The Seventies

From the natural, earthy appearances donned by the hippies in the sixties, the seventies take a sharp contrast. Unnatural colours, shapes and fabrics were utilised to rebel against the rebellion. The eclectic variety in costume extended not only to the youth, but also to conservative, formal functions. Blue jeans and leather jackets could be seen at the theatre, along side the conservative three-piece suits. The faded, ripped blue jeans of the sixties had become institutionalised, and flared bottoms were added to jeans in the factories, not by the people who wore them.

Clothing of this decade was remarkably similar for men and women, but there was a greater variety of shapes and kinds of feminine dress. Tight jeans, pantsuits, and slacks had become as important to the woman’s wardrobe as dresses and skirts.

Minority groups, including women, gay men and lesbians, and ethnic communities, made contributions to the cultural and fashion scene. The result was an eclectic melting pot of fashion. Unlike the Sixties, however, mainstream fashion turned its back on street styles. The affluent turned to classic pieces rather than the fads of the youth.