The 1970s were a time of major cultural shifts and groundbreaking events that shaped fashion trends of the era. As we cycle through the decades, ’70s style has come back around and found renewed popularity. From boho chic to disco fever, let’s groove through the standout looks that defined the ’70s and are inspiring modern fashion.

Free-Spirited Boho Style

The hippie movement of the 1960s flowed into the early ’70s, bringing with it a relaxed, earthy style. Boho chic emerged as a major trend, embracing ethnic prints, floppy hats, fringe, and carefree silhouettes.

Key elements of boho style included:

• Flowy peasant blouses and maxis skirts
• Fringe suede vests
• Patchwork patterns
• Crochet and macrame accents
• Layered jewelry with turquoise stones and wood beads

This free-spirited look tapped into a desire for individuality and rejection of formality. The laidback vibe still resonates today, with Coachella crowds and fashionistas bringing back ’70s boho with crop tops, fringe bags, and flower crowns.

Disco Fever Glamour

As the disco era heated up, fashion took on a glitzier vibe. Shimmering metallics, ultra-feminine silhouettes, and bold color combinations captured the high-energy disco scene.

Quintessential disco style featured:

• Shiny wrap dresses and halter jumpsuits
• Sequins galore – the more sparkle the better!
• Platform shoes to groove the night away
• Feathered boas and ultra-long fringe
• Bright eyeshadow and glossy lips

Disco style continues to inspire designers today looking to capture that bygone glam. From Halston-inspired looks at Studio 54 to Gucci’s disco-ready clothing, the disco queen endures.

Menswear for the Modern Woman

Women’s liberation and changing gender norms impacted ’70s style, with menswear-inspired looks coming to the forefront. Women donned pantsuits, tuxedos, and coordinated blazers to project a stronger, more assertive image.

Key menswear pieces adopted by women included:

• Oversized blazers with strong shoulders
• Trouser suits
• Button-down shirts
• Neckties
• Fedora hats
• Oxford shoes

This borrowed-from-the-boys look offered women versatility and comfort while making a statement. Today, you’ll spot women rocking menswear with confidence – think Bianca Jagger in a slim-cut suit.

Get Sporty with Athleisure

The fitness craze of the ’70s paved the way for athletic clothing to become a fashion statement beyond the gym. With more women participating in sports and exercise, activewear became more mainstream.

Trendy activewear of the time featured:

• Colorful spandex
• Short athletic shorts
• Sweatbands and tube socks
• Rugby shirts
• Tracksuits in bright colors

Athleisure wear has only grown since its ’70s roots, with yoga pants, sneakers, and hoodies now daily outfit staples. Fashion favors comfort, and the ’70s sporty look remains one of the most influential of the decade.

Have a Nice Day with Hippie Chic

The hippie subculture grew beyond its 1960s roots and expanded in the ’70s, bringing its laidback attitude into mainstream fashion. Flowy, earthy fabrics, whimsical prints, and artisanal touches came to define the charming hippie chic style.

trademarks of hippie chic style:

• Relaxed, billowy maxi dresses and skirts
• Crochet and macrame details
• Whimsical patches and embroidery
• Bandanas and patterned headscarves
• Beaded jewelry and fringed suede bags
• Carefree fabrics like cotton, linen, and chiffon

Today, the bohemian hippie vibe is just as charming, with loose, romantic dresses and vintage-looking pieces. The hippie’s mantra of living authentically and naturally continues to shape perceptions of beauty and style.

Plunge into Punk

The punk subculture gained steam in the mid-70s, bringing rebellion and raw edge to fashion. Ripped fabrics, provocative slogans, and DIY attitude defined the punk aesthetic.

Quintessential punk style featured:

• Leather moto jackets
• Ripped jeans and tights, safety pins
• Plaid and tartan patterns
• Spiky hair, dark lipstick
• Chains, padlocks, studs
• Slogan band t-shirts
• Dr. Marten boots

Punk style lives on today with rocker chicks on the streets and runways. That anti-establishment spirit now seems avant-garde rather than rebellious.

Feel the Funk and Soul

The funk and soul music scene gave rise to high-energy looks that still dazzle. Bold, vibrant colors, psychedelic prints, and statement silhouettes captured the rhythmic, expressive vibe.

Eye-catching funk style included:

• Electric blue or cherry red suits
• Skin-tight pencil skirts
• Wild patterns and shapes
• Tall platform boots
• Chunky heels and wedges
• Hoop earrings and oversized shades
• Afro hairstyles

Beyoncé and other stars today channel funky ’70s flavor with metallic leggings, pattern mixing, and bold accessories for an inspired look.

Out with the Old, In with the New

As we can see, the ’70s bred individualism and self-expression when it came to style. From bohemian and folk to disco and punk, distinct subcultures found their fashion identities. The decade marked a shift away from tradition in favor of new ideas – in clothes, music, and beyond.

Many ’70s trends faded over time, while others became sartorial classics. As fashion recycles through the eras, the ’70s remain an influential design source. Its fearless originality and carefree spirit still resonate. Once again, ’70s style has found its groove today.

FAQs about 1970s Style Finds Groove Today

What were some of the major fashion trends in the 1970s?

Some major 1970s fashion trends included boho chic, disco style, menswear for women, athleisure wear, hippie chic, punk rock style, and funk/soul inspired looks. Flowy peasant blouses, sequined halter jumpsuits, sleeveless pantsuits, short athletic shorts, maxi dresses with macrame details, leather jackets, and electric blue suits capture the eclectic and expressive vibe of 70s fashion.

Why have 1970s style trends come back today?

1970s style has cycled back around today thanks to fashion’s continual nostalgia and mining of past decades for inspiration. The carefree and adventurous spirit of 70s style also appeals to the current cultural climate. Bold colors, patterns, and silhouettes tap into our current desire for fun, retro-inspired looks.

How did music movements like disco and funk influence 70s fashion?

Music genres like disco and funk had high-energy cultures that were expressed through fashion. Disco style featured ultra-glam, sparkly looks with bright colors and sequins to shine on the dance floor. Funk style included bold colors, psychedelic prints, and statement silhouettes that captured the rhythmic vibe. Music continues to shape associated fashions today.

What made 1970s fashion unique and influential?

1970s fashion was hugely influential thanks to its fearless experimentation and rejection of tradition in favor of new ideas. Diverse subcultures like bohemian, disco, and punk established their own distinct looks that broke conventions. This freedom of expression and embrace of individuality make 1970s style continue to inspire modern fashion.

How did changing gender norms impact 1970s fashion?

As gender norms shifted in the 70s, menswear-inspired looks became popular for women who donned pantsuits, oxford shoes, and other masculine pieces to project a stronger image. This borrowing of men’s clothes reflected women’s changing roles and new sense of freedom. Androgynous styles continue to influence fashion today.

Conclusion

The 1970s were a groundbreaking time when it came to fashion. From hippie chic to disco glam, athleticwear to androgyny, distinct looks let people express their individuality and reject tradition. Music movements like funk, soul, punk and disco each spawned their own styles. While certain trends faded, ’70s fearless style continues to inspire fashion today. Designers recycle the era’s bohemian vibe, menswear borrowed from boys, and dazzling disco looks. When it comes to style, the funky ’70s certainly still have groove!