The 1970s were a transformative decade in terms of fashion, culture, and self-expression. Emerging from the free-spirited ethos of the 1960s, the 1970s became a period of distinct fashion choices, reflecting both political movements and personal freedom. The decade was marked by bold fashion statements, unconventional silhouettes, and a shift towards individualism. As music, politics, and cinema intertwined with everyday life, certain individuals and their unique style choices became iconic, setting trends that would influence the decades to come. This essay explores the fashion icons of the 70s and the style elements that defined the era, showcasing how the influence of these figures and trends remains prevalent in today’s fashion landscape.
The Rise of the 70s Fashion Icons
The fashion of the 1970s was not a monolithic movement; it was shaped by a variety of subcultures, from the disco scene to the bohemian lifestyle, each creating distinct looks that contributed to the diverse tapestry of 70s style. Icons of the era often represented the intersection of these movements, making bold, individualistic statements with their clothing. These individuals ranged from music legends and movie stars to supermodels and cultural rebels, but they all shared one thing in common: their ability to turn clothing into a form of self-expression.
One of the most significant elements of 1970s style was the breaking down of traditional fashion rules. Gone were the structured, conservative looks of the 1950s and early 60s; the 70s were all about fluidity, freedom, and, above all, individuality. For the first time in history, fashion was democratized. Young people were empowered to dress how they pleased, and icons like David Bowie, Jane Birkin, and Farrah Fawcett embodied that spirit with their eclectic, effortlessly cool looks.
Music Icons: The Style Revolution
Music played an undeniably crucial role in shaping the fashion of the 70s. The emergence of rock and roll, disco, and the rise of punk culture all fueled a new wave of style inspiration. Musicians were no longer just artists; they were also trendsetters, often dictating what the youth were wearing.
- David Bowie: Glam Rock and androgyny
David Bowie was one of the most influential fashion icons of the 70s, synonymous with the glam rock movement that exploded during the decade. His style was a daring mixture of flamboyance, androgyny, and futuristic elements, often blending high fashion with punk and theatricality. Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, remains one of the most iconic visual representations of the era. Ziggy’s colorful jumpsuits, platform boots, and wild hairstyles broke down gender norms and redefined masculinity. Bowie’s ability to play with gendered fashion—wearing tight pants, glittery blouses, and heavy makeup—challenged conventional ideas of masculinity and femininity, pushing boundaries that would influence fashion for years to come. - Cher: The Queen of Glamour
Cher, the legendary pop star and actress, was another style icon who defined the 1970s with her bold fashion choices. Often seen as the queen of glam, Cher was known for her outrageous costumes on stage, including intricate feathered dresses, bell-bottom pants, and long flowing hair. Her style was a seamless blend of boho chic and high glam, often mixing ethnic prints and luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk with cutting-edge, avant-garde designs. Cher was not afraid to push the envelope in terms of fashion, and her ability to seamlessly marry opulence with casual coolness made her one of the most iconic style figures of the 70s. - Farrah Fawcett: The California Dream
Farrah Fawcett became a household name in the 1970s, both for her role on the TV show Charlie’s Angels and for her iconic, wind-swept blonde hair. Farrah’s style embodied the relaxed yet polished California aesthetic that was sweeping the nation during the decade. Her casual yet glamorous look often included flared jeans, leather jackets, and casual t-shirts, all punctuated by her signature feathered hair. This laid-back yet chic vibe became the blueprint for many women’s casual wardrobes throughout the decade. Her role as a fashion icon was solidified when her famous red swimsuit poster became one of the best-selling posters of all time.
Supermodels and Actresses: Glamour and Innovation
While music figures undoubtedly shaped 70s fashion, actresses and supermodels also played a significant role in setting trends. They became synonymous with luxury, glamour, and new ideals of beauty.
- Jane Birkin: Effortless Parisian Chic
British actress and singer Jane Birkin, living in Paris, became a major style icon of the 70s, particularly for her embrace of the bohemian look. Her unpretentious yet chic style—marked by flowing skirts, flat sandals, and simple blouses—exemplified the laid-back elegance of the French bourgeoisie. Birkin’s look was natural and understated, focusing on comfort and ease, but always with a flair for the chic. She became the epitome of the effortlessly stylish woman, and her image remains a symbol of French cool to this day. In fact, the famed Hermès “Birkin bag” was named after her, solidifying her place in fashion history. - Bianca Jagger: High Glamour with a Rock Twist
As the wife of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, Bianca Jagger became a fashion icon in her own right. With a blend of bohemian and high fashion, Bianca was a regular on the New York nightlife scene, frequently wearing statement pieces such as sharp-shouldered blazers, silk pants, and glamorous gowns. One of her most iconic looks was wearing a white tuxedo jacket at Studio 54, a look that cemented her status as a fashion-forward rebel. Bianca’s style combined sophistication with a hint of rock-n-roll, making her one of the most influential figures in 70s fashion. - Lauren Hutton: Natural Beauty and the Power of Simplicity
Supermodel Lauren Hutton was a defining figure of the 70s, not only for her work as one of the first models to have a gap in her front teeth but also for her ability to embody natural beauty and simplicity. Known for her effortlessly chic and casual style, Hutton often wore tailored trousers, crisp white shirts, and simple yet luxurious pieces. Her style was the perfect representation of the modern, independent woman who embraced her natural beauty and exuded confidence in understated, classic clothing.
Fashion Trends That Defined the 70s
While the icons of the 70s were certainly influential in shaping the decade’s style, certain fashion trends became ubiquitous, defining the looks of the era.
- Bell-Bottom Pants
One of the most enduring and recognizable trends of the 70s was bell-bottom pants. These flared trousers, often made from denim or corduroy, were embraced by both men and women. The bell-bottom silhouette was made popular by rock musicians and hippies, and they quickly became a symbol of rebellion and freedom. They paired effortlessly with platform shoes, which added height and drama to the look. By the end of the decade, bell-bottoms had become a mainstream fashion trend that was seen on everyone from movie stars to everyday people. - Platform Shoes
Platforms were another key element of 70s style, often associated with the disco scene. Both men and women wore shoes with elevated soles, which added both height and a sense of boldness to their outfits. Disco queens like Donna Summer and film stars like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever helped solidify the platform shoe as a symbol of the era’s exuberance and fun-loving spirit. - Bohemian Chic
The bohemian or “boho” look was another defining feature of the 70s, influenced heavily by the countercultural movements of the previous decade. This style was characterized by flowing dresses, peasant blouses, fringe, ethnic prints, and natural fabrics like suede and leather. The bohemian style became popular through icons like Jane Birkin and Jimi Hendrix, who exuded a carefree spirit and embraced the beauty of natural, earthy looks.
The Legacy of 70s Fashion
The fashion icons and trends of the 1970s laid the groundwork for many of the style movements that followed in the decades to come. The rise of individualism, gender fluidity, and personal expression in fashion all trace their roots to this era. Today, many of the trends from the 70s—bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and boho chic—have resurfaced on runways and in street style, showing that 70s fashion is not just a relic of the past but a timeless source of inspiration.
The icons of the 70s didn’t just change the way people dressed; they transformed the way people thought about fashion. They encouraged self-expression, broke down traditional norms, and showed that fashion could be both fun and deeply personal. Through their bold choices, they became cultural icons whose influence can still be seen in the fashion world today.
