1970s Vintage Fashion & Dresses

1970s fashion thrived on contrast. Sharp tailoring - fitted flares kicking out from the hip and thigh - sat alongside the soft, flowing shapes of bohemian maxi dresses and disco glamour, all united by a new sense of freedom and individuality in how clothes were worn.

Our 1970s fashion pieces bring together both sides of the decade: flared trousers and prairie blouses for the boho look, fluid maxi dresses for evening, finished the way the era did - with long necklaces, hoop earrings and soft curls or a high bun.

What did women wear in the 1970s?

• 70s dresses: maxi dresses, wrap dresses and disco-ready gowns
• Blouses and tops: peasant blouses, wrap tops and pointed-collar shirts
• Skirts: swirling maxi skirts and A-line corduroy
• Suits and jackets: wide lapels, high-rise flares and rich corduroy

70s outfits and 70s style

The decade offered three great looks. Boho by day: a peasant blouse with a maxi skirt or flares, long necklaces and soft waves. Tailoring with attitude: a wide-lapel corduroy jacket with matching skirt or high-rise flared trousers, worn belted. Disco by night: a slinky wrap dress or a halter gown, gold chains and hoop earrings. Whichever you choose, 70s style is flattering on many figures: high waists, fluid fabrics and leg-lengthening flares do a lot of the work.

Ossie Clark, Biba and 1976

Much of the decade's romance came from designers who looked back to the 1930s: Ossie Clark and his collaborator Celia Birtwell, and Biba. Our Ossie Clark and Biba collection is inspired by them, and The Legendary Ossie Clark and his Iconic 1970s Dresses tells the story. Our Return to Decadence collection marks fifty years since 1976, the subject of 1976: Celebrating 50 Years of Style. Our 1970s style guide has more on flares, maxis and disco cuts.