A Decade In Fashion: The 1970’smensfashionmagazine.com /a-decade-in-fashion-the-1970s

In this week’s a decade in fashion article, we take a look at the 1970s where style was relaxed and everything was groovy baby. The seventies are best known for the hippie chic way of dressing and how love was a free for all. 1970s fashion trends representthe rebellion against the old guard that began with the hippie movement of the ’60s. The laidback lifestyles of the hippie movementinspired the birth of the “leisure suit,” boho style dressing and preference for all-natural materials in the ’70s. However, the all-natural aesthetic was rejected by the nightlife loving disco fiends who wore synthetic materials like polyester and Ultra suede toshimmy and shake on the dance floor. 1970s fashion rejected formality in favour of function. This trend for “casual dressing” iswhat arguably laid the foundation for 1980s, 1990s and 2000s dressing. The return to everyday formal wear, except in the workplace or at high profile events, has yet to return. We have the 1970s to thank for chic, classic comfort that’s versatile and easy towear.

Many young people had become dissatisfied with the prevailing mainstream social bargains, considering them to be shallow andmaterialistic. Storm strongly opposed any involvement in the Vietnam War and called for a greater concern nature. Whatever theirmotivation, many young people in the early 1970s adhered to newfound values of peace, love and freedom and sought analternative hippie way of life.

Many people embraced communal living and a nomadic lifestyle, as well as exploring eastern religions island experimenting withdrugs and adopting a rebellious style dress. The clothing styles and fabrics of the time were inspired by non western cultures suchas Indian and African. Natural fabrics and tie dyed and Paisley prints were also popular. Many people became fond of creating

their own handmade clothes and accessories, and would personalise such items using decorative beading and fringe. Bare feetand sandals were a trademark of fashion at the time and flowers and peace signs became symbols of the seventies movement.

Television, film and music in the seventies became a powerful force on fashion. The television programme Charlie’s angelsspurred the demand for flared trousers while music stars like David Bowie influenced the sparkly and glittery style of glam rock. Disco music spawned its own fashion craze in the mid seventies. Younger people flocked to the nightclubs and dressed in thenew disco clothing style that was designed to show off the body and shine under the disco lights. This new style of eveningwearwas usually made from stretchy fabrics such as Lycra and spandex or synthetic polyester decorated with sequins. Men’s discowear included open necked satin shirts and flared trousers, in the same style as John Travolta in Saturday night fever.

Men’s fashion became bolder and daring throughout the seventies, the hippie style that spilled over from the 60’s crossed over intothe fashion of both sexes. Men started to wear colourful ties and bright fitted shirts with big collars. Many men grew short beards,sideburns or moustaches and let their hair grow longer. Flared trousers were hugely popular throughout the decade ranging from asubtle flare to large flapping bell bottoms. By the end of the seventies however, trouser legs had gradually straightened again.

You may have noticed that bold colours, Paisley prints and similar styles already back on trend. The seventies currently one of themany trends influencing our styles today, so creating a seventies inspired outfit should be relatively easy to do. Check out thestyles below and see if you fancy adding some seventies influence to your wardrobe.

Look One: Modern Hippie

Look Two: Night Fever

Conclusion

These outfits might seem slightly outrageous but that was what the seventies were all about. You can quite easily alter or tame these looks to suit your current style, we are by no means encouraging you to go out and get an afro unless it suggests that kind of dress code on a party invite. What do you like about the seventies, who of you remember it the first time round and has much changed? Let us know in the comments below.