7 fashion choices everyone made in the 70s that have somehow made a comeback

Fashion really said, “Let’s run it back,” didn’t it?

The 70s were loud, proud, and unapologetically extra. We’re talking flared pants that could smuggle small pets, colors that looked like they came straight out of a disco ball, and accessories that made subtlety look boring.

And now? We’ve come full circle. What our parents wore to roller rinks and Saturday night discos is basically what people wear to coffee shops and festivals in 2025. Wild, right?

It’s not just nostalgia either. There’s something deeply comforting about reviving old styles that once made people feel confident and expressive. The 70s were all about individuality, rebellion, and not taking fashion too seriously. And honestly, that feels pretty relevant right now.

Here are seven iconic 70s fashion choices that have clawed their way out of the archives and onto our Pinterest boards, TikTok feeds, and closets. Some are fun, some are surprisingly practical, and all of them have proven one thing: good style never really dies.

1) Bell-bottoms and flared jeans

You knew this one was coming.

Bell-bottoms were the 70s staple. Everyone from Fleetwood Mac fans to your dad at 20 had a pair. They were wide, dramatic, and unapologetically groovy. Then the 2000s came along and tried to kill them off with skinny jeans. (And for a while, it worked.)

But now? They’re back, and they’re having a full-on redemption arc.

Modern flares are a little more refined. Think high-waisted, structured, and made from soft denim that hugs in the right places and flows in the rest. They pair perfectly with cropped blazers, sneakers, or boots, depending on your vibe. They make your legs look longer, your outfit more balanced, and your energy instantly cooler.

Maybe it’s because skinny jeans started to feel suffocating, or maybe we’re just craving the comfort and drama of a wider silhouette. Either way, flares have reclaimed their throne. And let’s be honest, after years of circulation being cut off by skinnies, our legs deserved this comeback.

Bonus: you can wear them with platforms, which brings us to our next one.

2) Platform shoes

If you’ve ever rolled an ankle in platform boots, congratulations, you’re part of a long-standing 70s tradition.

Platforms were the ultimate mix of fun and rebellion back then. Whether it was the glam-rock crowd channeling David Bowie or disco queens lighting up the floor, everyone wanted that extra height and swagger. It wasn’t just about looking taller, it was about standing out—literally and figuratively.

Fast forward to now, and platform shoes are back on runways, in stores, and all over social media. From chunky loafers to retro sneakers, the trend has evolved but kept its essence. It says, “I might trip, but I’ll do it fashionably.”

Personally, I think platforms appeal to our inner drama queens. They’re impractical in the best way possible. You don’t wear them because you need them; you wear them because they make you feel like you’re walking your own personal runway to the grocery store.

And there’s something empowering about that. Adding two inches of height and a ton of attitude can change your posture—and maybe even your confidence. Plus, platforms have that magical ability to make even a casual outfit feel intentional, like you actually planned your look (even if you got dressed in five minutes).

3) Corduroy everything

Corduroy had a chokehold on the 70s. Pants, jackets, skirts—if it was wearable, someone made it in corduroy.

Then it disappeared for a few decades, only to sneak back recently like that one ex who suddenly “changes.” But this time, it really did glow up.

Today’s corduroy isn’t bulky or dated. It’s refined, structured, and ridiculously soft. You’ll see it in earth tones, minimalist cuts, and oversized fits that make any outfit look effortlessly chic.

It’s cozy but cool, like autumn in outfit form. And with sustainable fashion taking center stage, corduroy’s durability fits perfectly into the slow-fashion movement.

It’s also a little nostalgic. Wearing corduroy feels like tapping into a simpler, analog era—before fast fashion, fast food, and fast everything. And maybe that’s part of the charm. Who knew your dad’s 1974 corduroy blazer was just ahead of its time?

My personal favorite way to wear it? A cropped corduroy jacket with wide-leg jeans and gold hoops. It’s the kind of outfit that says, “I care about details,” but also, “I’m not trying too hard.”

4) The disco collar

The 70s collar wasn’t shy. It wanted attention, and it got it.

Those oversized, pointed collars were a whole personality. They framed the face dramatically, peeked out from under jackets, and added flair to even the simplest outfit.

