I'm a huge fan of '70s fashion—the era created a host of trends that still stand up today, whether you realise they're from that time or not. Think of our current obsession with bright over-the-knee boots, folk-inspired printed dresses, velvet and corduroy, boho blouses, midi skirts and so on. While the '70s sweep over the runways every couple of seasons, there's always a hint of it on the streets if you look closely.
Think of the iconic designer names that were indelibly marked into history during this decade, like Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld and Diane von Furstenberg. Also, during this period, mass-market, trend-driven fashion was more readily available. Barbara Hulanicki's Biba kick-started the idea in London a decade earlier, alongside boutiques such as Bus Stop, and cool, connected girls were able to switch up their looks more readily, which likely led to the 1001 aesthetics and key pieces that came out of this electric time.
This glamorous period also produced a slew of unforgettable, high-octane, high-profile style icons. Think Farrah Fawcett, Grace Jones, Bianca Jagger, Diana Ross, Cher and Debbie Harry. Their fabulousness was met in equal parts by the casual '70s crew: Ali MacGraw, Diane Keaton, Jane Birkin and company repped the kind of '70s style that feels more brunch-ready in NYC rather than wild nights at Studio 54. Whether you're into hippies, disco queens, rockers, punks or retro nerds, I'd recommend following @70sbabes on Instagram for a daily dose. What you'll notice when looking through these archival shots is that so many retro fashion moments still feel relevant; this is particularly since the release of Daisy Jones The Six, which is set in the decade and is currently shaping the aesthetic this season. Keep reading to see which 50-year-old trends we're still wearing today.
1970s Fashion in 2024: 22 Fashion Trends to Shop Now
1. Headscarves
Style Notes: Jackie O's '70s style (particularly on this holiday in Capri) is for all the minimalists out there. I love the simple vacay look topped off with a headscarf—a styling trick we've noticed recently on Instagram.
Shop the Look:
Tie it around your neck, wear it as a bandana or wrap it around your ponytail.
A future heirloom.
Another gorgeous investment full of uplifting colours.
2. Smocking and Shirring
Style Notes: I'm a big fan of Princess Anne's style archive, and this is one of my favourite looks. From the jumbo floral print to the balloon sleeves and shirred bodice, everything about this is very 2024.
Shop the Look:
The sleeves on this dress are also very 1970s.
Bold florals and puffy sleeves? We're sold.
This style comes in a variety of different colourful patterns.
3. Pearls
Style Notes: Right now, pearls are all over everything, but this is one jewellery trend that pops up every decade without fail. In the '70s, it was all about wearing long strings with shiny satin dresses for the evening, à la Raquel Welch.
Shop the Look:
Earrings you’ll wear for life.
The gold hands add a vintage touch to this piece.
For a more classically '70s-inspired piece.
4. The Wrap Dress
Style Notes: Diane von Furstenberg's wrap dress has moments in and out of the trend spotlight, but it forever remains a true staple in anyone's arsenal. Here is the designer wearing her classic creation way back in 1973.
Shop the Look:
A modern take on the wrap dress.
Add brown knee-high boots.
DVF’s wrap dresses are for life.
5. Tonal Dressing
Style Notes: Is it just us, or are these outfits everything you'd like to wear to work? Plain midi dresses, slouchy boots and tonal colours are all on our radar for spring. Call your friends, and tell them the news.
Shop the Look:
This will live in your wardrobe for such a long time.
The matching trousers aren't a bad bet either.
A brown knit dress is perfect for easy tonal dressing.
6. The Slogan Knit
Style Notes: There are countless cool-girl trends one can chart back to Debbie Harry (her back catalogue of outfits is a treasure trove), but how much would you pay to get your mitts on this Blondie slogan knit right now? We know. A lot.
Shop the Look:
Perfect for cooler months.
For those slightly warmer days.
Wear this knit with vintage-wash jeans and slingbacks.
7. The Satin Slip
Style Notes: Slinky 'naked' dresses have been present through the 20th century, but there's something about a boudoir-inspired satin slip that feels A) very '70s and B) very much like something we'll be wearing this summer.
Shop the Look:
The colour of this is so beautiful.
Studio 54-ready.
Lady in red.
8. The Trouser Suit
Style Notes: While the pantsuit wavers in and out of popularity, right now, it's big business for retailers and the streets of fashion week. Bianca Jagger will forever be one of the original trouser-wearing icons—just look at this necktied all-white getup for proof.
Shop the Look:
The fluid but straight-leg silhouette keeps it feeling modern.
A blazer that is definitely worth the investment.
How sharp is this cropped blazer?
9. Co-Ords
Style Notes: We noticed recently that much of Cher's '70s and '80s style looks strikingly similar to multiple present-day celebrities, but let's not stop there. Cher's easy, breezy, co-ord pictured here is the ideal going out outfit.
Shop the Look:
Darker pinstripe is always a goof idea.
A dreamy summer set.
This cute trousers have a matching top and a matching blazer to choose from.
10. Over-the-Knee Boots
Style Notes: Not only are these '70s boots the right kind of pull-on, mid-heel style to fit into today's current OTK demands, but they're also in white, making them doubly covetable.
Shop the Look:
Wear over jeans or with a mini skirt come summer.
We are all for this funky bright mauve hue.
Suede is so '70s.
11. Denim Dresses
Style Notes: The power of the denim dress lives on. Whether you wear yours short and cheeky with matching platforms like this '70s model did, or you decide to opt for something more demure, the simple use of this humble fabric can make any frock seem easier to wear.
