Dressing for the 70s is a fun way to embrace one of the most iconic and eclectic fashion decades. Whether for a themed party, a retro event, or just to express your love for vintage style, channeling the 1970s look allows you to explore bold colors, unique patterns, and distinctive silhouettes. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to assemble an authentic 70s outfit, from key clothing pieces to accessories and hairstyles.
What You’ll Need
- Bell-bottom or flared pants
- Patterned shirts or blouses (paisley, floral, geometric prints)
- Denim jacket or vest
- Platform shoes or boots
- Wide collars and lapels
- Accessories such as headbands, large sunglasses, and chunky jewelry
- Optional: Faux fur or suede jackets
- Optional: A floppy hat or fedora
- Makeup and hairstyles typical of the era (natural makeup or bold eyes, long straight hair or feathered styles)
Step-by-Step
- Choose Your Base Piece: Start with a pair of pants that define the 70s silhouette. Bell-bottoms or flared jeans are quintessential. If you prefer skirts or dresses, aim for midi lengths with A-line shapes or wrap styles.
- Select a Top with Character: Pick shirts or blouses with bold patterns like paisley, floral, or geometric prints. Wide collars and exaggerated lapels are essential. For men, a button-up with a large collar is perfect; for women, consider ruffled blouses or peasant tops.
- Add Layers: Layer a denim jacket, suede vest, or faux fur coat over your top. Fringe details were popular in 70s outerwear and add authenticity.
- Pick Your Footwear: Platform shoes or boots elevate the look both literally and stylistically. Choose leather or suede materials in earth tones or bright colors.
- Accessorize Boldly: Accessories complete the look. Wide headbands, large round or aviator sunglasses, and chunky jewelry such as wooden bangles or oversized medallions are staples. Men might add a wide leather belt with a large buckle.
- Choose a Hairstyle: Hairstyles define the era. For women, long, straight hair parted in the middle or feathered styles inspired by Farrah Fawcett are classic. Men often sported shaggy or feathered haircuts. Use minimal styling products for a natural look or go for volume and bounce if emulating disco styles.
- Apply Makeup Accordingly: For women, natural skin with bronzer and soft eyeshadow was typical. Bold eyes with blue or green shadow and thick mascara were popular for evening looks. Men generally kept makeup minimal or none at all.
- Consider the Occasion: Tailor your outfit to the event. Disco parties call for shiny fabrics, jumpsuits, or polyester blends. Casual or bohemian looks favor natural fabrics, earth tones, and relaxed fits.
- Final Touches: Add a belt with a large buckle to cinch your waist or accentuate your silhouette. Don’t forget details like wide cuffs, flared sleeves, or ruffles to enhance authenticity.
Common Mistakes
- Overdoing the Prints: Combining too many bold patterns can overwhelm the outfit. Balance statement pieces with solid colors.
- Ignoring Fabric Choices: The 70s favored natural fabrics like cotton, denim, suede, and polyester blends. Avoid modern synthetics that look too slick or shiny unless going for disco style.
- Wearing Modern Silhouettes: Skinny jeans or modern-fit clothing break the 70s vibe. Stick to flares, wide collars, and A-line shapes.
- Neglecting Accessories: Accessories were essential in the 70s. Skipping them can make the outfit look incomplete or generic.
- Incorrect Footwear: Sneakers or modern shoes don’t match the era unless styled carefully. Platforms, clogs, or boots are better choices.
Tips
- Shop Vintage or Thrift Stores: Authentic 70s clothing is often found in secondhand shops and vintage stores, offering genuine fabrics and cuts.
- Mix and Match: Combine bohemian elements like peasant blouses with disco-era shiny fabrics for a unique look.
- Use Color Wisely: Earth tones like mustard, burnt orange, avocado green, and browns were popular, but don’t shy away from bright jewel tones for disco styles.
- Hair and Makeup Are Key: The right hairstyle and makeup complete the look more than any single clothing item.
- Layer Textures: Combining denim, suede, and knitwear adds depth and authenticity to your outfit.
- Keep it Comfortable: 70s fashion was about self-expression and comfort. Don’t sacrifice comfort for style.
Troubleshooting
If your 70s outfit doesn’t feel quite right, here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- The Outfit Looks Too Modern: Reassess your clothing shapes and fabrics. Swap modern skinny jeans for bell-bottoms or flared pants. Avoid overly synthetic materials unless aiming for disco glam.
- You Feel Overwhelmed by Patterns: Simplify by choosing one statement piece and pairing it with neutral or solid colors. For example, wear patterned pants with a simple blouse.
- Your Accessories Seem Off: If your accessories feel out of place, focus on classic 70s items like wide belts, headbands, or large sunglasses. Avoid modern logos or styles.
- Your Hair Doesn’t Match the Look: Use wigs or temporary styling products to achieve feathered or straight styles. Middle parts and natural textures work well.
- The Outfit Feels Uncomfortable: The 70s emphasized comfort, so if your clothes are tight or restrictive, try looser fits or softer fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What colors were popular in 70s fashion?
- Earth tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, and browns were common, alongside jewel tones and bright colors for disco fashion.
- Can I mix 70s styles with modern clothes?
- Yes, mixing vintage 70s pieces with modern basics can create a stylish retro-inspired look while keeping it wearable.
- What hairstyles are most iconic for the 70s?
- Long, straight hair with a middle part, feathered cuts (like Farrah Fawcett’s), and shaggy layers for men are classic 70s hairstyles.
- Are platform shoes necessary for a 70s outfit?
- While not mandatory, platform shoes or boots help capture the era’s vibe, especially for disco and glam styles.
- Where can I find authentic 70s clothing?
- Thrift stores, vintage shops, online marketplaces specializing in retro fashion, and costume stores are good sources.
- Is polyester a good fabric choice for 70s outfits?
- Polyester was widely used in the 70s, especially for disco attire, but natural fabrics like cotton, denim, and suede were also popular.
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How to Dress for the 70s: A Complete Style Guide