A Look Back at the Greatest 1970s Fashion Moments
Twiggy, Jane Birkin, and more show how true '70s style is done.
The '70s differentiates itself as a decade in style due in part to an emphasis on tailored silhouettes, ease in style, and the Halston effect. Dresses made by the legendary designer are set apart due to his keen eye for simplicity and languid fabrications including cashmere and ultra-suede. The '70s was about the woman wearing the clothes and not the other way around.
From flares and bell sleeves to shearling coats and miniskirts, the era birthed an eclectic mix of style influences that evolved over a ten year span. Style icons like Jane Birkin and Bianca Jagger helped with the rise of disco and an unabashed embrace of glamour. Take a look back at some of the looks that helped define the decade's style—and continue to inspire today.
1970
Songstress Diana Ross is statuesque in a bronze satin dress with billowy sleeves. The languid fabrication is a hallmark of the decade.
1970
The Three Degrees singing duo, Sheila Ferguson, Valerie Holiday and Fayette Pinkney embraced belly-bearing silhouettes and easy flares.
1970
Goldie Hawn looks summer-ready in her yellow ruffled crop top and navy skirt. Ladies weren't afraid to experiment with color.
1970
Bianca Jagger proved that she was the golden girl of the decade in this lamé halter-top dress. Studio 54 looks continue to resonate.
1970
Lounging in a wicker hanging chair with floral accents, a model wears a long-sleeved tunic with sparkling tights and metallic cap-toe shoes. No one did boho better than the '70s.
1970
Jackie Kennedy steps out in a classic black turtleneck, belted coat, and perfectly tailored trousers. It wasn't all disco dresses, tailoring was king.
1970
A miniskirt-clad look that walked the runway at Pierre Cardin's fashion show in Berlin, Germany. Early 70s still had glimpses of '60s silhouettes.
1970
Iconic '60s supermodel Jean Shrimpton lounges on a couch while wearing a floral minidress and black Mary Jane shoes. This look still feels relevant.
1970
Catherine Deneuve layers a menswear vest over a classic green blouse, a floral-print knee-length skirt, and brown leather knee-high boots. Consider this look smart and sophisticated.
1970
Diane von Furstenberg and husband Prince Egon von Fürstenberg wear matching checked button-down shirts and belted trousers. She wore looks beyond the wrap dress with ease.
1970
It doesn't get more '70s than a multicolor patchwork dress featuring dramatic bell sleeves.
1970
All leather everything. This casual red T-shirt keeps the burgundy patent-leather hat, jacket, and matching miniskirt paired with a black patent-leather boot from looking overdone.
1970
Model Celia Hammond, who is now an activist against the fur industry, was snapped rocking a cozy shearling coat over her top, miniskirt, and knee-high boots. This look is pure cool.
1970
A woman shows off a colorful faux-fur coat by designer Ossie Clark while walking down the street. Clark was a mainstay designer of the decade.
1970
Hanging out on the beach, a model wears an orange sleeveless jumpsuit with her collar flipped up and the front zipper pulled down, adding an adventurous element to her otherwise laid-back outfit. Jumpsuits overall were all the rage.
1970
Baring some skin in a jumpsuit from Lolli Popowska, this model pairs the daring look with a pair of crimplene stocking shoes complete with a low heel.
1970
Model Monica Platne is photographed in a black-and-silver print dress and a matching head scarf. Coordinating your headwear to your dress was a mainstay.
1971
Posing in fall foliage, this model wears a hooded fall coat featuring houndstooth detailing with a pair of boots.
1971
A blue polka-dot maxi dress hailing from Christian Dior's 1970 spring/summer haute couture collection.
1971
A model wears a bikini, a mesh cover-up dress, and white over-the-knee boots.
