Bold ’70s Fashion Choices That Would Go Viral Today

The 1970s were a wild time for fashion, when self-expression knew no bounds and good taste took a back seat to bold statements. Looking back now, some of these trends seem almost unbelievable, but we wore them with pride and confidence. Let’s take a technicolor trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most outrageous fashion choices that would definitely break the internet if they appeared today.

1. Platform Shoes

These sky-high shoes weren’t just footwear – they were an adventure in balance and coordination. Men and women alike tottered around on these architectural marvels, some reaching heights of five inches or more. The more outrageous the platform, the better, with designs featuring glitter, lights, and even fish swimming in clear heels.

2. Leisure Suits

Nothing says 70s quite like a polyester leisure suit. These matching jacket-and-pant combinations came in every color imaginable, from powder blue to bright yellow. The wide lapels and flared pants were essential features, and somehow we thought wearing them with a patterned shirt unbuttoned to the navel was the height of sophistication.

3. Bell-Bottom Jeans

The wider the bells, the better! These jeans started slim at the knee and exploded into massive flares that could easily cover your entire shoe. We’d customize them with patches, embroidery, and even hand-painted designs. Rainy days were a nightmare as those bells soaked up water like sponges.

4. Hot Pants

These ultra-short shorts pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable public attire. Made from every material imaginable – including satin, velvet, and even leather – hot pants were worn everywhere from grocery stores to formal events. Paired with tight tops and platform boots, they were a statement of liberation and daring.

5. Mood Rings

These “magical” pieces of jewelry supposedly revealed your emotional state through color changes. We wore them proudly, consulting little charts that told us whether we were happy (green), nervous (amber), or stressed (black). Never mind that they really just reacted to temperature – we were convinced they could read our souls.

6. Tie-Dye Everything

If it could be dyed, we tie-dyed it. T-shirts, sheets, curtains, and even underwear got the psychedelic treatment. Every summer camp and backyard became a tie-dye workshop, and the more colors you could squeeze into one garment, the better. Our mothers weren’t thrilled when we turned the bathtub various shades of rainbow.

7. Jumpsuits

Inspired by Elvis and disco culture, jumpsuits became everyday wear. These one-piece wonders often featured wide collars, belted waists, and enough synthetic material to survive a nuclear winter. The real challenge came when nature called – those full-body zippers could be treacherous in a hurry!

8. Polyester Shirts with Massive Collars

These shirts had collars so wide they could double as wings. Paired with geometric patterns and colors that would make a peacock blush, they were the ultimate statement piece. The synthetic fabric meant they never wrinkled, but they also never breathed – making summer dance floors particularly interesting.

9. Ponchos

Crocheted, knitted, or store-bought, ponchos were everywhere. These shapeless wonders came in every color combination imaginable, often featuring fringe that could sweep your floor as you walked. They were basically socially acceptable blankets that you could wear to the grocery store.

10. Go-Go Boots

These knee-high boots weren’t made for walking – they were made for dancing! White was the most popular color, but metallic silver and gold were close contenders. The vinyl material meant your feet would sweat like crazy, but fashion trumped comfort every time.

11. Sequined Everything

If it didn’t sparkle, we weren’t interested. Sequined dresses, tops, and even pants turned every movement into a disco ball effect. You could always tell where someone had been sitting by the trail of fallen sequins they left behind. Vacuum cleaners were the natural enemy of this trend.

12. Tube Tops

These strapless wonders defied gravity and common sense. A simple band of stretchy fabric that promised to stay up through dancing, walking, or any other activity. Spoiler alert: they often didn’t. The constant tugging and adjusting became a signature dance move of its own.

13. Rainbow Suspenders

Thanks to Mork from Ork, these colorful accessories became a must-have fashion statement. Whether your pants needed them or not was beside the point – they were worn with everything from jeans to formal wear. The brighter and more colorful, the better.

14. Terry Cloth Everything

Somehow, we decided that towel material was appropriate for all types of clothing. Shorts, shirts, dresses, and even suits were made from terry cloth. It was like wearing a beach towel everywhere you went. Comfortable? Maybe. Stylish? Well, we thought so at the time.

15. Matching His & Hers Outfits

Couples would proudly step out in identical outfits, from matching leisure suits to coordinated polyester shirt-and-pant combinations. The ultimate display of togetherness was showing up at a party wearing the same eye-searing pattern from head to toe. Love meant never having to say you’re sorry about your matching outfits.