Retro Vibes: Resurrecting the Unbeatable 70s Outfits Fashion Scene

In the annals of fashion history few eras can rival the effortless cool and uninhibited self expression of 70s outfits. From the free spirit thread of the hippie movement to the dazzling glitz and glamor of the disco craze. 

70s outfits style was a kaleidoscope of attitude and aesthetic that keep influencing trends even today. Let’s take a groovy journey through this iconic decade’s most memorable looks.

The Seeds of 70s Fashion Subculture

1970s did not exist in a vacuum it carried over plenty of counter culture influences from the rebellious 1960s. The widespread protest against the Vietnam War, along with the hippie trails of Woodstock and renaissance fairs birth a laid back, anti establish vibe.

This “tune in, turn on, drop out” mindset manifested in peasant blouses, bell bottom jeans, fringed vest and love bead accessories. That brought earthy bohemian flair to the fashion forefront.

At the same time, second wave females were hitting its stride prompting women to ditch rigid gender roles and body shame standards. Icons like Gloria Steinem famous rock sleek pant suits and casual separate that allow for comfort and mobility.

Youth culture was booming too, with teenagers and college aged folks gaining unprecedented spending power. This perfect storm brewed up a revolution in self expression through personal style.

Free-Spirited Womenswear that Broke Conventions

The modern woman coming of age in the 1970s, fashion represents a hard won freedom to eschew demure femininity. Gone were the prim and proper dresses, florals, pastels, and delicate cuts. They made way for unapologetically bold patterns, colors, and silhouettes.

Maxi & Midi Dresses

• Flowing maxi dresses and swingy midi lengths channel a romantic yet offbeat vibe.
• Peasant blouses with billowing sleeves, tasseled ties, and ethnic embroidery.
• Floral print wrap dresses made of lightweight, drapey fabrics like jersey or crepe.
• Boho prints featuring ornate paisley, folkloric motifs, patchworks; accented with lace trim and fringe.

For a classic 70s bohemian look:

• Floral print wrap maxi dress with tie belt.
• Tiered peasant blouse in warm earth tones.  
• Fringed suede vest layered over a crochet camisole.
• Topped with a printed headscarf.  
• Accessorize with wooden beads & metallic sandals.

Feminists also embraced pantsuits for the nine to five grind. A symbolic power move reclaiming traditional masculine clothing for work. But after clocking out, many women let loose in risqué minis, hot pants, and thigh-grazing short shorts. 

Men’s 70s Fashion: Bold Prints & Daring Silhouettes

While women were catapulting their chic rebellion into the mainstream. The confident dudes were also making waves in mainstream menswear. Say goodbye to the straight laced business suits and slacks 70s garb for guys prize peoples through.

Jeans

• Slimming hip hugger cuts with higher waistlines.
• Flared legs and wide bell bottoms for a groovy flair.
• Patches, distressing, embroidery for artful self expression.

Tops

• Graphic tees with cheeky phrases and psychedelic designs.
• Funky printed shirts in wild patterns.
• Open collared shirts left partly unbuttoned.
• Suede and leather vests for a touch of retro machismo.

Footwear

• Platform shoes and stacked heels for an elongated look
• Rugged hiking boots and work boots
• Iconic Chelsea or cowboy boots

Shimmering Disco Fever: Dazzling Night-on-the-Town Looks

Of course, we can’t discuss quintessential 70s outfits without mention the apex of dancefloor dazzle. Disco fashion! As lush clubs like Studio 54 became the place to see and be seen, glamor was the name of the game. These party ready looks were made to get down and feel groovy.

Women’s Disco Attire

• Body skimming and slinky jumpsuits.
• Sequined halter dresses that caught the light.
• Sizzling wrap dresses in bold, vibrant colors.
• Skin-baring ruffled mini dresses with a feathered trim.
• Metallic fabrics in futuristic silvers and shimmering golds.
• Faux fur accents for over the top luxury.

Men’s Glam Wear

• Slinky satin shirts left tantalizingly unbuttoned.
• Shiny button-down jumpsuits.
• Polished suit jackets in sensual fabrics like silk and velvet.
• Leisure suits and plunging necklines to flaunt chests.
• Shag haircuts, bushy mutton chops, and mustaches.

No disco look would be complete without the requisite dancing shoes. Platforms with towering chunky heels enabled uninhibited twirling across illuminated dance floors. Sparkling rhinestones, sequins, and bead embellishments upped the dazzle factor even further.