Shop the Look:
This is such a high fashion take on the denim dress.
The tweed detailing is a fun twist.
An easy everyday denim dress.
12. Platform Shoes
Style Notes: The 1970s can be instantly recognisable from one item: platform shoes. Whether glam-rock in metallic leathers or in simpler sandal form, this stacked footwear dominated the decade.
Shop the Look:
You didn't think we'd mention '70s platforms without including a pair of clogs, did you?
Platforms may look funky but they're always timeless.
The perfect statement heel.
13. Boho Dresses
Style Notes: The '70s wouldn't be anything without its freedom-fighting hippies, and it just so happens that Jane Fonda was part of the club. Here, she's wearing a Thea Porter dress—this designer's seminal creations are still adored by boho girls like Kate Moss today.
Shop the Look:
A perfect autumn frock.
This dress looks just as good with trainers as it will with strappy heeled sandals.
Paisley and this decade go hand in hand.
14. Basket Bags
Style Notes: Jane Birkin spent much of the '70s not really wearing much clothing at all, but she did always have her trusty basket bag nearby. Over the past few summers, we've seen these traditional woven holdalls make their way back into fashion to become the bag to wear every summer. For the winter transition to woven leather bags to replicate a similar look.
Shop the Look:
A basket bag I’d very much like to own.
This one comes with straps in bright red and white too.
An understated yet timeless style.
15. Safari Style
Style Notes: Every time designers present their summer collections, you can bet safari references will be present. It all started, of course, with Yves Saint Laurent. Here, his muse, Betty Catroux, models the famous safari dress in 1969—a look that would rule during the first part of the following decade.
Shop the Look:
Pair with a crisp white tee and your favourite denim jeans.
Cargo pants always lend an air of safari to the right outfit.
A vest with pockets is functional and trendy.
16. Neck Scarves
Style Notes: Where would today's best-accessorised outfits be without scarves? Nowhere, that's where. They were very popular in the '70s, topping off many a look, including this Dior one.
Shop the Look:
Neck ties are a thing right now.
This bold pattern is so chic
The prettiest neutral print..
17. Pyjamas Outside the Bedroom
Style Notes: Marisa Berenson's silky pyjama tunic, culottes and matching scarf look precisely like pieces we'd wear around the house or for an intimate dinner. Paired with gold sandals and a shoulder-robed coat, this glam look hasn't dated from when it was captured in 1974.
Shop the Look:
Sleeper does the best could-be -'70s co-ords.
It's hard to believe that these are for made for sleeping.
The cheetah print gives big '70s energy.
18. Think Pink
Style Notes: Elizabeth Taylor has been fabulous at all times in her life, but the 1970s were a particularly OTT time for her (and then-partner, Richard Burton). Here, we have a spectacular lesson in making an entrance: Wear a bright-pink gown or minidress with excess beading, bows, or a truckload of diamonds and pearls.
Shop the Look:
The flowy silhouette is everything.
A classic way to wear the trend.
Embrace millenial pink in your accessories too!
19. Tie-Dye and Crochet
Style Notes: In the '70s, tie-dye and crochet were all the rage, and many dresses featured both trends in one. This shot of Rock Hudson with a group of women (don't ask me what it's about—I don't know) showcases the looks in all their glory.
Shop the Look:
The tie-front is a nice touch.
Just add some plain loafers
Crochet accessories are ultra cute too.
20. Feathers
Style Notes: Donna Summer was the queen of disco, and her stage looks have set the scene for many a pop diva to come. This feathered-coat-and-leotard combination wouldn't be out of place at a Beyoncé concert today.
Shop the Look:
The dress brand that’s not-so-slowly taken over...
Feather cuffs add just enough excitement to an outfit.
Just a hint of glamour.
21. Green Floral Dresses
Style Notes: Here's Joanna Lumley looking all kinds of lovely in a green floral wrap dress. Enjoying the matching green shoes, too.
Shop the Look:
Silk and green combined to hit two trends.
So pretty.
Another double trend with this wrap dress.
22. Hippie Jewellery
Style Notes: To really complete the bohemian look, you need jewellery. Here is Ali MacGraw showing us how it's all done by pairing multiple hippy, collected-from-around-the-world (probably) necklaces with her handkerchief-hem dress.
Shop the Look:
Bohemian glamour at its very best.
More was more in the '70s so stack your jewellery for maximum impact.
These would brighten up even the simplest outfit.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
My Friend Asked Me What to Wear to the Opera—I Suggested These 5 Elegant PiecesUntangling a complicated dress code.
-
Yes, Interview Outfits Can Be Stylish—5 Looks Guaranteed to ImpressDress for the job you want.
-
I'm Obsessed With Daisy Jones the Six—These 7 Key Pieces Make Up Her CapsuleYou'll regret me. I'll regret not buying this jacket.
-
11 Anti-Trend Outfits Fashion People Will Wear Again and Again in 2024 and BeyondSo much goodness!
-
Wide-Leg Jeans Have Officially Replaced My Skinnies—7 Autumn-Ready Outfits I Want to TryDenim lovers rejoice.
-
This New Netflix Series Is Every Fashion Lover's DreamSequins, '70s fashion, and flared trousers.
-
5 Items Every French Woman Over 40 OwnsFrom Vanessa Paradis to Emmanuelle Alt.
-
I Lived in Europe for 6 Months—I'll Never Make These Fashion Mistakes AgainIt gave me a whole new perspective.
