1. Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses were a flowy, feminine favorite in the 70s. These ankle-grazing dresses often came in floral prints or bright patterns, perfect for a summer day. But sometimes, those long hems would trip us up, and the billowing fabric could be a little too much. We loved the carefree look back then, but we might think twice before revisiting the trend today.
2. Bell-Bottoms
If you lived through the 70s, you undoubtedly owned at least one pair of bell-bottoms. These flared pants were the epitome of cool, but looking back, they were anything but subtle. The wide, exaggerated legs made walking (and sometimes dancing) a challenge. Pair them with platform shoes, and you had a whole lot of fabric flapping around. We loved them then, but let’s be honest—thank goodness we didn’t have Instagram to document our every outfit.
3. Platform Shoes
Speaking of platforms, we teetered around in these sky-high shoes, oblivious to how ridiculous they looked. From glittery disco versions to casual cork styles, platforms weren’t just a fashion statement—they were a safety hazard! It’s a miracle we didn’t break more ankles. Today, we may admire the daring looks of the era, but we’ll also stick to more comfortable footwear.
4. Leisure Suits
Ah, the leisure suit. Nothing screamed 70s fashion more than a polyester suit in garish colors and patterns. Whether worn by men or women, these suits were meant to be comfortable yet fashionable—though they often looked more like costumes than chic attire. With matching jackets and pants, sometimes even with a turtleneck underneath, this trend feels like it came straight out of a time capsule (and should probably stay there).
5. Shag Haircuts
The shag haircut was all the rage in the 70s, with its choppy layers and feathered bangs. It was meant to be effortless and cool, but in reality, it often looked like we had just rolled out of bed. While it worked for rock stars, not all of us pulled it off quite so well. The frizz and flyaways were real, but thankfully, no one was snapping candid shots for social media back then!
6. Tie-Dye Everything
We couldn’t get enough of tie-dye in the 70s. Whether it was shirts, skirts, or even socks, this psychedelic pattern was everywhere. We thought we were channeling peace and love, but let’s face it—most of us looked like we’d been through a paint spill. Looking back, it’s a fun memory of carefree days, but those rainbow-colored disasters probably belong in a photo album, not on Pinterest.
7. Huge Collars
The bigger, the better. From button-down shirts to dresses, oversized collars were a must-have accessory in the 70s. These collars weren’t just large—they were huge, often extending beyond the shoulders. The trend reached its peak with disco fashion, where collars flew as wide as possible. It may have been groovy at the time, but now we cringe at those triangle-shaped flaps that dominated our wardrobes.
8. Headbands
Headbands were the finishing touch to any 70s outfit, worn across the forehead for that ultimate hippie-chic look. Whether they were made of leather, beads, or fabric, we loved them. But they weren’t exactly practical. Between squeezing your head and messing up your hair, these headbands were more about style than comfort. Today, we might reserve them for themed parties instead of daily wear.
9. Clogs
Clunky clogs were another footwear trend we couldn’t get enough of. These wooden-soled shoes were a 70s staple, often worn with bell-bottoms or maxi dresses. They may have been trendy, but they weren’t exactly easy to walk in. The loud clomping sound they made as we walked down the street was hard to miss, but at least no one could secretly film our awkward attempts to stay balanced!
10. Wide, High-Waisted Belts
The 70s were all about accessories, and wide belts cinched high on the waist were a popular way to pull together an outfit. Often made of leather or suede, these belts were worn over everything from dresses to tunics. While they were meant to create a flattering silhouette, they often ended up looking bulky and uncomfortable. Not the most practical trend, but at least we thought we looked stylish!
11. Polyester Everything
If there was one fabric that defined the 70s, it was polyester. From suits to dresses, polyester was everywhere—and it wasn’t exactly breathable. Our grandparents loved it for being wrinkle-free, but we remember the sweaty, uncomfortable reality of wearing it on a hot day. Today, we avoid it like the plague, but back then, it was the height of fashion.
12. Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits were the one-piece wonders of the 70s, worn by both men and women for casual outings or disco nights. They came in all sorts of colors and patterns, but there was one major downside—bathroom breaks were a challenge! While they may have been convenient for an all-in-one outfit, jumpsuits were far from practical in the real world.
13. Corduroy Everything
Corduroy was another fabric we couldn’t get enough of in the 70s. From pants to jackets, the ribbed texture was considered a fashionable choice for both kids and adults. But looking back, we can’t help but remember how stiff and uncomfortable it could be, especially after one too many wash cycles. It made a distinct sound when we walked, but we didn’t care—we thought we were fashion-forward.
14. Peasant Blouses
Inspired by the bohemian trend of the time, peasant blouses were light, flowy, and often embroidered. They were supposed to evoke a carefree, artistic vibe, but more often than not, they just looked oversized and shapeless. While they were comfortable, they didn’t always do us any favors in the style department. Still, they were a wardrobe staple for anyone embracing the 70s hippie look.
15. Patchwork Denim
Patchwork was a huge trend in the 70s, and it made its way onto our denim in a big way. Whether it was store-bought or homemade, jeans with multicolored fabric patches sewn onto them were a major fashion statement. They were fun, sure, but they also looked a little chaotic. Looking back, it’s one of those trends that seemed cool at the time, but now we’re glad our patched-up pants didn’t make it into the digital age.
It’s hard not to smile (or cringe) when we think about the fashion choices we made in the 70s. While some trends have made a comeback, others are best left in the past—thankfully without a permanent record on social media.
