Biggest Fashion Trends for Women in the 1970s

From bell bottoms to disco, the 1970s was a decade of experimentation when it came to fashion. Women who were part of the "liberated" women's movement in the 1970s took their style in a different direction than had been seen during the first half of that decade. The New Look and other styles that dominated the post-war period went out of vogue and new trends emerged. We see elements of the hippie look and punk subculture in the clothing from this time period, along with many other things in between and beyond. Here, we’ll explore ten key trends that were popular with women in the 1970s. Keep reading to learn more about each one.

Platform Shoes for Women

Platform shoes were popular for women in the 1970s. They were introduced in the 1950s and became a staple of the decade for women, both for casual and formal wear. The 70s platform shoe design incorporated color and texture, along with different materials such as wood, nylon, cork, and cork-latex. Women could have wood-grain soles with cork heels or cork soles with leather tops. The heel height ranged from 1-3 inches. A pair of platform shoes can be easily updated with a new color or different material.

Skin-Baring Shorts

Another popular trend for women in the 1970s was skin baring shorts. These were quite different from the mini skirt trend from earlier in the decade. In the 70s, shorts were made from materials such as synthetic fabrics and suede, and the hems were usually about two inches above the knee. You could also find them in natural materials like linen and cotton.

Bell Bottoms for Women

Bell bottoms were popular for women in the 1970s. Bell bottoms are baggy pants that are wider at the bottom. They’re made with a looser fit and have a longer inseam, typically around 36 inches or longer. Baggy pants were a common trend, especially among the disco crowd. They were also worn by women who were part of the "liberated" women's movement in the 1970s. Women could wear bell bottoms as part of a casual outfit, or as a more formal look with a long jacket or a long sweater.

Print mixing was a trend for women in the 1970s. It’s a common practice today, but was even more prominent during this decade. Print mixing involved wearing two or more items that are printed. Women could wear printed pants with a printed shirt, or a printed top with printed shoes. Women could also wear printed scarves or bags with their outfits. The prints could be of various sizes, but they were usually smaller designs that didn’t overwhelm an outfit. Printed shoes could be formal or casual and could include printed pumps, wedges, or sandals.

Furs and Big Coats for Women

Furs and big coats were popular for women in the 1970s. Women could wear a fur coat to stay warm during the winter season, or to stay stylish during the rest of the year. Furs and big coats were available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Solid colored Tops with Denim Shorts

Solid-colored tops with denim shorts were a trend for women in the 1970s. These types of outfits were a casual look, but you could also dress them up with a pair of heels or a nice bag. Solid-colored tops could be t-shirts, button-up shirts, or knit tops. They could have long or short sleeves and could be patterned or plain.

Dresses with High Slits

Dresses with high slits were a trend for women in the 1970s. You could find this style in many different fabrics, including synthetic fabrics and natural fabrics such as silk and cotton. Dresses with high slits could be short or long, depending on the occasion. They could be worn to work, or for an event such as a wedding or a date.

Retro Caftans

Another fashion trend for women in the 1970s was the caftan. It’s a long, loose-fitting piece of clothing that goes past your knees. Caftans could be made with natural fabrics such as silk or synthetic fabrics such as polyester. They could be made with different patterns and colors. Caftans could be worn casually at home, or they could be worn to an event or to work.

Conclusion

The 1970s was a decade of experimentation, especially in the realm of fashion. The women's liberation movement took fashion in a different direction than had been seen before. The New Look and other styles that dominated the post-war period went out of vogue and new trends emerged. You could still find elements of the hippie look and punk subculture in the clothing from this time period, but many other fashion trends emerged in this decade.