15 Fashion Trends From The 1970s We Thought Were Timeless (They Weren’t)

The 1970s were nothing short of a fashion fever dream—a kaleidoscope of color, texture, and audacity. It was a time when self-expression ruled supreme, and style knew no limits. Bell bottoms flared like sails in the wind, collars reached for the heavens, and patterns clashed unapologetically.

Many of these bold choices were hailed as the peak of chic, considered so iconic they were thought to transcend trends entirely. But as the decades rolled on, reality set in: what once turned heads now raises eyebrows. Those platform shoes that made us feel sky-high? Now mostly seen in costume bins.

The psychedelic prints, fringe vests, and polyester everything? Let’s just say they’ve aged… uniquely. Still, each of these trends tells a story—of rebellion, freedom, and fearless experimentation. In this lighthearted trip down fashion memory lane, we’ll revisit 15 standout styles from the ’70s that were once on every runway and sidewalk, but have since found their resting place in thrift store racks and retro-themed parties.

Join us as we laugh, cringe, and maybe even admire the confidence it took to rock these unforgettable looks—and consider which ones, if any, might just deserve a revival.

1. Bell-Bottom Jeans

Bell-bottom jeans, synonymous with the 1970s, once ruled the fashion streets with their wide-legged charm. I remember my aunt strutting around, claiming they made her legs look longer. While they occasionally peek out in fashion circles, their reign has diminished, making way for more streamlined styles.

Maybe it’s the fabric overload or the awkward flapping sound, but bell-bottoms now flutter in and out like a fleeting memory.

Still, they have a special place in the heart of retro lovers. Many fashionistas hoped they’d be a forever friend, but perhaps there’s only so much denim one can handle before it becomes a trip hazard. Nostalgic yet impractical, these jeans are like the friend who loves to party but never shows up on time. You love them, but you’ll never fully rely on them. A classic case of style overfunction.

2. Platform Shoes

Platform shoes, with their towering glory, were the ‘height’ of fashion in the ’70s. I recall my mom telling tales of her first pair, feeling like a disco queen. Though they provided a vertical boost, their practicality was questionable.

Clunky and cumbersome, they were more about statement than comfort. Today, platforms appear sporadically, often in nostalgic throwbacks or themed parties. They were the equivalent of walking on stilts, and let’s admit, not everyone has the balance for that.

High on style but low on practicality, platforms are like the friend who always has extravagant plans but forgets the logistics. While they made a mark in fashion history, their everyday use is as rare as a unicorn sighting. Platforms may rise occasionally, but they inevitably fall flat in real-world practicality.

3. Tie-Dye

Tie-dye was the colorful rebellion of the 1970s, a swirl of hues that screamed individuality. I tried my hand at it once; the result was more abstract art than wearable attire. Though it pops up now and then in summer festivals, tie-dye never reestablished its mainstream dominance.

Its carefree, counterculture roots are cherished, but not everyone wants to look like a walking kaleidoscope. With its psychadelic patterns, tie-dye can be the life of the party or a visual assault, depending on who’s looking.

It’s like that friend who’s always ready for an adventure but might clash with more structured plans. While it evokes nostalgia, wearing tie-dye today often signals a return to the carefree ’70s spirit rather than everyday fashion. A blast from the past, best enjoyed in doses.

4. Wrap Dress

The wrap dress, introduced by Diane von Fürstenberg, was the epitome of elegance-meets-comfort. I still remember my mom twirling in hers, flaunting its figure-flattering magic. Unlike many trends, the wrap dress defied time, proving its versatility and charm.

Feminine yet functional, it effortlessly adapts to any occasion, making it a wardrobe staple. While other ’70s trends faded, the wrap dress gracefully transitioned, continuing to inspire modern designs. It’s like that reliable friend who’s adaptable and always in style, never out of place.

With its simple yet sophisticated design, the wrap dress is more than a fashion statement; it’s a timeless testament to the power of simplicity. In a sea of fleeting trends, it remains an anchor, beloved by fashionistas across generations. Classic, chic, and eternally relevant, the wrap dress holds its rightful place in fashion lore.

5. Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses soared from pilot gear to fashion must-have in the ’70s, offering a cool factor that transcends decades. My dad swore by his pair, convinced they were the key to instant charisma. With their sleek design and versatile appeal, aviators maintain a spot in the fashion elite.

Unlike trends that came and went, aviators adapted, their silhouette a staple in eyewear collections today. They’re like the friend who knows how to reinvent themselves while staying true to their core. The perfect blend of function and flair, aviators shield eyes with style.

While other trends fizzled, aviators remain as timeless as the sun itself. Whether on a beach or runway, they continue to exude an effortless cool that few accessories can match. A testament to enduring design and universal appeal, aviators are a fashion constant.

6. Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits offered a one-stop solution for ’70s fashion dilemmas, blending style and convenience. My aunt wore hers like a second skin, declaring it her ‘get-up-and-go’ outfit. Yet, despite their allure, jumpsuits often faced practicality challenges.

The struggle was real when nature called! Although they make an occasional comeback on fashion runways, everyday wear is less consistent. Jumpsuits are the kind of outfit that requires confidence and a bit of patience to pull off. They’re like that friend who’s fun but slightly high-maintenance.

A symbol of ’70s chic, jumpsuits aren’t for the faint of heart but for those ready to make a statement. In the world of fashion, they represent a daring blend of comfort and complexity, an audacious choice for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. Jumpsuits: iconic yet impractical.

7. Corduroy

Corduroy was the fabric of choice in the ’70s, offering a textured touch to everything from pants to jackets. I recall my uncle proudly sporting a mustard pair, despite the slight swish noise with every step. Though it occasionally resurfaces, its popularity fluctuates, caught between retro charm and modern minimalism.

Corduroy is warm, both literally and nostalgically, but not always in step with evolving styles. It’s like the friend who brings comfort and memories but might not fit every scene.

While it holds a special place in vintage collections, everyday fashion sees it as more of a seasonal guest. A cozy throwback, corduroy is cherished by some but not universally embraced. Its tactile appeal and vintage vibe ensure it never truly fades, remaining a beloved relic of fashion’s textured past.

8. Crochet

Crochet, with its handmade charm, wove its way into ’70s fashion, adorning everything from vests to dresses. My grandmother loved her crochet vest, insisting it gave her outfits a personal touch. Yet, despite its artistry, crochet struggled to maintain mainstream appeal, often labeled as more craft than couture.

While it sees periodic revivals, everyday fashion often overlooks its delicate designs. It’s the friend who’s creative but not always practical. A symbol of artisanal flair, crochet represents a bygone era of fashion. Its intricate patterns are admired, but not always worn.

In a world moving towards sleek simplicity, crochet remains a nostalgic nod to the past. Though not a staple, its unique appeal ensures it will always have a niche audience, celebrated for its craftsmanship and character.

9. Peasant Dresses

Peasant dresses floated into ’70s fashion with their free-spirited elegance, capturing a bohemian essence. My neighbor’s tales of her favorite peasant dress always ended with twirling and laughter. However, their popularity waned as fashion moved towards more structured silhouettes. Peasant dresses, with their loose fit, seemed more suited for festivals than daily wear.

They’re like the friend who’s laid-back but not always ready for formal events. While they embody a sense of freedom, modern fashion often favors more tailored looks. A favorite for themed gatherings, peasant dresses are cherished for nostalgia rather than necessity.

Though their carefree charm is undeniable, they remain more of a whimsical memory in the fashion timeline. A relic of relaxed style, peasant dresses dance in and out of vogue, a testament to the ’70s free spirit.

10. Leisure Suits

Leisure suits, with their synthetic sheen and bold designs, made a comfortable yet controversial mark in the ’70s. My dad’s old photos capture him in one, often accompanied by tales of polyester-induced sweat. While intended for style with ease, the reality was often a fashion mishap.

