1. Shag Haircuts
Shag haircuts were everywhere in the ’70s, and people loved how effortless and “rock star” they looked at the time. The choppy layers had a mind of their own, and once you committed, there was no going back until it grew out. Many folks thought they were channeling Farrah Fawcett, even if the end result looked more like a frizzy helmet. The style required constant trimming and a good amount of hairspray to stay in place. Looking back, a lot of people cringe at how uneven the layers could get. Some even admit they tried to fix theirs at home and made it worse. It is now one of those hairstyles people fondly remember, but rarely want to recreate.
The shag also photographed in, well, unpredictable ways. Family photos from the era often reveal a halo of fluffy, disconnected layers. Parents look back at those pictures and wonder what exactly they were thinking. Even celebrities who rocked the cut have joked about it in interviews. The style works today in softer, more blended versions, but the original had a wildness that was hard to tame. Many remember the feeling of trying to brush it and watching it puff up instead. It remains a symbol of the decade, just not necessarily one people want to relive.
2. Leisure Suits
Leisure suits felt like the height of cool when they hit the scene, especially in polyester. They came in every color from avocado green to powder blue, and people wore them everywhere. For many, this was the first time a matching set felt stylish instead of overly formal. The problem was that the synthetic fabric didn’t breathe, and people quickly learned how uncomfortable that could be. Photos of these suits now make people laugh more than swoon. The collars were wide, the pants were flared, and the fit was often questionable. They were trendy at the time, but not exactly timeless.
The leisure suit also became a punchline in pop culture. Vintage ads show them being marketed as the perfect all-occasion outfit, but modern viewers just see disco-era awkwardness. The bright colors did not help anyone blend in, and the fabric tended to cling in strange places. Many who wore them say they felt sweaty within minutes. Once the ’80s hit, the look disappeared almost overnight. Still, the leisure suit has a surprising charm to it, even if it is mostly remembered through an ironic lens.
3. Platform Shoes
Platform shoes reached sky-high proportions in the ’70s, and people loved how tall they suddenly felt. Both men and women wore them, making it one of the few trends nearly everyone tried. Some shoes even added several inches of height, which was fun until it was time to walk. Many people admit they fell at least once while wearing them. Despite the danger, they were a staple of disco fashion and looked great under wide-leg pants. The bold designs made them stand out, even in dimly lit clubs. Today, most people laugh at how impractical they really were.
Platforms also left a lasting impression on old photographs. Kids today are often shocked to see dads in towering shoes. The shoes were heavy, clunky, and not exactly podiatrist approved. Many owners recall tripping on sidewalks or during dances. Still, the shoes had a fun, whimsical side people appreciated. Even though modern versions exist, nothing compares to the extremes of the original ’70s platforms. They are a nostalgic reminder of a decade where fashion loved to push limits.
4. Polyester Everything
Polyester took over wardrobes in the ’70s, and it was marketed as the miracle fabric of the future. It didn’t wrinkle, it held color well, and it was cheap to make. The trouble was that it didn’t breathe, which made people sweat even in mild temperatures. Many remember feeling like they were wrapped in plastic wrap. Polyester shirts, dresses, and pants dominated closets until natural fabrics made a comeback. Old photos often show the telltale shiny finish that gave it away. It was a trend that felt high tech then, but a little uncomfortable now.
Looking back, people talk about the static electricity that came with wearing polyester. Wintertime meant sparks every time you touched a doorknob. The fabric also pilled easily, so it didn’t stay “new” for long. Some colors even faded in strange ways after a few washes. While polyester is much higher quality now, the ’70s version had its challenges. Still, it is remembered with affection because of how deeply it shaped everyday fashion. It is one of the decade’s most iconic but not entirely beloved materials.
5. Crochet Vests
Crochet vests were a handmade staple, often gifted by someone crafty in the family. They showed up at school dances, concerts, and weekend outings. Many people appreciated the personal touch, but the open weave didn’t provide much warmth. Some patterns were also a bit unpredictable, leading to shapes that didn’t fit quite right. These vests were often worn over bold shirts, making the outfits feel even louder. People who grew up then remember how scratchy some yarns felt. It was a look that felt very “earthy,” even if it didn’t flatter everyone.
