The 1970s were a decade of social, cultural and political changes characterized by an explosion of creativity and innovation that left an indelible mark on art and fashion.
Even today, the iconic styles of the 70s continue to inspire designers for their collections and resonate with a global audience of consumers who love to recreate the 70s outfits for various events or in their daily lives.
In this article, we will explore the events that influenced the fashion of that period and some of the most representative 70s outfits, offering useful advice for online and offline stores that want to ride the wave of this trend.
Table of Contents
The fashion of the decade
70s outfits that are back for more
Final thoughts
The fashion of the decade
The 1970s were a time of great social and cultural transformations signed by the advent of movements for civil rights, sexual liberation, women’s empowerment and growing environmental awareness.
Fashion is the mirror of society: as always happens, it has reflected these societal changes and given life to bold and innovative styles. 70s fashion embraced diversity and individuality, breaking past conventions and introducing new concepts.
Cultural influences
The 70s saw the rise of many social and cultural movements that, in some cases, had already started in the ’60s, such as the civil rights movement in the United States, the Women’s rights movement and the first forms of environmental activism with Earth Day.
Rock, disco and punk music also significantly impacted 1970s fashion. Artists like David Bowie, Cher and the Bee Gees introduced iconic styles that defined the era, from bell-bottom pants to shimmering fabrics and bold colors.
Movies and TV series also played a significant role in shaping 1970s fashion. Films like Saturday Night Fever and TV shows like Charlie’s Angels brought new styles to the big screen, influencing fashion trends and capturing the audience’s imagination.
The 70s in contemporary fashion
In recent years, the 70s have made a huge comeback into fashion, with numerous designers and stylists reintroducing elements of this decade into their collections. Fashion houses such as Gucci, Saint Laurent and Prada have embraced the style of the 70s, offering garments inspired by this period in their fashion shows.
Just think of the Hermes Fall/Winter Collection 2021 with unisex garments and bold color contrasts or Gucci’s iconic reinterpretation of the boho-chic with long, flowing dresses, floral prints and vintage accessories in 2008 and 2023. Undoubtedly, the 1970s continue to influence contemporary fashion, offering a mix of nostalgia and modernity that appeals to a wide and diverse audience.
70s outfits that are back for more
70s outfits are as bold as they are diverse, each featuring unique appeal. That’s one of the reasons why consumers around the globe are still looking for clothing items and accessories inspired by this decade.
Store owners and managers should take note of these outfits and items to leverage the high demand and drive sales.
Disco fever
The 70 disco outfit is inspired by disco balls and wild nights on the dancefloor. It’s a bold, groovy look that nowadays can be recreated by choosing one or two items that are a staple of this style.
Shirts featuring geometric prints and bright colors are a must-have for men and women who want to recreate this aesthetic. These shirts were often made of synthetic, shiny materials like polyester, perfect under nightclub strobe lights.
The iconic bell bottoms (or flairs), wide at the bottom and narrow at the thigh, are a signature element of disco fashion. Often made from shiny fabrics, they exude a touch of glamor, adding an elegant and stylish flair to any outfit.
For both men and women, platform shoes were essential to completing the disco outfit and allowed you to dance the night away in style. Nowadays, they are often matched with jeans or skirts for a more casual look.
Boho chic
The Boho style is a creature of the hippie culture and incorporates ethnic and natural elements. Long dresses with floral prints and light fabrics were perfect for a relaxed and natural look. Often decorated with fringe and embroidery, these dresses are, up until now, the epitome of boho style.
Fringe vests, made of suede or other natural materials, add a bohemian touch to any outfit. They are often paired with flared jeans or long skirts and ethnic accessories like necklaces, bracelets and earrings made from natural materials such as wood, stones and beads.
Glam rock
Influenced by such artists as David Bowie and Marc Bolan, whose flamboyant stage personas and innovative music styles captivated audiences, glam rock was one of the boldest styles of the 1970s.
A jumpsuit, often sparkly in metallic or sequin materials, is at the center of a glam rock outfit, perfect for stage performances and making a style statement.
Tall boots, both with and without heels, were a must-have to complete this 70s outfit. They can be leather or decorated with glittering details to add a touch of theatricality to the look.
Sporty retro
This style takes inspiration from the sportswear of the 70s, when tracksuits, often in bright colors and with side stripes, dominated the streets and were perfect for a casual, sporty look.
Made of materials such as nylon, they were comfortable and fashionable, just like shorts, another distinctive element of the sporty retro style. They are not just ideal for sporting activities but also for a casual summer outfit, showcasing the versatility of this style.
Regarding footwear, vintage sneakers are experiencing high demand to complete this and any other sport or street look and are prized for their comfort and style.
Safari
Last but not least, a style that was born in the 70s, together with the concept of luxury safari in South Africa and other countries.
With their numerous pockets and belted waist, Saharan jackets were and are still perfect for an explorer look. Often featuring neutral colors like beige or khaki, these jackets were both practical and stylish.
Comfortable and functional, cargo pants and wide shorts with multiple pockets are another signature element of the safari look. They are also made of natural materials such as cotton or linen and are perfect for protecting the body from the sun during outdoor adventures while keeping it cool.
Final thoughts
The 70s have left an indelible mark on the fashion world, influencing styles and trends that continue to re-emerge. Understanding these 70s outfits and adapting them to modern needs can offer online and offline stores a unique opportunity to attract customers and increase sales.
Investing in these garments can be a winning choice for retailers who want to stand out and offer unique, quality products to their customers. All these accessories and clothing items can be found on Alibaba.com.
