70's clothing

We all know how fashion trends come and go! If you think fashion trends are fickle, then you are not completely wrong out here. Fashion trends have always changed since the ancient days and often one can see the ‘come back’ of many fashion trends from the past. So, if you think you are wearing something that is really new and trendy, you must do a quick check to know if this was a fashion trend, years back! The truth remains that you are bound to find the basics of these creations ‘inspired’ from fashion trends that existed in the past. The 70’s clothing has always intrigued me and as I see flashes of the same on the fashion scenario today, I know that I am not completely wrong out here! (Some creations being in my own wardrobe!) Let us take a trip back into time and know all about the fashionable and the not-so-fashionable trends of the 70’s clothing!

Fashion Trends: 70’s clothing
It was the 70’s that saw most women choosing what they wanted to wear with a free mind. This was the time when jeans became really tight and tube socks gained all the limelight. Bikinis reduced visibly in size and the silhouettes of the clothing also underwent a major change.

Silhouettes of the 70’s Clothing:
The silhouettes underwent a radical change especially when it came to the hem lengths. Bellbottoms became a common feature in the 1970’s. Forms were also free flowing such as the muu muu style. Empire waists also gained prominence in the 70s.

Various Designs of the 70’s Clothing:
Skirts were worn in various ways in the 70s. A short mini skirt or even a midi was considered to be a really cool 70s look. Women loved to wear short mini dresses to work. Eveningwear also got a new definition in the 1970’s. Maxi dresses in full length, halter necks and cat suits were aimed to make the woman look gorgeous and showcase her femininity. Empire dresses were either straight or flared and sometimes embellished as well. For that really special occasion, such dresses even had elaborately designed sleeves to add to the oomph factor! The granny dresses were one such item of the 70’s clothing, which were also an option for eveningwear. This was a loose fitting dress that had a high neck and long sleeves. This high neck was also fashioned with some lace or frill.

The Angel flight suits also made their mark in the 70’s. Here, the shirts were shiny, perhaps in satin material and also had large collars. This look also included flared pants.

The Hippy look of the 60s really grew in its popularity to the extent that it even made its mark in the 70’s fashion. The hippies with their loose clothing and their kaftans in particular, found its way as an important factor of the 70’s clothing. Such kind of loose fashions and flowing fabrics soon became the most sought after patterns and one suddenly saw a demand for the kaftans, kimonos and even the muu muu’s mentioned earlier. These loose and flowing garments were sewn in various fabrics and were often referred to as ‘comfort wear’. These became really glamorous when they were stitched in exotic fabrics and were lined in silver and gold trimming patterns.

The bell bottom pants weren’t the only kind of 70’s clothing that had a huge flare towards the bottom side, angel sleeved blouses were also a rage; these were also loosely cut and had a flared and puffed up look.

High waist banana jeans could be seen adorned by most youngsters in the 70’s. Here, the buckle was placed on the backside, below the back area. Capris that are such a rage today also belonged to the 70’s clothing!

There was also a lot of attention to trims and detailing in the 1970s. Here, crocheted lace was affixed on the borders and appliqués were also used heavily in design. Eveningwear also saw the use of beads and sequins being assimilated in the overall design.

The Chemin de fer jeans were also a part of the 1970’s clothing. These had 6 buttons on each hip. When unbuttoned, it would form a flap. Yet another fashion included 4 buttons in the front but these did not really serve the purpose of buttons!

Many also favored jumpsuits and often wore it to make a style statement. Jumpsuits styled into bellbottoms, worn in silk or denim, caught on during the 1970’s. Elvis Presley was famous for sporting one as well!

Men loved to wear army jackets to high school. These were generally olive green in color and always a little on the dull side. Army jackets looked fabulous when combined with jeans! Girls loved to convert their jean pants into fashionable skirts by ripping open the seams. Suede jackets with fringes became a hot item of the 70’s clothing. High waist jeans were also worn with glitter socks, these basically had one particular shade, which was covered with sliver or gold glitter. Women loved to turn heads in hot pants. Hot pants have already come back on the fashion scenario and these were generally worn with wide belts in the 70’s.

I have always loved peasant skirts and gypsy tops. These prove to be worth the buy for the sweltering summers. Gypsy tops were made of lightweight fabrics and were often seen in bright colors in the 1970’s. The string at the neck area is what makes this top look really adorable and it was generally worn with matching skirts. Knee length peasant skirts also made a style statement in dazzling reds and flirty pinks. The beauty about the peasant skirt has always been in the lovely swirls of cloth. Yet another of my favorite was first seen as 70’s clothing- the wraparound skirt. This was generally seen in cotton fabric and in a riot of colors. V necked tank tops also were considered to be really cool as a fashion trend in the 70’s. These were often mixed and matched with other clothing.

Corduroys in shades of brown and greens were also spotted during this period. When this fabric was first invented in the 18th century, it was considered to be a substitute and was known as the poor man’s velvet! Corduroy pants made a comeback in the year 2000.

Cheesecloth was another fabric that was in vogue for the 70’s clothing. This look was crinkly in appearance and generally; one always had the fear it would shrink after one wash. The crinkled look is another such look that has resurfaced on the runways all over the world.

70’s Clothing: Disco Fever
The disco culture and the glittery look is something that I really adore. This look originated during the 1970’s with the hot pants and tops in Lycra materials gaining ground. Amongst the patterns on the fabrics, the leopard skin pattern was really in. Men loved to sport satin jackets and show some skin. Big medallions often adorned the necks of many. The Hang Ten satin jackets were also seen in the disco culture.

70’s clothing is therefore not really passé as one may think! So, before you think something is really ‘in’; I would suggest you take a trip back into the past to discover what really inspired the look!