Despite the awkward designs, crochet vests had a charm that people still talk about. It was common to have a few in bright colors, each one completely unique. Some folks tried to make their own, only to discover it was harder than it looked. Many of these vests ended up in family photos that now serve as fun reminders of the era. Fans of vintage fashion still collect them today. Even so, most people agree the trend worked better in memory than in practice. It’s a quirky, cozy symbol of the era’s handmade style.
6. Bell-Bottom Pants
Bell-bottoms were one of the most recognizable fashions of the ’70s. The wide flare made every step resemble a dramatic swoosh. People wore them to school, work, and the roller rink, making them a universal staple. The problem was that the extra fabric attracted dirt, puddles, and scuffs. Many recall dragging hems that frayed within weeks. Even so, the style became deeply associated with the decade. Today, people look back at how enormous some of the flares were and laugh.
The pants weren’t the easiest to move around in either. Climbing stairs required lifting the leg a little higher to keep from stepping on the fabric. Some people even tripped over their own cuffs. But they looked great on a dance floor, which made up for the inconvenience for many. Bell-bottoms do come back now and then in softer forms. The original ’70s versions, though, remain a bold fashion statement people remember fondly but do not necessarily want to recreate. They are fun to look back on, but tricky to wear again.
7. Tube Tops
Tube tops were simple, stretchy, and everywhere. They were appealing because they felt carefree, especially during summer. The trouble came when they slipped, which they often did. Many people remember yanking them up constantly at parties or the beach. They looked cute in theory but weren’t always comfortable in real life. Some were made from terry cloth, adding an extra layer of oddity. Anyone who wore one probably remembers at least one mishap.
The tops also required confidence many people didn’t feel they had. Moving, dancing, or even bending over could cause problems. Old photos show people smiling, but many were likely holding their breath hoping the top stayed put. They were a classic part of ’70s fashion, though, especially for teens. Today, people look back and laugh at how impractical they were. They hold a nostalgic place in fashion history, even if most folks don’t miss wearing them.
8. Clashing Prints
The ’70s were a time when more was more, and prints got louder every year. People mixed stripes, florals, paisley, and geometric shapes without hesitation. Looking back, many admit they looked like walking kaleidoscopes. The bold colors made outfits impossible to ignore. Matching wasn’t the goal, and it showed. Most people wore these outfits proudly, unaware of the visual chaos they were creating. The trend pushed fashion rules to their limit.
The prints also showed up in home décor, so the clothing wasn’t the only offender. Photos from the time show entire families in patterns that battle for attention. Parents dressed their kids in matching prints, making group shots extra memorable. Even though the patterns were fun, they didn’t always age well. Some people kept bits of fabric or clothing as keepsakes because they were so distinct. The trend remains a fun conversation starter about how fearless the decade was with color.
9. Denim-on-Denim
Wearing denim from head to toe felt incredibly stylish during the ’70s. Whether it was a matching jacket and jeans or a denim shirt tucked in, it gave off a cool, casual vibe. The look worked for concerts, school, and casual outings. But sometimes the shades didn’t quite match, creating an accidental patchwork effect. People look back now and cringe at how stiff and heavy the outfits could feel. Denim was not as comfortable then as it is today. Still, it was one of the era’s defining looks.
The trend became so widespread that even kids ended up in denim-on-denim outfits. Family photos show siblings dressed almost identically in jean jackets and dark-wash pants. It could look cool, but it also took commitment to wear that much denim all at once. Many still appreciate the classic feel of denim, just not necessarily layered all over. Today, stylists recommend breaking it up with other textures. The ’70s version was bold, memorable, and best left in the past.
10. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair became incredibly popular thanks to celebrities who made it look effortless. The style involved brushing the hair away from the face to create soft, wing-like layers. It looked glamorous on camera, but required a lot of time and practice. Many people bought special brushes and rollers to recreate the look. The results varied, and some ended up with more of a poofy shape than a feathered one. Hairspray was essential to keep it in place. The style has a fond place in fashion memory, but not everyone mastered it.
