fashionThruDecades
The 1970s
Woman’s Fashion
1. Key Trends and Styles
The 1970s were marked by a diverse range of styles influenced by cultural movements, music, and social changes. Notable trends included:
- Punk Influence: Towards the late ’70s, punk fashion emerged, featuring ripped clothing, leather jackets, and DIY aesthetics, often with a rebellious flair.
- Bohemian Chic: Flowing maxi dresses, peasant blouses, and bell-bottom jeans characterized the bohemian style, often adorned with bold prints and vibrant colors.
- Disco Glam: As disco music rose in popularity, so did glamorous, form-fitting outfits. Think shiny fabrics, jumpsuits, and platform shoes, often accompanied by bold accessories.
Seventies fashion began with a continuation of the late 1960s hippie style. In the early 1970s, this meant an emphasis on handmade materials and decorations. While the hippies of the sixties had embraced these items as a way of rejecting mainstream fashion, designers in the early seventies began to incorporate them into their high fashion collections. Patchwork, crochet and knitting, embroidery were among the details used by designers.
Karina Reddy; FashionHistoryTimeline
2. Fabrics and Patterns
The fabrics and patterns of the decade were as eclectic as the styles themselves:
- Textures: Suede, corduroy, and denim were widely used, with an emphasis on tactile experiences, whether in casual wear or more formal attire.
- Natural and Synthetic Blends: Materials like cotton, polyester, and velvet became popular, with a focus on comfort and movement.
- Bold Prints: Floral, paisley, and geometric patterns dominated, reflecting the artistic and free-spirited ethos of the era.
3. Accessories and Footwear
Accessories played a crucial role in defining the ’70s look:
- Statement Jewelry: Large earrings, chunky necklaces, and oversized rings were popular, often reflecting the eclectic styles of the time.
- Hats and Scarves: Wide-brimmed hats, headbands, and scarves were commonly worn, adding a personal touch to outfits.
- Footwear: Platform shoes, clogs, and knee-high boots became essential, with many styles designed to complement both casual and dressy looks.
Overall, women’s fashion in the 1970s was vibrant, expressive, and a true reflection of the cultural shifts of the time!
Fashionthrudecades
1970s
Men’s Fashion
Men’s fashion in the 1970s encompasses a whirlwind of differing trends. From polos to bellbottoms, a variety of style was explored during this decade. When it comes to men’s fashion, this decade might have been the biggest shift in gender norms and redefining what men were “supposed” to wear. Overall, Men’s fashion in the 1970s was bold, eclectic, and expressive, reflecting the cultural shifts of the era.
Bell-Bottoms: Flared trousers became iconic, often paired with platform shoes. They were typically high-waisted and could be found in denim or vibrant colors.
Shirts: Wide-collared shirts, sometimes in bold prints or paisley patterns, were popular. Turtlenecks and brightly colored button-downs also made a statement, often worn with the top buttons undone.
Jackets: Leisure suits were a staple, featuring matching jackets and trousers in bright colors or patterned fabrics. Blazers and denim jackets were also common, often adorned with patches.
Textures and Fabrics: Suede, corduroy, and polyester were widely used, and shiny fabrics like satin and nylon gained popularity for evening wear.
Accessories: Men embraced accessories like oversized sunglasses, hats (such as fedoras and berets), and chunky jewelry. Scarves were also a popular addition.
Footwear: Platform shoes and loafers were in vogue, often made of leather or suede in eye-catching colors.
In the ’70s, people often wore bold and daring outfits. While there were a variety of different looks for the decade, most of them incorporated eye-catching colors and patterns, a silhouette that was tight up top and loose down the bottom, and interesting textures, such as satin, suede, and corduroy. Essential items for the decade included bell-bottom and wide-leg pants, platform shoes, vests, long collared shirts, tight tees, turtleneck sweaters, and leisure suits amongst many others.
Taylah Mckee; TheTrendSpotter
