1970's
fashion in the 1970s
Early 1970’s
fashion was very similar to 1969. The 1970’s was a fashion revolution.
Polyester, bright colours, tight fitting clothes and platform shoes were everywhere. By the late 1970’s, the average person was wearing pant suits, leisure suit and track suit. Women wore cowl neck sweaters and men wore striped V-neck velour shirts. Another particularly popular fashion choice was tunics, culottes and robes. Chest hair, medallions, butterfly collars, bell bottoms, skin tight t-shirts, dress shirts, sideburns and tennis headbands were seen being worn in everyday life. Tight fitting pants were a common theme throughout the 70’s and it was one of the first full decades where women were seen wearing pants every day. By 1979 bright colours were almost completely gone, replaced by whites, greys, blacks and earth tones. In the early 1970’s the fashion industry dropped skirt lengths to between the knee and the ankle and called it the midi look or the midi skirt. Ponchos, gauchos and capes were a fashionable alternative for midi skirts. Boots were popular and sold in all shapes and sizes. Accessories were overused. Chokers, dog collars and handcrafted neck ornaments were worn instead of ordinary jewellery. Ankle grazing skirts were also a popular replacement for ball gowns. Young couples liked to dress in similar, sometimes identical images. Men’s fashion recalled a sense of fun and freedom. Their clothes were tailored, double knit and tight fitting. Plaid was another choice for every day wear at the office, or on the farm. Men’s fashions such as wild prints gave way to traditional masculine materials and shapes. Ties became smaller and men wore shoes with wild colours as thick platforms and 3-ich heels became popular with young and old generations. By the late 1970’s strapless top, bust darts, midriff seams, hip rounding skirts, and pegged pants made a comeback. Coats became reefers, reversible’s and three-quarter or seven-eight lengths. Textures were mixed. Several neutral shades were mixed with bright colours. Gold chiffons, sequins, and bugle beads added dazzle. Men’s jackets, coats and suits were dominated by tweed. Lapels, ties and shirt collars were narrowed. The scarf was the most important men’s accessory worn apart from the jacket. By 1979 bright colours were almost completely gone, replaced by whites, greys, blacks and earth tones. |