As the hippie culture gained mainstream popularity from the late 60s, the world headed into the era of free love and positive vibes. Perhaps partly due to the distinctive free spirit of the hippie culture that heavily influenced the late 60s to early 70s, there was a multitude of new and memorable styles that exploded into the fashion scene, led by the top stars of the day, Farrah Fawcett, Joni Mitchell, Diane Keaton and The Beatles.
The hemlines of skirts and dresses got shorter, shoe heights higher, collars bigger, pants tighter and more flared. From chunky platform shoes, short and cute mini dresses, flowy skirts and dresses to flared pants, you can bring some retro groove into your wardrobe with these iconic styles and rock that 70s look!
1. Flared pants
Initially popular with the hippies, flared pants, or bell bottoms, they quickly grew in popularity to become one of the main fashion trends of the 70s. For never-ending legs, choose a high-waisted style and match with chunky wedges and sky high heels. These also look great with slouchy, bohemian-inspired tops as well as fitted, retro-inspired shirts.
2. Chunky footwear
Such shoes were popular in the disco scene among both men and women. Pay homage to those rocking times by choosing wedges with colourful prints, or channel a slightly hippie style with brown, chunky sandals.
3. Center parted hair
For the easiest way to achieve a 70s vibe, nothing works faster than parting your hair right in the middle, slightly messy and wavy. Take one step further and accessorise with a beaded, threaded or flowered headband.
4. Flowy skirts and dresses
A fluid, flowy skirts or dresses in light fabrics for summer, paired with center parted hair and oversized sunglasses make the perfect retro chic combination. One good example is the maxi skirt, which comes from plain to crazy psychedelic patterns, and till today they are still easily mixed with other decades’ trends to create refreshingly interesting outfits. Another one would be the wrap dress, popularised in the 70s by Diane von Furstenberg, and worn in the 70s with deep plunging necklines. Its timeless design flatters the bodies of all women in different shapes and sizes, and is versatile enough for both work and casual settings.
5. A-line skirts
The length of the skirt doesn’t matter because the shape of the skirt is key in making the A-line skirt work. For spring/summer 2015 though, the midi length is set to be the favoured length, so wear your skirt simply with a casual tee or oversized jumper and sneakers, and switch things up with heels matched with a pretty blouse or camisole.
6. Fringe and suede
The fabric that instantly takes us back to the stylish seventies, also a much softer and easier style to tackle than leather. Another great thing about suede is that it goes really well with another 70s trend: fringe. Let those tassels dance around your body and revel in the understated glamour of this boho chic style.
7. Oversized sunglasses
Round or square or any other shape out there, don’t be afraid to go all-out with your eyewear. The swinging seventies were all about being bold and big, so put on some oversized shades for a pure rock n’ roll and diva moment.
The 70s were a time when fashion boundaries completely broke down and everything was wilder than ever before. Indulge in the distinctive free and easygoing spirit of this iconic time period and get groovy with fashion. So, which of these iconic 70s styles have you tried before, or which will you be trying next?
