’70s fashion: how to style a modern ’70s outfit
Colourful, bold and full of personality: ’70s fashion is back, bringing all its freedom, individuality and creativity. A new twist and modern accents are behind this fashion trend, inspiring a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. We’ll show you how to reinterpret ’70s fashion in a modern way and create your own revival outfit.
’70s fashion: then and now
The 1970s was a decade filled with contrasts and creative energy with two unforgettable features: the colourful hippie era and the vibrant disco night fever.
The hippie movement stood for freedom, closeness to nature and individuality. This ethos was reflected in the fashion of the early 1970s, which featured flowing maxi dresses, casual flared trousers, crochet details, and playful fringes. As the decade progressed, 1970s fashion evolved to embrace the glamour of the disco era. Instead of dancing at outdoor festivals, people began to frequent nightclubs. During this transformation, miniskirts, shimmering metallic fabrics, high-platform shoes, and psychedelic patterns dominated the dance floors.
Today, fashion is not just about imitating the styles of the 1970s. It's about capturing the lightness of that decade through contemporary clothing. High-quality materials, minimalist designs, and a focus on sustainability bring the essence of 1970s fashion into the present. Efforts are also being made to adapt the distinctive elements of ’70s outfits for more versatile and suitable everyday wear. For example, flared trousers are paired with simple blazers and crop tops, while more creative prints are combined with more understated garments to create a less excessive overall look.
’70s style: cuts and silhouettes for ’70s outfits
The cuts and silhouettes of the 1970s are unmistakable but have been rethought through a modern lens and adapted to current trends. The retro charm is preserved while the style is more versatile for everyday wear. In this way, modern ’70s fashion blends nostalgia with a sense of contemporary elegance.
To recreate a modern ’70s look, you can follow these tips:
Flared trousers: today, with a slightly smaller flare, these pants look elegant and can be styled with a blazer, crop top, or oversized blouse to create the perfect balance between retro and modern.
Maxi dresses and skirts: modern versions are characterised by asymmetrical cuts, elegant cut-outs and long slits. Combined with soft materials, they create a versatile, airy, and comfortable feminine look.
High-waisted garments: these silhouettes are a trademark of 1970s fashion and remain a must-have today. High-waisted trousers and skirts can be paired perfectly with crop or fitted tops.
Layered look: As in the past, various textures like knitted waistcoats, crocheted garments, and light blouses are combined to create a creative, multi-layered outfit.
Retro details: elements such as fringes, wide lapels and wrap-around styles bring the iconic look of the 1970s back to life. They are even used to add an extra touch to the outfit without weighing it down.
’70s fashion: typical colours and patterns
The fashion of the 1970s was characterised by a warm and natural colour palette, which is still widely used today in styles inspired by this era. Typical earthy colours such as brown, mustard yellow, ochre and olive green inspire many looks. In a modern interpretation, these classic colours are often accompanied by accents in bright pastel or neon shades to create fresh, contemporary contrasts.
In addition to these colours, the patterns of the ’70s have made their mark. Among them:
Psychedelic prints
Geometric shapes and patterns
Glitter
Contemporary designs often incorporate these patterns with more subtle or monochromatic variations, resulting in a modern and wearable look. For instance, a check pattern in soft pastel colours or a delicate floral pattern on a light fabric can add a touch of ’70s charm to an outfit without overwhelming it.
A bold combination of patterns perfectly represents a 1970s outfit. If you want to try your hand, start by combining pieces of one colour group to create a more harmonious look.
’70s outfits: key materials for a ’70s style
The materials of the ’70s revival share similar characteristics but emphasise quality and sustainability. This creates a mixture between a return to the past and modern innovation.
The most commonly used materials in the modern style of the 1970s are:
Leather, synthetic leather and faux suede were iconic materials of the 1970s. However, they have been now replaced by more sustainable alternatives like vegan leather, which looks just as stylish.
Denim continues to be a key element in fashion, featured in items like flared jeans, skirts, and jackets. The 'double denim' style is especially trendy.
Vintage-style knitwear is making a comeback. From oversized cardigans to crocheted tops, everything can be part of a 1970s outfit.
Soft fabrics such as viscose, satin, lyocell or silk give a touch of lightness and elegance and are used for garments such as dresses, skirts and blouses.
Metallic materials and shimmering fabrics are particularly popular for party outfits, evoking the glamorous disco era of the 1970s.