Groovy Hairstyles & Makeup Trends of the 70s

These unforgettable 70s outfits together, coordinating hair and beauty looks played an equally pivotal role. Carefree, natural styles reigned supreme.

Hair

• Sleek shag cuts with long fringe.
• Afro hairstyles celebrating beautiful curls.
• Long feathered layers with wispy bangs.
• Headbands for a boho touch.
• Men embracing mustaches and a rugged, hirsute aesthetic.

Beauty

• Bold, bright lipstick in oranges, corals, and deep berries.
• Metallic eyeshadow and dramatic winged eyeliner.
• Bright nail polish designs, from floral prints to stars.
• Enhancing natural features and a “fresh face” look.

Many 70s beauty looks centered around self expression and people. A natural complement to the decade relaxe, free spirit vibe. Artistic details like nail art, creative updo styles with scarves, and patterned makeup made quite the statement.

How to Work Those 70s Vibes into Modern Style?

With 70s fashion back in full force, there are myriad ways to tap into the decade retro aesthetic without going full blown costume. Start simple with:

• A floral print midi dress and suede ankle boots.
• Flared wide leg jeans with a ribbed knit crop top.
• An oversized denim work man jacket layer over a slip dress.
• Bold patchwork accessories in earthy colors.
• Metallic platforms or wooden clogs to spice up an outfit.
• Touches of fringe, crochet, and embroidery.

Look for modern pieces pick up on timeless 70 s signatures like bell sleeves, flared legs, loud prints and psychedelic motifs. Vintage inspired jewelry like layer necklaces, statement ear and stack bangles also help channel that groovy spirit.

One key to nailing retro 70s looks is all about inject that free spirit, self expressive attitude through your styling choices. Get playful by clashing unexpect colors and patterns. The conventional “rules” by mixing textures like suede with sequins, and floral with animal prints.

Iconic 70s Outfits That Went Down in History

To leave you inspired, let’s take a look at some of the most legendary 70s fashion moments. That remains burnt into our collective memory.

David Bowie at the Height of Glam Rock (1972) 

Rocking a multi color jumpsuit and fiery orange hair. Bowie iconic Ziggy Stardust personal epitomize the decade bold experiment and boundary pushing glamour.

Joni Mitchell’s Bohemian Rhapsody (1970) 

The revered folksinger embodied quintessential 70s bohemian chic in this floral maxi dress with billowing sleeves. They were draped with layer pendant necklaces. Peak flower child vibes.

Charlie’s Angels Bringing Back High-Octane Glamour (1976-1981) 

Whether rocking feathered blowouts and sleek precision cuts. The trio of Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. They made one thing clear big hair and bombshell fashion were back in a major way.

Diane Keaton’s Iconic Menswear Suiting (1977) 

Accepting her Best Actress Oscar for Annie Hall. Keaton’s louche vintage jacket and necktie look kick off an era of women confidently embracing androgynous tailoring.

John Travolta’s White Polyester Suit (1977) 

Travolta’s slick ultra style polyester three piece from Saturday Night Fever is still one of the most famous disco era outfits over four decades later.

Whether your goal is to recreate these iconic throwback looks and put your own fresh spin on 70s trends. One thing is certain the uninhibited, self expressive attitude of this groovy decade is more en vogue than ever.

So slip on your flared jeans, fire up your playlist of retro hits, and get ready to channel. Your inner disco diva or bohemian flower child. The 1970s are waiting for you. 

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Iconic 70s Fashion Brands and Designers

While DIY and vintage looks were huge in the 70s outfits. There were also several fashion brands and designers. That helped define the decade signature styles.

Halston: The minimalist yet ultra glamorous designs of Roy Halston defined the sophisticated disco look. 

His bias cut jersey dresses, cozy caftan kaftans and luxe cashmere creations drap Studio 54’s dance floor.

Biba: This swinging London label head by Barbara Hulanicki was the go to source for ultra feminine 30s-inspired tea dresses. Floppy hats and fun novelty accessories like faux fur and quirky sunglasses.

Fiorucci: The iconic Italian jeans brand embraced vibrant colors, baroque patterns and slinky stretch fabrics that hugged every curve. Their skin tight jeans with puddling bell bottoms were a 70s must have.

Betsey Johnson: Known for her youthful, offbeat aesthetic, Betsey Johnson’s sassy designs included baby doll dresses, ruffled minis, and rompers livened up by funky prints, bows and whimsical details.

