Every decade has brought us iconic fashion trends that have stood the test of time...and every decade features more than a few fashion trends we would sooner forget. These trends from the '70s that we don't miss are no exception.
From space-inspired miniature dresses to bell bottoms, denim-on-denim ensembles, bell sleeves, and heavy, bright blue eye makeup, there are some iconic '70s looks that simply don't translate to the fashion trends we celebrate and admire today.
That's not to say that some of our favorite looks aren't from the '70s—from the "girl boss" pantsuits to the barely-there bra tops and cutout swimsuits, this decade of fashion and style set the stage for the very fashion designers that have shaped our outfit-loving worlds of today.
But there's nothing wrong with paying homage to the past...and then leaving it there. While there are a few '70s fashion trends that deserve another day in the sun, the following are less than desirable and can simply be appreciated for what they were: Necessary, but not forever.
Bell Bottom Jeans
Yes, we know that bell bottom jeans have been making a comeback of sorts, but can they just...not? This iconic '70s trend is best left in the past.
Shiny Platform Boots
Look, we love a good platform boot as much as the next fashion-obsessed person, but the ultra-shiny, knee-high platform boots had their time and place in history. No need to relive it, folks.
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye can be fun, don't get me wrong, but it's best left in the '70s or on the lawn of your old college dorm where everyone congregated and inexplicably played hacky sack for hours on end.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses dominated runways in the mid- to late-70s, changing fashion as people knew it. But as the fashion industry has continued to evolve, the wrap dress has been (sort of) left behind, only to be revolutionized in new and exciting ways that make the '70s version feel outdated.
Disco
Sure, Disco had its time under the sun but it belongs in the history books... where it can stay. From the elongated shirt colors to the suits to the dance moves to the platforms, it was all just a little too much.
Corduroy
Corduroy is a bear, not a fashion statement, people. Full stop.
Hippie Chic
Since the '70s, hippie chic has given way to Bohemian chic. What's the difference, you ask? Who is to say, but the latter dominates music festivals every year so it's certainly here to stay.
Headbands
It's cannon that Dennis Hopper and only Dennis Hopper is allowed to wear a handkerchief bandana headband, blue jeans, a jean jacket and a handlebar mustache all at once. Sorry, we don't make the rules.
Clogs
Clogs took the 1970s fashion world by storm, and while these shoes are certainly more popular elsewhere we're OK with them staying in America's past.
Conflicting, Loud Colors
It wasn't just the conflicting color patterns, the outlandish color palettes or the loud prints—it was all of it at once. Fashion in the 1970s was one never-ending color bomb, so we're fine with leaving that particular trend behind.
Crochet
So. Much. Crochet. From crochet headbands and vests, to crochet hats, skirts and bikini tops, crochet took over the '70s at one point and threatened to never let it go. Thankfully, and eventually, that fashion trended faded.
Bucket Hats
Look, not all of us are singer and actress Olivia Newton-John in a music video for her 1975 pop single "Follow Me"—not everyone can just pull off a bucket hat.
And by "not everyone," we mean no one. No one but Olivia Newton-John.
Caftan Dresses
Caftan dresses were all the rage on runways across the globe in the 1970s, but the large pieces of draped fabric just feels outdated these days. While this comfortable and often simple-chic look has a time and place, it's usually while on the beach enjoying one's beige grandma era.
Extended Collars
Honestly, who decided that extended collars were a good idea? Show yourself!
While this quintessential '70s fashion trend dominated dance floors and disco halls across the country, it eventually faded... and we're not mad about it.
Polyester Pantsuits
The '70s ushered in the ultimate "girl boss" pantsuit, and for good reason—more women were entering the workforce, hellbent on showing the world that anything a man can do, they can do better.
But these pantsuits—unlike some of the suits featured today—were also designed to be both comfortable and durable. Along with elastic waistlines and practical designs, many of the '70s pantsuits were made with polyester—a much more affordable material. Hey, we're all here for smart economic fashion decisions, but we can all collectively leave the polyester behind.
Hot Pants
Hot pants crawled so the early aughts so-called "booty shorts" could run.
Again, we're all for showing all the leg and hot pants certainly do the trick. But what are they, if not glorified shorts? Fashion has certainly evolved since hot pants came on the '70s scene, so we can leave this particular trend in the past with the platforms and tie-dye.
The Oversized Blouse
Even though the iconic, incomparable Cher wore loose, oversized blouses in the '70s and slayed, they feel outdated and ill-fitting these days. When you combined the overly-large blouses with their often vibrant colors and conflicting patterns, and this trend just wasn't meant to last.
Patchwork Denim Jeans
No. No, no, no, no, no. This trend absolutely needs to be buried in the past never to see the light of day again.
Arm Cuffs
We're big fans of huge, eye-catching statement pieces, especially when it comes to out-of-the-box jewelry. So while the '70s trend of wearing a copious amount of arm cuffs was iconic for its time, like every other aspect of fashion the world of accessories has moved forward and—for the most part—has left arm cuffs behind. We're OK with it.
Bra Tops
The only reason the bra top trend should stay in the '70s is because now people just wear their bras and lingerie as tops. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Satin Suits
A satin suit? In this climate? That just seems... uncomfortable. While this suave ensemble was certainly solidified as an iconic fashion trend in the '70s, it is best left behind with the disco balls and questionable dance moves.
The Handlebar Mustache
No. Nope. No, Sir. Absolutely not.
Moving on.
The Shoulder Pad Jumpsuit
The end of the '70s seemed to warn the fashion world that shoulder pads were incoming and they were going to have a white-knuckle grip on the '80s. While we love a good pantsuit and shoulder pads have their place in fashion history, the combination is outdated and not worth bringing back. DOA.
This Farrah Fawcett Hairstyle
We say this out of respect! Farrah Fawcett's iconic hairstyle is one for the ages, but there's really only one person on the planet who could pull it off so flawlessly and that was Farrah Fawcett. Some moments of fashion and beauty greatness just aren't meant to be duplicated.
Cutout Swimsuits
Cutout swimsuits are equal parts cute and fun but those tan lines! You can miss us with those tan lines, no thank you. Hard pass.
Leather Pants
Look: David Bowie can do no wrong—we will forever stan a gender-bending fashion icon. However, leather pants? The climate just won't allow it! We know that Ziggy Stardust would understand.
Bell Sleeves
Oh, bell sleeves—where do we even begin? They had their decade-defining moment, to be sure, but bell sleeves were often featured on print-heavy maxi dresses and loose-fitting blouses and just did nothing for either look.
Double Denim
Some denim? Yes. All the denim? No. Take it from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake—who both took a page from the '70s when they wore a matching, all-denim look—there is such a thing as too much jeans.
Waist-Long, Straight Hair
Cher is the undeniable '70s Queen, so we don't want to offend but the very simple, waist-length straight hairstyle is certainly outdated. While waist-long hair is still in, texture and layers are the name of the hairstyle game, and we're here for it.
Bright Blue Eye Makeup
While at a time iconic, the '70s-inspired heavy, bright blue eye makeup style has gone by the wayside... and we're not all that mad about it. While this statement eye makeup look has enjoyed a resurgence from time-to-time, it's best left in the past.
Knee-High Socks
Knee-high socks can certainly have their moment, especially when paired with the right ensemble and fabulous shoes. But more often than not they can also com off as infantilizing and, well, just no.
Space Dresses
Perhaps the fashionistas and designers of the '70s thought we would be much further along in our technological advances than we are now. Maybe they thought we would all be living on the moon or Mars by now and would need to dress accordingly. Either way, they were wrong... so these space dresses can stay firmly in the past.