Corduroy and tweed are a must-have for a ’70s autumn and winter look. Opt for modern cuts for an elegant retro style.
’70s fashion: key pieces for a modern ’70s-inspired outfit
To effortlessly capture the essence of the 1970s in your modern outfit, you should include iconic pieces from that era. They make the look unmistakable and add a retro vibe to your outfit.
High-waisted and flared trousers
High-waisted, wide-leg trousers are a hallmark of the 1970s and are currently making a comeback. They emphasise the female silhouette by accentuating the waist and visually lengthening the legs. They are nowadays paired with simple, tight-fitting tops, such as narrow turtleneck shirts or lace tops. A pair of platform shoes and an oversized blazer create a look that is both modern and retro.
Miniskirts
Miniskirts were an essential part of ’70s fashion. Today, the emphasis is on skirts made from special materials like corduroy, denim, tweed, or wool. These fabrics give the skirt an intriguing texture and depth, enhancing its overall appearance. Styled with high boots, a blazer or a cardigan, they create a harmonious ’70s outfit.
Maxi dresses
Maxi dresses reflect the romantic, free spirit of the 1970s and are still an essential item of many looks today. They emphasise a flowing silhouette and are available in various styles: from light patterned fabrics to elegant monochrome designs. You can add a modern touch by styling a maxi dress with low boots for a comfortable yet elegant look.
Tie-neck blouses
Tie-bow blouses are another 1970s fashion key piece. Their loose cut and classic bow at the neck add a feminine and playful touch to any outfit. For a modern ’70s style, you can pair a blouse with flared trousers or a short skirt.
Satin dresses
Satin dresses, popular in the 1970s, are known for their glossy look and flowing silhouette. They are especially suitable for evening events and festive occasions but can also be styled for everyday wear with leather jackets and boots.
Trouser suits
The trouser suit symbolised female emancipation in the 1970s and is still a key piece today. Models made of special materials such as velvet, with a shimmering effect or bright colours, are reminiscent of ’70s fashion.
No 1970s outfit is complete without the right shoes and accessories. Platform shoes and knee-high boots were popular during that decade and are now re-emerging in current fashion trends. Block-heeled shoes are also particularly in vogue. To enhance your look, consider accessorizing with wide belts, oversized sunglasses, and eye-catching jewellery in bohemian or ethnic styles, which add a distinctive touch to your look.
’70s fashion for men: outfits with a retro charm
Men's ’70s fashion is currently experiencing a modern reinterpretation that takes up the iconic elements of the era and makes them contemporary and wearable in everyday life. Instead of the classic wide lapels and extravagant patterns of the era, modern looks focus on a finer yet impressive retro aesthetic:
Retro shirts: eye-catching patterns such as paisley or geometric shapes are making a comeback, although in paler colours and on high-quality fabrics such as cotton or linen. They are the perfect mix of nostalgia and everyday functionality.
Flared trousers: the typical flared trousers of the 1970s are back, now with a smaller width and more elegant cuts. A high waist completes the outfit and makes them a key piece of authentic retro style.
Disco vibes: the glamour of the ’70s is also back, bringing brightly coloured clothes and extravagant fabrics such as velvet and corduroy back into style. Wide lapels and large collars remain a distinctive feature and give outfits a special touch.
Denim: jeans were and are still a central item of men's fashion in the 1970s. Whether classic blue jeans, embroidered or patched styles, you can't go wrong with denim for your ’70s looks. The ‘double denim’ look, consisting of jeans and denim jackets or shirts, is another element of 1970s fashion that is making a comeback.
Corduroy: this material has a rustic elegance and gives a sense of warmth, perfect for a modern 1970s look. Corduroy trousers, often worn in warm, rich colours such as rust brown or dark green, are a good choice.
Suede trousers: considered non-conformist in the 1970s, faux suede trousers are now back in vogue. Variants in earthy tones such as brown, cognac or mustard yellow give outfits a sophisticated touch without losing their retro charm.
Conclusion: ’70s fashion – Retro inspiration for modern clothes
The fashion of the 1970s is more than just a nostalgic trend; it presents numerous opportunities to bring retro styles back in a modern way. Whether for everyday wear, the office, or special occasions, a contemporary take on ’70s fashion blends the best elements of the past with today's styles, adding a vintage flair to your wardrobe. Discover your new favourite pieces for ’70s-inspired outfits today!
