Stick it to the man: The Eclectic Seventies



The Seventies was a period in which the fashion was as passionate as the change-makers that wore them. During this time designers looked back at fashion from the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration for the style of the 70s. Ease and comfort were the hallmarks of seventies fashion.



Hippy culture continued throughout the early seventies as the protests of the Vietnam War became louder and more rambunctious. The hippy counterculture was a way to for people to break away from the convention.   Flares also are known as bell-bottoms flowed in the wind as hippies flamboyantly shouted their pleas for peace.

Hippies completed their rebellious ensembles with headbands, floppy hats, oversized glasses, homemade jewelry.


Bo Rhap


In continuity in the seventies brought appropriated the style of Roma Gypsies of central Europe. Today, we refer to this style has Bohemian or Boho for short. Bohemian style is known for its effortless look.  Bohemian fashion in the seventies include maxi dresses, flowing skirts, shirts with bell sleeves.
Another Boho trend is the mixing of patterns and patchwork.

Mix it up 

If there is a time where individualism is encouraged it would be the 70s.  Patterned dresses were worn head scarfs and beaded earrings.  The mixing of fabrics before the 70s was frowned upon. This allowed people of the seventies to take risks and experiment with patterns.

Patchwork 

Patchwork combined different colors and patterns to make quilt- like clothing. The mixing of patterns demonstrates the beauty of diversity in terms of thoughts and perspectives.



Maxi Dresses were a simple way to look elegant without trying too hard.  This dress with billowing sleeves shows a 30's influence with a bohemian perspective. Boho style is a way for women of the seventies not only challenges the image of beauty but it led women to question their position within society. Fashion in the seventies liberated women from the confines of tradition. Women did not have to wear bras if they did not want to. Women did not have to bow down to the men in their lives. This perspective brought about the women's liberation movement.


Women's Lib and questioning Heteronormativity

Women's Liberation fought for the independence of women from a patriarchal society. Betty Friedan (feminist and author) realized the emptiness that women felt in their lives in her book The Feminine Mystique. They needed a purpose beyond their domestic abilities. Friedan's book urged women to work. As women entered the workforce they began to question why they did not make the same amount of money as their male counterparts leading to the advocation for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).  The ERA would guarantee equal rights to all regardless of sex.  This need to be free encouraged women to be more experimental with their personal style.

Women were entitled to dress as they choose. The seventies allowed women to wear clothes that were formerly seen a masculine. Inversely, men have this same liberty.  Jumpsuits, platform shoes, and flares were common trends that men and women shared. Style is subjective. People should be able to wear what they want.




LOVE what you wear and wear what you LOVE.

                                                         This week's musical inspo:




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