The fashion of the 70s: Trends for men and women

|Laura González Becker

The 1970s were full of social changes, often influenced by fashion and runways. The clothing style that predominated at the beginning of this era was hippie, also very characteristic of the 1960s. Later, the vintage fashion style became popular, with bright and fun colors, evening suits, afro hairstyles, and looks inspired by rock and roll.

Next, we tell you more in detail all about the history of 1970s fashion, its characteristics and the icons that set trends with their outfits. Get inspired!

History of 70s fashion

The 1970s represented the decade of fashion freedom. It was mainly characterized by being diverse and daring, mixing the style of the hippie movement with more bohemian and retro.

The pop and psychedelic style imposed prints in bright tones that also predominated in the 60s. On the other hand, long voluminous hairstyles established the afro look for men and women of all races. It was the time when perms became a major trend.

Finally, it is worth noting that at the beginning of the 70s unisex beauty salons emerged, the bell-bottom pants and the use of platform shoes, both in men and women.

Characteristics and trends of the 1970s

1970s fashion for women

  • Colors: bright colors, the retro fabrics and knits synthetics are big trends in the 70s. There is also a great demand for ethnic designs and the use of sequins.
  • Skirts: What was most worn were vintage miniskirts, denim, plaid, and those with striking and colorful prints.
  • Pants: At the beginning of the 70s, women wore pants high-waisted and flared to create a long and slim silhouette. However, by the end of the decade, the trend that prevailed was the use of tight pants and satin fabrics, marking the beginning of a punk style that started in the following decade.
  • Variety of garmentsThe 70s were characterized by having no rules in fashion, hence its great diversity from a hippie style In its beginnings, going through the use of ethnic clothing, oriental blouses, tunics, vests, sleeveless dresses, sequin decorations, to crochet swimsuits.
  • Footwear: Platform shoes in strong and vivid colors predominated. Also, many women brought out long boots from their suitcases, which became a trend in the last years of the decade.
  • Hairstyles and makeupAs for hairstyles, messy curls and afros were worn, as well as cuts with bangs or layers. The makeup look changes to more intense lip tones, long eyelashes, and shadows that seek to deepen the gaze.
  • Accessories: Regarding fashion trends, accessories play a very important role in the 70s. What is most popular are large glasses, as well as accessories from Native American tribes.

70s fashion for men

  • Shirts: shirts with wide collars or “v” cuts predominated, made of printed polyester and velvet fabrics.
  • Pants: at the beginning of the decade, wide-legged pants were popular. However, by the end of this period, pants became tight again.
  • Suits: the use of formal suits continued, but tracksuits and sportier looks also became very fashionable.
  • Hairstyles and accessories: among men, long hair and sideburns predominated. As for accessories, chains with ostentatious medallions became one of the most popular trends, and hats, characteristic of previous years, gradually disappeared.

Icons who set trends

In the world of cinema and entertainment, personalities who set trends stood out in 70s fashion with their looks such as Priscilla Presley, Anita Pallenberg, Brigitte Bardot or Françoise Hardy, among others, stood out during this time.

Regarding designers and fashion brands, the works of Armani or Balenciaga, Versace and Vivienne Westwood.

70s fashion in Spain

The fashion change of the 70s was also felt in Spain, an era of psychedelic designs, hippie style, and fashion outfits.

During this period, printed designs, stripes, flowers, and bright colors were abundant. The use of pants among women, unisex bags, and platform sandals or shoes began to become popular.

In Spain, during the 70s, the price of fabrics dropped and casual fashion for men became popular among the younger population, who sought an innovative and daring style. The era of polyester began, which only required washing and wearing, as well as the use of men's pants with wide boots, printed shirts, wide or “V” collars, and platform shoes.

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