13+ Best 70s Fashion Ideas: Iconic Trends You Can Wear Today

Key Takeaways

• 1970s fashion trends represent the rebellion against the old guard, beginning with the ‘60s hippie movement. 
• Bell bottoms, platform shoes, and tie-dye — Learn how to wear 70s-inspired pieces modernly.
• Hippie, Preppy, Western Wear, Mod Revival, etc - You can get to know all the 70s fashion ideas.
• Fabrics and textures are essential in 70s fashion, with new synthetics like PVC and vintage favorites like denim, cotton, wool, and brocade.

1. Disco Fever

The 70s womens fashion trends.

Disco fashion is all about GLAM, SPARKLE, and DANCING all night. To get this look, you must wear anything that shimmers and shines: sequin jumpsuits, metallic materials, or big, bold designs.

Seventies: Throw on a sequined blazer with your high-waisted jeans and platform sandals to rock disco fever today. Accessorize with oversized sunglasses and all the chunky jewelry you can find.

📍Pro tip: If a full-on sequined look feels too intimidating, you can incorporate the trend in smaller doses with a sparkly clutch or killer pair of boots. Pair with black tights and booties – this dress will quickly become your go-to for every holiday event. A feminine silhouette makes this sweater feel fancy enough for your party but still totally appropriate to wear after the holidays have come and gone.

2. Bohemian Chic

how to dress 70s with normal clothes

The 70s bohemian trend was just the feeling of an easygoing person with natural beliefs. This look is perfect if you know yourself as an admirer of calm, romantic style. The main elements comprise the flowing maxi dresses, blouses embroidered, and a lot more natural, such as cotton and linen fabrics.

Wear a floral maxi dress with suede ankle boots and layered necklaces to channel boho chic today. Carry a fringed bag for good measure – 70s vibes all around! The thing with boho style is you can make it work for day and night.

3. Retro Sporty

The 70s fashion ideas weren't all about glam.

The 70s fashion ideas weren't all about glam – it was more than that. There was a solid sporty trend. It is an outfit with a casual, sporty touch that is ideal for people who like it. Think of high-waist track shorts, fitted tees with bold stripes, and classic sneakers.

If you want to update the look for 2024, you can wear high-waisted track shorts with a crop tank and some old-school sneakers. Add a sweatband or some tube socks if you are feeling extra sporty. 

4. Glam Rock

The glam rock in 70s

The glam rock marked the beginning of the high-dramatic 70s fashion era. This trend is about transcending the normal and telling people you are different. The main features encompass leather, sequins, platform boots, and bright makeup.

For example, you can pair leather pants with a sequined or metallic top to achieve that rock star look. To spice it up a little bit, add platform boots and do a dramatic eye makeup. 

5. Hippie Chic

The 70s womens fashion trends

Who isn’t drawn to the hippie look, a 70s trend still hot today? This style epitomizes peace, love, and self-expression. Notable components are tie-dye, fringes, flares, wide-leg jeans, and many accessories.

These guidelines will help you bring the hippie chic into the present century if you pair flared jeans with a tie-dye t-shirt and a fringed vest. When in doubt, add round sunglasses and a few layered necklaces to bring more of that authentic hippie vibe. 

6. Preppy Style

The 70s preppy look

The 70s preppy look focused more on clean lines and classic pieces. This style is perfect for those who adore a sleek, well-polished approach. Some critical items are polo shirts, high-waisted shorts or skirts, and loafers.

So, you can throw on a polo shirt with high-waist shorts and knee-high socks to channel the preppy look today. Add loafers and tie a cardigan around your shoulders for a preppy touch. This appearance is perfect for the casual office environment or weekend activities.

However, preppy style is about looking polished without trying, and the less effort you show through your accessories or your use of color, the better.

7. Mod Revival

Mod Revival Style

In the 70s, the mod style of the 60s was revived, and it was done so by such things as bold geometric prints and mini skirts. That look is just suitable for those who like a retro-futuristic vibe. Mini dresses are an essential feature with go-go boots and oversized accessories.

