You’ve seen the photos. Your mom in high-waisted flares, or maybe a grainy shot of Mick Jagger in a velvet suit that looks both incredibly comfortable and impossibly cool. There’s a reason why we keep coming back to this decade. It wasn't just one "look." If you want to dress like the 70s, you have to realize the era was a chaotic, beautiful mess of subcultures. It wasn’t just disco balls.
Honestly, most people get it wrong. They go to a party store, buy a polyester jumpsuit with neon swirls, and think they’ve nailed it. They haven't. That’s a caricature. Real 1970s style was about texture. It was about the way corduroy felt against a cotton rib-knit sweater. It was about the transition from the rigid, structured 1960s into something much more fluid and, frankly, a bit more lived-in.
The Silhouette That Defined Everything
Everything starts with the proportions. If you get the shape wrong, the rest of the outfit falls apart. In the early 70s, the "long and lean" look was king. We’re talking about a high waist—usually hitting right at the navel—and a leg that stays slim through the thigh before kicking out.
Bell bottoms are the cliché, but "flares" are the reality. There is a difference. A true bell bottom flairs out aggressively from the knee down, sometimes reaching a circumference of 22 inches or more at the hem. A "bootcut," which also gained traction toward the end of the decade, is much more subtle. If you're trying to dress like the 70s in a modern way, stick to a high-rise flare in a dark wash denim. It elongates the legs. It’s flattering on almost everyone.
Then you have the top half. To balance the volume of the pants, tops were often incredibly tight. Think of the "shrunken" look. Small shoulders, pointed collars—often called "disco collars" or "butterfly collars"—and hemlines that tucked neatly into the waistband. If you have a shirt that feels a little too small, you’re probably on the right track.
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Fabric is the Secret Language of the 1970s
You can’t talk about this era without mentioning polyester. But hold on. It wasn't just the itchy, cheap stuff. Double-knit polyester allowed for bold, geometric prints that didn't wrinkle. It was the "miracle fabric" of the time. However, if you want to look authentic today, you should look toward the natural fibers that defined the "Back to Nature" movement of the mid-70s.
- Corduroy: This is the MVP of 70s texture. Wide-wale corduroy in earth tones like rust, mustard, and forest green.
- Suede and Leather: Think of the iconic coach jackets or fringe vests.
- Crochet and Knit: The DIY movement was huge. If it looks like your grandmother made it, it’s probably era-appropriate.
- Velvet: Mostly for the glam rock crowd or late-night lounge vibes.
When you mix these, magic happens. Pair a rough corduroy blazer with a soft silk shirt. The contrast is what makes the outfit look like "fashion" rather than a "costume."
Why the "Me Decade" Still Matters for Your Wardrobe
Writer Tom Wolfe famously called the 70s the "Me Decade." People were moving away from the communal protests of the 60s and focusing on self-expression. This is why you see such a wild variety in how people dressed. You had the punks in London, the disco queens in New York, and the "granola" hikers in California.
The Rise of Boho-Chic
Before it was a Coachella staple, "Boho" was just how people dressed when they were tired of the Vietnam War and corporate life. This style relied heavily on maxi dresses, peasant blouses, and patchwork. Talitha Getty and Stevie Nicks are the blueprint here. If you want to dress like the 70s through a bohemian lens, look for "gunne sax" dresses. These were prairie-style dresses with lace trim and corset-style bodices. They are highly collectible now. Seriously, check eBay or Etsy; a vintage Gunne Sax can go for hundreds of dollars because the craftsmanship was actually quite high for a mass-produced item.
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Glam Rock and Gender Fluidity
We also have to talk about David Bowie and Marc Bolan. They broke the rules. They wore platforms, glitter, and satin. This side of the 70s was about theatricality. It’s where the high-waisted trouser met the metallic blouse. If you’re feeling bold, adding a platform boot—not a heel, a platform—is the quickest way to signal 70s intent. It changes how you walk. You strut.
The Footwear Factor: Beyond the Platform
Everyone talks about platforms, but the 70s were also the golden age of the sneaker. The Adidas Superstar and the Nike Cortez both debuted in the early 70s. If you want a casual way to dress like the 70s, a pair of retro runners with some tube socks (the ones with the stripes at the top) and corduroy shorts is a classic "California skater" look.
For a more formal vibe, look for the "earth shoe." Invented by Danish yoga instructor Anne Kalsø, these had a "negative heel" where the heel was lower than the toe. They were supposed to be better for your posture. They looked weird, but they were everywhere. Today, you can get a similar vibe from brands like Birkenstock, which exploded in popularity during this decade as people embraced "ugly" comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't overdo the accessories. You don't need the wig, the oversized glasses, and the peace sign necklace. Choose one focal point.
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If you wear a massive butterfly collar, keep your hair simple. If you go for the Farrah Fawcett "feathered" hair, keep the outfit more understated. The goal is to look like a person living in 1975, not a parody of one.
Also, watch your colors. While the 70s are known for "harvest gold" and "avocado green," they also had plenty of navy, burgundy, and cream. You don't have to look like a walking sunset to nail the aesthetic.
Specific Pieces to Look For Right Now
If you are scouring vintage shops or even modern retailers like Madewell or Levi’s, keep an eye out for these specific items:
- The Safari Jacket: Belted, four pockets, usually in khaki or tan. It’s a great layering piece.
- The Wrap Dress: Diane von Furstenberg introduced this in 1974. It’s arguably the most important garment of the decade for women. It’s professional but effortless.
- The Ringer Tee: A simple t-shirt with contrasting ribbing on the collar and sleeve cuffs.
- Halter Tops: Great for summer, especially in a knit fabric.
- Wide-Brimmed Hats: Think Bianca Jagger at her wedding.
Actionable Steps to Build Your 70s Look
Stop thinking about it as "vintage" and start thinking about it as "tailoring." The 70s was a decade of very specific cuts.
- Find your rise: Go to a thrift store and try on pants until you find a pair that sits at your true waist. Measure the "rise" (the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband). For most people, a 11-12 inch rise is the sweet spot for that 70s look.
- Focus on the collar: Look for shirts with collars that stay stiff. A floppy collar looks sloppy; a structured, pointed collar looks intentional.
- Invest in a brown leather belt: A thick, brass-buckled leather belt is the "glue" that holds a 70s outfit together. It bridges the gap between your tucked-in shirt and your high-waisted pants.
- Layer with a vest: Whether it's a sweater vest or a denim one, layering was a huge part of the 70s "workwear" aesthetic.
- Check the labels: Look for brands that were huge then—Levis (look for the orange tab), Pendleton, H Bar C (for western wear), and Wrangler.
The 70s wasn't just a time; it was a mood. It was the feeling of freedom after the rigid 50s and 60s. When you dress like the 70s, you’re tapping into that sense of "anything goes." Start with one piece—maybe a great pair of flared jeans—and build around it. Don't be afraid of a little corduroy. It's tougher than it looks.
To really nail the look, prioritize the "high-low" mix. Take a genuine vintage silk scarf and tie it around the handle of a modern leather bag, or wear a vintage 1970s band tee under a contemporary blazer. This creates a "style" rather than a "re-enactment." Scour local estate sales instead of just big-chain thrift stores; that’s where the high-quality wool coats and un-stretched knits usually hide. Focus on the drape of the fabric. If it flows when you move, you've captured the essence of the era.