The 70s was a revolutionary decade, in music, in culture, in attitudes, and particularly in fashion. As fun replaced formality and comfort was made a priority, some of the modern era’s most iconic garments were created.
Mini dresses, knee-high boots, corduroy, and crochet were just some of the distinctive style choices of the “Me” decade. Clashing colors and floral patterns were celebrated in fashion for both sexes, while trouser legs grew from tapered to flared.
For women, jumpsuits offered a mix of casual and corporate while sundresses and trench coats provided options for any weather. Low rise jeans helped show off slender bodies while wide legs and halter necks were great for any body shape.
For men, bright suits and patterned shirts made the 70s a more colorful time than any era before, or since. When it came to textures, knitwear and corduroy meant 70s men not only looked great but felt good too.
Perhaps the most incredible thing about 70s fashion is how long it has continued to influence modern styles. Trends constantly ebb and flow but, even half a century later, we always seem to come back to the 70s.
Bringing it back
In celebration of this circular fashion flow, let’s take a look at the modern styles that have embraced 70s influences:
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Jumpsuits
Bold-patterned figure-hugging one-piece jumpsuits were a staple for many young women throughout the 70s. They were fun, sexy, and – depending on just how tight they were worn – easy to move around in.
Though they have, at times, been worn with a knowing nod toward “retro”, these outfits never really went away. Today, jumpsuits can be fitted or loose, fun or formal, made in any material, and even shrunk into smaller “playsuits”.
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Flares
After starting in the 70s, flares enjoyed a revival in the 90s and are back again today in full force. Tight at the top and loosening up below the knee, flares are perhaps the most iconic of all 70s garments.
Today, modern flares made by modern brands come in an almost endless range of styles. Not just corduroy or blue denim anymore, today’s flares range from faux leather to ripped jeans, and even camo print.
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Crop tops
In the 1960s, the miniskirt and short shorts finally challenged the assumption that legs should be covered on most occasions. When the 70s came, designers pushed things even further with midriff-exposing garments like crop tops, halter necks, and tube tops.
In recent years, the growth of athletic wear as daily fashion has helped bring the bare midriff back into style. In 2024, many women are combining crop tops with the re-emergence of low-rise jeans for a flexible summer look.
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Supersize sunglasses
One thing fashionistas of the 1970s and the 2010s agree on, is that we should wear our choices with pride. Our clothes make a statement about who we are, and that statement should be shouted, not whispered.
Evidence of this is seen throughout many reintroduced garments but is particularly obvious in the oversized sunglasses back in favor. Thanks to 21st-century technology, large, statement shades are now also more protective, lighter, and wearable with prescription lenses.
Modern outfits inspired by the 70s can be seen everywhere you look, and they’re worn by both men and women. Flares, for instance, can be found in modern celebrity wardrobes from Bella Hadid to Harry Styles. Younger generations are also influenced through TV shows such as the 70’s show that was a 90’s rendition of the 70’s, featuring stars like Tommy Chong and Mila Kunis. There are endless ways the 70’s are being implemented into modern culture.
70s-style crochet tops or skirts can be seen on today’s young stars like Olivia Rodrigo or Selena Gomez. Ryan Reynolds is just one modern man bringing back corduroy, while polo necks were everywhere at this year’s Golden Globes.
Retro revival
While fashion houses are constantly looking for the next big thing, they always have one eye in the rearview mirror. The style icons of the past were the heroes of our childhoods, and often become the legends of the future.
It’s only natural then, that the way people of previous eras dressed will influence the fashion choices of today. This tendency for generational tribute is seen in the cyclical re-emergence of 70s trends, first in the 90s, then today.
So, what 70s influences do your modern-day outfits reflect, and which ones do you intend to incorporate this season?
