The 1970s brought us bold fashion statements that continue to influence modern style. From flowy fabrics to statement accessories, this decade created iconic looks that designers constantly revisit. Let’s explore twenty ’70s fashion trends that deserve a spot in today’s wardrobe – proving that good style truly never dies.
1. Bell-Bottom Jeans
Those iconic flared pants are back with a vengeance! Modern versions offer a more tailored fit through the thigh while maintaining that dramatic flare below the knee. Pair them with platform shoes for an authentic ’70s silhouette that elongates your legs beautifully.
2. Chunky Platform Shoes
Stomping back into fashion, these height-boosting shoes add instant drama to any outfit. Modern platforms combine comfort with style, unlike their sometimes precarious vintage counterparts. Rock them with everything from jeans to midi dresses for that perfect retro vibe.
3. Fringe Everything
Swinging fringe details made everything more fun in the ’70s. From jacket sleeves to purse bottoms, this playful embellishment brought movement to outfits. Today’s fringe appears on everything from leather jackets to evening wear, adding that perfect bohemian touch to contemporary styles.
4. Crochet Tops
Handcrafted crochet pieces embodied the free-spirited ’70s aesthetic perfectly. These intricate tops combined artistry with fashion in uniquely personal ways. Modern versions range from delicate festival tops to sophisticated overlay pieces that work for both casual and dressier occasions.
5. Corduroy Everything
The distinctive ribbed texture of corduroy was everywhere in the ’70s! From pants to jackets, this durable fabric combined practicality with style. Today’s designers use finer wales and modern cuts to create corduroy pieces that feel fresh while honoring their groovy roots.
6. Round Sunglasses
John Lennon made these iconic! The perfectly circular frames embodied the peace-and-love ethos of the era with their simple, harmonious design. Today’s versions come in everything from metal wireframes to colorful acetates, making them versatile accessories for any face shape.
7. Wrap Dresses
Diane von Furstenberg revolutionized women’s fashion with this flattering silhouette in 1974. The genius design hugs curves while remaining comfortable and appropriate for various occasions. Modern wrap dresses maintain the original’s practicality while experimenting with new prints, fabrics, and lengths.
8. Wide-Collar Shirts
Those dramatic collars pointing toward the shoulders made quite the statement! Whether on casual button-ups or disco-ready shirts, the wide collar commanded attention. Contemporary versions are slightly toned down but still maintain that distinctive ’70s flair that frames the face beautifully.
9. Clogs
Swedish-inspired wooden-soled shoes became mainstream fashion in the ’70s. Their distinctive chunky profile and natural materials perfectly complemented the era’s earthy aesthetic. Today’s designers have reimagined clogs with updated materials and sleeker profiles while maintaining their characteristic comfort.
10. Peasant Blouses
Flowing sleeves, embroidered details, and loose silhouettes defined these romantic tops. They represented the decade’s fascination with global folk traditions and handcrafted aesthetics. Contemporary versions incorporate the same billowy charm with updated proportions that work perfectly with today’s high-waisted bottoms.
11. Patchwork Denim
Crafty patchwork jeans embodied the DIY spirit of ’70s counterculture. People would salvage fabric scraps to create one-of-a-kind pieces that told personal stories. Modern patchwork incorporates vintage techniques with contemporary styling for jeans, jackets, and bags that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
12. Suede Fringe Bags
These tactile accessories swung with every step! The combination of natural suede and playful fringe perfectly captured the free-spirited vibe of the decade. Today’s versions maintain that bohemian spirit while incorporating modern details like sleeker hardware and more practical interior organization.
13. Tie-Dye Everything
This psychedelic technique transformed plain fabrics into swirling canvases of color. Originally associated with counterculture, tie-dye became mainstream fashion throughout the ’70s. Contemporary tie-dye appears in sophisticated color combinations and on unexpected garments like silk dresses and cashmere sweaters.
14. High-Waisted Flared Skirts
These feminine skirts cinched at the natural waist before flaring out dramatically. The silhouette emphasized the waistline while allowing freedom of movement. Today’s versions come in everything from denim to leather, maintaining that flattering shape while incorporating modern fabrics and details.
15. Wooden Platform Sandals
These sky-high shoes combined natural materials with dramatic height. The wooden soles often featured intricate carving or painting, making each pair a miniature work of art. Modern versions maintain that striking silhouette while incorporating ergonomic footbeds for improved comfort.
16. Oversized Sunglasses
Jackie O made these famous in the late ’60s, but the ’70s took them to new extremes! These face-framing accessories combined sun protection with statement-making style. Today’s designers offer updated versions with lighter materials and UV protection while maintaining that glamorous oversized look.
17. Floppy Wide-Brim Hats
These dramatic accessories provided both sun protection and serious style points. Often crafted from felt or straw, they framed the face with their characteristic drooping brim. Contemporary versions maintain that relaxed silhouette while incorporating modern materials and subtle updates to the proportions.
18. Satin Disco Shirts
These glossy button-ups caught the light perfectly under disco balls! Usually worn partially unbuttoned with wide collars spread over lapels, they epitomized nightlife glamour. Modern versions use similar lustrous fabrics but with updated fits that work for both special occasions and elevated everyday wear.
19. Macramé Accessories
This knotting technique created distinctive textural accessories that embodied the handcrafted aesthetic of the decade. From wall hangings to belts, macramé was everywhere! Contemporary designers use the same techniques for everything from jewelry to handbags, often with cleaner lines and more minimal designs.
20. Aviator Glasses
Originally designed for pilots, these distinctive frames became mainstream fashion in the ’70s. Their teardrop shape and metal construction gave them a unisex appeal that transcended trends. Today’s versions maintain that classic silhouette while incorporating modern lens technologies and subtle design updates.