The ’70s look is bell bottoms, crochet, suede, and colors that survived the disco: rust, mustard, avocado, brown on brown. The originals are fifty years old now and still holding, which tells you everything about how they were made.
The Elements
The Bell Bottom
High-rise, fitted through the thigh, then a flare from the knee. Denim, corduroy, or polyester double-knit. The ’70s made them for everyone and the good ones are still on the racks, priced like regular pants. the flare should hit the floor with a shoe on.
Circa 1968–1978 · Check the rise and the inseam
The Crochet Top
Vests, halters, and cardigans in open crochet, often handmade in earth tones. The ’70s crochet craze left decades of donations behind. handmade beats mall every time.
Circa 1970–1977 · Cotton or acrylic; check for stretch
The Suede
Jackets, vests, and bags in real suede, fringed or plain, in tobacco and rust. The ’70s did suede properly, and it is still soft. smell it. real suede smells like leather.
Circa 1968–1976 · Real suede; check for dryness
How to Wear It
One Flare, One Fit
Bell bottoms with a fitted top; a flowing top with straight pants. Two volumes is a lot of fabric.
Platform Something
A platform sandal, a stacked-heel boot. The proportion needs height under the flare.
Earth Palette, