If you think today's fashion is bold, colorful, and experimental, let’s take a moment to look back at the glorious decade of the 1970s. The 70s marked the rise of some of the most iconic and daring trends in fashion history—trends that, surprisingly, continue to influence our wardrobes today. The decade was a colorful playground of self-expression, comfort, and rebellion, all wrapped in a polyester bow.
The 70s were not just about bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints; they were about embracing individual style, breaking down the barriers of conventional fashion, and mixing, matching, and experimenting with everything from glam rock to disco fever. While the decade might be known for a few fashion missteps (looking at you, neon spandex), it was also a turning point for how people approached clothing as a form of self-expression. So, let’s dive into the influences of 70s fashion and explore how they still resonate with today’s trends, all while having a bit of fun along the way.
The Birth of Glam Rock: Shiny, Glittery, and Fabulous
The 70s were the golden era for glam rock. Artists like David Bowie, Marc Bolan, and Elton John set the stage for a flamboyant style that would forever change the fashion world. Picture this: sequins, satin, platform boots, bold eyeliner, and the general philosophy that “more is more.”
In the world of glam rock, the mantra was simple—if it sparkled, it was meant to be worn. This was the time when clothes became statements rather than just functional items. The influence of glam rock brought about metallic fabrics, glitter, and even outrageous feather boas. Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, was a perfect embodiment of 70s glam fashion, showcasing how men’s fashion could be just as expressive and extravagant as women's. In fact, some of the most iconic 70s fashion trends—including oversized collars, jumpsuits, and dramatic colors—were popularized by the likes of Bowie and his contemporaries.
Today, the glam rock influence can be spotted in the revival of platform shoes, bold statement jewelry, and metallic materials. While we might not be rocking sequined jumpsuits on the regular, the glam rock aesthetic is still alive and well in modern high-fashion runways and music festivals, where maximalism has made a serious comeback.
The Rise of Disco Fever: Dance Floors and Denim
Disco culture had an unmistakable impact on 70s fashion. Think of the iconic scene from Saturday Night Fever, with John Travolta’s white suit, slicked-back hair, and signature dance moves. The disco movement was about freedom, fun, and, above all, style. Disco was the soundtrack to bell-bottom pants, glittering tops, and polyester suits that could shimmer under the neon lights of a nightclub.
The standout features of disco fashion were undeniably the bell-bottom pants and wide-collared shirts. Bell-bottoms, which were initially popularized in the late 60s, reached their peak in the 70s. These pants were not just a fashion statement; they were a symbol of liberation and nonconformity. Paired with a tight, flamboyant shirt, a flared sleeve, and a pair of platform shoes (because, of course, it wouldn’t be disco without a little extra height), the disco look was all about making an entrance.
Another huge influence from the 70s that continues to dominate today is denim. While denim has been around since the late 1800s, it took on a whole new life during the 70s. Flared jeans and denim jackets became a staple for both men and women, and they’ve never really gone out of style since. Today, you’ll find denim everything—denim skirts, jackets, pants, shirts, and even accessories. So next time you put on your favorite pair of jeans, just remember: you’re paying homage to the disco fever of the 70s.
The Rise of Hippie Chic: Boho and Free Spirits
One of the most enduring 70s fashion influences is undoubtedly the boho-chic style, which emerged from the countercultural hippie movement. The late 60s saw the beginning of the flower power movement, but it truly came into its own in the 70s. The bohemian style was all about embracing natural fabrics, ethnic prints, and a carefree attitude toward fashion. The flowy dresses, peasant blouses, fringe, and bell sleeves were the fashion uniform of choice for those who wanted to express their free-spirited personalities.
The boho style was also heavily influenced by the growing interest in spirituality and environmentalism. People were drawn to earthy tones, fringe, suede, and anything that felt natural or handmade. The influence of the hippie movement can still be felt today, particularly in the modern boho-chic trend that you see at music festivals like Coachella. Long, flowing skirts, crocheted tops, and oversized sunglasses are just a few examples of how the 70s bohemian style is still alive and well.
The 70s also saw the rise of the "hippie" as a cultural icon, influencing not just fashion but also lifestyle choices. The decade marked the beginning of more inclusive, body-positive fashion, as the hippie movement encouraged individuals to embrace their natural beauty and reject the restrictive beauty standards of the past. This was a time of experimenting with looks that were, at times, unpolished but always authentic.
The Power of Prints: From Psychedelic to Animal
The 70s were not a time for subtlety. It was a decade that embraced boldness, and nowhere was that more evident than in the prints. Psychedelic patterns dominated the fashion scene, as people were drawn to swirling, kaleidoscopic designs that often reflected the cultural shift towards altered states of consciousness. Vibrant colors, abstract shapes, and funky prints were used on everything from dresses to trousers, creating a visually stimulating experience that felt in tune with the time’s free-spirited vibe.
However, it wasn’t just trippy designs that ruled the fashion scene. Animal prints made their grand comeback in the 70s, with leopard spots, zebra stripes, and snake skins becoming a go-to look for those seeking a little fierceness. Fashionistas of the time weren’t afraid to wear head-to-toe animal print, creating an exotic, bold statement that was both chic and daring.
The 70s also saw the rise of graphic tees, which featured slogans, political messages, or iconic logos. This was the beginning of fashion becoming more than just about style—it became a tool for personal expression and political commentary. Today, graphic tees are still incredibly popular, and they have evolved to showcase everything from vintage band logos to memes and social justice causes.
Power Suits: Breaking Down Gender Norms
While the 70s were filled with experimental styles, they also marked the beginning of some significant social changes, particularly in terms of gender roles. The feminist movement had a major influence on fashion during the 70s, and one of the most iconic looks of the era was the power suit. This was a time when women were making strides in the workforce, and they needed to dress the part.
The power suit, typically a tailored jacket and trousers with sharp lines and bold shoulders, became a symbol of female empowerment. Women like Diane Keaton in Annie Hall became style icons, showing that you didn’t need to wear skirts and dresses to be fashionable. Instead, tailored pantsuits were a way to assert confidence and equality in a male-dominated society.
Today, the power suit has undergone a transformation. It's no longer just for the corporate world—it's been embraced as a versatile piece for both men and women. The 70s-era power suit has evolved, but the essence of breaking down gender norms and embracing versatility remains the same.
The Enduring Influence: 70s Fashion Today
The 70s were a decade of change, a time when people stopped following the status quo and started pushing the boundaries of style. From the extravagant glam rock era to the laid-back boho chic movement, the 70s gave us some of the most enduring fashion influences that still shape how we dress today. The resurgence of wide-leg pants, platform shoes, psychedelic prints, and animal patterns shows that the 70s are far from a distant memory—they are alive and thriving in our wardrobes.
Fashion in the 70s was about embracing individuality, experimenting with new styles, and challenging conventions. And that spirit continues to inspire designers, musicians, and fashion lovers worldwide. So, next time you don a pair of bell-bottoms or throw on a fringe jacket, remember that you're not just wearing clothes—you're carrying the legacy of one of the most influential decades in fashion history.
Conclusion:
The 70s will always be remembered as a decade that celebrated excess, individuality, and breaking the mold. Whether it was the glamorous allure of disco, the revolutionary spirit of boho, or the bold power of prints, fashion in the 70s set the stage for the eclectic styles we wear today. The influence of that colorful and experimental era lives on, making it clear that the 70s were not just a moment in time—they were a movement that will forever shape the way we think about fashion.