culottes, and robes also gained popularity, blurring the line between home-wear and evening attire.
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Embracing Freedom: Women in Pants
The 1970s marked a significant shift in women's fashion: they could now be seen wearing pants in every walk of life. This was a decade where women claimed their freedom and expressed their individuality through their clothing choices. The tight-fitting pants trend represented a sense of liberation and empowerment that was embraced by women everywhere.
The Fading of Colors
By the late 1970s, a noticeable change occurred in the fashion landscape: color almost completely disappeared. Earth tones, grays, whites, and blacks made a comeback, as people seemed to have grown tired of the super bright tones of the early 70s. This shift towards neutral colors brought a more sophisticated and subdued vibe to the fashion scene.
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In-Depth 1970s Profiles
Fashion in 1970
In 1970, hemlines took center stage. Skirt lengths ranged from the knee to ankle, with the midi look or midi skirt becoming a hot trend. The longer skirt length sparked controversy, with some people protesting against it while others embraced the new style. Ponchos, gauchos, and capes offered alternatives to the midi skirt, and the Moroccan theme was prominent, with capes and Hungarian peasant blouses adding an ethnic flair to fashion.
Fashion in 1971
In 1971, designers clashed with public preference. While designers declared the knee-length hemline as the new trend, people continued to wear ankle-length skirts. Nautical insignia and 1940s movie star glamour made a comeback, and Chinese-inspired evening gowns gained popularity among the wealthy. Matching couple outfits became a trend, with catalogs showcasing numerous pages of his and hers matching sets.
Fashion in 1972
1972 saw fashion taking a more relaxed and casual turn. Designers embraced the sportswear trend, focusing on comfortable and uncontrived looks. Sweaters became a pivotal fashion item, serving as beach cover-ups, city costumes, and even the basis for haute-couture satin evening gowns. There was also a shift towards waist-accentuating styles, with long or short dresses, skirts, pants, and belted waist or no waist options. Denim jeans were in vogue for both men and women.
Fashion in 1973
The knitting needle became the key to fashion in 1973, as the sweater took center stage. Sweater coats, sweater dresses, and sweater suits in luxurious fabrics like chenille, cashmere, and mohair became popular choices. Designers aimed to create versatile outfits that could easily transition from day to night with the addition of a shirt, pants, or accessory . Tweeds, flannels, plaids, and checks were popular fabrics and patterns, while subdued accessories like golden chains and rhinestone clips made a comeback.
Fashion in 1974
1974 brought a significant change to the fashion landscape, with clothing styles becoming looser and less form-fitting. Designers experimented with more relaxed silhouettes, aiming to offer a sense of comfort and effortlessness. The sweater, in particular, played a central role in creating this relaxed effect. Chunky cardigans, shawl-collared belted styles, and fur trims took over from the previous year's shrink tops. Khaki, olive-drab, and workmen's clothes also gained popularity.
Fashion in 1975
Fashion in 1975 celebrated a variety of styles, from loose peasant garments to tailored blazer suits. Quality fabrics like Harris tweed, cashmere, and pure silk were highly sought after. Designers focused on creating versatile pieces that could be mixed and matched to create different looks. Layering became popular, with double blouses, multiple sweaters, and jumpers worn over dresses. Denim gained respectability and was worn in various styles. Vintage clothing also made a comeback, with people embracing old-fashioned finery.
Fashion in 1976
In 1976, fashion took two distinct directions. On one hand, there was the Parisian peasant style, characterized by capes, turbans, rich fabrics, billowing skirts, and puffy sleeves. On the other hand, the All-American look drew inspiration from classic sportswear, with blazers, pants, and skirts becoming easily mixable and matchable. The tailored suit dominated the professional environment, with blazers, cowl-neck sweaters, and slimmed-down skirts creating a powerful and respectable look.
Fashion in 1977
1977 marked a shift towards looser and softer silhouettes. Designers allowed clothes to fall naturally, focusing on twisting, tying, and gathering fabrics to create unique shapes. Soft textiles played a crucial role, with sensuous fibers like chenille and cashmere dominating winter clothing. The eccentricity of earlier years gave way to a more respectable and powerful look, with sultry black outfits and elaborate hairstyles capturing the mood of nostalgic glamour.
Fashion in 1978
In 1978, fashion took a dramatic turn, shedding the loose and flowing silhouettes for a more defined and structured look. Broad shoulders, belted waists, and hip-rounding skirts became the defining features of the upside-down triangle silhouette. The tailored suit made a comeback, drawing inspiration from the 1940s with padded shoulders and tilted hats. The Retro Look gained popularity among disco dancers, while strapless tops, bust darts, and waist cinchers emphasized the body's natural curves.
Fashion in 1979
By 1979, the tailored suit had become a dominant fashion choice for both daytime and evening wear. The casual sportswear that was popular throughout the 70s gave way to a more formal and business-oriented style. The emphasis shifted towards formality and sophistication, with blazers, pants, and skirts being easily mixed and matched. The Executive Woman owned at least one tailored suit, complemented by novelty sweaters that added sparkle and glamour to the ensemble.
Conclusion
The fashion of the 1970s was a vibrant and diverse blend of styles, colors, and trends. From the flamboyant and colorful early years to the more structured and tailored looks of the late 70s, this decade epitomized a sense of freedom, individuality, and self-expression. The fashion choices made during this era continue to inspire and influence the fashion industry today.
