Most vintage fashion articles miss the strange truth about 1970s style. The decade wasn’t just bell bottoms and disco—it was a radical explosion of bizarre trends that solved everyday problems. Synthetic leisure suits freed men from constant ironing. Wrap dresses offered women five-minute outfit solutions. Tube tops kept party-goers cool while others sweltered in polyester blends.
Let’s uncover these forgotten fashion innovations that changed how we dress forever.
20. Crochet Everything
If you craved unique fashion that nobody could copy, crochet answered the call in the 70s. Designers crafted colorful vests, hats, and bags from wool, cotton, and acrylic yarns. Style icons like Cher and Jane Birkin wore these pieces regularly, turning them into symbols of the hippie and bohemian movements. The handmade items allowed for unique, personalized designs, though they were time-consuming to produce and prone to stretching. Even celebrities waited weeks for these one-of-a-kind pieces that couldn’t be mass-produced like other fashion trends.
19. Tube Tops
Over 70% of vintage photos from the era feature this daring trend that revolutionized casual wear. These strapless, bandeau-style tops made from stretchy spandex or cotton blends were often worn without a bra. TV shows like “Three’s Company” and “Charlie’s Angels” helped popularize the style. The minimalist design allowed for maximum tanning and freedom of movement, though they were prone to slipping down and offered limited support. When temperatures rose at summer parties, tube top wearers stayed cool while everyone else sweltered in their polyester blends.
18. Peasant Blouses
Summer outfits demanded both coolness and style, and peasant blouses delivered this perfect combination effortlessly. These loose-fitting tops with gathered necklines and sleeves featured embroidery or lace details and were typically made from light cotton or linen. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent drew inspiration from folk designs, while Stevie Nicks helped popularize the trend. Comfortable and breezy, they worked perfectly for warm weather, though some found the loose fit unflattering or too “hippie-ish” for certain settings. Original vintage folk-inspired blouses from the 1970s now sell for up to $300 in specialty vintage boutiques.
17. Polyester Leisure Suits
Unlike previous stuffy menswear that required constant maintenance, these synthetic suits liberated men from ironing boards. The two-piece outfits came in bold colors like electric blues, vibrant yellows, and burnt orange. Their wrinkle-resistant, easy-care qualities made them popular for both casual and semi-formal occasions. The non-breathable polyester fabric could be uncomfortably hot, and the suits quickly became associated with tackiness by the early 1980s. Although they’re far from the most expensive suits ever made, their impact on fashion remains undeniably iconic.
16. Corduroy Pants and Jackets
That distinctive “swish swish” sound announced your arrival before you even entered the room. Corduroy pants, jackets, and even full suits, typically in earth tones like brown and tan, became fashion staples. Brown corduroy jackets gave off that intellectual vibe—think Woody Allen in his prime. The durable, warm fabric added visual interest to outfits, though it could wear thin at stress points and required special care. If you’re building a vintage wardrobe today, an authentic 70s corduroy blazer makes an excellent statement piece that pairs surprisingly well with modern denim.
15. Aviator Glasses
Certain accessories instantly boost your cool factor, and aviators did exactly that in the 70s. The large, teardrop-shaped lenses in metal frames provided excellent sun protection while making a style statement. Gloria Steinem, Elvis Presley, and Farrah Fawcett wore them regularly. Ray-Ban transformed these practical sunglasses into status symbols, though the large lenses and metal frames could be heavy. Forgot your aviators on a sunny day? You might as well have forgotten your personality—they were that essential to the 70s aesthetic.
14. Wide Collars
The collar-to-shirt ratio reached near comical proportions, creating an instant style signature. These oversized pieces often extended beyond jacket lapels on both men’s and women’s shirts. Pam Grier rocked the dramatic look in her films, while male celebrities like John Travolta and Mick Jagger made them popular. The oversized design added dramatic flair to otherwise simple shirts, though they required careful ironing and maintenance. At Studio 54, the rule was simple: the wider your collar, the better your chances of getting past the velvet rope.
13. Puka Shell Necklaces
Craving a taste of beach life in your everyday wardrobe? Puka shell necklaces brought coastal vibes anywhere. Made from small, white, naturally hollow shells typically strung on simple cords, these necklaces gained popularity as symbols of surfer culture. Even Paul Newman incorporated them into his laid-back style. The lightweight accessories had unisex appeal, though they raised environmental concerns about harvesting and were fragile. A broken puka shell necklace became a minor teenage tragedy, with many spending hours trying to restring their precious beach treasures.
12. Earth Shoes
Waiting lists stretched for months to get these bizarre-looking shoes that promised to fix your posture. These shoes featured a negative heel design—where the heel sat lower than the toe—supposedly mimicking walking on sand and promoting better posture. Made from natural materials like leather, they aligned with the decade’s interest in natural living. The controversial health claims and polarizing aesthetics made them divisive. While orthopedists debated their benefits, wearers swore by the comfort—even as their friends mercilessly mocked their odd-looking footwear.