For a while, they were considered tacky—something you’d only see in a costume shop or your uncle’s old yearbook photo. But now, they’re everywhere again, reimagined and refined.

Designers have been bringing back exaggerated collars on blouses, sweater vests, and outerwear, blending nostalgia with a sense of modern sophistication. It’s the perfect mix of retro and chic. Add a layered necklace or a statement earring, and you’ve got instant character.

And honestly, in a world where most of us are trying to stand out in a feed full of sameness, a bold collar feels like a quiet act of rebellion. It’s a small way to say, “I’m not afraid to take up space.”

5) Fringe details

If you wore fringe in the 70s, you were either channeling your inner hippie or ready for a wild night at a dive bar. It was playful, free-spirited, and made you look like you were in constant motion.

Fast forward fifty years, and fringe has returned—but she’s matured. You’ll find it on suede jackets, handbags, and even evening gowns. It’s less “cowboy chic” and more “boho luxury.” The textures and craftsmanship have evolved, but the energy is the same: fun, confident, and full of life.

I saw someone at a concert recently wearing a cropped leather jacket with gold fringe and thought, that’s the energy we all need right now. Movement, texture, confidence—everything fashion should be. Fringe gives clothes rhythm. It makes you want to dance, even when there’s no music playing.

There’s also something beautifully rebellious about fringe. It doesn’t sit still or play by the rules. It flutters, sways, and draws attention—and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. In a culture that often tells us to tone it down, wearing fringe feels like a quiet refusal.

6) Matching sets

Before “co-ords” were a TikTok thing, they were a 70s thing.

Back then, matching sets were bright, bold, and unapologetic. Think psychedelic prints, silky materials, and coordinated chaos. Today, the trend has evolved into something a bit more subtle, but the appeal is still the same. Matching tops and bottoms make you look instantly polished—no effort required.

Maybe that’s why we love them so much. In a world where decision fatigue is real, a matching set is one less thing to think about. It’s fashion on autopilot, but make it stylish.

From linen sets perfect for summer vacations to knitted loungewear that makes staying home feel luxurious, matching sets are all about balance: comfort meets coordination. It’s a nod to the past, but designed for people who live in the fast, modern present.

Plus, there’s something satisfying about symmetry. When your outfit matches perfectly, it just feels… right. Like the world makes a little more sense for a second.

7) The bold print takeover

If minimalism is your vibe, the 70s would’ve overwhelmed you.

That decade was pure chaos in print form—paisley, geometric shapes, wild florals, and colors that clashed on purpose. It was maximalism at its loudest, and somehow, it worked. People dressed like walking art pieces, and that confidence was magnetic.

After years of beige and “quiet luxury,” bold prints are making a defiant comeback. We’re seeing retro-inspired shirts, patterned pants, and funky accessories that scream personality. Maybe it’s rebellion against the bland, or maybe we just miss color. Either way, people are done playing it safe.

And I get it. Wearing something bold can shift your entire mood. When you throw on a shirt covered in swirling orange and pink patterns, you can’t help but feel alive. You stop worrying about blending in, and start leaning into being seen.

Fashion, at its core, is self-expression. And nothing expresses joy quite like wearing something that could double as vintage wallpaper.

Final thoughts

Here’s the thing about 70s fashion: it was fearless. People weren’t dressing to blend in; they were dressing to express themselves. Every outfit told a story, even if that story involved questionable shoe choices and excessive polyester.

Now, as the world leans back into individuality and nostalgia, it makes sense that these styles are resurfacing. We want comfort, expression, and a little drama. The 70s had all three.

Maybe that’s why this comeback feels so right. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about attitude. Fashion in the 70s was about self-assurance and fun, two things we could all use a little more of.

So yeah, maybe your mom’s closet wasn’t as outdated as you thought. Maybe she was just early. The truth is, trends are cyclical for a reason. What once made people feel bold and free tends to come back when we need that reminder again.

And next time you slip into a pair of flares or throw on a corduroy jacket, remember, you’re not just following a trend. You’re reviving a legacy of style that refused to apologize for being bold. You’re embracing the spirit of self-expression that made the 70s one of fashion’s most iconic decades.

Because sometimes, the past really did get it right.