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The music industry also branched into a multitude of experimental genres, each one garnering its own small subculture. People were finally able to express themselves in any way they wanted, leading to the emergence of many clothing trends that are still popular today.
Fawcett and the 'swimsuit'
Celebrities were pioneers in this period. For example, in 1977, Farrah Fawcett popularised the one-piece swimsuit by wearing a striking red one on a poster, which eventually became her highest-selling image of all time. Soon, women all over the globe were wearing copycat suits to the pool, with the style becoming even more widespread than bikinis. This was particularly useful for those who were not keen on the two-piece styles which had previously been accepted as the norm.
The wrap dress
Similarly, famous designers were coming up with plenty of ideas to present to the public. Diane von Furstenburg created what we now know as the wrap dress, which was favoured by women in the workplace. Similarly, Halston created dresses which were perfect for the dancefloor, thanks to the absence of buttons and zips.
The rise of the t-shirt
One of the most important ideas to stem from the '70s was the t-shirt. Previously, the staple wardrobe piece that we all know and love was considered to be underwear, but in 1974, people began to wear t-shirts as a top layer, sporting a variety of colours from pink to black.
The trend was further heightened when companies, organisations, charities and bands realised they could use them to their advantage in marketing campaigns. They were the perfect size and form of medium to print logos, images and quotes on, making them a highly customisable, cheap way to promote a cause. Individuals could even have their own designs put on the fabric. It was a new way to express oneself that had never been seen in the fashion world before.
The Hippie look
In the '70s, many people began to get openly liberal in their views towards politics and social issues, prompting them to express this in their clothing choices. Hippies, as they called themselves, denied the styles which were socially conforming and challenged them by wearing clashing colours, patterned blouses and pants, and handmade neck ornaments. They would choose loose clothing, in general, over tight-fitting pieces and opt for floral patterns which were striking to the eye.
People who dressed in this style often had to make their own clothes, as the styles they sought were not available in stores at the start. However, this movement was so powerful that the trends are still used in modern clothes manufacturing today. Wide-leg jeans, bold patterns and the Bohemian style all derive from the hippies.
With a recent comeback of flared trousers, rectangular sunglasses and halter tops, you should treasure what the '70s gave the fashion industry. Make sure you store your items in a safe, secure box or trunk, and enjoy the aesthetic long into the future.