1. Aviator Sunglasses
Originally designed for pilots in the 1930s, the aviator sunglasses design was fully embraced by ’70s counter-culture and celebrity style, becoming an iconic accessory. Characterized by dark, often reflective lenses and thin metal frames, the shape provided excellent coverage and an effortlessly cool, gender-neutral look. Icons like Gloria Steinem cemented the aviator’s status as a symbol of intellectual chic and timeless style. Their enduring popularity means the aviator is now a standard, sophisticated frame in eyewear collections globally, praised for its classic structure and flattering fit on most face shapes.
2. Platform Shoes
Platform footwear, a hallmark of both the disco and glam-rock subcultures, added dramatic height and undeniable swagger to every step. Worn by men and women alike, these shoes featured thick soles and chunky heels, ranging from simple sandals and clogs to knee-high boots in bright colors and patent leather. Today’s designers frequently revisit the platform, translating the retro elevation into chunky loafers, bold sneakers, and elegant high heels. This enduring popularity speaks to the shoe’s powerful presence and its transformative ability to make a statement without sacrificing the relatively comfortable lift that a stacked sole provides.
3. The Statement Wrap Dress
Invented by Diane von Fürstenberg in the early 1970s, the jersey wrap dress was revolutionary, offering a comfortable, easy-to-wear piece that was universally flattering. Its simple design, featuring a fitted bodice and a skirt that wraps and ties at the waist, allowed for freedom of movement and a personalized fit. The dress quickly became a symbol of female independence and power dressing. Modern versions, often updated with new prints, fabrics, and sleeve variations, maintain the original’s appeal, it’s a simple, chic, and versatile garment that transitions effortlessly from the office to an evening out, cementing its status as a timeless wardrobe staple.
4. The High-Waisted, Wide-Leg Trouser
This silhouette moved past the hip-hugging trends of earlier years to embrace a flattering, leg-lengthening shape. The high-waisted fit, often worn with a tucked-in blouse or fitted top, cinched the waist and created a streamlined look. Originally seen in denim as the quintessential bell-bottom, the shape has evolved into modern, tailored flared pants and wide-leg trousers in materials like corduroy and wool. This style remains a foundational piece for its balance of comfort, sophisticated structure, and its ability to instantly elevate any outfit with a powerful, confident line.
5. Corduroy Fabric
Once relegated to academic or country attire, corduroy surged into mainstream ’70s fashion in an explosion of earth tones and bright colors. Its soft texture and durability made it ideal for everything from flared trousers and suits to structured jackets and skirts. The fabric’s signature ribbed texture, known as “wales,” added a tactile, luxurious dimension to casual wear. After a dip in popularity, corduroy is now firmly back, appreciated in contemporary fashion for its vintage charm and warmth, often appearing in updated, more refined silhouettes like high-waisted pants and sleek blazers.
6. The Jumpsuit
The jumpsuit exploded in popularity as the ultimate all-in-one outfit, perfect for the burgeoning disco scene where its striking silhouette could shine. From skin-tight, sequined numbers seen on pop icons like Cher to more relaxed, utilitarian styles, the jumpsuit offered a sleek and simple garment that required minimal styling. Its convenience as a single piece that forms a complete, fashionable look is why the jumpsuit remains a go-to item. Today’s iterations range from sophisticated wide-leg versions in flowing fabrics to tailored boiler suits, maintaining the powerful, confident aesthetic of its ’70s heyday.
7. Oversized Collars
As a reaction to the more minimalist fashion of the late 1960s, shirts and blouses in the 1970s embraced dramatically oversized, pointed collars, often referred to as “butterfly” or “dagger” collars. These large collars were worn by both men and women, frequently layered under vests, blazers, or jackets, where they splayed dramatically over the lapels for a touch of flamboyant drama. While the extremity of the original style has softened, the concept of a statement collar is experiencing a resurgence. Modern designs feature softened yet pronounced collars on blouses and dresses, adding a subtle nod to the retro eccentricity without dominating the garment.
8. Crochet and Macramé Accents
Embracing the decade’s strong bohemian and craft-inspired sensibility, hand-made textures like crochet and macramé became incredibly popular. Crochet was used for everything from vests and mini-dresses to bikini tops and hats, offering a distinct, folksy texture. Macramé, an intricate knot-tying technique, was utilized more for accessories like bags and decorative items. This love for hand-crafted textiles has reappeared strongly in recent years, aligning with a desire for unique, artisanal pieces. Modern crochet garments offer a vintage-inspired, textural element that feels organic and free-spirited, perfect for summer festivals and beachwear.
