Trends
15 of the Most Chic Fashion Trends to Come From the ‘70s That We Still Love Today
Groovy, baby.
Getty Images
The 1970s will go down in history as one of the most fashionable decades, and for good reason.
Ushering in from the summer of love, hedonism and self-indulgence was at an all time high, with fashion trends reflecting the carefree and careless nature of the culture.
From flares to floppy hats and a whole lot of corduroy, the clothes and accessories favoured during the era don’t even make us cringe—which just goes to show how much ’70s style influences what we wear today.
And because the era heralded newfound freedom of expression, there was no one-way to dress.
The micro hemlines of the ’60s continued into the ’70s, but whimsical maxi styles were also a popular choice.
Similarly, women wore sharp suiting and feminine wrap dresses interchangeably—and platform heels were just as popular with the men!
If you need a quick refresh on the decade’s go-to outfits, keep scrolling for a rundown on the most memorable vintage ’70s fashion trends that are still sported today and the women who wore them best.
Jumpsuits
Getty ImagesWho doesn’t love an instant outfit? Especially one that makes it easy to cut loose on the dance floor, Studio 54-style. These days the all-in-one option is still super popular, especially on the red carpet.
Flared pants
Getty ImagesHigh-waisted flares were the silhouette of the ’70s—and it’s easy to see why. The cut is ideal for creating the illusion of legs for days.
Platform heels
Getty ImagesSky-high platforms aren’t as hard to walk in as you might think, and while the shoe was popular with women, it was also commonly found on the feet of men within the glam rock scene.
Boho everything
Getty ImagesFrom peasant skirts to maxi dresses and lace-up sandals, a Boho sensibility permeated the decade, the more cult-ish your look, the better.
Hot pants
Getty ImagesWho likes short shorts? The icons of the ’70s certainly did! Here, Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry puts a punk spin on the look with a pair of denim cut-offs.
Knee-high boots
Getty ImagesThe abbreviated hemlines of the era were perfect for pairing with boots that hit at, or over, the knee. Forget stilettos or slouchy shapes, ’70s It-girls favoured a low block heel and spray-on fit.
Wrap dresses
Getty ImagesLong associated with Diane von Furstenberg, the designer debuted her first wrap dress in the early ’70s, and the figure-flattering silhouette continues to cultivate a following among women of all ages.
Menswear suiting
Getty ImagesThis is another trend that’s still huge right now. Throughout the ’70s Bianca Jagger cemented her style icon status by rocking sleek tailoring by the likes of Saint Laurent.
Printed shirts
Getty ImagesA white shirt is timeless, but a printed button down is way more fun. Bonus points if your partner wears one, too.
Oversized sunglasses
Getty ImagesThe return of the era’s larger-than-life shades is long overdue, we say! Think lightly tinted lenses and big frames (bedazzling optional).
Corduroy
Getty ImagesCorduroy was the texture du jour during the decade, and you were most likely to find it covering a pair of flares, a blazer—or both! Twiggy‘s cool cord suit is eerily similar to the styles we’ve been seeing on the street lately.
Halterneck dresses
Getty ImagesEmpire line halterneck dresses were a popular evening outfit choice, especially when they incorporated a metallic sheen for extra glamour.
Hats
Getty ImagesHeadwear was a big deal, and wide-brim shapes suit both summer and winter.
Vests
Getty ImagesWhen it comes to fashion in film, Diane Keaton’s Annie Hall outfit is one of the most memorable. Her character wore a vest layered over shirt and tie, but the piece can also be styled sans top underneath for a little more sex appeal.
Mini dresses
Getty ImagesNot quite as structured at the previous era’s stiff shift dresses, the mini relaxed during the 1970s, taking on more of a Boho bent.
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