1. Bell-Bottom Jeans
Bell-bottom jeans were the ultimate ’70s fashion statement, with their wide flares that began at the knee and spread dramatically to the ankle. They were so iconic, in fact, that nearly everyone tried them at least once—whether in high school or as part of a retro phase later on. The look was supposed to give off that groovy, free-spirited vibe, but let’s be honest, they weren’t always practical. Walking around in those flowing fabrics made it easy to trip over the cuffs, and they were a pain to hem properly.
Despite the struggles, bell-bottoms were synonymous with ’70s fashion, and many of us rocked them with platforms or tucked into boots. Though the trend made a brief return in recent years, we can all agree they were far more fun to wear in photos than in real life. It’s safe to say that while they may have been a symbol of rebellion, comfort wasn’t exactly part of the package deal.
2. Polyester Suits
If you didn’t own a polyester suit in the ’70s, were you even really part of the decade? These flashy, often bright-colored outfits were a staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes, with their shiny, slick look designed to turn heads. While polyester had its perks, like being wrinkle-resistant, it didn’t quite breathe in the way natural fibers do. You were basically swaddled in sweat by mid-day, making it hard to keep your cool in those flashy suits.
The suits were often paired with wide collars and clashing patterns that were just as bold as the fabric itself. Looking back, they scream “fashion risk,” and while it might have seemed fun at the time, wearing a suit that could double as a slip-and-slide is probably something we should have skipped. Still, it’s hard not to smile when we see those iconic ’70s looks—though perhaps from a safe distance.
3. Platform Shoes
There was no shortage of height in the ’70s, thanks to the rise of platform shoes. Whether you were channeling your inner disco diva or trying to add a bit of extra oomph to your everyday look, platforms gave us a few extra inches—along with a lot of extra attention. While they certainly helped boost confidence, walking in them was like balancing on stilts. More than a few of us ended up with twisted ankles and bruised egos when we misjudged a step.
Though platform shoes were a staple of disco culture and even graced the stage with the likes of the Spice Girls, they didn’t exactly lend themselves to stability. Plus, dancing the night away in shoes that felt more like stilts than sneakers didn’t always make for the most graceful moves. Despite all this, they are one trend that will forever be remembered, even if we don’t exactly long to wear them again.
4. Polyester Jumpsuits
While jumpsuits made their way into fashion in many decades, the ’70s version was particularly memorable. Bright, bold, and often made from the infamous polyester, these one-piece outfits were a hit with the fashion-forward crowd. The idea was a seamless transition from day to night, with zippers and snaps that made it look sleek and stylish. But let’s face it—while they looked cool in concept, the polyester fabric didn’t do our bodies any favors.
The jumpsuit craze didn’t account for bathroom breaks, meaning you were stuck with a full-body ordeal whenever nature called. Plus, the snug fit and shiny fabric only added to the drama, turning a simple outfit into a battle of discomfort. While they may have looked fantastic on models and stars of the time, wearing them in real life often felt more like a challenge than a chic choice.
5. Disco Fever Outfits
The ’70s brought us the glitzy world of disco, and with it came some questionable fashion choices. From sequin-covered pants to feathered collars and all the shiny fabrics in between, disco fever outfits were designed to dazzle under the lights. They were loud, bold, and gave off a sense of “look at me!”—but wearing sequins on the dance floor doesn’t always translate well into a real-world situation.
The sparkles and rhinestones were certainly attention-grabbing, but trying to dance in an outfit that was half glamour, half circus tent wasn’t always the best idea. Plus, trying to remove all those sequins from the sofa or bedspread after a night out was nothing short of a nightmare. As much fun as it seemed to live out our disco fantasies, perhaps it’s best to leave that trend on the dance floor.
6. Wide-Legged Pants
The ’70s didn’t stop at bell-bottoms—it also introduced us to the bold wide-legged pants that made everyone feel like a fashion icon. These were often paired with tailored blazers or tucked into boots, with the goal of creating a polished yet effortlessly cool look. The idea was to add volume to the bottom half of the body, but for those of us with shorter frames, they often ended up looking like a sad attempt at hiding our legs altogether.
While they worked wonders for some, for others, wide-legged pants felt more like a heavy curtain that swallowed them whole. And unlike today’s high-waisted skinny jeans, they lacked the figure-flattering elements that we’ve come to appreciate in modern fashion. It’s a trend that might’ve been cool in theory, but for many, it’s one best left to the runway.
7. Matching Separates
Matching separates were a thing in the ’70s—think shirts and skirts or pants and jackets in the same fabric, usually in vibrant colors or groovy patterns. These sets were meant to make a bold fashion statement, but the risk of looking like you’d just walked off the set of a vintage fashion show was high. The problem with matching separates? They often screamed more “dated” than “fashion-forward” once the decade was over.
These coordinated outfits might have felt like a stylish, easy choice at the time, but there was little room for variation or individual expression. Today, matching separates look more like an easy cop-out, and not in the fun, carefree way they once did. We’ve all learned that a little mix-and-match is far more flattering than a head-to-toe matching set from the ’70s.
8. Feathered Haircuts
The feathered hairstyle was all the rage in the ’70s, with its layered look that framed the face like a feathery halo. Popularized by icons like Farrah Fawcett, it was the ultimate symbol of chic, effortless beauty. But while feathered hair looked gorgeous in photos, trying to maintain that level of perfection every day was a full-time job. The layers were easy to create but incredibly high-maintenance, requiring constant trimming and styling.
Feathered hair also didn’t always hold up well in humid weather, leading to frizzy, flattened results when the wind and rain came into play. And let’s not even mention the time spent trying to get each layer just right, using a blow dryer at every angle. It was a great look for a while, but most of us quickly realized it wasn’t quite as timeless as we’d hoped.
