1970s Women’s Fashions

In researching this, I came across an article suggesting the 70s was “one of the most stylish decades of all time.” Make of that what you will. It certainly had a massive variety, taking us from the 60s extremes of chic mini-skirts and long hippy beads and dreds, all the way through to the anti-fashions of grungy punk in 1979.

The early 70 saw lots of bare midriffs as frilly crop-tops accompanied tight denim, leather or matching fabric trousers, all suitably flared from either the knees or thighs. I had a pair of pale purple, brushed-denim flares with big brown buttons all the way from knee to floor, and I remember wearing them until they fell apart and mum chucked them out. Bell bottoms or Oxford bags, trouser legs used a lot of material. In contrast, women’s tops became skimpier as tight-fitting halter-necks and boob-tubes became all the rage, firstly in discos, then in general wear.

By the middle of the decade, the mini-skirts and hot pants gave way to midi- and maxi-dresses, kaftans with lots of ruching, ruffles and Laura Ashley prints. We had every conceivable type of jumpsuit from crazy, open-fronted crochet to cool cotton for the beach, and the one I remember was short-sleeved, zip-fronted in functional denim-look polyester, but it was a nightmare trying to pee if the pub had an outside loo!
More women had office-based careers, and wrap dresses offered a professional appearance in the office, which could then be dressed up for an evening on the town immediately after work. Trousers became increasingly acceptable for both formal and work wear for women, and trouser suits became less form-fitting and feminine. Blouses went for a more masculine styling, adopting the long, sharp-pointed collars, mostly in plain colours. Brown was the stand-out colour of the decade, teamed with yellow, orange and/or turquoise. What were we thinking?

The late 70s saw Glam Rock/Disco overtaken by Punk Rock and the OTT spangles and sequins turned to torn denim and lace held together with safety pins. Black leather trousers/skirt formed the basis of many outfits, often teamed with leopard print or tartan.

I haven't mentioned hair and makup, as that's coming in a later article, as are men's fashions. If you have a particular 70's clothing memory, please share in a comment below.