It’s easy to think of the ‘70s as the age of disco and bell-bottoms, but the truth is, there was so much more going on underneath the surface. Thanks to creative minds like Vivienne Westwood and Bill Gibb, all kinds of styles were co-mingling and evolving throughout the decade, from boho floral dresses to chains and leather jackets. We at Retro Stage want to do justice to this beloved era, so buckle up and join us as we explore the wider spectrum of 1970s fashion!

Nostalgic Daytime Looks with Forward-Thinking Flair

Many trends from the ‘60s were still popular when the ‘70s rolled around, most notably the earthy and colorful hippie fashion that defined counterculture of the day. Prints and patterns that oozed with flower power were revitalized in new cuts, like bell-sleeve tops and wide-legged jumpsuits, as well as older ones, like Diane von Fürstenberg’s revamped wrap dress. This amalgam of colors and styles made for a truly unique fashion landscape that emphasized individuality and self-expression. Hemlines were all over the place, too, with hot pants, long skirts, and every midi length in between having a chance to shine.

The 2-Piece Orange 1970s Hippie Floral Bell-Sleeve Top & Dress and Multicolor 1970s Hippie Floral Halter Jumpsuit perfectly represent the evolution of daywear in the ‘70s, boasting distinct prints and easy-to-wear designs that reflect the relaxed attitude of the day. These pieces wouldn’t be out of place on midday city streets or at late-night dance clubs, making them extremely versatile additions to your closet.

And if you’re a fan of more abstract patterns, try the cozy 2-Piece 1970s Knitted Rainbow Striped Top & Shorts or the Fürstenberg-inspired 1970s Psychedelic Print V-Neck Dress for a minimalist but undeniably far-out vibe! Knit and tie-dye-esque garments are an easy way to pay tribute to the crafty, almost homemade feeling that was prominent in a lot of 1970s outfits.

Disco Divas

While many women sported slick day-to-night looks for an easy transition into evening fun, it was just as common to see flashy pieces on the dance floor that were picked out just for the disco! Jumpsuits were a super reliable pick for nights out because they were easy to move around in, showed a little skin, and still flowed with the music thanks to extra fabric in the legs. All sorts of fabrics were made into eye-catching jumpsuits, including sequins, metallics, and bold prints, so it was always easy to find something that suited your style. Today, you can pay homage to the diverse disco scene by strutting your stuff in showstopping pieces like the Gold 1970s Solid V-Neck Halter Jumpsuit and 1970s Geometric Pattern Patchwork Halter Jumpsuit.

Diverse New Trends

The growing popularity of synthetic fabrics pervaded every fad throughout the 1970s, earning this period the nickname “The Polyester Decade.” Paving the way for clothes that were stretchy, soft, and utterly unique in design, these materials could be as shiny, textured, and brightly colored as you could ever dream.

Much like the growing variety of textiles, the styles themselves were as eclectic as could be. As seen in iconic films like 1971’s Klute, the women’s fashion scene included everything from 1960s-inspired boho aesthetics to more modern styles that really pushed the boundaries with their bold prints and silhouettes. The rebellious sentiments that emerged during the Swinging Sixties were amplified into new, edgy punk looks, and in the professional sphere, pantsuits officially found their place in the spotlight. And of course, who could forget the rise of bell-bottom jeans and T-shirts?

But as different as all these styles were, there was one place they could all coexist: the disco. Memorialized in 1977’s Saturday Night Fever, the local disco club was a place for anyone to party and was such a well-known phenomenon that it became synonymous with the ‘70s as a whole.

Now, let’s dive a little deeper into the standout fashion of this unforgettable slice of history!

Punk on the Rise

The gritty, rough-around-the-edges looks seen in the first punk trendsetters set the stage for a huge movement that wore its anti-establishment notions right on its studded leather sleeve. The groundwork laid in the 1970s is still felt in modern rebellious fashion, from edgier pieces like the Black 1970s Plaid Cowl-Neck Dress and Black 1970s Houndstooth Patchwork Tight Shorts to softer, almost gothic picks such as the Black 1970s Lace Floral Herringbone Corset. In other words, if it weren’t for the brave and creative youth of the ‘70s, many of today’s most popular subcultures wouldn’t look nearly the same.

For a more feminine approach to punk, you can try pairing delicate pieces like the Vintage Palace Print Lace-Up Corset with more hardcore elements like denim, leather, or metal accents. Alternatively, there’s items like the Black Steampunk Leather Gothic Lace Corset and the Halloween Gothic Steampunk Lace Dress, which mix things up all on their own by juxtaposing laced-up pleather with frilly lace and tulle. You can experiment with different textiles and attention-grabbing details to find your own personal brand of punk that you can wear proudly!

Bodacious Beachwear

While the bikini was still in its infancy, both one- and two-pieces in the 1970s were more daring than ever. The waistline on swim bottoms fell several inches, as seen in pieces like the Lavender 1970s Mermaid Shell Halter Bikini Set, while the big trend for tops was a tie-front design not unlike the Red & Blue 1970s Striped Waist Tie Patchwork Swimsuit. Large side cutouts on one-pieces exploded in popularity as well, with exciting suits like the asymmetrical, disco-infused Pink 1970s Bow Deep V Gloss Hollow Swimsuit taking public pools by storm.

Thought-Provoking Prints

 

Diane von Fürstenberg lounging in her apartment for Vogue, 1972.

If there was one thing that carried over from the 1960s, it was textile designers having fun creating imaginative prints and fabrics. Along with some surviving mod aesthetics, some patterns that saw a surge were brightly colored assortments of swirling, watercolor-like hues and abstract mixtures of organic and inorganic shapes. These flamboyant prints almost seemed to move and shift as you looked at them, making the 1970s notorious for its “psychedelic” motifs and reignited hippie culture. From quilted tapestries to high-fashion garments, this time period was all about experimentation and avant-garde thinking.

Sleepwear & Lingerie   

Not much changed in the world of sleepwear coming out of the 1960s—just like with daywear, you could find all sorts of lengths, colors, and materials, and satin and lace were as popular as they’d ever been. One minor difference was necklines, which tended to sit lower or even plunge in deep V designs like the 1970s Sheer Patchwork V-Neck Plush Nightgown and Lavender 1970s Lace Patchwork Stitching Butterfly Nightgown.

Live Out Your Disco Dreams Today

It might be harder these days to find a club that will play ABBA or Earth, Wind & Fire, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embody that groovy ‘70s spirit in your everyday life. Now that you’re in the know about all the possibilities this decade holds, it’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice by revamping your wardrobe with some awesome 1970s-inspired pieces. You can check out Retro Stage’s ‘70s & ‘80s collection to pick your favorite items that look like they’re straight out of the discotheque!