Boho to Disco: The 1970s – From Fringe to Funk

Ever wonder how we got from hippie/bohemian fashions to hot pants to disco opulence? I’ll give you the low-down here!

I was brought up in the ‘60s and ‘70s and have many fond (and not so fond!) memories of the styles from those decades. During the latter years of the 1960s, miniskirts were still around but were competing with the maxi skirts that were starting to become popular. During the Vietnam War protests, for example, many young people showed their displeasure by dressing in free-flowing dresses, skirts, tunics, and jeans. Even hair was long and flowing! These “hippie” styles were to continue into the early years of the 1970s.

By the early ‘70s, miniskirts had become so short that they really couldn’t get any shorter without exposing parts of the body that were better off being hidden from view. So, it was decided to add a crotch to these microminis and call them “hot pants.” These were very short shorts that often were worn with stockings or tights and knee-high boots. Even some brides chose to wear hot pants for their weddings, which they often partially covered with maxi-length, open-front dresses.

At this same time, prairie-style dresses, skirts, and “granny dresses” became popular. They were romantic and nostalgic, so many young women adopted them for everyday wear. I actually made a prairie dress in home economics that I ended up wearing to a school dance!

Bellbottoms or “flares” were worn both by males and females. I remember that in the early ‘70s, these bellbottoms were not considered “cool” unless they dragged on the ground, preferably covering your shoes, rendering the hems quite torn and ragged! Often, platform shoes with high, chunky heels were worn by both sexes. It was very easy to trip or stumble while walking upstairs if one did not lift one’s foot high enough! It certainly happened to me more than once!

For guys, a much more casual version of the suit was born. Enter “the Leisure Suit,” a thick polyester pair of pants worn with a shirt-like jacket. Large lapels were in vogue and usually adorned these leisure suits. Young men (and women) wore shiny, tight-fitting polyester shirts that often had interesting prints and those long, pointed “dagger” collars.

By the middle of the ‘70s, disco music became popular, so shiny, sparkly, and body- hugging dresses followed. Designers like Halston created halter-top dresses with full, swinging skirts that looked great on the dance floor. New synthetic fabrics like Polyester, Lurex, and Qiana were used to make these fashions glitter and reflect the lights. They were lightweight and draped well, while providing the rich feel of silk. They also were easily washed and dried without losing their shape. Perfect for the endless nights of dancing at Studio 54!

The 1970s were a wonderful time to express individual style because there were so many options. I know that I really enjoy revisiting this decade from time to time because it is so nostalgic for me. I have been collecting more ‘70s pieces as of late because I am debuting a presentation about this time period, so the more examples of clothing and accessories that I can bring along with me, the happier my audiences will be!