Hippie fashion was a big part of the 1970s.
Fashion in 1970s America was going through a great change. With influences still present from the 1960s combined with new trends, fabrics and points of view, fashion was incredibly varied. Despite this, there are definitely some styles and fads that are attributed solely to the 1970s. Some have gone by the wayside while others continue to make their mark in fashion, resurfacing every few years in new and different ways.
Tie Dye
Tie dye is an essential '70s fashion staple, associated with hippies and do-it-yourself enthusiasts. You can tie dye clothing at home with only a few simple items, or purchase the clothing already dyed. In the '70s, tie dye was seen on everything including t-shirts, headbands, sweaters, blankets and pants. While tie dye is still seen in fashion today, it is in much smaller doses and generally done in more muted colors rather than the vibrant hues of the '70s.
Bell Bottoms
According to New York University, bell bottom jeans are the signature style of the 1970s, worn by both men and women. Fitting the ideal silhouette of the time, they were generally tight through the hips and thighs and then dramatically flared at the bottom. One of the few trends of the time to remain constant throughout the years, bell bottom jeans can still be seen in fashion today, though the silhouette is much less dramatic and the flare isn't nearly as wide.
Fringe
Fringe was a common addition to styles in the 1970s, used on shirts, pants, dresses and even accessories. A favorite of the hippie movement, fringed items were often paired with the other staples of the time, like bell bottom jeans and high platform shoes. Fringe is still used sparingly in fashion, generally sticking to accessories and the rare dress or shirt, but never in the amounts or lengths seen in the fashions of the 1970s.
Hot Pants
1970s fashion centered on the youth of the time, bold and daring people willing to experiment in all areas of their lives, including their clothing. The '70s saw an emergence of shorts so short they were named hot pants. Leaving nothing to the imagination, they were only for the most confident of women. While they are rarely called hot pants anymore, short shorts are still a part of popular fashion today, as they can be customized to fit any style.
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