The whole idea of "fashion trends" began in the 1970s [1]. It was a decade of fads, fun, and experimentation with personal style. Laura Ashley's prairie aesthetic was popular at the same time as Vivienne Westwood's era-defining punk style. The disco scene at Studio 54 was buzzing alongside the laid-back all-American blue jeans look. A lot happened in the '70s — including Halston [2]'s slinky, minimal dresses from the Battle of Versailles — and we're zoning in on six iconic fashion trends that will add instant (and easy) '70s glam to your summer outfits.
When many of us think of defining fashion moments of the '70s, we quickly go to wide-leg trousers, platforms shoes, and the TikTok revival of Farrah Fawcett [3]'s feathered hair. But the '70s was an eclectic decade that saw diversity in fashion for the first time. Black models became regulars on international catwalks and on magazine covers, glam rock encouraged men to experiment with makeup, and women emulated film characters like Annie Hall who famously dressed in menswear. The 1970s was an expansive era where many popular fashion trends of today — like psychedelic floral prints, crop tops, coordinated sets, jumpsuits, wide-leg trousers, crochet, and oversize sunglasses — came into style and never left.
Keep reading for some of the most iconic fashion trends of the 1970s, and how to recreate the look for summer 2021.
Psychedelic Floral Prints
Rixo Mikaela Halter Mini Dress [4] (£278)
Never Fully Dressed Davina Dress - Curve
Never Fully Dressed Davina Dress - Curve [5] (£79)
'70s Jumpsuit
Peachy Den The Kernel [6] (£110)
Forever New Curve Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Forever New Curve Wide Leg Jumpsuit [7] (£105)
Crochet Knits
Zara Crochet Floral Dress [8] (£50)
Free People Blume Vest Crochet Set
Free People Blume Vest Crochet Set [9] (£248)
Halter Crop Top
Urban Outfitters Archive 70s Floral Velvet Halter Top [10] (£32)
House of Sunny Island Halter
House of Sunny Island Halter [11] (£56)
Wide Leg Trousers
& Other Stories Flared High Waist Jeans [12] (£65)
People Tree Ariel Wide Leg Jean In Cream
People Tree Ariel Wide Leg Jean In Cream [13] (£95)
Oversized Sunglasses
Monki Hanni Sunglasses [14] (£15)
Chloe Acetate Geometric-Frame Sunglasses
Chloe Acetate Geometric-Frame Sunglasses [15] (£230)