The 1970s were a time of great cultural change and exploration when it came to fashion. As society challenged traditional gender roles and norms, women’s clothing trends reflected a new sense of freedom and identity.
Key Looks That Defined The Decade
Some of the most iconic 1970s fashion looks for women included:
- Bell bottoms – Flared pants often made of denim were hugely popular. They came in colors like blue, white, and even psychedelic prints.
- Jumpsuits – Whether worn for day or night, jumpsuits allowed women versatility and comfort while making a style statement.
- Mini skirts – Short hemlines remained a staple in many women’s wardrobes as they had in the 60s.
- Maxi dresses – Flowing, loose maxi dresses represented the casual femininity of 70s style.
- Hot pants – Extremely short shorts helped women beat the heat in summer months.
The Disco Influence
No discussion of 1970s women’s fashion would be complete without mentioning disco culture. The popular dance clubs of the era had a significant influence on clothing trends.
Sequined halters, tube tops, and wrap dresses in shiny fabrics meshed perfectly with the disco scene. Stiletto heels and platform shoes also complemented these glamorous party looks. Many women would get dressed up to go dancing at local discos or clubs, so this style was widely embraced.
More Relaxed Attitudes Around Fashion
Throughout the 1960s and leading into the 70s, attitudes became more relaxed surrounding women’s fashion norms. There was less pressure to dress in traditionally “feminine” styles or only wear skirts and dresses. Women felt freer to experiment.
This was reflected in trends like wearing pants and trousers much more frequently. While in the 50s and early 60s it might have still been scandalous, by the 70s it was perfectly acceptable for women to don jeans, jumpsuits, or matched sets like shorts with a blazer.
Comfort First Philosophy
With the rise of more casual looks, comfort became a priority in everyday women’s clothing. This marked a shift away from the structured, formal fashion of previous decades.
Items like tunic blouses, loose peasant dresses, cardigan sweaters, and clogs allowed women to follow trends while still dressing practically for regular activities.
Androgynous Styles
Women in the 1970s also popularized more androgynous looks that blurred the lines between traditional men and women’s wear. This included tailored pantsuits, tuxedo jackets, men’s style button down shirts, and bow ties.
Powerful celebrities like Diane Keaton embodies this aesthetic in hit films like Annie Hall. For everyday women, the androgynous vibe gave them a chance to experiment with their personal style.
Fads That Rose and Fell
Of course, the 70s saw many fleeting fads come and go. Some amusing examples include:
- Mood rings – These rings changed colors based on the wearer’s emotions.
- Leisure suits – Matching polyester tracksuits were briefly stylish.
- Wrap around skirts – Multi-colored wraps let women achieve creative layered looks.
- Espadrilles – This comfy shoe woven from rope was everywhere in the mid-70s.
These trends feel distinctly dated now, but at the time allowed women a sense of fun with fashion.
How Culture and Politics Shaped Fashion
As always, the political and social changes of the era impacted women’s clothing choices.
Second Wave Feminism
Second wave feminism from the 60s was still going strong in the 70s. As women fought for equal rights and opportunities professionally, fashion adapted.
The typical housewife wardrobe expanded to include dress suits with shoulder pads and smart blazers. This “power dressing” enabled women to feel confident and authoritative in work settings largely dominated by men.
Hippie Movement
Leftover from the hippie counterculture movement, earthy and crafty styles also trickled over into mainstream fashion. This included:
- Peasant blouses
- Long flowing skirts
- Leather fringe vests
- Headscarves
- Handcrafted jewelry
Women incorporated these as they felt aligned with hippie values of peace, love, and back-to-basics living.
Punk Rock
On the complete opposite end of the style spectrum, punk rock culture also made an impact. Young women drawn to bands like The Sex Pistols or The Clash adopted edgy punk looks:
- Leather jackets
- Ripped t-shirts
- Plaid mini skirts
- Fishnet stockings
- Chokers
- Black lipstick
Music and politics have always influenced fashion, so punk style gaining popularity makes perfect sense.
How Economic Factors Affected Trends
Like all decades, the economy also played into major fashion trends. People tend to dress practically in tougher financial times. The 70s saw phases of growth and recession.
At The Start Of The Decade
As 1970 kicked off, the economy was relatively strong following 60s postwar prosperity. New synthetic fabrics like polyester were all the rage early in the decade. Brands could produce clothing cheaply in bright colors and fun prints.
However, following the 1973 oil crisis, things took a turn. With skyrocketing gas prices and inflation, consumers had to get smart with spending.
The Recession’s Impact
By 1974, many countries hit major recessions. People had less disposable income, so fashion needed to adapt. This change encouraged trends like:
- Thrift store and vintage clothing
- DIY clothing repairs
- Knitting one’s own sweaters
- Trading clothes with friends
- Hand-me-downs gaining popularity
Rather than always buying new, women got creative in sourcing clothes. The economic crisis brought out resourcefulness when it came to dressing fashionably on a budget.
How 1970s Fashion Echoes In Women’s Wear Today
Many modern looks take direct inspiration from 70s women’s fashion. The decade marked a true shift towards personal style freedom and everyday wearability.
Current trends like jumpsuits, maxi dresses, bell bottoms, and disco glam styles show that 70s influence. Even small details like embroidery, smocking, ruffled collars, or earthy colors mirror boho 70s style.
Beyond specific items, the 70s spirit of casual femininity and flexibility continues today. Women can comfortably wear pants, skirts, dresses or anything else based on their personal preference. The body positivity movement also echoes 70s attitudes on relaxing rigid fashion standards.
Just like 50s looks still reappear, 70s flare clearly still inspires modern women’s wardrobes. Many call it the decade taste forgot for good reason. We can expect to keep seeing 70’s throwbacks for decades more!
