When you need to revamp your style or change your look for a particular occasion, where do you turn to for inspiration? Current trends and latest styles? Great. But how about you do something else this time around like turning to the past? It could be as far as ten, 20, or even 50 years ago like 70s outfits for men.
The ‘70s was a wonderful time in fashion. As Vogue noted then, it was a time when there were no rules in the fashion game. So don’t be surprised if find your next style inspiration in this post as we dive into 70s men’s fashion.
A Glance into ‘70s Outfits for Men
The 70s was a time when individuality and self-expression reigned. There was not much disparity between men’s and women’s fashion as androgynous looks ruled. Most outfits comprised daring styles, eye-catching colors and patterns, tight-loose silhouettes, and interesting textures, such as satin, suede, velvet, and corduroy. Like 70s women’s fashion, typical 70s wardrobe staples for men included bell bottoms, wide-leg pants, platform shoes, vests, tassels, fitted leather jackets, long-collared shirts, tight tees, turtleneck sweaters, etc.
Let’s look at them in detail.
Early ‘70s Men’s fashion
In the early 1970s, as well-paid jobs and flourishing businesses increased, men began to go beyond the conventional standard of dressing. Some looks featured:
- Satin shirts mostly in black and grey with lace ruffles on the cuffs and neckline.
- Nehru jackets
- Ethnic-inspired tunics
- Turtlenecks
- Winklepicker boots with Cuban heels
- Hip-hugging elephant bell-bottoms
- Tie-dye shirts
- Sweater vests
- Military clothing
- Sports jackets
- Khaki chinos
- Crocheted waistcoats
- Chunky sweaters in cream, dark green, beige, and sky blue colors.
- Corduroy pants
- Storm coats
- Tartan jackets
- Peacoats
- Flannel shirts
- Pleated pants
- Baseball jackets
- Hip-huggers
Furthermore, The hippie look also reigned in the seventies as men accessorized with:
- Necklaces
- Bright braided belts
- Sandals
- Headbands and bracelets made from organic materials such as wood, hemp, flowers, leather, shells, stones, and Indian beads.
- Flip-flops
- Floppy hats
- Flowing scarves
- Oxfords
- Birkenstocks
- Platform shoes
- Earth shoes
- Cowboy boots
Mid-Seventies Men’s Style
In the mid-70s, fashion became quite laidback for men featuring looks such as:
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Leisure suits
- High-waisted pants
- Sweaters
- Vintage clothing
- Denim on denim
- Leather coats
- Disco shirts
- Printed shirts
- European suits with padded shoulders
- Flared pants
- Velvet tuxedo jackets with casual pants
- Tapered pants
- Turned-up collars, etc.
Furthermore, men’s suits adopted a different look. They moved from wide-legged to straight-cut (or sometimes tapered) pants featuring slimmer cuts and smaller waists.Â
Late ‘70s Outfits for Men
Sportswear and disco style took over men’s fashion in the 1970s. And they featured outfits such as:
- Tracksuits
- Jumpsuits
- Velour shirts
- Sweaters
- Long and pointed shirt collars
- Flared jeans
- Cardigans
- Three-piece suits with wide lapels
- Sweatshirts
- Straight-leg jeans
- Puffer vests
- Flared jeans
Common accessories within this period include:
- Aviator sunglasses
- Wide neckties
- Low-top sneakers
- Tennis headbands
- Puka shell necklaces
- Wristbands.
Can You Still Rock 70s Outfits for Men in the 2020s?
The 70s was a time to be bold and audacious. But that doesn’t mean people stopped being edgy with their style at the end of the 1970s. The last time I checked, bold fashion is still a thing even to this moment. And with the rise of gender-fluid and alté fashion, you’ll agree rocking popular 70s outfits for men in 2023 won’t be out of place.
If designers go back in time to garner inspiration and recycle trends for their collections, why can’t you?
So, go ahead and recreate your favorite 70s men’s look. Do this for costume parties, red-carpet events, or any upcoming photography sessions you have. Let fashion give you a trip down memory lane to even the time you weren’t born.
