Back in Time Today
The 1970s were a decade renowned for its extravagant, daring, and sometimes questionable fashion choices. While some trends have made a stylish comeback, there are others that are better left in the past. Let’s delve into nine of these fashion faux pas that should remain a memory.
Bell-Bottom Jeans
Bell-bottom jeans, with their dramatic flares, were once all the rage, adorning the legs of fashionistas and free spirits alike. These denim wonders flared out from the knee, creating a silhouette that was both unique and unmistakable.
However, the exaggerated flares could often overwhelm the wearer, making them look disproportionate. While they occasionally pop back into vogue, modern styles have thankfully toned down the dramatic flair.
Today’s fashion enthusiasts are better off opting for more balanced fits that flatter the figure without sacrificing style. Bell-bottoms are a relic best admired from afar.
Leisure Suits
The leisure suit, characterized by its matching polyester jacket and pants, was a staple for men seeking comfort and style. Often available in bright colors or bold patterns, these suits were anything but subtle.
While they promised convenience, the synthetic material was notorious for its lack of breathability, often leading to discomfort. Moreover, their boxy fit rarely complemented the wearer’s physique.
Modern fashion has thankfully moved towards more tailored and breathable options, leaving the leisure suit as a quirky footnote in fashion history. A comfortable fit doesn’t have to mean compromising on style.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes, with their towering soles, were the height of 70s fashion, quite literally. Both men and women sported these shoes to add inches and make a bold statement. Their chunky design was often paired with vibrant colors and materials.
However, the risk of twisted ankles and trips was high, making these shoes more of a hazard than a fashion statement. Today’s platforms offer a more refined look, with added stability and comfort.
While modern platforms can be chic, the extreme versions of the 70s are best left to costume parties.
Polyester Everything
Polyester was the fabric of choice in the 70s, lauded for its durability and ease of care. From shirts to dresses, polyester dominated wardrobes with its synthetic sheen.
Unfortunately, it also clung unflatteringly to the body and was notorious for its lack of breathability, often leading to discomfort. The artificial shine and texture didn’t always translate to elegance or sophistication.
Today, natural fibers or improved synthetic blends offer a more comfortable and stylish alternative. Polyester’s overwhelming presence in the 70s is a trend we can afford to leave behind.
Tie-Dye Everything
Tie-dye exploded in popularity during the 70s, bringing a burst of color and creativity to clothing. Bright, swirling patterns adorned everything from shirts to accessories, embodying the era’s free-spirited ethos.
However, the overuse of this trend often resulted in garish ensembles that lacked subtlety. While tie-dye remains a fun DIY project, its appeal is best kept to casual settings and not as a fashion staple.
Modern fashion embraces more muted and sophisticated patterns, leaving the overwhelming tie-dye of the 70s behind.
Maxi Dresses with Bold Prints
Maxi dresses with bold prints were a defining look of the 70s, offering elegance with a touch of drama. These floor-length dresses featured psychedelic and geometric patterns that were hard to miss.
While they provided an easy, breezy style option, the bold prints often overshadowed the elegance of the dress. Today’s maxi dresses focus on balance, with subtler patterns and more flattering cuts.
While bold prints have their place, the overwhelming designs of the 70s maxi dresses are best left in the past.
Patchwork Everything
Patchwork clothing was a creative expression of the 70s, with various fabrics stitched together to create a unique look. From jackets to skirts, these pieces were colorful and eclectic.
However, the mishmash of patterns and colors often resulted in a chaotic and cluttered appearance. While patchwork can still be stylish, it requires a more refined approach today.
The 70s version lacked cohesion, making it a trend better left behind. Modern fashion prefers cleaner lines and more harmonious combinations, offering a more polished look.
Huge Collars
The 70s were synonymous with oversized collars that made a bold fashion statement. These exaggerated collars were often paired with equally loud prints and colors.
While they added a unique flair, they could easily overwhelm the wearer’s frame, making them look disproportionate. Modern collars have embraced a more subtle and elegant design, fitting comfortably without overpowering the outfit.
The extreme collars of the 70s are fun to reminisce about, but they’re best left in fashion’s past.
Hot Pants
Hot pants, the ultra-short shorts of the 70s, were designed to make a daring statement. These leg-baring bottoms were a favorite for those unafraid to flaunt their style and legs.
However, their impracticality and revealing nature often made them more of a novelty than everyday wear. Today, shorts come in a variety of lengths and styles, offering both comfort and modesty.
While hot pants can be a fun throwback for themed events, their everyday appeal is fortunately a thing of the past.