1. Pet Rocks
It sounds wild now, but in the ’70s, pet rocks were the height of quirky cool. Essentially, people bought a rock—yes, just a rock—packaged in a small box with breathing holes and straw to keep it comfy. It became one of the most bizarre fads ever to hit the market, selling millions within just a few months. The idea, created by Gary Dahl, was that rocks required no care, unlike traditional pets, making them the ideal low-maintenance companion.
While it might have seemed fun in the moment, the Pet Rock fad quickly faded as people realized that rocks, well, don’t do much. It didn’t take long for the novelty to wear off, leaving behind just a collection of stones gathering dust in attics. We can’t help but laugh now when we think of the hype surrounding them. Looking back, it’s one of those “What were we thinking?” moments we all wish we could forget.
2. Mood Rings
Who could forget the mood ring, that trusty piece of jewelry supposedly able to tell us how we were feeling? These rings changed colors based on temperature, and people wore them as a way to indicate their emotional state. The color changes, which ranged from blue to green to black, were marketed as a sort of emotional weather report, a quirky addition to anyone’s wardrobe. They quickly became the go-to accessory, especially for teens.
The truth, however, is that mood rings were just thermochromic, meaning the colors changed depending on the wearer’s body temperature. They never really indicated your feelings, which made them a bit of a letdown after the initial thrill wore off. Today, they mostly exist as nostalgic items of fashion kitsch, and it’s hard to look back without cringing at the idea of letting a ring “tell us how we feel.”
3. Disco Fever
Disco, disco, disco! It was everywhere in the ’70s—on the radio, in the clubs, and even in our living rooms. The funky beats and flashy style became the soundtrack of an entire generation. With glittery outfits, platform shoes, and nightclubs that never seemed to close, disco was a cultural force. Everyone wanted to boogie under the mirrored ball, and it felt like the party would never end.
But as much fun as disco seemed, the fad eventually overstayed its welcome. After a few years, the repetitive beats and flamboyant outfits became more of a burden than a joy. The backlash against disco hit hard, and by the early ’80s, it was quickly replaced by new musical trends. We can’t help but look back at our old disco-era wardrobes with a little embarrassment now.
4. Farrah Fawcett Hair
If you were in the ’70s, chances are you tried to replicate Farrah Fawcett’s iconic feathered hairstyle at least once. The “Farrah hair” was the ultimate symbol of effortless glamour, with its voluminous layers and signature flicked-out ends. It was one of the most famous looks of the era, thanks to Farrah’s role on Charlie’s Angels and her stunning poster that was everywhere. The style became synonymous with the carefree, fun-loving ’70s vibe, and for many, it was a must-have look.
However, achieving the perfect Farrah hair wasn’t as easy as it looked. For every head of glossy, perfect layers, there were probably ten that looked a little more like an unruly bird’s nest. As the decades passed, the style quickly felt outdated, and now, it’s often a go-to reference for hairstyles we wish we could forget. Let’s just say, it’s hard to take a Farrah-inspired photo seriously today.
5. Clogs
If you had a pair of wooden clogs in the ’70s, you were in style. They became all the rage in the fashion world, especially for women who wanted to give their outfits a bit of a rustic or European flair. The sturdy, wooden-soled shoes came in all kinds of styles, from heeled to flat, and often had floral patterns or chunky buckles. If you had a pair, you probably felt a sense of accomplishment in how trendy you were.
However, these heavy shoes often sacrificed comfort for style. The clunky wooden soles didn’t exactly provide much in terms of support, and they were often noisy on hard surfaces. As much as they were a fun trend at the time, it’s easy to see why they didn’t stick around for long. Let’s just say we’re glad they didn’t make a major comeback in recent years.
6. The “Hug Me” Shirt
The ’70s were known for some pretty wild fashion trends, but one of the most cringe-worthy was the “Hug Me” shirt. These oversized T-shirts were often emblazoned with the words “Hug Me” across the chest, encouraging a warm embrace from any passersby. While it was meant to be playful, it came off more as an invitation for unwanted attention and awkward situations.
The “Hug Me” shirt quickly became a fashion faux pas, as it wasn’t exactly the kind of message many people wanted to send out. What seemed like a cute, quirky trend turned out to be a bit too much—especially for those who weren’t so keen on public displays of affection. Looking back, we can’t help but cringe at how much time we spent trying to make that shirt look cool.
7. Macrame
Macrame was everywhere in the ’70s, from hanging plant holders to wall hangings, and even clothing. This form of knotting was seen as the epitome of boho chic, with its earthy, textured designs adorning homes, gardens, and bodies alike. People were often proudly displaying their DIY creations, and macrame seemed to be the perfect way to show off your crafty side.
Unfortunately, macrame’s reign didn’t last. What once seemed like a creative and decorative craft quickly became overexposed, and soon, every home had the same knotted wall hangings and plant holders. It’s easy to see why we may look back on macrame with mixed feelings today. What once added a touch of artistic flair now feels more like an outdated trend.
