60 Photos That Prove the ’70s Was the Most Stylish Decade

December 24, 2022 ndowd

Getty + Design Leah Romero

No matter how you identify—as a ’90s club kid or a Woodstock wannabe—everyone loves a little bit of disco every now and then. Just try to resist the pull of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” and let us know how that goes. While many of the 1970s fashion trends have justifiably faded (we’re looking at you, soul patches), some are still going stronger than ever. The era showcased a funky blend of popular hippie styles from the ’60s with 1980s fashion that was yet to land. Sequins? Platform heels? Suiting? Yes, please! Truth be told, 1970s fashion is some of the best, and the decade has some of the greatest style icons, too. From Cher and Bianca Jagger to Diana Ross and Grace Jones, the sartorial choices of these legendary stars still hold up today. In fact, they’re even better. Here, find some of the best examples of ’70s fashion. Inspiration is sure to strike.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

A trouser suit by Yves Saint Laurent from February 1970.

American model Pat Evans wears oversized hoops.

Christian Dior presents his “Diorling” collection on Jan. 14, 1970.

The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour features a performance by Dionne Warwick in 1970.

Harlequin-style trousers from March 1970.

Pop singer Shirley Bassey faces the press on the roof of the Dorchester Hotel in 1970.

Ali McGraw wears a bohemian maxi dress and lace-up sandals on June 5, 1970.

Mick and Bianca Jagger at their wedding at the Church of St. Anne in St. Tropez on May 12, 1971.

Fashion models in brightly colored sports coats with matching hats and slacks, from Guy Laroche’s fall/winter collections (1971-1972).

Portrait of Italian actress and model Daniela Bianchi wearing a long printed dress in 1971.

Pam Grier poses for a photo circa 1972 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Activist, journalist, and leader of the feminist movement Gloria Steinem attends a fundraiser and rally for California State Senate candidate Catherine O’Neill (in checked dress) on Oct. 15, 1972 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Motown trio The Supremes performs on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour on Sept. 22, 1972. From left to right: Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Lynda Laurence.

American singer and showgirl Lola Falana stands on the stage of the TV show Hai visto mai? in Italy, 1973.

The Shirelles perform on The Midnight Special in 1973.

Bianca Jagger and Mick Jagger on Nov. 20, 1974.

Diana Ross poses for a portrait session on July 16, 1975 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Cher, fashion designer Bob Mackie, and Cher’s friend Paulette Betts attend The Met Gala in celebration of the “Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design” exhibition on Nov. 20, 1974.

Lauren Hutton at the 47th Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1975.

Princess Margaret on Oct. 11, 1976.

Diana Ross at the second annual Rock Music Awards on Sept. 18, 1976.

Farrah Fawcett wearing Nike Cortez sneakers in an episode of Charlie’s Angels from 1976.

In a 1977 episode of Charlie’s Angels, Farrah Fawcett wears a plaid blazer and flared jeans.

Diana Ross poses for a Motown publicity still circa 1977.

An editorial image of model Iman taken in 1977.

Cher poses wearing a Bob Mackie creation on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Disco star and model Grace Jones in 1977.

Cher poses in another Bob Mackie design on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Grace Jones wears a tiger-print outfit at the Park West in Chicago on Oct. 14, 1978.

Cher poses for an album cover session for Prisoner in June 1979 in Los Angeles, Calif.

American punk rock band Blondie in 1979. Clockwise from top left: guitarist Chris Stein, singer Debbie Harry, bass player Nigel Harrison, drummer Clem Burke, guitarist Frank Infante, and keyboardist Jimmy Destri.

Joni Mitchell in the ’70s.

Dionne Warwick in the ’70s.

Goldie Hawn stands in a front garden, circa 1970.

The Pointer Sisters in Cannes, France.

British model Twiggy wears a white ankle-length dress with a fitted apron on the front, modeled after an ecclesiastical surplice, circa 1970. It was designed by Bill Gibb.

At the Hollywood Rock Festival in the ’70s.

A fashion editorial from the ’70s.

A woman on a beach near Perth, Australia.

A crochet beach set inspired by Maltese fishermen’s nets.

Caroline Delevingne in a poncho, Earl Peel in a fur coat, and Suzanne Scott in a tiger skin coat trimmed at the bottom with white fur.

Two looks from a collection by iconic fashion designer Courrèges.

Portrait of an unidentified model, dressed in a matching brocade trouser suit and hat.

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and her then-husband, Austrian prince Egon von Furstenberg.

A young woman in sparkly tights sits in a flower-covered hanging seat, circa 1970.

A maxi coat—for women and dogs.

Italian TV presenter, actress, singer, and showgirl Raffaella Carrà wears a fringed swimsuit.

Model Hazel sports a patterned mini playsuit and platforms from Ossie Clark’s “Quorum” show in London.

Twiggy and husband Justin de Villeneuve give a lesson in summer streetwear in July 1970.

Barbra Streisand channels a ’70s working girl on the set of The Owl and the Pussycat (1970).

Donna Summer delivers floral and fur, circa 1976.

Princess Anne smiles in a classic peacoat, trousers, and statement scarf at the Badminton Horse Trials in South Gloucestershire, UK on April 25, 1971.

Meryl Streep redefines the chic morning walk in New York City, outside of the Public Theater in 1979.

Pam Grier glamorously lounges poolside in Los Angeles, circa 1975.

Olivia Newton-John smiles behind a pair of oversized sunglasses, circa 1970.

Olivia Newton-John takes a “casual stroll through the park” to the next level in London, circa 1970.

Carrie Fisher complements her natural surroundings in denim and a pair of western-inspired boots in 1978.

Justine Carreon
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again.

Meg Donohue
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg Donohue is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com.