The 70s’ Best and Worst Fashion Trends

If you’re talking about the history of fashion, you can’t overlook the 1970s. It bubbled with trends that we’re still trying to imitate and recreate today. However, just because something was a trend doesn’t mean it was awesome. So we’ll share our thoughts on ten trends—six that were amazing and four that we think weren’t the best ideas.

Bell-Bottoms

One of the best and still loved—bell bottoms became mainstream fashion in the 1970s. Sonny and Cher, a pop duo with a TV show, helped popularize the style by wearing them on the show. The trousers were tighter at the laps and freer from the knees. They could be as wide as 26 inches at the ankles.

Maxi Dresses

The long, flowing dresses went as low as the ankle. In the 1970s, many of these dresses had floral patterns and lightweight materials, including lace. Maxis got slimmer around the waist before spreading out towards the bottom, quite a deviation from mini-skirts that were popular in the late 1960s.

Platform Shoes

To be the same height as your taller friend in the 70s, all you needed was a pair of platform shoes. These shoes had high soles that really took you off the ground, even higher than heels. They may have first become a thing in the 30s, but it was four decades later that they became a hit.

Wrap Dress

The wrap dress has several interpretations, but Fürstenberg’s is probably the most outstanding. She designed it in the 70s to encourage women to enjoy sexual freedom. The knee-length dress was meant to be worn by wrapping one side across the other and tying it at the waist.

Tie-dye

This dyeing technique produced colorful patterns on clothes. It was a cheap way to look fashionable. With unique tying methods and your favorite dye colors, you could turn a boring plain shirt or dress into a head-turner. Some said it was amateurish, but what’s better than looking good on a budget?

Jumpsuits

The list of the best trends would be incomplete without the jumpsuit. It was a single piece of clothing that combined a top and a pair of pants, worn by both men and women. Jumpsuits may have stolen the convenience of taking off pieces for air on a hot day, but most people still loved them.

Studded Belts

We’ll start the worst with studded belts. They allowed everyone to rock something shiny, not from the neck or wrist, but the waist. You’d have to wear them with pants made specifically for them so they won’t get stuck. Moreover, as they get old and the studs loosen, you might injure yourself if you are not careful.

Patchwork Denim

One of the most experimental uses of denim was the patchwork style. Multiple colors of denim were mixed to make pants and jackets. When overdone, it looked like the wearer was testing a coat of many colors. The simpler mixes were better. Today, we’re doing just fine with our one-color denim.

Extended Collars

Extended collars had their moments. During their reign, you would probably be dreaming if you went to a disco hall or hit any dance floor and didn’t see it everywhere you turn. They were an unnecessary addition to clothes and are undeserving of mainstream popularity again.

Extra Wide Ties

Many fashion options can be as sizable as they want; ties are not among them. Some people wore ties that almost hid their shirts under their suits to showcase interesting patterns. We can all agree that slimmer ties sit better on the chest.