To bring mod style into 2024, you should wear a mini dress in a geometric print. Accessorize with white go-go boots, oversized earrings, and a headband. 

8. Western Wear

Western Wear - one of the best  70s fashion ideas

The 70s was a significant era for reconfigured Western-inspired fashion. Rugged, charming, and all-American made up several vital elements for this trend, including denim, fringe, cowboy boots, and wide-brimmed hats.

You can combine a denim shirt with high-waist jeans and cowboy boots to rock the look of Western wear today. Please give him a wide-brimmed hat for that extra cowboy touch. This look is ideal for outdoor events or casual weekend wear.

9. Ethnic Prints

How do you wear ethnic prints?

In the 70s, we saw unique and global prints take center stage with Kaftans, bold print dresses, and chunky jewelry.

How to wear ethnic prints now: Wear a statement kaftan or tunic with simple trousers or shorts, and pile on chunky ethnic-style jewelry. It’s perfect for the beach or summer parties.

10. Vintage Knitwear

Vintage knitwear in modern times

The 70s were all about knitwear- chunky sweaters and cardigans dominated the scene. This is the perfect trend for those who are into cozy clothing styles. We have sweaters, cardigans, and knit vests in oversized and undersized versions for critical elements.

To wear vintage knits nowadays, one can choose a combination of an oversized knit sweater, high-waisted jeans, and ankle boots. Layer some necklaces for the 70s charm. It is perfect for mild autumns or indoor warm nights.

11. Romantic Ruffles

You can wear a ruffled blouse with high-waist flared pants.

Romantic ruffles were a prevalent trend used to make an outfit more feminine. Key features are frilly blouses, prairie dresses, and soft materials.

You can wear a ruffled blouse with high-waist flared pants and platform sandals for romantic ruffles in your outfit. Add delicate jewelry to create soft and feminine vibes. This outfit is perfect for date nights or garden parties.

12. Rugged Denim

Rugged Denim  - one of the best 70s fashion ideas

In the 70s, denim played a significant role in fashion, and during that period, the iconic denim-on-denim look emerged. This trend is about informal classics with nonchalance. Some main components are denim jackets, flared jeans, and denim skirts.

You can wear a denim jacket with flared jeans and a simple T-shirt. Then, finish it off with some boots or platform shoes. 

13. Brocade Glam

Brocade fabrics were a massive part of 70s glamour.

Nothing said 70s glamour quite like the brocade fabric. It added texture and luxury to any ensemble. Now it's your chance to do the same with yours. Brocade blazers, wide-leg pants, and chunky heels are just a few elements you need.

You can also wear a brocade blazer for a modern look by wearing these with wide-leg pants and chunky heels. Keep the rest of your outfit sleek in solid colors to draw focus on the brocade. It's the perfect look for a night out and formal events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 70s hippie or disco?

The 1970s were a blend of the hippie and disco cultures. The beginning of the decade shared the same continuation with hippie fashions from the late 1960s but to a lesser extent. There was also a move towards more “new age” beliefs and earth-friendly clothing.

This included tie-dye shirts, bell-bottom pants, flowing caftans, and pleated skirts, usually in lightweight rayon, and colors got increasingly brighter throughout the decade. 

From the mid-1970s on, however, some hippie fashions were made tight-fitting or sported high slits.

What made the 70s iconic?

The 1970s were iconic for several reasons:

This decade brought the creation of disco, punk, and funk music to the world. Cultural icons such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and Bee Gees were all 70's musicians.

What are some essential 70s fashion items to look for?

Some essential 70s fashion items include:

• Bell-Bottoms: These pants were trendy in both the hippie and disco scenes
• Platform Shoes: Worn chiefly by women, platform shoes were a staple of the disco scene, adding a few inches of height and some style.
• Tie-dye: A hallmark of hippie fashion, tie-dye shirts and dresses were colorful and unique
• Wrap dresses: Made famous by Diane Von Furstenberg, these dresses were both stylish and practical
• Peasant blouses: Often worn with bell-bottoms, these blouses were part of the bohemian look