It was the age of bell bottoms, taking your Volkswagen van to music festivals, and listening to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours for the very first time. The 1970s was a decade of eclectic style, with fashion trends that would define the decade and cement influence into our closets forevermore. To our collective excitement, 2020 and 2021 have brought ‘70s-inspired fashion trends back in a tidal wave of halter tops, silks, and pleats. As we can see from the most notable names on runways and influencers alike, the illustrious era has stepped back into the spotlight.
Diana Ross in satin, Goldie Hawn in ruffled crop tops, Jackie Kennedy’s iconic black turtleneck and trench coat. There are countless emblematic moments that are echoed in today’s hottest trends. From patterned mini dresses to flared jeans, here we list our favourite 1970s-inspired fashion trends to indulge in this summer.
Not-Your-Grandma’s Knit Sweater Vests
Street style is always a go-to when you’re researching the season’s newest fashion trends. Fall 2020 to Spring 2021 saw the grandiose return of the knit sweater vest. From Harry Styles making wildly printed vests cool again to Bella Hadid’s street style ahead of the Fendi show at the 2020 Milan Fashion Week, we’re seeing the pairing of signature 1970s knit pieces with blouse and pleated pants or just running solo on warm afternoons. As part of Valeria’s springtime OOTD (Outfit-Of-The-Day) series pictured above, she paired Mango pink baggy shorts with an H&M knit vest, snagging an oversized Tom Ford white button down from her husband’s closet to complete this classic and colourful ensemble. Another option is using a longer white shirt as a dress paired with tall boots and a bold blue knit vest; tying it all together with a smaller statement ring.
Charming Cut-outs & Mesmerizing Maxi Dresses
Image: Vogue, Cher & Zendaya
The Forever Famous Flared-leg Pant
Slimmer at the leg, high waisted at the hips, this immediately identifiable “vintage” pant style is of the past no more. The flared-opening or frayed edges are straight out of the pages of a ‘60s or ‘70s summer edition Vogue. Our top choice example is model Georgia May Jagger flaunting the style as the new face of Wrangler Jeans’ Denim Collection, decades after her mother, supermodel Jerry Hall, rocked the striking cut in the ‘70s.
Momentous and Multicoloured Matching Sets
Is there anything better than a matching two-piece set? High waisted shorts, pants, or skirts paired with flirty crop tops and floral blouses like Valeria’s Verie Ready To Wear piece pictured here 一 it was all the rage this spring and summer and not a trend likely to fade in the coming years. These pieces are the essence of cute and comfortable, and once again, truly timeless.
Seductive Satin Show-Stoppers
Slinky, shiny, and dramatic. This glossy material is perhaps best remembered in our spotlighted decade by Diana Ross’s peach dress. The Supremes’ singer is an obvious fashion icon, known for colourful sequin gowns and feathered features along with that once-in-a-generation talent that still makes waves today. Also known for reaching back and channeling 1970s attire is songstress Kacey Musgraves. Our favourite moment was when the artist checked two influences on our list, wearing an orange matching satin cinq á sept blazer and high-waisted pants to the 2020 launch of her candle “Slow Burn.” Pair it with statement pieces to offset the splendid simplicity of satin.
The Now Mod Mini Dress & Puffed Sleeves
Whether paired with a knee-high boot or strappy sandal, printed mini dresses are straight out of the ‘70s. It’s impossible not to imagine belting “Tiny Dancer” while cruising down the California highway. Taking a lesson from the ‘70s and ‘80s are the added oversized puffed sleeves. Add the pop of red with the Taylor Sunnies and you are the picture of street style of days past.
