Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Self

That 70s (fashion) show: How to rock the latest throw-back trend

Shannon Cooper
By

Fashion is cyclical; nothing proves that more than this year’s biggest fashion trends. Many of the most popular styles this season are straight out of the 1970s. From flare-leg pants and halter tops to funky prints and clogs, retro fashion is having a major moment.

And it’s no wonder that after months of lockdown, people are reemerging into the world and embracing the fun, energetic style of the 70s. There’s something for every style aesthetic in this decade, so keep reading to learn more about the most popular 70s fashion trends and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Woman wearing a crochet tank top with a sunflower on it
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Crochet

Finally, your new quarantine hobby comes in handy! Crochet was the perfect easy, breezy texture for the laidback 70s. These days, fashion brands are reimagining the trend for tops, skirts, and hats with modern twists. Try this style with a fashionable crochet top and skirt set (choose a maxi skirt for the colder weather).

Recommended Videos

Sweater vests

We’ve been seeing this trend floating around Instagram for months; sweater vests are one of the season’s most popular styles. These tops are easy to dress up for the office layered over a collared shirt and paired with trousers. You can also dress them down with a basic tee and jeans.

Related

Groovy patterns

From oversized florals to psychedelic swirls, the 70s was an incredible decade for bold patterns. These funky prints are making a comeback in every shape and form; you can find loads of dresses, coats, pants, and even tights in groovy patterns. Make the retro print the star of your look by pairing the statement piece with subdued basics and neutral accessories.

Woman wearing flared jeans
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Flared pants

There is nothing more quintessentially 70s than bell-bottom pants. Pack away your skinny jeans and instead opt for a pair with a looser fit. You can choose a style that’s fitted on top and flares out below the knees or a comfortable, wide-leg fit with a flared ankle. Regardless of which you pick, you can’t go wrong with this versatile style.

Halter neckline

Another ultra-versatile and chic trend that’s making a return is the halter top. This 70s staple is such a fun and flirty style with exposed shoulders and a plunging neckline; this makes the halter top a perfect going-out shirt. For chillier evenings, don’t forget a jacket!

Woman with afro wearing tinted sunglasses
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tinted, oversized sunglasses

The fashion world has moved on from the tiny sunglasses of this past spring and has gone back several decades for the latest sunglasses trend. If you’re shopping for new specs, choose an exaggerated frame in a rectangular or aviator style with a lighter tinted lens. Wear a pair in bright lime green to add a pop of color to your outfit.

Patchwork

Patchwork patterns were also incredibly trendy in the 70s. The fun, eclectic style is made by sewing together pieces of fabrics with different colors and patterns. If you don’t love the traditionally maximalist look of this 70s trend, look for a patchwork design that uses solid, neutral colors.

Bell sleeves

Who doesn’t love a statement sleeve? This fun and quirky trend was huge in the 70s, and now that people are able to go out again, it’s having a revival. Embrace the vintage style completely by wearing a floral mini dress with bell sleeves, or pair a bell-sleeved top with your fav bell-bottom jeans.

Woman wearing heeled clogs
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Clogs

No, we’re not suggesting Crocs. Clogs are the perfect everyday shoe. These slip-ons are comfortable enough to wear all day long and simple enough to look chic with every outfit. For dressier occasions, find a pair of platform clogs to add a bit more style (and height) to your look.

Southwestern accents

Southwestern design was widely popular in the 70s, just as it is today. Some of the season’s biggest trends are inspired by typical western wear like fringe, wide-brimmed hats, and cowboy boots. To avoid looking like you’re dressed in a costume, wear your western pieces separately and pair the accessories with simple, sophisticated outfits.

Are you ready to start digging around your parent’s basement for their 70s hand-me-downs? There are so many fantastic kinds of 70s style clothing that are super trendy this year. You can try out these styles any way you want. Embrace the full 70s disco queen look with a halter top and bell-bottoms or try to sprinkle in a few retro-inspired pieces to your existing wardrobe. But no matter how you style your outfits, with our tips, you’re sure to look out of sight.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Shannon Cooper
Shannon Cooper
Freelance writer
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
How to avoid fast fashion when you can’t afford anything else
Woman browsing clothes at a thrift store

Fast fashion has become a bit of a buzzword recently, specifically because of its impact on the environment. The trendy and cheaply-made clothes from retailers like H&M, Zara, and Shein may be nice for your bank account, but the price on the environment is extraordinary. According to a UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion report, the fashion industry generates around 20% of the world’s wastewater and is responsible for 8-10% of total global carbon emissions.

This daunting problem is something we all have a responsibility to address. While the solution may seem simple to some (just don’t shop from those companies), doing so is not always an option, especially for lower-income individuals. For those on a budget, avoiding fast fashion brands is not reasonable or affordable. How can you reconcile your budget with your beliefs? Here are a few tips that may help you on your journey to becoming a more ethical shopper without breaking the bank.

Read more
Honey I unshrunk your shirt: Hacks for stretching your clothes back to size
Denim clothes hanging on a clothesline

Everybody’s been there; you collect your laundry from the dryer only to find that your favorite shirt is now doll-sized. Not all hope is lost, so don’t start online shopping for a replacement just yet. There are ways you can unshrink your favorite pieces!

When clothes get smaller in the dryer, the heat has caused the fabric’s weave to tighten. To unshrink your clothes, you are doing the opposite, stretching out the fabric until it is back to its original shape and size. The method you should try depends on the material of the garment. Here’s how you can unshrink clothes made of the most common materials.

Read more
These 5 Instagrammers are making us so excited for Fall fashion
Friends sitting outside in the fall

Even as the summer rages on, this year’s biggest fall fashion trends are already starting to pop up all over Instagram. Some of our favorite summer trends, like provocative cutouts, casual athleisure, and the Y2K redux, will carry over into the cooler weather. But you can also expect to see new styles gaining popularity, from bold looks, like printed tights and colored leather, to understated classics, like sweater vests and knitwear. Keep reading to see five of our favorite Instagrammers who have already started to embrace the upcoming season’s most significant fashions.

@moeblackx
Are you sick of the same old Kardashian-wannabe influencers? You need to start following moeblackx. This fashion maximalist’s pics always feature trendy, colorful, and totally unique styles. Moe’s unexpected outfit combinations will keep you inspired all season long. You can already see her starting to include some of the fall’s most prominent upcoming fashions into her looks. In this post, she combines two styles that you’re about to see a lot more of: lime green and colorful leather. For both trends, the bolder, the better. The tinted 70s style sunglasses and hair clips she’s wearing are also making a huge comeback this year.
@sarah_najafi
The Los Angeles-based sarah_najafi is one of the best stylists on Instagram, especially if you like minimalist fashion. In addition to her chic outfits, Sarah also frequently posts about her fav accessories and skincare and makeup products. She loves monochromatic looks, particularly in neutral colors, including trendy tailored suiting and casual yet elegant dresses. One of our favorite looks shows a little preview of a trend that will no doubt carry over from summer to fall. This black midi dress from Rails features side cutouts and a keyhole opening. If you’re looking for a new LBD this autumn or any impeccably simple outfit, check out Sarah’s feed.
@rachelnoelleclark
Rachel is another fashion maximalist whose funky and colorful looks will inspire you to do the absolute most with your wardrobe. Her style is primarily Y2K-inspired, from her hair to her shoes, with bright colors and bold patterns. And while she hits on so many fall trends in her recent posts, like unique knitwear, statement coats, and bold greens and pinks, our favorite style of hers is the printed tights. These fun accessories are about to blow up, and with her cute pink heart tights, @rachelnoelleclark shows you how to have fun with them!

Read more