Yves Saint Laurent: The French designer’s “Le Smoking” tuxedo suit for women was a groundbreaking sartorial statement for the era’s feminist movement. He also popular the peasant blouse and seductive dresses that enhanced the female form.

70s Denim Classics that Still Endure

While bell bottoms may be the obvious denim style from the 70s outfits. The decade’s lasting influence on blue jeans goes far beyond that.

• High-Waisted Denim: Tight fitting, hip-hugging high-rise jeans were a 70s outfits streetwear staple, often emphasised with wide belts or crop tops.
• Patchwork & Embroidered Denim: Taking cues from peasant blouses, denim got decorated with intricate embroidery, appliques, patchwork and other crafty embellishments.
• Denim Jackets: Trucker jackets and boxy jean jackets became outerwear must-haves, sometimes adorned with patches, studs and painted-on designs.
• Flares & Wide Legs: While bell bottoms swung lower to the ground, many denim heads opted for more gently flared wide-leg jeans. That skimmed the hips before opening up from the knee down.

Groovy Guys: The Rise of Male Beauty & Fashion Statements

While women were embracing bold new freedoms of expression through fashion, something revolution was also happen in mens wear. The 70s outfits saw a huge shift away from the stuffy, button up aesthetic that had dominated men’s clothing.

Young rock stars elevated shaggy manes and groomed facial hair as the new badges of hyper masculine cool. Men also began experiment with beauty products like eyeliner, nail polish and hair care regimens. That celebrate self care as a pathway to confidence.

Even celebrity icons like Sammy Davis Jr. and Marlon Brando were seen sporting flowing robes, feathered accessories, silk loungewear and headscarves. These unisex, sensual designs radiate an aura of shameless indulgence.

70s Fashion on the Big Screen

No 70s fashion retrospective would be complete without highlighting some of the decade’s.The most iconic movie looks that left an indelible mark on pop culture.

Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (1977) Keaton’s signature menswear inspire outfit of a baggy vest, tie, and pants. They define a new era of gender neutral dress that was equal parts stylish and laidback.

John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever (1977) With his white polyester suit, black shirt partly unbuttoned, and slick dance moves. Travolta’s Tony Manero ushered in the age of unapologetic 70s masculinity and disco swagger.

Jacqueline Bisset in The Deep (1977) Bisset emerged a new fashion icon in her small black t-shirt, cutoff jean shorts and knitted cream shawl. That highlighted her natural beauty. It was 70s beachwear at its most chic.

Cybill Shepherd in The Last Picture Show (1971) Shepherd’s portrayal of Jacy capture the provocative dress of 70s youth culture. The miniskirts, thigh high boots, tight sweaters, and of course, the quintessential feathered hairstyle.

Robert Redford in The Way We Were (1973) Redford laidback collegiate looks like V-neck sweaters, workman jackets and khakis. How 70s fashion opened up a whole new relaxed aesthetic for men’s casual styling.

The Influence of 70s Music on Fashion

Just as fashion left its imprint on 70s pop culture. The decade’s music scenes also heavily influenced the styles and attitudes of the time. It creates an inseparable positive feedback loop.

Bohemian Folk Fashion

Pioneered by artists like Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell. This is dreamy bohemian style with long flowing skirts, fringed shawls, and peasant blouses channeled the troubadour spirit.

Glam Rock’s Gender-Blurring Style
Idols like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Marc Bolan celebrated androgyny through theatrical glam rock fashion. The sequined jumpsuits, stacked heels, pops of bright makeup, wild hair.

Punk’s Anti-Fashion Rebellion
Rejecting cultural norms, the punk movement adopted a deliberately disheveled look with ripped shirts. They have safety pin accessories, studded leather and clashing colors patterns.

Disco’s Sultry Glitz
Disco clubs became the runway for the scintillating sequined dresses, skin tight satin jumpsuits, and blinding rhinestone statements inspired by artists like Donna Summer.

70s Fashion and Environmentalism

While excess and indulgence were celebrated in fashion throughout most of the 70s, towards. The end of the decade a new “green” consciousness began emerging.

• A revival of natural fabrics and fibers like cotton, linen and wool.
• Hippie-inspired crochet, macrame and patchwork crafting using leftover materials.
• Thrifting and vintage hunting as an affordable and sustainable way to stay stylish.
• A preference for simple, unfussy garments with minimal waste in cutting construction.

