1. Mood Rings
Nothing screamed “I’m in touch with my feelings” quite like a mood ring. Kids would show them off proudly, convinced that the little stone could actually read emotions. The ring would shift from blue to green to black, and everyone swore it was spot-on, even if it was just reacting to body heat. It wasn’t unusual to hear someone gasp when their mood ring suddenly turned dark, convinced it meant something dramatic was about to happen.
They were more than jewelry, they were mini science experiments right on your finger. Kids would press their rings against different surfaces just to see the color change. Even though adults knew better, the mystery was half the fun. They were an accessory, a toy, and a personality test all in one.
2. Feathered Hair Clips
These accessories were flashy and fun, giving kids a little “rock star” flair. They often came with bright-colored feathers dangling from shiny clips that attached easily to the hair. Walking into school with a few feathers bouncing along was a surefire way to grab attention. They looked like they came straight off the set of a variety show.
Of course, the feathers didn’t always stay in place. They’d tangle, fall apart, or shed on your clothes. But none of that mattered, because when the sun hit them just right, you felt like the coolest kid around. For a brief moment, you weren’t just a student in class, you were a star.
3. Puffy Shoelaces
Shoelaces weren’t just practical in the ’70s, they were fashion statements. Kids would swap out the boring white laces that came with sneakers for fat, brightly colored ones. Neon pink, electric blue, and even tie-dye patterns made their way onto shoes. It was the easiest way to personalize your look without breaking the bank.
They looked awesome when fresh out of the package, but they didn’t stay crisp for long. After a few days of recess or running through puddles, they turned frayed and grubby. Still, kids would proudly re-lace their shoes, double-knot them, and show off their funky style. It made even the plainest sneakers look brand new.
4. Star-Shaped Sunglasses
Oversized novelty glasses weren’t just for Elton John. Kids loved grabbing pairs shaped like stars or hearts and wearing them around the neighborhood. They were impractical, often slipping down your nose, but they made you feel instantly famous. Even at the beach or pool, these glasses weren’t blocking much sun, but they were pure fun.
They also popped up at parties and carnivals, sold at stands right next to inflatable toys. Kids would wear them for pictures, then refuse to take them off even indoors. They broke easily, but no one cared because they were cheap and easy to replace. It was less about function and more about the cool factor.
5. Rhinestone Belts
A little sparkle went a long way, and rhinestone belts gave kids just that. Often wide and covered in glittery studs, they cinched around flared jeans or polyester pants. They caught the light every time you moved, making them perfect for school dances or roller rinks. The shinier, the better.
Of course, they weren’t always comfortable. The rhinestones could dig into your waist or snag your shirt, but fashion rarely took comfort into account back then. Kids wore them proudly anyway, strutting like mini disco stars. Looking back, it was all about capturing a little glamour in everyday life.
6. Plastic Charm Necklaces
Collecting charms was practically a hobby in itself during the ’70s. Kids would string colorful little plastic trinkets onto long chains, each charm representing something different. There were animals, shoes, even miniature telephones, and the more you had, the cooler you looked. Walking around with a clinking, colorful necklace made you feel like part of a secret club.
The best part was trading charms with friends. One week you might have a roller skate charm, the next a tiny ice cream cone. Sometimes the chains got so heavy they were more uncomfortable than stylish. But kids didn’t care, the fun was in showing off your collection.
7. Stick-On Body Gems
Before glitter makeup took off, kids were sticking rhinestones directly on their skin. You could buy little sheets of self-adhesive gems in bright colors and shapes. They’d go on cheeks, foreheads, or even nails for a quick dose of sparkle. It wasn’t subtle, but subtlety wasn’t really the goal.
These didn’t last long once you started sweating or playing outside, but that didn’t stop kids from wearing them to school or the skating rink. Sometimes you’d find them stuck to random places hours later, like your notebook or lunchbox. Even if they peeled off halfway through the day, they made you feel like a trendsetter. It was a low-cost way to add instant pizzazz.
8. Bandanas
Bandanas became a staple for kids who wanted to look a little rebellious. Worn around the head, tied at the neck, or even hanging from a pocket, they were versatile and cheap. Bright colors and bold prints made them easy to spot across the playground. They were part cowboy, part rocker, and all attitude.
They weren’t always practical, though. On hot days, they got sweaty and uncomfortable, and sometimes parents frowned at the “tough” look they gave off. But kids wore them proudly anyway, thinking they looked just like their favorite TV heroes or rock stars. For many, it was their first taste of edgy style.
9. Beaded Bracelets
Handmade or store-bought, beaded bracelets were everywhere in the ’70s. They came in rainbow colors, sometimes with peace signs or initials spelled out in little cubes. Kids loved stacking several at a time, letting them jingle around their wrists. They were cheap enough to collect by the handful.
The bracelets often snapped after too much wear, sending beads flying across the classroom. That didn’t stop kids from stringing them back together or starting fresh with new ones. They were more than accessories, they were conversation starters. Each one told a little story about the kid who wore it.
10. Funky Suspenders
Not just for dads or old sitcom characters, suspenders had a cool streak in the ’70s. They came in neon stripes, glitter finishes, or even with cartoon designs. Kids wore them with jeans or corduroys, turning a practical item into something eye-catching. The more outrageous, the better.
Sometimes suspenders didn’t even do the job of holding up pants, but that wasn’t the point. They were about standing out, not blending in. It was a way to add personality without saying a word. For a few years, they were the ultimate mix of quirky and cool.
11. Glow-in-the-Dark Jewelry
What could be cooler than an accessory that lit up after dark? Glow-in-the-dark beads, rings, and pendants made kids feel like walking light shows. They charged them up under a lamp, then proudly watched them glow during sleepovers or roller-skating nights. It was like having a little bit of magic you could wear.
The glow didn’t last long, but that made it even more special. You’d run to the bathroom just to check how bright they looked in the mirror with the lights off. Kids often competed to see whose glowed the longest. Even today, there’s something irresistibly fun about jewelry that glows.
12. Platform Sandals
While disco was king, even kids wanted in on the trend. Platform sandals, sometimes made of cork or plastic, gave them a few extra inches of height. They clomped noisily down school hallways, making kids feel grown-up and stylish. They didn’t go with every outfit, but when paired with bell-bottoms, they made a statement.
Of course, they weren’t exactly safe. Kids tripped, wobbled, and sometimes twisted ankles trying to keep up with the trend. But that was part of the risk of looking cool in the ’70s. Platform sandals were proof that kids weren’t just following fashion, they were chasing a little piece of disco glamour.
