36 Wildly Stylish Photos That Prove 70s Fashion Was in a League of Its Own

John Summers • Contributor

Jun 24, 2025 3:00 PM EDT

Let's be honest: we've lost the plot when it comes to fashion. Sure, we like to poke fun at the 70s - those flared pants, those explosive patterns, the disco collars so wide they could slice bread - but deep down? We're just jealous. Because at least they had fashion. Real, chaotic, unapologetic fashion.

I grew up in the 80s, laughing at 70s style like everyone else. But now, in our very beige, normcore, algorithm-approved wardrobe era of 2025? I've changed my tune. We're all wearing the same fast-fashion hoodies and neutral-toned sneakers, afraid to be too loud, too weird, too anything. Meanwhile, the 70s were a glorious, polyester-fueled riot of individuality.

So let's celebrate the era that gave us bell bottoms, butterfly collars, platform shoes, loud prints, big hair, and bigger attitudes. These 36 photos, curated by the one and only FAUST44 capture the bold spirit of 70s fashion - and honestly, I kind of want to dress like every single one of them.

01
1973

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02
Easter Sunday walk, Fifth Avenue, NYC, 1972 (photo by Barton Silverman)

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03
James Brown show, 1971

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04
Alejandro aka Alex Mate, jewelry maker, 1974

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05
Make it in denim, 1977

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06
Cruise ship couple, early 70s

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07
Dad and daughter, Berkeley, CA, 1973 (photo by Nacio Jan Brown)

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08
Two guys, 1978 (photo by John M. Valadez)

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09
Florida man, 1976

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10
Disco Macrame, 1979

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11
Ladies in white

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12
Man with lace shirt at the Ionia Free Fair, Michigan, 1974

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13
Wow! He's great in green but that bedroom decor is amazing. 1978

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14
Plaid family, 1977

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15
1974

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16
Fairfax High School, Los Angeles, CA, 1975

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17
Jean Nidetch, founder of Weight Watchers, 1970

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18
Crowd at surfing competition, CA (photo by Leroy Grannis)

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19
Music class, Vermilion Agricultural and Vocational College, Alberta, Canada, 1970

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20
Talk about commitment to the nightlife! Studio 54, NYC, 1979

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21
Breastplates! 1975

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22
School dance, 1975

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23
Wild combo of Adam Driver and Leonard Nimoy

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24
This kid is wearing Coca Cola pants and hat, 1975

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25
L.A. Knockers, all female dance troupe, 1976

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26
Make Mittens And Boots For Your Man! Featuring actor Tristan Rogers, 1976

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27
Model Charlotte Martin, 1970 (later married Led Zep's Jimmy Page)

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28
Fashion show, CA, 1973 (photo by Bill Owens)

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29
Australian Family

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30
Red room

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31
Elton John, 1975

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32
Hot pants and platforms at the Minnesota State Fair, 1973

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33
Models at Callahan's in NJ, 1975

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34
Florida ladies, 1978 (photo by Andy Sweet)

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35
Welcome to the 1970s, here is your giant floor ball.

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