Today, they’re more costume party than couture. Leisure suits are the friend who’s fun at a theme night but awkward in daylight. Though they aimed to blend comfort and fashion, the synthetic fabric and garish patterns rarely translated into timeless appeal.

As fashion evolved, leisure suits became a symbol of past excess rather than enduring elegance. Despite their playful spirit, they’re more of a novelty now, a reminder of a time when polyester ruled the runway. Nostalgic yet out-of-step, leisure suits have become a quirky footnote in fashion history.

11. Hot Pants

Hot pants, those audaciously brief shorts, took the ’70s by storm, leaving little to the imagination. My friend’s mom would reminisce about her daring days in hot pants, drawing gasps and admiration in equal measure.

Yet, as fashion matured, so did lengths, and hot pants slowly slipped into obscurity. They’re the friend who’s bold but not always appropriate for every occasion. While they made a brief comeback, comfort and coverage became the new chic.

In modern fashion, hot pants are reserved for specific outings, often seen as a playful nod to the past rather than a serious staple. Their legacy is one of daring confidence, a flash of ’70s spirit that lingers but doesn’t dominate. A bold fashion fling, hot pants remain a sassy symbol of youthful exuberance, more niche than necessity.

12. Caftan Dresses

Caftan dresses, with their comfortable flow and regal roots, graced many a ’70s wardrobe. My aunt treasured hers, declaring it her ‘comfort without compromise’ outfit. While they offered elegance and ease, caftans fell out of favor as fashion sought more shape and structure.

They’re like the friend who’s always relaxed, perhaps too much for certain occasions. Although perfect for lounging, modern fashion often demands more defined silhouettes. Today, caftans are seen more as luxurious loungewear or vacation staples rather than everyday apparel.

Their flowing form and exotic allure ensure they remain a beloved piece for those who appreciate relaxed elegance. While not a daily go-to, caftans hold a special place in fashion, a testament to the ’70s love for comfort and creativity, cherished by those who favor fluid fashion.

13. Patchwork Clothing

Patchwork clothing, a hallmark of ’70s creativity, stitched together various fabrics and styles into one eclectic garment. I remember my uncle’s patchwork jacket, a riot of colors and textures that seemed to tell a story with every patch.

Yet, despite its uniqueness, patchwork struggled to maintain mainstream appeal, often seen as more art than apparel. It’s the friend who’s artistic but perhaps not always in tune with the crowd. While it pops up in vintage and bohemian circles, everyday fashion often bypasses its chaotic charm.

A symbol of individuality, patchwork represents a love for the unconventional. Its diverse patterns are admired, but not always worn. In a world leaning towards minimalism, patchwork stands out as a testament to personal expression, a colorful reminder of a time when fashion embraced the unconventional.

14. Oversized Collars

Oversized collars, those flamboyant flares of fabric, defined ’70s tops, making a statement before the wearer said a word. My dad often joked that his collars arrived at the party before he did. While they added flair, modern fashion found them a bit too bold for everyday wear.

They’re like the friend who’s vibrant but maybe a tad overwhelming in small spaces. As fashion evolved, subtler styles took precedence, leaving oversized collars as relics of a louder era. Though they occasionally resurface in nostalgic nods, the boldness of oversized collars often overshadows their practicality.

In a world of sleek lines and subtle elegance, these collars are cherished more for their retro appeal than their current chicness. A vivid expression of ’70s style, oversized collars remain a flamboyant memory in fashion history.

15. The Maxi Skirt

Once a symbol of free spirit, the maxi skirt graced the streets with elegance. Its flowing fabric and vibrant patterns were embraced by many, providing a chic alternative to mini skirts. Yet, as fashion cycles evolved, its charm dwindled.

In the bustling streets of the ’70s, maxi skirts were a canvas for self-expression. They offered comfort and style, effortlessly transitioning from day to night. Though briefly revived in modern times, they never regained their former glory.

Did you know? The maxi skirt was a rebellion against the rigid fashion norms of prior decades, celebrating individuality.