During the ‘70s, fashion spoke volumes about one’s individuality. Traditional rules of style were thrown out the window and androgynous looks were considered “in.” Some of the most notable styles during the decade include glam rock, hippie, disco, and the peacock revolution. The decade also saw a huge influx of cheap clothing on the market, allowing individuals to switch from one outfit to another easily.
They say it’s better to keep moving forward instead of living in the past. While this rings true in most cases, sometimes you need to look at the past for guidance. In the fashion industry, it isn’t unusual for designers to take inspiration from the past, giving old trends a modern twist to make them unique and fresh. Recently, the ‘70s have made a comeback, providing fashionistas with a retro aesthetic that has proven to be trendy and fun.
People wore bold, bright, and daring clothes in the ‘70s. While the looks varied, each one was sure to include eye-catching patterns and bright colors, with different silhouettes and textures. Some of the pieces considered to be staples during the decade include wide-leg and bell-bottom pants, tight tees, platform shoes, turtlenecks, and collared shirts with long sleeves.
When it comes to the ‘70s, hippie chic is synonymous with the era, being one of the first and most popular styles back then. Hippie fashion developed in the late ‘60s, but it wasn’t until the early ‘70s that it became a part of mainstream fashion, with men wearing tie-dye tees, bell-bottom pants, headbands, and scarves as part of their ensemble. To give the look an updated twist, try incorporating one or two hippie-era pieces into your outfit for a subtle hippie vibe.
The ‘70s was a period of booming businesses, and thanks to good-paying jobs, a lot of young men were able to dress in less traditional ways. The peacock revolution refers to a ‘70s style that incorporates the use of bright and bold colors. Some of the most popular pieces used to create this style include tunics, satin shirts, wide-leg pants, Cuban heeled boots, and braided belts. Garments made of crushed velvet and corduroy were also highly prized.
If you haven’t got any color, then it’s not ‘70s fashion. Color was the height of fashion in this decade, and even the simplest styles were made more glam with bright and striking shades of blue, red, orange, pink, green, purple, and yellow. Almost all styles demanded a pop of color in their outfits, allowing men to both fit in and stand out.
During the middle of the ‘70s, glam rock became popular, mainly because of musicians like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, both of whom were known for their flamboyant styles. Some of the wardrobe staples for a glam rock look include black or tan leather jackets, tuxedo jackets, frilly satin shirts, velvet sports coats, oversized collars, silk scarves, and platform shoes.
When it comes to ‘70s disco fashion, perhaps the most notable style icon would be John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. The style often features three-piece suits in a variety of colors with wide lapels, high-waist coats, and wide, flared pants. To complete the look, men would wear bold neckties and aviator specs or sunglasses. Just like the other ‘70s styles, the best way to incorporate this look in today’s modern fashion is by using subtle elements in your outfit.