This back to basics approach to clothing foreshadowed the eco friendly philosophy of reducing consumption. That would gain even more momentum in the decades to come. Several cutting edge 70s designs were actually early pioneers of what we now call “sustainable fashion” through. Their inventive use of recycled materials and zero-waste production techniques.

70s Fashion Subcultures and Tribes

While the overarching 70s vibe was one of self expression and individual. There were also several distinct subcultures that cultivated their own unique style signatures.

Hippies

With roots in the 1960s counter culture hippies embraced a back to nature, anti-establishment ethos through flowing ethnic prints, peasant tops, love beads, fringed vests, floaty maxi skirts and caftans.

Punks 

Rejecting mainstream conventions, the punk subculture created a deliberately ripped, disheveled aesthetic. Hallmarks included ripped shirts, safety pinned separates, heavy combat boots, spiked hair dyed in bright, unnatural shades.

Disco Freaks
Sequins, satin, plunging necklines, ultra-tight silhouettes the disco tribe craved all out glamour on the dancefloor with sexy statement pieces made for showing off.

Glam Rockers 

Androgyny and theatricality reigned supreme for glam adherents who modeled their looks after flamboyant rockers like David Bowie. Gender-fluid glam included stacked heels, jumpsuits, bold makeup and daring futuristic style statements.

Rastas 

Part of the reggae cultural movement, Rastas celebrate pride in African roots through natural dreadlocks, woven wraps printed in pan-African colors. Like green, black and red, and spiritual accessories like cowrie shells.

Birth of Streetwear Culture in the 70s

While streetwear as we know it today didn’t fully emerge until the 80s and 90s. There are many of the foundations were laid in the casual styles of the 70s.

• Bell bottoms and flared denim as a canvas for self-expression through patches, distressing, patchwork and embroidery.
• Basketball sneakers like Chuck Taylors or Nike Blazers are become fashion statements off the court.
• Work pants and utility pants inspired by industrial/military wear adopted for everyday casual wear.
• College/souvenir merchandise like graphic tees and sweatshirts as part of a cool, youthful uniform.
• Urban accessories like bucket hats, duffle bags and beanies become key styling pieces.

The 70s were the first era where counterculture influences like hip-hop, skateboarding, surfing and b-boy culture left an imprint on mainstream fashion. Casual wear shifted from being overlook basic to intentional statements of identity. Paving the way for streetwear’s explosive rise in decades to come.

What once start as simply dressing for comfort and activity steadily grew into a cultural phenomenon celebrating people’s aesthetics straight from the streets. Many of the most valuable vintage fashion pieces today actually originated as ordinary casual basics in the 1970s.

70s “Dad Fashion” that Became Cool Again

For decades, certain 70s dad looks were the height of dowdiness. But in recent years, many of these once maligned styles have been reappraised and embraced with pride.

Chest-Baring Shirts and Sweaters: Nothing says 70s outfits dad swag like a garment with a plunging, scandalously deep V-neck or a few too many buttons undone. The furrier the exposed chest hair the better.

Driving Mocs and Hairy House Shoes: Suede driving moccasins or slip on hairy half-shoes designed for maximum coziness were the ultimate 70s father footwear. Now they are making a come back in fashion forward styles.

Knit Polos: The knit polo became a cheesy dad staple in the 70s, but throw back designs by designer. Like Drake’s have elevated them to retro cool again.

Floral Camp Shirts: Loud, busy floral prints turned the 70s camp shirt into a symbol of cringe worthy. 

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70s Swimwear That Brought The Heat

The decade body conscious fashion revolution didn’t stop at just clothing. 70s swimwear styles were just as daring and iconic.

The Birth of the Thong Bikini In 1974, iconic designer Rudi Gernreich debuted the first thong bikini bottom. They push the boundaries of skimpy swimwear to new revealing levels. His minimalist designs complemented the decade tanned athletic bodies.

Crochet and Macramé Swimsuit Coverups In line with the 70s bohemian vibe, intricate handcrafted knits and macrame pieces served as beach coverups, some time worn as swimsuits themselves. Crochet dresses over swimwear were the epitome of 70s surf culture style.

The Mankini Leave it to the 70s outfits to defy gender norms even at the beach. Daring men rocked revealing slip thong style man bikinis or went shirtless with teeny nylon trunks to work on an allover tan.

