The groovy spirit of the 1970s is alive and well in today’s fashion landscape, but with a distinctly modern twist that makes these retro looks feel fresh and relevant. From runways to street style, fashion designers and trendsetters are mining the disco decade for inspiration, taking the best elements of ’70s style and updating them for contemporary wardrobes. What makes this revival so compelling isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the way today’s fashion innovators are reimagining these classic looks with better fits, sustainable materials, and styling approaches that feel authentically current rather than costume-like.
1. Bell Bottom Jeans Are Flaring Back to Life
Bell bottom jeans are officially making their return, with celebrities like Margot Robbie and Gigi Hadid leading the charge in rocking these ’70s silhouettes. Today’s versions maintain that iconic flared leg that was synonymous with disco-era cool, but modern cuts offer better waistline fits and premium denim construction that flatters contemporary body types. The exaggerated flare that once swept dance floors is now gracing red carpets and city streets with equal confidence.
Major fashion houses like Chanel and Chloé are releasing their own takes on flared trousers, recalling the styles worn by icons like David Bowie and Sonny and Cher. The modern remix focuses on versatility—these aren’t just weekend hippie pants anymore, but sophisticated pieces that can transition from office meetings to evening events. Today’s bell bottoms come in everything from classic dark wash denim to luxurious fabrics that elevate the silhouette beyond its casual roots.
2. Fringe Details Are Swaying Into the Spotlight
Fringed finishes were trending for Spring 2025, with everything from earthy raffia to distressed denim to fluffy knits bringing volume, motion, and texture to runways. The ’70s fringe vest that once symbolized free-spirited bohemian style has evolved into sophisticated accents on jackets, bags, and accessories that add movement without overwhelming an outfit. Modern fringe work incorporates unexpected materials like metallics and technical fabrics that catch light beautifully while maintaining that signature swaying motion.
Today’s fringe revival isn’t limited to Western-inspired pieces—designers are incorporating fringe elements into evening wear, business casual pieces, and even athletic wear. The key to making fringe feel current is restraint and strategic placement, using it as an accent rather than the main event. Contemporary styling pairs fringed pieces with sleek, minimal basics to create balanced looks that nod to the ’70s without looking like you raided a costume shop.
3. Suede and Soft Textures Are Having a Luxe Moment
The ’70s revival has brought back suede and bohemian styles, often in better condition than mass-produced reproductions. The touchable texture that defined ’70s outerwear and accessories is experiencing a renaissance, but today’s suede pieces emphasize quality and craftsmanship over quantity. Modern suede jackets feature updated silhouettes, better weather protection, and ethical sourcing that addresses contemporary concerns about sustainability and animal welfare.
The contemporary suede revival extends beyond traditional tan and brown tones, embracing jewel tones, pastels, and even metallic finishes that feel distinctly modern. Today’s designers are also experimenting with vegan suede alternatives that capture the luxurious feel without the environmental impact. The styling approach has shifted too—instead of head-to-toe suede looks, modern fashion favors strategic suede accents that add textural interest to otherwise contemporary outfits.
4. Platform Shoes Are Reaching New Heights
The towering platform shoes that made every ’70s fashionista feel like a disco goddess are strutting back into style with improved comfort technology and diverse styling options. Modern platforms maintain that dramatic height boost but incorporate memory foam insoles, better arch support, and materials that actually allow feet to breathe during long wear. Today’s platforms range from subtle wedges to statement-making chunky soles that work with everything from mini dresses to wide-leg trousers.
Contemporary platform design has expanded far beyond the classic cork wedge, incorporating everything from clear lucite to textured rubber to create visual interest. The modern approach to wearing platforms is more varied too—they’re not just for night-out looks anymore, but are being styled with casual daywear, business attire, and even athletic-inspired outfits. The key is choosing platforms that complement your personal style rather than dominating your entire look.
5. Peasant Blouses Are Blooming Again
The romantic, flowing peasant blouse that epitomized ’70s bohemian chic is experiencing a sophisticated revival that emphasizes artisanal details and premium fabrics. Modern versions maintain those signature billowy sleeves and feminine silhouettes but feature updated proportions that work with contemporary body types and styling preferences. Today’s peasant blouses often incorporate hand-embroidered details, sustainable cotton, and fit adjustments that make them appropriate for both casual and professional settings.
The contemporary styling of peasant blouses has evolved beyond the stereotypical hippie look, with fashion-forward individuals pairing these romantic tops with structured blazers, tailored trousers, and modern accessories. The key to making peasant blouses feel current is balancing their inherent romanticism with sleeker pieces that ground the look in reality. Modern color palettes have also expanded beyond earth tones to include bold prints and unexpected color combinations that feel fresh and relevant.
6. Wide-Brim Hats Are Shading the Competition
The dramatic wide-brim hats that provided both style and sun protection during the ’70s are experiencing a major revival among fashion influencers and everyday style enthusiasts alike. Modern versions maintain that sweeping brim silhouette but incorporate lightweight materials, packable designs for travel, and adjustable sizing that makes them more practical for contemporary lifestyles. Today’s wide-brim hats come in everything from classic felt to woven straw to weather-resistant synthetics that perform as well as they look.
The styling approach to wide-brim hats has become much more versatile, with these statement pieces being incorporated into urban looks, beach attire, and even formal occasions. Modern fashion embraces the hat as both a functional and aesthetic element, pairing oversized brims with everything from flowing maxi dresses to structured suits. The contemporary revival also emphasizes the hat as a year-round accessory rather than just a summer staple, with felt and wool versions providing autumn and winter styling options.
