In 1971 hotpants and bell-bottomed trousers were popular fashion trends
Fashion in the 1970s was a celebration of individuality and self-expression. It was a time when rules were thrown out the window and anyone could embrace their unique style. The decade saw a fusion of various fashion trends, from the influence of hippies and vintage fashion to the rise of glam rock and disco.
Embracing Individuality
In the early 1970s, fashion rebelled against the overproduction of cheap synthetic clothing flooding the market. Vogue declared "There are no rules in the fashion game now," allowing individuals to embrace their own style and mix and match different elements. Common items included mini skirts, bell-bottoms, vintage clothing, and the androgynous glam rock and disco styles. The fashion game was all about experimentation, with platform shoes, bright colors, glitter, and satin making their way into people's wardrobes.
Glam rock costume worn by Roy Wood and Wizzard
The Birth of Casual Chic
The 1970s introduced a casual chic approach to fashion, with sweaters, T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers becoming staples. Sweaters were particularly popular, with outfits often judged by the sweater worn. One notable fashion designer to emerge during this time was Diane von Fürstenberg, who popularized the iconic jersey "wrap dress." Her design became a symbol of women's liberation and empowerment.
Influential Designers
Yves Saint Laurent and Halston were two designers who embraced the societal changes happening during the 1970s. They adapted their aesthetics to accommodate the growth of women's rights and the youth counterculture. Their designs reflected the spirit of the times, with innovative silhouettes and an embrace of individuality becoming their signature.
Diane von Fürstenberg wrap dress
Fashion Icons
The 1970s saw the rise of iconic fashion models, including Lauren Hutton, Margaux Hemingway, Beverly Johnson, Gia Carangi, Janice Dickinson, Patti Hansen, Cheryl Tiegs, Jerry Hall, and Iman. These women embodied the diverse styles of the era and became symbols of beauty and fashion.
Women's Fashion Trends
Early 1970s (1970-1972)
The early 1970s embraced a continuation of the hippie look, with ethnic-inspired clothing and bright colors. Tie-dye shirts, Mexican peasant blouses, and military surplus clothing were popular choices. Women also expressed their individuality through accessories, such as chokers, handcrafted neck ornaments, and natural elements like wood, shells, and feathers.
Glamour
While the hippie look dominated, many women still embraced more glamorous styles. Inspired by 1940s movie star glamour, they wore satin shirts, cloche hats, feather boas, and chunky high heels. The glamour trend also brought back gold chains, rhinestone clips, and pearl earrings.
Other Early 70s Trends
Other popular trends included fitted blazers in various fabrics, long and short dresses, mini skirts, maxi evening gowns, hot pants paired with skin-tight T-shirts, and flared pants. Sweaters were a huge phenomenon, often judged solely by the sweater's design and style. Platform shoes were widespread, and knee-socks became a colorful accessory .
Miniskirts and fringed suede miniskirt
Mid 1970s (1973-1976)
During the mid-1970s, casual looks gained popularity. Sweaters, T-shirts, cardigans, and jeans were commonly worn. The mid-1970s also introduced a Parisian peasant look, with capes, turbans, and puffy skirts. Accessories were minimalistic, with a focus on minimalizing headwear and embracing simple jewelry.
Active Wear
Clean-cut, all-American active wear became popular, with jumpsuits being the biggest phenomenon. Other sportswear trends included tracksuits, tunic shirts, tube tops, sweatshirts, and low-rise pants. Sneakers and tennis headbands were popular accessories.
Tailored Styles
As women entered the workforce, tailored styles emerged. Business suits became a symbol of success, with women opting for tailored jackets, midi-skirts, and fitted blouses. Layering became popular, with women wearing two blouses at once and multiple sweaters.
Disco Look
The rise of disco music influenced fashion in the late 1970s. Women embraced the jersey wrap dress as a versatile item for both day and night. Other popular disco styles included tube tops, sequined halterneck shirts, and maxi dresses with thigh slits. Heels were often stacked, and footwear choices ranged from knee-high boots to sandals.
Swedish model Ulla Jones dressed in a lurex halter top and matching flared trousers
The Big Look or Soft Look
During the mid-1970s, the Big Look or Soft Look dominated high fashion. It featured loose, billowy silhouettes, comfortable fabrics, and layering. The style embraced oversized shapes, chunky sweaters, full-sleeve cuts, and full sundresses. Skirts were often dirndls or tiered, and knee-high boots remained popular.
Relaxed Look
By 1977, fashion became more relaxed and baggy. The big shoulder trend emerged, and shirts were left unbuttoned. Casual fashion adopted a peasant look, with capes, turbans, and puffy skirts being popular choices. Accessories were minimalistic, and active wear also made a statement.
The Pantsuit
As more women joined the workforce, pantsuits became acceptable business wear for executive women. This was influenced by the success of Yves Saint Laurent's "Le smoking" tuxedo and the need for women to assert their presence in male-dominated workspaces. Pantsuits were often paired with high-heeled shoes and turbans as a fashion statement.
Designer Jeans
In 1978, designer jeans entered the scene, with brands like Calvin Klein and Gloria Vanderbilt making their mark. These jeans became an instant hit and were often worn with folded hems and paired with trendy shoes like Candie's slides.
Men's Fashion Trends
Early 1970s (1970-1972)
The early 1970s witnessed the peacock revolution, with men embracing bold and flamboyant styles. Satin shirts, velvet Nehru jackets, and bell-bottom pants were popular choices. Unisex men's and women's outfits were also worn, and vibrant colors like electric blue and leopard prints made their way into men's wardrobes.
