Everyone knows the saying “what comes around, goes around,” and in fashion, it’s especially true. Trends always return—often decades later—ready to inspire a new generation. ‘70s fashion trends, just like those from the ‘60s, are back again. Now, fifty years later, the disco era is influencing today’s style. For instance, slim sneakers are trending again, with Adidas Sambas leading the way.
One of the best things about fashion is making trends your own. Of course, you can skip the ones you don’t like—no judgment! But sometimes, it’s fun to mix in styles from the past. The 1970s, for example, was a decade full of bold ideas and lasting influence. So, here are a few timeless ‘70s trends to inspire your next outfit.
A trouser suit by Yves Saint Laurent from February 1970Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1970 collectionModels wear tights in June 1976American model Pat Evans wears oversized hoopsA model wears a velour jumpsuit by the ocean in Assateague Island, Virginia in 1971Christian Dior presents his “Diorling” collection on Jan. 14, 1970Bianca Jagger, Krissy Wood, and Lorna Luft attend a Rolling Stones’ concert in 1975The Glen Campbell Goodtime HourHarlequin-style trousers from March 1970A model poses in the Hamptons in 1972Ali McGraw wears a bohemian maxi dress, white tights with lace-up sandals on June 5, 1970Mick and Bianca Jagger at their wedding at the Church of St. Anne in St. Tropez on May 12, 1971Fashion models in brightly colored sports coats with matching hats and slacks from Guy Laroche’s fall/winter collections (1971-1972)Portrait of Italian actress and model Daniela Bianchi wearing a long printed dress in 1971Madonna in New York City, 1979Activist, 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, CalifAmerican singer and showgirl Lola Falana stands on the stage of the TV showThe Shirelles perform onDiana Ross poses for a portrait session on July 16, 1975 in Los Angeles, CalifLauren Hutton at the 47th Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1975Diana Ross at the second annual Rock Music Awards on Sept. 18, 1976Vicki Hodge drinks champagne in London in 1970In a 1977 episode ofA woman wears leopard print in 1979, in Los AngelesAn editorial image of model Iman taken in 1977Cher poses wearing a Bob Mackie creation on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, CalifDisco star and model Grace Jones in 1977Cher poses in another Bob Mackie design on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, CalifJane Forth models in 1971Grace Jones wears a tiger-print outfit at the Park West in Chicago on Oct. 14, 1978Billie Blair models Oscar de la Renta in 1974American punk rock band Blondie in 1979. Clockwise from top left: guitarist Chris Stein, singer Debbie Harry, bass player Nigel Harrison, drummer Clem Burke, guitarist Frank Infante, and keyboardist Jimmy DestriCher is seen at Studio 54 in NYCA patchwork maxi dressFarrah Fawcett is seen on set in 1977 in Los AngelesDionne Warwick in the ’70sGoldie Hawn stands in a front garden, circa 1970The Pointer Sisters in Cannes, FranceBritish model Twiggy wears a white ankle-length dress with a fitted apron on the front, modeled after an ecclesiastical surplice, circa 1970. It was designed by Bill GibbA fashion editorial from the ’70sThe Millinery Institute of America showcases wide-brimmed hatsA crochet beach set inspired by Maltese fishermen’s netsCaroline Delevingne in a poncho, Earl Peel in a fur coat, and Suzanne Scott in a tiger skin coat trimmed at the bottom with white furTwo looks from a collection by iconic fashion designer CourrègesModels wear jackets and tights in New York City, 1973Portrait of an unidentified model, dressed in a matching brocade trouser suit and hatVicki Hodge wears a Loris Azzaro spider web dress in 1972Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and her then-husband, Austrian prince Egon von FurstenbergItalian TV presenter, actress, singer, and showgirl Raffaella Carrà wears a fringed swimsuitModel Hazel sports a patterned mini playsuit and platforms from Ossie Clark’s “Quorum” show in LondonModels wear trousers in the UK, 1972Twiggy and husband Justin de Villeneuve give a lesson in summer streetwear in July 1970Barbra Streisand channels a ’70s working girl on the set ofDonna Summer delivers floral and fur, circa 1976Meryl Streep redefines the chic morning walk in New York City, outside of the Public Theater in 1979Pam Grier glamorously lounges poolside in Los Angeles, circa 19751972, the UK, models wear jeans and hatsOlivia Newton-John smiles behind a pair of oversized sunglasses, circa 1970Diana Hanworth and Denise Healey, models, are seen in babydoll dresses in 1973Carrie Fisher complements her natural surroundings in denim and a pair of western-inspired boots in 1978