11. Wrap Dresses
One dress solved the “nothing to wear” problem for millions of women after 1974. Made from jersey or other clingy fabrics, these Diane von Furstenberg creations wrapped around the body and tied at the waist, flattering a variety of body types. The versatile design worked for both work and leisure, though they could be revealing if not properly secured. Seen as symbols of women’s liberation, over 5 million wrap dresses sold in the 1970s. Running late for a date? A wrap dress could be slipped on, adjusted, and accessorized in under 5 minutes flat.
10. Bell Bottoms
A strange fashion magic happened when pants suddenly flared from the knee down—you instantly felt cooler. The high-waisted trousers created a distinctive silhouette that defined the decade. Made from materials including denim, polyester, and cotton, they allowed for freedom of movement but could be impractical in wet weather. Extreme flares posed tripping hazards. The wider your bells, the more fabric you’d sacrifice to muddy puddles and frayed hems that dragged along sidewalks after rainstorms.
9. Jumpsuits
If you hated coordinating separates, jumpsuits offered the perfect all-in-one solution. Combining top and trousers, these garments often featured wide legs and belted waists. Elvis, David Bowie, Cher, and Farrah Fawcett all wore them for performances and casual wear. They offered a complete outfit in one piece and allowed for ease of movement, though they could be difficult to manage when nature called. Public restroom visits became strategic missions that jumpsuit wearers approached with careful planning and consideration.
8. Platform Shoes
Adding 2-4 inches to your height instantly transformed both your silhouette and confidence on the dance floor. The gravity-defying shoes appeared in various styles including boots, sandals, and oxfords. John Travolta famously danced in them for “Saturday Night Fever,” while David Bowie and Elton John used them to create dramatic stage presence. They added height without the discomfort of traditional high heels but could be unstable and lead to ankle injuries. Emergency rooms reported an increase in ankle sprains during the platform shoe craze, especially after disco nights.
7. Floppy Hats
Caught between wanting protection from the sun and making a dramatic fashion statement? Floppy hats delivered both. The wide-brimmed hats with soft, flexible brims were typically made from felt or straw with rounded crowns. Popularized by celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Faye Dunaway, they provided good sun protection and added romantic touches to outfits. The bigger, the better seemed to be the rule, though they proved impractical in windy conditions and cumbersome to store. On windy days, hat-chasers became an impromptu spectator sport as owners frantically pursued their escaped headwear.
6. Halter Tops and Dresses
The 70s redefined tan lines with these barely-there summer staples. The sleeveless designs with straps that tied behind the neck often featured low-cut or completely open backs. Jaclyn Smith from “Charlie’s Angels” frequently wore them, as did fashion icons like Bianca Jagger. The style emphasized shoulders and backs, making them ideal for hot weather, though they often required special undergarments or going braless. Good posture became non-negotiable with these designs—slouching in a halter top meant constantly readjusting to avoid wardrobe malfunctions.
5. Shearling Coats
Walking into a room wearing one of these was like announcing “I’ve made it” without saying a word. Made from sheepskin with the wool left on, these coats typically featured large collars and cuffs in natural tones like tan and brown. Model Celia Hammond helped make them must-have items. Extremely warm and naturally water-resistant, these durable coats were also expensive, heavy, and raised ethical concerns. When temperatures dropped below freezing, shearling owners strutted comfortably past shivering peers bundled in inferior outerwear.
4. Gunne Sax Dresses
Young women saved for months to buy these romantic dresses that transported wearers to a prairie fantasy. The high-necked designs with long skirts featured lace, ruffles, and floral prints on cotton and polyester blends. Jessica McClintock’s brand popularized these romantic designs that offered a modest yet fashionable alternative to the decade’s revealing styles. While some found them overly fussy, Gunne Sax dresses were bestsellers throughout the 1970s. Stepping onto prom night in a Gunne Sax creation practically guaranteed you’d be the belle of the ball—photographers couldn’t resist their photogenic qualities.
3. Satin Slip Dresses
Under Studio 54’s spotlights, these sleek garments turned dancers into shimmering spectacles of nightlife glamour. The form-fitting pieces made from satin or silk featured spaghetti straps and bias cuts that followed body contours. Diana Ross stunned in them during her legendary club appearances. The elegant designs were comfortable and versatile, though the clingy fabric showed every imperfection and required special care. Smart wearers kept fashion tape discreetly tucked into their evening bags—a sudden strap failure could spell disaster on the dance floor.
2. Leather Moto Jackets
Slipping into one of these iconic pieces instantly conveyed an aura of rebellion and cool detachment. Made from leather with asymmetrical zippers, these waist-length jackets often featured studs, patches, or other embellishments. Joan Jett turned these practical garments into statements of defiance. Durable and protective, they became symbols of counterculture, though they were expensive and uncomfortable in warm weather. The iconic scent of a genuine leather jacket entering a room turned heads faster than any cologne or perfume could manage.
1. Headscarves
Vibrant printed squares of fabric rescued countless hairstyles while elevating everyday looks with European flair. The scarves worn tied around the head were typically made from silk or polyester with bold prints and patterns. Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Grace Kelly made the look sophisticated and aspirational. The accessories could be worn multiple ways, protecting hairstyles while adding glamour, though some viewed them as old-fashioned. During convertible rides along the coast, these practical accessories saved elaborate hairdos from wind damage while maintaining an air of effortless elegance.
