Skip to Content

60 Photos That Prove the ’70s Was the Most Stylish Decade

By , and Grace Hunter
70s fashion
Getty + Design Leah Romero

Everyone knows the saying “what comes around, goes around,” and in fashion it rings true time and time again. Trends reappear decades later, ready to influence a new generation with beloved styles of yesteryear. The ‘70s fashion trends—much like the ‘60s fashion trends—are no exception. Fifty years later, the decade of disco is showing up everywhere. For example, the slim sneaker style is having a resurgence now— with Adidas Sambas being top choice of many. Hot pants, as seen in ELLE’s 2023 Biggest Fashion Trends, are having a major comeback, and platform shoes are the footwear of choice for many.

One of our favorite parts of fashion is deciding how to incorporate trends into your own personal style. While you’re free to leave trends in the past (we won’t judge!), you might be inclined to incorporate some styles into your wardrobe from an era that served as inspiration and innovation for decades to come. Here, some oldies but goodies from the 1970s to inspire your next outfit choice.

1
Hat, Standing, Monochrome, Vintage clothing, Monochrome photography, Black-and-white, Costume design, Retro style, Sun hat, Fashion design,
Getty Images

A trouser suit by Yves Saint Laurent from February 1970.

2
spotted dress, vintage clothes, christian dior, fashion, long dress, wide belt, vintage fashion, 70s fashion, 1970s
Staff//Getty Images

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1970 collection

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
tights, models in tights, heels, 1970s fashion, retro style, fashion, vintage clothing
Jones//Getty Images

Models wear tights in June 1976.

4
Lip, Cheek, Skin, Chin, Forehead, Eyebrow, Eyelash, Jaw, Iris, Organ,
Getty Images

American model Pat Evans wears oversized hoops.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
fashion, fashion model, beach, jumpsuit, 1970s fashion, vintage fashion, vintage clothes, beach fashion, hat, summer fashion
Joseph Klipple//Getty Images

A model wears a velour jumpsuit by the ocean in Assateague Island, Virginia in 1971.

6
Dress, Standing, Monochrome photography, Monochrome, Pattern, One-piece garment, Style, Black-and-white, Vintage clothing, Waist,
Getty Images

Christian Dior presents his “Diorling” collection on Jan. 14, 1970.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
fashion, 1970s fashion, trousers, vintage clothes, vintage fashion, rolling stones, jumpsuit, 70s fashion, clothes
Christopher Simon Sykes//Getty Images

Bianca Jagger, Krissy Wood, and Lorna Luft attend a Rolling Stones’ concert in 1975.

8
Performing arts, Entertainment, Dancer, Artist, Performance, Performance art, Stage, Choreography, Dance, Art,
Getty Images

The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour features a performance by Dionne Warwick in 1970.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Clothing, Shoulder, Textile, Photograph, Joint, White, Dress, Formal wear, Style, Monochrome photography,
Getty Images

Harlequin-style trousers from March 1970.

10
crochet swimsuit, 1970s fashion, vintage fashion, the hamptons, vintage clothes, beach fashion, summer fashion, summer clothes, swimsuit, bathing suit
Susan Wood/Getty Images//Getty Images

A model poses in the Hamptons in 1972.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Clothing, Pink, Fashion, Textile, Dress, Formal wear, Fashion design, Costume, Outerwear, Magenta,
Getty Images

Ali McGraw wears a bohemian maxi dress and lace-up sandals on June 5, 1970.

12
Monochrome, Photograph, White, Happy, Facial expression, Style, Monochrome photography, Black-and-white, Street fashion, Laugh,
Getty Images

Mick and Bianca Jagger at their wedding at the Church of St. Anne in St. Tropez on May 12, 1971.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Models Wearing Bright Coats by Guy Laroche
Bettmann//Getty Images

Fashion models in brightly colored sports coats with matching hats and slacks from Guy Laroche’s fall/winter collections (1971-1972).

14
Teal, Aqua, Turquoise, Interior design, One-piece garment, Picture frame, Houseplant, Curtain, Tradition, Flower Arranging,
Getty Images

Portrait of Italian actress and model Daniela Bianchi wearing a long printed dress in 1971.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
vintage fashion, vintage look, fashion, vintage style, retro style
Michael McDonnell/RETIRED

Madonna in New York City, 1979.

16
Eyewear, Vision care, Smile, Denim, Hand, Jeans, Waist, Fashion accessory, Chest, Sunglasses,
Getty Images

Activist, journalist, and feminist leader Gloria Steinem attends a fundraiser and rally for California State Senate candidate Catherine O’Neill (in checked dress) on Oct. 15, 1972 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Knee, Waist, Active pants, Visual arts, Fashion model, Leggings, Ankle, Latex clothing,
Getty Images

American singer and showgirl Lola Falana stands on the stage of the TV show Hai visto mai? in Italy, 1973.

18
Entertainment, Performing arts, Music, Amber, Music artist, Performance, Fashion, Song, Public event, Singing,
Getty Images

The Shirelles perform on The Midnight Special in 1973.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Lip, Style, Black hair, Monochrome, Fashion, Art, Costume accessory, Monochrome photography, Portrait, Black-and-white,
Getty Images

Diana Ross poses for a portrait session on July 16, 1975 in Los Angeles, Calif.

20
Street fashion, Snapshot, Fur, Fashion, Street, Infrastructure, Photography, Road, Long hair, Vehicle,
Getty Images

Lauren Hutton at the 47th Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1975.

Watch Next 
70s fashion
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Page was generated in 0.17406582832336