7. Earthy Color Palettes Are Grounding Modern Wardrobes
The ’70s were all about earthy tones, with popular colors making a comeback with modern caveats to make them more 21st-century. The rich browns, burnt oranges, deep greens, and golden yellows that defined ’70s color palettes are being reinterpreted through contemporary fashion lenses that emphasize sophistication and versatility. Modern earthy tones are being used in unexpected combinations and applied to sleek silhouettes that feel current rather than retro.
Today’s approach to earthy colors focuses on creating cohesive, tonal dressing that feels both grounded and elevated. Instead of the sometimes muddy color combinations of the original ’70s era, contemporary fashion uses these natural hues in cleaner, more refined ways that work in professional and social settings. The modern remix also incorporates metallic accents and texture play that adds visual interest while maintaining the organic feel that makes earthy tones so appealing.
8. Patchwork and Mixed Patterns Are Piecing Together
The eclectic patchwork aesthetic that celebrated handcrafted individuality in the ’70s is experiencing a high-fashion revival that emphasizes artisanal skill and sustainable practices. Modern patchwork incorporates vintage textiles, upcycled materials, and carefully curated fabric combinations that tell a story while creating visually striking garments. Today’s patchwork pieces often feature more refined construction techniques and thoughtful color coordination that makes them appropriate for a wider range of occasions.
Contemporary patchwork styling has moved beyond the casual hippie dress to include sophisticated blazers, statement coats, and even evening wear that showcases the technique’s artistic potential. Modern designers are using patchwork as a way to address sustainability concerns while creating unique pieces that celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. The key to wearing modern patchwork is treating it as the statement piece in an outfit, pairing it with solid colors and simple silhouettes that let the textile artistry shine.
9. Wrap Dresses Are Tying Up the Market
The universally flattering wrap dress that Diane von Furstenberg perfected in the ’70s continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary fashion needs while maintaining its essential appeal. Modern wrap dresses feature updated prints, sustainable fabrics, and versatile styling options that work from boardroom to weekend brunch. The genius of the wrap silhouette—its ability to flatter virtually every body type—remains unchanged, but today’s versions offer more size-inclusive options and diverse length choices.
Contemporary wrap dress styling has expanded far beyond the original jersey knit formula to include everything from silk crepe to ponte knits to sustainable fabrics that perform better and last longer. Modern fashion embraces the wrap dress as a foundational piece that can be dressed up or down through accessories, layering, and styling choices. The current revival also includes wrap-style tops, skirts, and even outerwear that applies the flattering principle to different garment categories.
10. Macramé and Crochet Details Are Weaving Back In
The handcrafted macramé and crochet work that represented ’70s counterculture values is experiencing a luxury revival that celebrates artisanal skill and sustainable fashion practices. Modern interpretations feature more refined techniques, premium materials, and sophisticated color palettes that elevate these crafts beyond their bohemian origins. Today’s macramé-detailed garments often incorporate these handcrafted elements as accent details rather than overwhelming features.
Contemporary fashion uses macramé and crochet work to add textural interest and artisanal value to both casual and dressy pieces. Modern styling approaches these handcrafted details as luxury elements that deserve to be showcased rather than hidden, pairing them with sleek silhouettes and refined fabrics that highlight the craftsmanship involved. The revival also emphasizes the sustainability aspect of these techniques, celebrating slow fashion and handmade quality in an era of fast fashion fatigue.
11. Oversized Sunglasses Are Seeing Clearly
The dramatic, face-covering sunglasses that made every ’70s icon look mysteriously glamorous are experiencing a major revival among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts who appreciate their combination of style and sun protection. Modern versions maintain those generous proportions but incorporate better UV protection, lighter materials, and more comfortable fit systems that make them practical for extended wear. Today’s oversized frames come in everything from classic tortoiseshell to bold metallics to unexpected color combinations.
Contemporary styling of oversized sunglasses treats them as both functional accessories and fashion statements that can elevate even the simplest outfits. Modern fashion embraces the dramatic proportions as a way to add instant glamour and mystery to everyday looks, whether paired with casual denim or elegant evening wear. The current revival also emphasizes the sunglasses as year-round accessories, with different tints and materials appropriate for various seasons and occasions.
12. Bohemian Layering Is Stacking Up Style
The ’70s bohemian styles are making a comeback, with vintage pieces providing authentic examples of these classic layering techniques. The art of mixing textures, lengths, and proportions that defined ’70s bohemian style is being reinterpreted through contemporary fashion sensibilities that emphasize intentional styling over random accumulation. Modern bohemian layering focuses on creating cohesive looks that feel thoughtfully curated rather than accidentally assembled.
Today’s approach to bohemian layering incorporates high-quality basics as foundation pieces, then adds carefully chosen vintage or vintage-inspired elements that create visual interest without overwhelming the wearer. Contemporary fashion uses layering to create outfits that can transition between different settings and seasons, with pieces that can be added or removed as needed. The modern bohemian aesthetic also emphasizes fit and proportion, ensuring that layered looks enhance rather than hide the wearer’s silhouette.
The ’70s fashion revival happening today proves that great style is truly timeless—it just needs the right contemporary context to shine again. These trends aren’t about recreating the past exactly as it was, but about taking the best elements of ’70s fashion and reimagining them for modern life. Whether you’re drawn to the flowing freedom of bohemian pieces or the bold statement of platform shoes, today’s ’70s-inspired fashion offers something for everyone who wants to add a little groovy sophistication to their wardrobe.
This story 12 ’70s Fashion Trends That Are Getting A Remixed Comeback Today was first published on Takes Me Back.
