You know that feeling when you walk into a vintage shop and everything looks like it was made for someone half your size? It’s frustrating. But here is the thing: the 1970s actually birthed the silhouette that most plus-size fashionistas rely on today. Honestly, the decade wasn't just about polyester leisure suits or disco balls. It was the era when the "Big is Beautiful" movement—started by pioneers like Bill Tice and eventually brands like Lane Bryant—began to actually take up space in the mainstream. If you are hunting for 70s plus size outfits, you aren't just looking for a costume. You are looking for the original blueprint of body positivity.
The 70s were weirdly inclusive for a decade often remembered for stick-thin models like Twiggy. While the 60s were all about those rigid, boxy shift dresses that didn't do much for curves, the 70s shifted toward flow. We're talking jersey fabrics. Wrap dresses. High-waisted denim that actually stays put. It was a golden age for the "hourglass" even if the fashion industry was still dragging its feet on sizing.
The Wrap Dress Revolution and Why It Matters
Diane von Furstenberg released her iconic jersey wrap dress in 1974. It changed everything. For the first time, a garment didn't rely on zippers or buttons that might gap or pull. It relied on a tie. This is arguably the most important piece in the history of 70s plus size outfits because it offered a custom fit. It didn't care if your hips were two sizes larger than your bust.
You’ve probably seen the modern iterations at stores like Eloquii, but the original 70s versions had these incredible, wide pointed collars and bold, psychedelic prints. The fabric was usually a heavy rayon or silk jersey that draped over the body rather than clinging to every lump and bump. It offered a sense of "expensive" ease. It was the uniform of the working woman who wanted to look sharp but didn't want to be strangled by her girdle.
Interestingly, many people think the wrap dress was only for the elite. Not true. By 1976, Sears and JCPenney were churning out "plus" versions of these styles under labels like "Women's Proportioned." They were affordable. They were everywhere. And they proved that a bold print could actually be more flattering than a solid black sack.
High-Waisted Flare Denim: The Architecture of the 70s
Let's talk about the jeans. In the 70s, the "rise" was actually at the natural waist. This is a godsend for anyone with a tummy. Modern "high-rise" often stops an inch too short, but a true 70s flare sits high, cinching the smallest part of the torso.
The flares—or bell bottoms—weren't just for show. They balanced out wide hips. It’s basic geometry. If you have a wide leg at the bottom, it creates a vertical line that makes the leg look miles long. Back in the day, brands like Maverick and Levi’s (with their "Bend Over" line launched later in the decade) started realizing that women with curves needed more room in the seat.
If you're trying to recreate this look today, look for a "marino" wash—that deep, dark indigo. Avoid the acid wash; that’s too 80s. You want a massive hem. Like, a hem so big it hides your shoes. That is the authentic 70s silhouette. It gives you a physical presence that is hard to ignore.
The Kaftan and the Rise of "Big is Beautiful"
The 1970s saw a massive surge in the popularity of the Kaftan. Credit goes to designers like Thea Porter and even Elizabeth Taylor, who wore them constantly. For the plus-size community, the Kaftan was a revelation. It wasn't about hiding. It was about drama.
In 1977, the "Big is Beautiful" slogan started gaining traction. It was a pushback against the diet culture of the 60s. The Kaftan fit this perfectly. These weren't boring muumuus. They were made of sheer chiffons, heavy velvets, and featured intricate embroidery. They were glamorous.
- Fabric Choice: Look for polyester georgette. It’s indestructible and has that authentic 70s sheen.
- The Sleeve: Batwing or kimono sleeves are essential. They allow for movement without the restriction of a tight armhole.
- The Print: Don't go small. Ditsy florals are for the 40s. The 70s demands giant, swirling Pucci-esque patterns or bold Moroccan-inspired motifs.
What Most People Get Wrong About 70s Plus Size Outfits
One of the biggest misconceptions is that plus-size women in the 70s only wore dark colors to "slimming" effect. That is total nonsense. If you look at archival photos from the legendary "Abundantly Yours" fashion shows or early Lane Bryant catalogs, the colors were loud. Burnt orange. Avocado green. Mustard yellow. Electric blue.
Another myth? That everything was polyester. While "double knit" polyester was definitely a staple because of its stretch and durability, there was also a huge move toward natural fibers during the "Back to the Earth" movement. Think gauze cotton tops, embroidered denim, and suede vests.
The 70s also pioneered the "Boho" look before it was a Coachella cliché. For a plus-size woman, this meant tiered maxi skirts. The tiers add volume, sure, but they also add a structural weight that keeps the skirt from blowing around or clinging. When you pair a tiered skirt with a tucked-in peasant blouse, you create an effortless "X" shape. It’s comfortable. It’s breezy. It’s also incredibly chic.
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Choosing the Right Accessories
You can't do 70s plus size outfits without the right hardware. The 70s were the era of the "statement" before that word was overused.
- Platform Shoes: These are a must. They give you height without the agony of a stiletto. For a plus-size frame, a chunky platform provides a more proportional base than a tiny kitten heel.
- Wide Belts: Not the skinny little things we see now. We're talking 3-to-4-inch leather belts with massive brass buckles. Wear them over a dress or a long tunic to define the waist.
- Headscarves: A silk scarf tied over the hair or used as a headband adds that "Studio 54" polish.
The Disco Influence
We have to mention the night-out looks. Disco fashion was all about light. Specifically, how light hit the fabric. Lurex—that metallic, sparkly thread—was huge. For plus-size party wear, the "jump suit" became a staple.
Now, many people are terrified of jumpsuits. But a 70s-style jumpsuit with a wide leg and a deep V-neck is actually incredibly flattering. It creates one long, continuous line of color. Halston was the king of this look. He famously dressed women of all shapes, including his "Halstonettes," in flowing jersey pieces that moved with the body.
How to Build an Authentic Wardrobe Today
Finding genuine vintage in larger sizes is notoriously difficult because clothes were often worn until they fell apart, or simply weren't produced in high volumes. However, the "70s revival" is a constant in modern fashion.
When shopping for 70s plus size outfits in the modern market, look for "deadstock" fabrics or brands that specialize in "retro-cut" clothing. You want a high synthetic content if you're going for that sleek disco look, or 100% cotton gauze for the boho vibe.
Check the seams. 70s clothes were built to last. If you find a vintage piece, look for generous seam allowances—this was common back then, allowing the garment to be let out if needed. It’s a level of craftsmanship we’ve mostly lost in the fast-fashion era.
Actionable Steps for Your 70s Transformation
If you want to start incorporating this vibe into your daily rotation without looking like you're in a play, follow these specific steps.
First, invest in one pair of high-quality, dark wash flare jeans with at least a 10-inch rise. This is your foundation. Second, find a wrap dress in a bold, geometric print. Don't be afraid of the "ugly" colors like olive or rust; they are the soul of the decade. Third, swap your sneakers for a wooden clog or a platform boot. The height change shifts your posture and immediately gives the outfit that 70s "strut."
Finally, focus on the hair. Big hair was the ultimate accessory. Whether it's a picked-out afro, feathered layers, or voluminous curls, the 70s was about being "extra." Embrace the volume. Embrace the color. The decade was about liberation, and your wardrobe should reflect that same sense of freedom.
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Stop trying to minimize your presence. The 70s taught us that being big isn't a problem to be solved; it's a canvas for bold patterns and even bolder silhouettes. Go find that jersey wrap dress and reclaim the decade.