Bright Colors
During the early 1970s, men embraced vibrant colors for their clothing. Sweaters, pants, and shirts came in pastel shades like mauve, peach, and baby blue. Rust, tangerine, and forest green became popularized from 1973 onwards. Sweaters were a significant trend, often judged solely by the sweater's design.
Prince Reza Pahlavi wearing Peacock Revolution-inspired velvet Nehru jacket
Eastern Fashion
Certain fashion trends in the 1970s were influenced by Eastern cultures. The Chinese Zhongshan suit, also known as the Mao suit, was worn in Mainland China. In the UK, France, and India, green, blue, or beige safari jackets reminiscent of socialist values and travel to exotic locations gained popularity.
Glam Rock
Glam rock greatly influenced men's fashion trends in the mid-1970s. Androgynous styles, velvet sports coats, shawl collar tuxedo jackets, and chunky high heels were embraced. The glam rock trend was all about expressing individuality and embracing bold fashion choices.
Informal Attire
The mid-1970s saw a rise in informal fashion for men. Sweaters, T-shirts, jeans, and cardigans became go-to choices. Casual looks dominated, and the fashion industry embraced a more laid-back approach. The focus was on comfort and ease of movement.
Disco Style
The influence of disco music in the late 1970s led to men embracing a more flamboyant and glamorous style. Three-piece suits in various colors, flared trousers, and high-rise waistcoats became popular choices. Neckties became wider and bolder, and shirt collars were long and pointed.
Big Shoulders
Towards the end of the 1970s, big shoulder trends emerged in men's fashion. Inspired by the women's fashion of the time, jackets and suits featured exaggerated shoulder pads that tapered to low closures. Lapels and ties were narrowed, and tops often had turned-up collars. This trend marked the transition into the 1980s.
Youth Fashion
Mods
During the early 1970s, the Northern soul and suedehead subcultures emerged as a response to the hippie influence on mainstream fashion. These subcultures embraced a unisex look with long hair, slim-fit pants, vintage striped blazers, and basket weave brogue shoes.
Teddy Boys
The Teddy boy subculture made a comeback in the UK during the 1970s as a celebration of 1950s nostalgia. This subculture embraced zoot suits, velvet collars, and drape jackets. It became a symbol of rebellion against mainstream fashion.
Hippies
The 1970s witnessed the rise of hippie fashion, with individuals embracing long hair, tie-dye shirts, and vintage clothing. The hippie look symbolized individuality and a rejection of societal norms. Women embraced the iconic afro hairstyle, while men grew their hair long.
Heavy Metal
The hard rock and heavy metal subculture played a significant role in influencing fashion in the 1970s. Leather jackets, studded belts, and black clothing became popular among metal fans. The fashion was characterized by a tough and rebellious aesthetic.
Black Power
African American youths embraced fashion inspired by the Black Power movement. They imitated the paramilitary uniforms of groups like the Black Panthers and incorporated African folk costume. The fashion reflected a sense of pride and resistance.
Cholos
Mexican-American youths embraced a fashion style influenced by prison gangs and counterculture groups. They incorporated leather jackets, plaid shirts, and Dickies pants into their wardrobe. The style reflected a rebellious and tough aesthetic.
Punks
The punk rock movement had a significant impact on fashion in the late 1970s. Punk fashion featured ripped clothes, leather jackets, and unconventional hairstyles. It embraced a rebellious and anti-establishment attitude.
Beauty Trends
Women's Hairstyles
Women's hairstyles of the 1970s varied, with long hair being the most popular choice. The gypsy cut, layered shag, and wings hairstyle were common during the early to mid-1970s. The iconic Farrah Fawcett hairstyle, characterized by waves, curls, and layers, gained popularity in 1976.
Farrah Fawcett hairstyle
Men's Hairstyles
Men's hairstyles continued the trend of longer hair during the 1970s. The ducktail and Pompadour hairstyles were popular among Italian-American and Mexican-American men. Sideburns were also embraced during this time. However, towards the end of the decade, men opted for shorter hairstyles like crew cuts and buzz cuts.
Makeup and Cosmetics
Cosmetics in the 1970s represented the conflicting roles of women during the era. Situational makeup choices became prevalent, with the natural look for daytime and a more glamorous aesthetic for evenings. The struggling cosmetics industry experimented with new marketing and manufacturing practices.
A Decade of Individuality
The 1970s were a time of individuality and self-expression in fashion. From the influence of various subcultures to the rise of disco and glam rock, fashion choices varied and celebrated personal style. The decade's fashion trends continue to inspire and influence modern fashion to this day.
Image gallery showcasing 1970s fashion trends
References
- [1] Vogue proclaimed "There are no rules in the fashion game now" - source
- [2] Mini skirts, bell-bottoms, vintage clothing, glam rock, disco styles - source
- [3] Casual chic approach, sweaters, T-shirts, jeans, sneakers - source
- [4] Diane von Fürstenberg and the wrap dress - source
- [5] Famous fashion models of the 1970s - source
- [6] Early 1970s fashion trends - source
- [7] Glamour and other early 70s trends - source
- [8] Women's accessories and footwear - source
- [9] Mid and late 1970s fashion - source
- [10] Accessories, footwear and boots - source
- [11] Women's formal styles and tailored suits - source
- [12] Disco look, big shoulders, and tuxedos - source
- [13] Men's fashion trends and hairstyles - source
- [14] Popular footwear choices - source
- [15] Punk and heavy metal fashion - source
- [16] Black power and Cholos fashion - source
- [17] Youth fashion - source
- [18] Beauty trends and hairstyles - source
- [19] Makeup and cosmetics - source
- [20] Individuality and self-expression in fashion - source