Old yearbooks are filled with attempts at feathered hair. Some people pulled it off while others ended up with large, rounded styles instead. It could easily fall flat without enough product. Humidity made it almost impossible to maintain. The style did return in gentler forms over the years. But the dramatic ’70s version remains iconic, even if it didn’t suit everyone. It was a trend that looked better on posters than in everyday life.
11. Clogs
Clogs were comfortable in theory, but not always in practice. The wooden soles made them heavy and sometimes noisy. Many people loved how bohemian they felt, especially when paired with long skirts. But the stiffness of the sole made walking a challenge. Some owners recall slipping because the shoe didn’t bend with the foot. They also required thick socks to avoid rubbing. Despite the flaws, they were everywhere.
Clogs became a part of many people’s school wardrobes. They often clacked loudly with every step, echoing down hallways. Some people remember getting blisters after wearing them too long. They were stylish in a carefree, earthy way. Today, modern versions are softer and easier to walk in. The ’70s originals hold nostalgic charm, but weren’t always the most practical. They are a fun reminder of how style sometimes outweighs comfort.
12. Overly Wide Collars
Oversized collars were a major trend, showing up on shirts, jackets, and dresses. They added flair to everyday outfits and made simple tops look more dramatic. The downside was that they often flopped around or wouldn’t stay flat. Many people remember fussing with them to keep them in place. Some collars were so big they almost reached the shoulders. The look didn’t age gracefully in photos. Still, they captured the spirit of the time perfectly.
These collars also popped up in school portraits and holiday photos. The pointed tips sometimes curled upward, giving them a cartoonish look. People who wore them remember the constant adjustments. The style didn’t transition well into the following decade, so it disappeared quickly. It was one of those trends that seemed fun in the moment. Today, wide collars exist in toned-down versions, but nothing like the originals. They remain a playful relic of ’70s fashion.
13. High-Waisted Shorts
High-waisted shorts were popular for their flattering shape, or at least what people thought was flattering at the time. They created a long-legged look that many enjoyed. But they also rode up easily and didn’t leave much room for movement. Many people remember walking awkwardly to keep them from bunching. The material wasn’t always soft, which made the fit even more uncomfortable. Despite that, they were a warm-weather staple. They paired well with graphic tees and sneakers.
Old photos show just how high the waistlines reached. In some cases, the waistband nearly touched the ribcage. People loved the look, but not always the feel. Sitting down in them could be uncomfortable. Modern high-waisted styles exist, but they tend to have stretch for comfort. The ’70s versions were much stiffer. Still, they remain a nostalgic reminder of summer outfits from the era.
14. Ponchos
Ponchos made people feel effortlessly boho, even if they looked a bit shapeless. They were warm, cozy, and easy to throw on. But they didn’t offer much structure, and some designs swallowed people whole. Many remember struggling to keep them from slipping off one shoulder. The loose shape also made them tricky to pair with certain outfits. They were fun at festivals and casual gatherings. Still, most people agree they weren’t the most flattering pieces.
Ponchos also had a tendency to catch on things. The fringe on the bottom could get tangled, adding to the hassle. Kids especially disliked wearing them because they were hard to play in. Yet they show up in plenty of ’70s family photos. Some people still love them for their comfort and charm. The classic knitted poncho is a nostalgic symbol of the era’s free-spirited style. It may not be missed, but it is remembered.
15. Metallic Jumpsuits
Metallic jumpsuits made people feel like disco royalty. They shimmered under club lights and instantly stood out in a crowd. But they weren’t breathable and often felt hot within minutes. The tight fit also made them difficult to move in. Many recall how challenging it was to use the restroom while wearing one. Despite the inconvenience, they were incredibly popular. The flashiness captured the decade’s love of glamour.
The jumpsuits live on in old photos that show how reflective they were. Some people paired them with platforms, making the outfit even more dramatic. They were fun for a night out, but not ideal for everyday wear. The styles didn’t transition into the next decade well, so they vanished quickly. Today, they are mostly seen in costume shops. Still, they capture the playful, over the top nature of the ’70s beautifully.
