The Seventies
Fashion of the 1970s was mostly a continuation of fashion trends from the late ‘60s. Tight tops and wide pants were popular among both men and women. A simple t-shirt, sweater, jeans and sneakers was the standard outfit.
Main fashion trends at the beginning of the 1970s looked very similar to those of the late 1960s. The hippie-look with its combinations of different clothing styles from all over the world was still very popular.
Another noteworthy trend for both men and women was the addition of multiple layers to their outfits. A shirt was often combined with a (sleeveless) vest or jacket. Trousers were worn high up the waist and often had wide legs.
1970s Women's fashion
Early '70s
At the beginning of the 1970s, fashion was strongly influenced by ‘worldly’ looks. Women for example wore Hungarian embroidered blouses, Mexican ponchos and Peruvian capes.
Maxi dresses and skirts were very popular as well. Hippie-clothing was marked by bright colours and busy patterns, such as Indian- and flower patterns.
Bell-bottoms
As an alternative to skirts and dresses, many women opted for long (worn out) denim jeans with wide legs. These types of jeans were also called “bell-bottoms”.
Glamour
Though the hippie style was very popular among young people, many women often chose more glamorous clothing. For example, they often went with fitted blazers, long or short dresses, mini skirts, hotpants, sweaters and go-go boots.
The most commonly used colours were pastel, such as salmon pink or mint green. One of the most important pieces of clothing in the ‘70s was the sweater, which could either make or break your outfit.
Mid '70s
Midway through the 1970s women started to gradually dress more casual. T-shirts were no longer considered as undergarment only. Therefore, t-shirts were now made with a more fitted design and were available in very vibrant colours.
Casual clothing
Around 1975 the hippie look had almost completely vanished. Nonetheless, the casual outfit did remain. Women were often seen wearing t-shirts, vests, sweaters, denim jeans and short or long skirts. Contrary to the 1950s and 1960s, accessories were relatively uncommon. With the exception of the shoulder bag, of which sales went through the roof.
Jumpsuits
One of the most popular pieces of clothing during the mid ‘70s was the jumpsuit. In general, these were designed with ‘bell-bottom’ legs and were usually sleeveless. Though some were designed with wide ‘bell-sleeves’.
Sportswear
The ‘70s also saw a rise in popularity of sportswear. Particularly young women could be seen wearing sneakers, tennis skirts, headbands, tracksuits and crop tops.
Late 1970s
Towards the end of the decade, ladies’ fashion became more ‘baggy’. This trend led to quite a lot of controversy. Skinnier girls would complain that their figures weren’t accentuated anymore, while some larger women would complain that it would make them look bigger. Therefore, many women decided to (literally) roll up their sleeves and unbutton their shirts (the ends would usually be tied up around the waist). Around 1978, clothing once again became more tailored.
Gold and silver were added to the colour palate and silhouettes became more angular for women's clothing. Wearing shoulder pads and accentuating a small waist was very common. A popular trend in the late ‘70s was the polo neck combined with a blazer with broad shoulder pads. The bell-bottom trousers had slowly disappeared and were replaced by trousers with straight leg models.
In contrast to the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, clothing had become less colourful. Black, brown and grey were preferred over more vibrant colours.
Disco look
During the late ‘70s, disco made its introduction. Disco clothing was often provided with glitters and were specifically designed for dancing. Blouses and jumpsuits were equipped with a halter-top and were often fitted. One particularly popular type of clothing was spandex. Tights made of nylon were very popular too, as they were great for dancing. Platform shoes were the go-to shoes for the perfect disco outfit.
1970s Men's Fashion
Early '70s
In the early ‘70s hippie fashion was still very popular among men. The outfits would often contain bell-bottom denim jeans, a loosely fitted checked blouse, a t-shirt and old military clothing. Round glasses and self-made leather wristbands were very popular accessories.
Aside from hippie-wear, clothing like chinos, large sweaters, sleeveless vests, army jackets and corduroy trousers were rather trendy. Clothing from this particular time period was very colourful too. Among the most popular shoes were cowboy boots, flip-flops, Birkenstocks and Oxford shoes. Self-made leather wristbands decorated with beads and cowboy belt buckles were also very fashionable.
Mid '70s
Halfway through the 1970s men’s fashion gradually became more casual. Most men wore simple jeans with a shirt, t-shirt or sweater. The most influential trend during the mid ‘70s was denim. Men wore denim jeans as well as denim jackets in combination with a (checked) blouse and cowboy boots..
Late '70s
Near the end of the decade men gradually started to wear sportswear as an everyday outfit. Popular pieces of clothing were white sneakers, (tennis) headbands, tracksuits, v-neck sweaters, baseball jackets, turtle necks, blazers and body warmers. Instead of bell bottom jeans, men also started wearing more straight model jeans. T-shirts and shirts were no longer always tucked-in as well.
Disco look
The disco look was also very popular among men. A three piece suit was a common outfit for a night out. These suits often came in various different colours and usually had a festive look. Two particular characteristics of these suits were the peak lapels and wide bell bottom jeans. To finish the look, men often wore platform shoes or a pair of Oxfords.