10 Fashion Trends From the 1970s Georgia Residents Long For
The 1970s had a style all its own—loud, proud, and full of personality.
Whether you were getting ready to cruise around in your dad’s station wagon, hit the roller rink with friends, or plop down in the shag carpeted den to watch The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, your outfit said a lot.
Even though the ’70s are long gone, a lot of those groovy trends still hold a special place in Georgia residents’ hearts. Here are some unforgettable ’70s fashion moments we really wish would make a comeback.
Halter Tops
Every ’70s girl had at least one halter top—perhaps sewn at home with help from Mom’s Singer sewing machine or picked up from a rack at Sears. They tied behind your neck, left your shoulders bare, and made you feel like a rock star just walking into the local Pizza Hut.
Halter tops were the go-to outfit for summer days when the sun was blazing and the lawn sprinklers were going full blast.
You’d toss one on with cut-off jean shorts, hop on your banana seat bike, and head to the corner store for a Coke and a candy bar. Bonus points if the halter had stripes, terry cloth fabric, or a smiley face patch.
Halter tops made appearances at backyard barbecues, drive-in movies, and especially roller discos.
When paired with feathered hair and platform sandals, you felt like you were one solid gold dance step away from being discovered.
Bell Bottoms
If you didn’t have a pair of bell bottoms in your closet in the ‘70s, were you even alive?
These pants flared out so wide at the bottom, they could almost sweep the floor as you walked through the school hallway clutching your Trapper Keeper.
They came in all kinds of materials—denim was a favorite, but corduroy and polyester were hot too. You could find them with flower patches, embroidered peace signs, or just worn-in knees from playing tag outside or kneeling by the record player while flipping through LPs.
The cool kids paired them with clogs or Earth Shoes and strutted through the halls like they were walking the set of Welcome Back, Kotter.
You’d feel them swish as you moved, and that little sound they made—whoosh, whoosh—was the soundtrack of the era.
Platform Shoes
Platform shoes were no joke. Whether you picked them up from Kinney Shoes or got a fancy pair from Thom McAn, these chunky-soled beauties made you stand taller—literally and fashion-wise.
Boys wore platform boots with their wide-collared shirts and polyester suits to the high school dance. Girls rocked platform sandals with bell bottoms or maxi dresses while shopping at Woolworth’s or heading to the roller rink.
You had to walk a little slower in them to keep your balance, but that was half the fun.
Some had glitter, some had rainbow soles, and some lit up under the disco lights at places like Studio 54 (or your cousin’s garage party).
Yeah, you might’ve tripped once or twice, but it was worth it to look that cool.
Wrap Dresses
The wrap dress felt like magic when it came out. You’d see them on working moms, teachers, and even on the cover of Seventeen magazine.
Diane von Fürstenberg made wrap dresses popular, but they trickled down fast—you could find similar styles at JCPenney or even hanging on the clothesline after wash day.
The wrap dress hugged in just the right places and tied at the waist with no zippers or buttons. You’d wear it to church, to your first office job, or to a Tupperware party at your neighbor’s house.
And because it came in all those groovy patterns—like paisley, polka dots, and florals—it felt like you were wearing art.
Every woman had her favorite “feel-good” wrap dress. And every guy who saw one probably remembers it too.
Suede Fringe Jackets
Nothing said cool in the ’70s like a suede fringe jacket. If you were lucky, you scored one for Christmas or saved up babysitting money to buy one at Montgomery Ward.
The fringe hung off the sleeves and back, and when you moved, it danced behind you like you were in a music video.
These jackets were all the rage with both guys and girls. They gave you that Western, rebellious look, like you were ready to hop on a Harley or join the cast of Easy Rider.
Kids wore them over turtlenecks or floral blouses, usually with jeans and a peace sign necklace.
You’d see them at outdoor concerts, hanging out at the mall, or leaning against a wood-paneled station wagon in the school parking lot. The smell of suede, the feel of the fringe brushing against your arm—it’s something ’70s folks still remember.
Big Collars
Before you left the house, you had to make sure your shirt collar was just right. And in the ’70s, “just right” meant big.
Collars back then were wide, pointed, and made to stick out proudly over the lapel of your jacket.
Whether it was a silky disco shirt with paisley swirls or a pastel button-up for Easter Sunday, those collars were practically wings. Guys wore them with gold chains, girls wore them with layered beads or brooches, and they always peeked out just right in school pictures.
Every outfit felt just a bit fancier with those oversized collars.
If you were headed to the school dance in a ruffled tux shirt and matching bow tie, you knew your collar was doing half the work to impress your date.
Tracksuits
Before “athleisure” was a word, tracksuits were already making people feel cozy and cool at the same time.
They came in slick fabrics, bright colors, and usually had matching stripes down the sleeves and legs. You could find them in the Sears catalog or at the local sporting goods store.
You’d wear a tracksuit to gym class, then straight to 7-Eleven for a Slurpee and some Bubble Yum.
On Saturdays, you’d toss one on to watch Fat Albert in front of the TV with a bowl of Froot Loops. It was the perfect lazy-day uniform.
Kids loved how comfy they were, parents liked how easy they were to wash, and teens loved how they looked with a pair of white sneakers and a Walkman clipped to the hip.
Crochet Everything
If you had a grandma, aunt, or even a neighbor with a crochet hook, chances are you owned something homemade.
Crochet was everywhere—vests, hats, ponchos, even bikinis (though wearing one to the local pool was risky business).
The colors were usually wild—think avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange—and the patterns were chunky and open. You’d wear a crochet top over a peasant blouse, or a granny square vest over a long-sleeve tee.
It was the perfect look for hanging out at the park or walking around the mall with your friends.
Even if you didn’t love the itchy feel, you wore it anyway because it meant someone made it just for you. And if you did like the texture, you probably had a whole drawer full of handmade goodies.
Vests
Vests in the ’70s were more than just an extra layer—they were a fashion statement. You might’ve had a denim vest covered in buttons and patches from rock concerts, or maybe a suede one with fringe that made you feel like a cowboy or cowgirl.
Boys wore them over turtlenecks with flared pants, girls layered them over floral dresses or long-sleeve shirts.
If you were lucky, yours had cool stitching or beads, or maybe you added your own touch with a little embroidery.
You’d see vests at school talent shows, at family reunions, or even when lining up for your class photo. They were easy to throw on and instantly made your outfit look cooler—even if it was just for picture day.
Boho Maxi Dresses
If you were headed to the fair, a folk festival, or just strolling through the flea market with your best friend, chances are you were wearing a maxi dress.
These floor-length, flowy dresses had long sleeves, funky prints, and a dreamy, flower-child energy.
The best ones had bell sleeves or empire waists, and maybe even a little lace trim. You’d pair it with sandals or bare feet, and maybe a daisy tucked behind your ear.
The whole look said, “I’m laid back, and I like Fleetwood Mac.”
Maxi dresses were everywhere—from church services to beach vacations. And the ones from the ‘70s just had a different kind of magic you don’t always find in today’s versions.
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