9. The Maxi Dress and Skirt
A significant fashion contrast to the mini-skirts and hot pants also popular during the decade, the maxi length offered an alternative vision of femininity. Maxi dresses and skirts, often made from floral or ethnic-inspired printed fabrics, featured long, flowing silhouettes that reached the ankle or floor. This dramatic length provided a comfortable, relaxed, and modest option that still felt elegant. Today, the maxi remains a versatile favorite, offering a relaxed yet refined look. Whether in solid colors for a polished aesthetic or vibrant prints for a resort feel, the maxi continues to be a go-to for effortless style and comfort.
10. Statement Belts
In an era where clothing often had a loose, flowing, or high-waisted fit, the belt played a crucial role in defining the silhouette. Belts in the ’70s were typically chunky, featuring large buckles, ornate leatherwork, or braided designs. They were used to cinch tunics, define the waist over wide-leg trousers, or simply add a maximalist accent to a denim look. The contemporary fashion resurgence of the statement belt shows its power as an essential styling tool. Modern chunky or intricately detailed belts are used to personalize outfits, define the figure, and inject personality, demonstrating the enduring rule that accessories make the outfit.
11. Tie-Dye Prints
Emerging from the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s, tie-dye remained a pervasive symbol of peace, individuality, and psychedelic fun throughout the early ’70s. The process of randomly folding, twisting, and tying fabric before dyeing created unique, vibrant, and swirling color patterns, often applied to simple cotton tees and casual wear. Though it faded for a while, tie-dye has returned as a beloved print, seen across high fashion and street style. Its current appeal lies in its cheerful nostalgia and ability to add a playful, artistic splash of color to modern athletic wear and casual pieces.
12. Suede and Leather Fringe
Fringe was a defining feature of the ’70s, deeply rooted in the decade’s bohemian, Western, and rock-and-roll influences. Applied primarily to suede jackets, vests, and handbags, the movement of the fringe added an exciting, dynamic element to any outfit. It was an expression of freedom and a rejection of rigid formality. Today, fringe maintains its allure as a stylish, tactile embellishment. While it still appears on leather and suede jackets for a classic Western feel, contemporary fringe is also seen in refined, sophisticated applications on skirts and bags, adding elegant motion to modern garments.
13. Head Scarves and Foulards
A simple yet incredibly versatile accessory, the scarf or foulard was adopted in the ’70s from earlier eras, styled in countless ways that gave outfits an instant touch of glamour or bohemian flair. Worn as a headband wrapped around long, flowing hair, tied loosely around the neck in a chic knot, or even used to decorate a handbag handle, the printed scarf was a must-have accessory. Today, it remains an essential styling piece, valued for its ability to add a pop of color, texture, or pattern to an otherwise minimal ensemble. It effortlessly evokes the sophistication of Jackie Kennedy Onassis or the free-spiritedness of a folk icon.
14. Velvet Fabric
Velvet, with its rich texture and luxurious feel, was a popular choice, particularly for evening wear and the disco scene. The fabric’s ability to catch the light made it perfect for free flowing gowns, dramatic jumpsuits, wide-leg trousers, and fitted blazers in deep, saturated jewel tones. It instantly elevated a casual silhouette to something more glamorous and tactile. Velvet’s current revival highlights its inherent luxury. It’s now popular in structured blazers, slip dresses, and accessories during the cooler months, lending a decadent, retro-inspired richness that feels both comforting and undeniably chic.
15. The Feminine Pantsuit
While the pantsuit emerged earlier, it became an accepted and fashionable staple for women in the ’70s, symbolizing a shift towards professional equality and a move away from traditional gender norms in dressing. Tailored suits, often featuring bold colors, wide lapels, and flared trousers, provided women with a powerful, smart, and comfortable alternative to dresses. Today’s power suit is a direct descendant, celebrated for its versatility and strength. Contemporary versions, whether in relaxed fits or sharp tailoring, continue to be worn as a symbol of confidence and polished, androgynous style in the modern workplace and beyond.
The 1970s was a decade that championed breaking the rules and finding joy in self-expression, blending influences from bohemia, disco, and rock. The fact that so many of its defining elements, from the fluid maxi dress to the commanding platform shoe, still cycle through our wardrobes proves their initial coolness wasn’t a mistake. These aren’t just old trends; they are foundational style moments that continue to inspire and inject a little funk and freedom into our everyday looks. Long live the groove!
This story 15 ’70s Trends We Swore Were Cool, And Kinda Still Are was first published on Daily FETCH
