18 ‘70s Fashion Trends That Will Never Go Out of Style

Flared Jeans

While most trends come and go, flared jeans will never fall out of fashion. Perhaps the most enduring style from the 1970s, this cut of denim is perfectly situated somewhere between a bell bottom and a bootcut, as seen above on Farrah Fawcett. If you’re looking for a simple ‘70s outfit for Halloween, start with a great pair of flares and build up from there.   

Daisy Dukes

Though the moniker may stem from the Dukes of Hazzard character, the up-to-there shorts have rock-star roots too. Blondie singer Debbie Harry was known to wear the style, so yes: That makes them a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll.

Gold Lamé

Diana Ross could wear a gold lamé gown like nobody’s business. This fabric includes a mix of metallic and synthetic fibers that was perfect for the draped dresses and disco lights of the era. Layer on the big bangles and some glitter eye shadow, and your ‘70s outfit is as good as gold.

Batwing Sleeves

For the perfect ‘70s outfit, channel the original witchy woman, Stevie Nicks. The Fleetwood Mac singer was fond of breezy, billowing tops, crochet lace shawls, kimonos, and dramatic capes. Just pair a fluttery top with fitted flares or a maxi skirt, add a tambourine and a top hat, and you’ve suddenly become the Black Magic Woman. 

The Wrap Dress

Chances are you already have one of these time-tested wardrobe staples in your closet. The wrap dress, popularized by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in the 1970s, was a workwear workhorse for women in the workplace. The colorful patterns and near-universally flattering silhouette made this ‘70s outfit staple so popular, you can still buy one — designed by DVF, no less.

Aviator Sunglasses

Need to throw together a ‘70s outfit at the last minute? Opt for an accessory you may already have on hand: aviators. Although this design was first created by Ray-Ban for Air Force pilots in the 1930s, aviator sunglasses were ubiquitous by the 1970s, worn by men and women alike. Give ‘em your best Gloria Steinem, feminist activist and founder of Ms. Magazine, by styling your sunglasses with a turtleneck, jeans, and a center part. Simple, but iconic.

Crop Tops

If you think Britney Spears was the first to bring the bare midriff to the mainstream, think again. Pam Grier, the ‘70s action star known for Blacksploitation films like Coffey and Foxy Brown, could be seen karate-chopping bad guys wearing sexy ‘70s outfits like crop tops and halter necklines on the regular. Give it your best Foxy Brown by pairing a colorful button-up shirt with oversized lapels with low-rise flare jeans. Knot the top right below your bustline, add a gold chain and hoops, and you’ve got it made.

Crochet

Crochet designs, most notably the Granny Square, were huge in the ‘70s. This simple knit pattern could be made by anyone and transformed into everything from floppy hats and fringed vests to minidresses and tiny tanks. Before Cher became known for the over-the-top embellishments she’s known for today, crochet was a regular in her rotation. 

Related: The '70s-Inspired Swimsuit Is Back — Here's How to Wear the Trend

Le Smoking

Although it was invented in the late ‘60s by Yves Saint Laurent, the Smoking jacket for women was a ‘70s essential. And to this day, there’s no one who can wear a suit quite like Bianca Jagger. As suiting separates became a regular part of women’s outfits in the ‘70s, Jagger took the trend from office-appropriate to jet-set chic.

Look for a suit with large, pointy lapels and wide-leg trousers to achieve the look, and if regular workwear is more your thing, try accessorizing with a silk scarf, smart handbag, and oversized shades. 

Fringe Benefits

In the 1970s, any article of clothing was fair game for fringe. Cher embraced the trend with her swishy on-stage dresses, while others, like Jane Fonda (pictured), opted for a more casual look, pairing a fringed top with a suede miniskirt. Find literally anything with fringe, and your complete ‘70s outfit isn’t far behind.

Pleasant Peasant

There was nothing plain about the peasant styles of the ‘70s. Voluminous blouses and dresses with balloon sleeves were often worn cinched at the waist, as seen on actress Sophia Loren. To complete the look, style a billowy blouse with a flowy, floor-length skirt and wide leather belt. Or, give it a more modern spin with flared jeans and fun, colorful accessories. You really can’t mess this one up.

Jumpsuits

If you’re looking for a one-piece wonder to create a ‘70s outfit, you’ve come to the right place: anything from basic boilersuits to glittery, glamorous disco diva jumpsuits are fair game. Jerry Hall modeled an everyday version of the look on a 1975 Stephen Burrows runway, giving the one-piece a feminine flare with a tie belt and sweet hat. For a more dance-floor-appropriate look, opt for something metallic and low-cut with platform shoes and a sparkly clutch.

Corduroy

The textured cotton fabric ebbs and flows in and out of style, but in the ‘70s, corduroy was everywhere. Think: skirts, bell bottoms, jackets, and even waistcoats, as seen above on actress Jane Seymour. Go the coordinated set route, or style a pair of corduroy pants the same way you’d wear jeans. It’s an easy way to give any outfit a retro vibe.

Jackie O. Sunglasses

Popularized by the former first lady, oversized shades (or “Jackie O. sunglasses” as dubbed by the press) were an essential part of any ‘70s outfit. While Jackie was fond of styles by Nina Ricci and Ray-Ban, any pair of exaggerated eyewear would work to re-create this iconic look. Go all-in on the ‘70s accessories by adding a silk scarf tied around your neck, handbag, or hair if you’re going incognito. Simple yet staggeringly chic.

Boho Beauty

Love Story star Ali MacGraw wore all the trends, and wore them well, from turtlenecks to knee-high boots, miniskirts, and fringe. But she was also a fan of whimsical printed blouses and dresses that also defined the era. To create a boho-inspired ‘70s outfit, look for a colorful, printed cotton dress with flowy sleeves. Accessories with lace-up sandals, silver chains, and large pendants. Don’t forget the chic choker — a ‘70s outfit staple for any style.

The Provocateur

If Studio 54 is calling your name, then you’ll want to channel ‘70s disco star and model Grace Jones. A combination of lingerie and luxe embellishments like feathers, chainmail, and chunky jewelry are essential in creating this kind of ‘70s outfit. And, for the full Grace Jones effect, out-of-this-world eyeliner is an absolute must.

Hats, Hats, and More Hats

The 1970s were, perhaps, the last decade where people truly wore a hat with every outfit. Try anything except a baseball cap — those are a more recent trend — and wear it with a simple turtleneck, jeans, and boots outfit, like Yoko Ono. She wore everything from berets to pageboy caps and pork-pie hats. Keep your hair flowy and undone for added effect. 

Disco Diva

No list of ‘70s outfit ideas is complete without paying proper tribute to the Queen of Disco herself, Donna Summer. It is impossible to overdo it on the glitz or glam here, but we’re partial to this ultra-sparkly look. Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour attire may have even been inspired by this icon’s on-stage outfits.