FASHION IN THE 70S

How 1970s Fashion Trends Stand Out in History

1970s fashion trends represent the rebellion against the old guard that began with the hippie movement of the ’60s.
While designer 1960s fashion focused on the future – like Andre Courrege’s 1964 “Moon Girl” collection that represented American space exploration – the 1970s was a nostalgic era that looked to the past for fashion inspiration.
Most trends of ’70s clothing drew inspiration either from the Edwardian, 1930s or 1940s eras. While the miniskirt was still popular at the onset of the era, the hemline fell to midi and maxi lengths by 1971. The pubescent mod look was out, replaced with glamour that resembled the feminine red carpet styles of ’30s and ’40s starlets.
The laidback lifestyles of the hippie movement inspired the birth of the “leisure suit,” boho style dressing and preference for all-natural materials in the ’70s. However, the all-natural aesthetic was rejected by the nightlife loving disco fiends who wore synthetic materials like polyester and Ultrasuede to shimmy and shake on the dance floor.
The “glam rock” and “punk styles” of the era represented the rebellious style of the 1970s. The LGBT and feminist movements embraced androgyny amongst both sexes. Men wore platforms and dresses to the discotheque. Even the most professional men were encouraged to primp as much as their ladies. Thanks to Yves Saint Laurent’s “anti Dior” look for the long and lean female, suits, trousers and Annie Hall style looks were accepted in the female dress code.1950s style and 1960s fashion were eras for the lady. This was the woman whose dress was tailored to fit and accentuate her hourglass shape. She wore matching hats, bags and shoes. Her hair was coiffed and permed, and she never left the house without a red lip and rouged cheeks.
The 1970s woman defined style her own way. She wore the most wild looks and makeup by night but by day, she could be dressed like a man or perhaps, channeling the peace-love-mentality of the late ’60s in a ditzy print floral maxi dress or decorative pair of denim bell bottoms.
1970s fashion rejected formality in favor of function. This trend for “casual dressing” is what arguably laid the foundation for 1980s, 1990s and 2000s dressing. The return to everyday formal wear, except in the work place or at high profile events, has yet to return. We have the 1970s to thank for chic, classic comfort that’s versatile for the working girl on the go.
Most importantly, being an extension of ’60s hippie fashion, the 1970s birthed freedom of self expression. According to ’70s fashion expert Anne-Lise Francois, “in the 1970s, people wore clothes that stood out in order to fit in.”
Styles were bold, colorful and free. Gender roles were challenged, fashion expectations broken and an affection for wearing bonafide vintage fashion or vintage-inspired styles began