Fashion in the 1970s was the start of  a fashion revolution. There were copious amounts of styles and trends–in fact there were so many styles that the decade could not be known for just one. A few of the most popular trends included hippie, disco, and punk.

 Although there were many styles of the ’70s, there were also some individual pieces of clothing that were major influences on fashion: bell-bottom and wide-leg trousers, platform shoes, knitted vests, long collared shirts, tight tees, turtleneck sweaters, and leisure suits. Many of these trends are even making a comeback in modern fashion.

In general, fashion in the ’70s was greatly influenced by the music of that decade. Disco style focused on tight-fitting clothes with fabrics that would shine under the lights of a dance floor. Originally, disco started as an underground movement but was popularized by the movie “Saturday Night Fever.” Disco brought the look of satin hot pants and stretchy tops, but the most popular look for women was the wrap dress–a  knee length dress with a nipped in waist and a ballerina wrap top. Originally designed by Diane Von Furstenberg, the style was extremely popular because it flattered most figures, and it could be worn from a desk job to a disco.

Hippie fashion was carried over from the 1960s and peaked in the ’70s. This trend brought items such as tie dye tops, headbands, embroidered folk designs and flowing scarves into the fashion industry. The hippie movement created new ways of living and dressing, which showed in the flowing, floral dresses that became so popular during the decade. The movement also renewed an interest in rural living and handicrafts: “As such they wore simple garments based on European peasant costume, American pioneer clothing and ethnic styles” (Revival Vintage.co.uk). Hippie style was all about expression, using bright colors, simple cuts and casual clothing as the new trend.