1970’s Vintage Style Guide
1970s Fashion & Style Guide - How to dress 70s style
Dear Reader - the 1970s is a very diverse period where fashion starting changing a little more rapidly than previous decades. Here we cover some of our favourite moments.
1970s Fashion Overview
This is the decade that some refer to as the fashion era that 'taste forgot'...often looked back by those who remember it with humour and embarrassment. Whilst this is fairly true when looking at some of the more outlandish styles adopted at the time - it was also a real time of relative freedom and fun when it came to fashion.
A bit of Historical Info
The 1970s was a certainly the decade of freedom, individuality, and bold expression -fashion became a way to show personality and attitude. From the romantic silhouettes of early hippie style to the glittering glamour of disco and the edgy energy of punk, the ‘70s embraced diversity and contrast like no other era before.
This was a time when women’s fashion became about choice: the right outfit could be bohemian by day and disco-ready by night, denim ruled everyday wear, and trousers became a wardrobe staple for all occasion.
The 1970s Silhouette
The 1970s didn’t settle for just one look. Instead, the decade celebrated contrast: sharp tailoring sat alongside soft, flowing shapes, while disco glamour lived happily next to bohemian romance. What united them all was movement, confidence, and a sense of freedom in how clothes were worn.
Tailoring
Nothing says “70s” quite like a great pair of flares. Fitted through the hip and thigh before kicking out from the knee, flared trousers created that unmistakable long, leg-lengthening line the decade is famous for. High waists were key, helping to define the waist and balance the drama of the flare.
Tailoring in the 1970s softened compared to earlier decades. Jackets and suits still had structure, but with wider lapels, a more relaxed shoulder and an easier, more fluid feel. Worn with silky blouses, statement collars or waistcoats, this look was confident, polished, and effortlessly cool.
Style notes: Think high-waisted flares, wide lapels, belted jackets, and confident, leg-lengthening proportions.
The Maxi
The maxi dress became a true 1970s icon. Long, flowing and designed to move with the body, it captured the decade’s love of freedom and femininity. Whether worn casually by day or dressed up for evening, the maxi offered drama without stiffness.
Early 70s styles often leaned into bohemian and vintage-inspired influences, with soft waists, floaty skirts and romantic prints. The result was a silhouette that felt relaxed, wearable and endlessly elegant.
Style notes: Long, flowing lines, soft waist definition, floaty skirts, and an emphasis on movement and ease.
Disco Cuts
By the mid to late 1970s, fashion turned toward glamour and the dancefloor. Disco silhouettes were all about the body and the light: slinky, fluid, and designed to catch every shimmer under club lights.
Wrap dresses, halter necks, plunging necklines, and bias-cut skirts became popular, often in jersey, satin, or metallic fabrics that skimmed the figure. These shapes were more fitted and more daring than daytime styles, celebrating curves and confidence with a sleek, sensual edge.
Style notes: Figure-skimming cuts, fluid fabrics, bold necklines, and silhouettes made to move (and shine) at night.
Peasant & Boho
Alongside tailoring and disco glamour, the 1970s also embraced softer, more romantic silhouettes inspired by folk and vintage styles. Peasant shapes were easy, feminine and full of movement, with bloused sleeves, gathered skirts and relaxed fits.
These pieces often played with volume in the sleeves, the skirt, or both balanced by a defined waist or neckline. The overall effect was effortless, expressive and perfectly in tune with the decade’s love of individuality.
Hot & High Waisted Tailoring
Biba were one of the first fashion houses to take tailoring to a new level. This was possibly the first time the 'pant suit' came into being. At the start of the decade, the bell bottom ruled but during the mid and late 1970s, trousers were flared but often high waisted and fitted over the hip.
Jackets often had wide lapels (similar to mens tailoring) and varied from the iconic rounded lapels to sharp peak. Twill and corduroy ruled.
Ode to Ossie
Ossie Clarke was one of the greatest designers of the decade. Together with his wife Celia Birtwell - they trailblazed ultra feminine styles inspired by the 1930s silhouette.
Chiffon, ocean crepe fashioned into flowing and glamourous dresses with plunge necklines. Daring but demure and utterly iconic.
Disco Chic
Since the '70s was the era of Disco, we see many styles emerge perfect for the domain. Super stretchy fabrics came into the market which changed the game for creators. Think super glitsy, daring and quite outlandish at time!
Get the 1970s Look - our top 3 tips
Tip 1: The Hair
The hair was typically worn long with soft curls and also up high in a bun. However, there were also some famous shorted cuts such as the 'purdy' cut as seen on Joanna Lumley.
Tip 2: Accessories
Early 70s styles saw long necklaces and later deveral gold chains. Hoop earrings were common.
Tip 3 - Eyeshadow & Lip Gloss win
In contrast to previous decades, makeup was natural during the day and vamped up with shine in the evenings. Natural eyeshadows and plenty of blush and ipgloss.
From the Blog
1976: Celebrating 50 Years of Style
1938 - A Transition Year in Fashion
Foxy Fans - Please indulge me...!
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