Vibrant Colors and Patterns
Move over muted hues 70s swimwear celebrated vibrant, psychedelic patterns and colors. Splashy floral swimsuits or zig zag printed trunks match the liberated, free spirited attitudes of the era.

Skin-Baring One-Piece Suits While bikinis got skimpier, the flip side saw sexy one-piece suits with plunging necklines, high-cut legs and revealing cutouts embracing the body in a sophisticated way.

The Legacy of 70s Fashion on Modern Style

While decades and fashion cycles come and go. The last cultural impact and sartorial influence of 70s fashion is undeniable and still permeates modern trends.

• Power Dressing: The era’s embrace of tailored suiting, sharp separates and trousers for women formed the foundation of modern power dressing aesthetics in the workplace.
• Body Positivity & Self-Expression: Scandalously sheer, skimpy, tight and curve celebrating. The clothing ushered in a new ethos of people’s dress and body empowerment that continues today.
• Gender-Fluid Fashion: From glam rockers to androgynous style icons. The 70s outfits broke down rigid boundaries between masculine and feminine dress codes.
• Groovy Prints & Embellishments: Vibrant florals, wild paisley graphic Op Art patterns and shimmer continue to channel. The free spirited grooviness of the decade.
• Retro Revivalism: Almost every major catwalk collection pays tribute to 70s signature. Like flared legs, platforms, peasant tops, denim attitude and eclectic accessories.
• Sustainable Thrifting: Hunting down vintage scores aligned with the 70s outfits ethos of creative resourcefulness and reducing consumption that fueled today’s secondhand shopping boom.

Top 70s Fashion Influencers and Muses

While musicians and movie stars drove many of the iconic looks. There were also several leading models, designers and celebrities who defined 70s style.

Bianca Jagger 

The effortlessly chic wife of Mick Jagger epitomized glamor jet set style in her pristine white pantsuits, slinky halter dress and dramatic floppy hats. Her looks merged sophistication with an untamed spirit.

Jerry Hall 

As one of the reigning super models Texan bombshell Jerry Hall personified 70s bohemian beach beauty with her tanned skin, golden waves and body-skimming printed dresses and caftans.

Jackie O 

Though her most iconic looks as First Lady were in the 60s. Jacqueline Kennedy transitioned to 70s jet-set glamour seamless with her oversize shades, geometric shifts and bright headscarves.

Farrah Fawcett 

Her feathered hairdo alone was a cultural phenomenon but Farrah natural beauty shone through in casual basics. Like striped shirts, denim and swimwear that inspired trends.

Beverly Johnson 

As the first African American woman to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974. Beverly Johnson’s stunning features redefined mainstream beauty standards.

Halston’s Muses 

Icons like Anjelica Huston, Pat Cleveland, Bianca Jagger and Beverly Johnson epitomized Halston’s minimalist and fluid aesthetic, serving as living mannequins.

These luminaries became just as influential for their off-duty styling as they did on stage, screen or the runway. Their singular looks from Bianca pantsuits to Farrah’s windblown waves instantly set new standards that women everywhere obsessively copied.

Fashion Career’s Born in the 70s

While 70s fashion celebrated individuality and self expression.There are many leading designers who pioneered these ideals got their big break during this unparalleled creative era.

Calvin Klein opened his first boutique in a converted Manhattan carpentry shop in the late 60s. His minimalist artistic vision for clothing and accessories soon epitomized the laidback 70s aesthetic.

Ralph Lauren launched his first menswear line Polo in 1968. Lauren channel the relaxed confidence of old money sensibilities like tweed jackets, oxford shirts and equestrian influences. The preppy look quickly became a 70s outfits staple.

Diane Von Furstenberg In 1972, DVF created her iconic wrap dress in jersey printed with a striking chain pattern. The flattering yet comfortable design became a symbol of 70s effortless glamour and professional femininity.

Marc Jacobs Starting as a stockroom worker at Polo Jacobs designed his first hand knit sweater for the brand under Ralph Lauren in 1976. This ultimate launch his career in experiment artful knitwear.

Sonia Rykiel Already celebrated in France, Rykiel’s modern separates in bright hues and joyful stripes caught on international in the 70s outfits. Her liberating knitwear and mix-and-match philosophy embodied a liberated spirit.

Stephen Burrows One of the first international successful Black designers. Burrows pioneered vibrant bodywear and slinky jersey dresses. That transformed into wraps for versatile day to night wear.

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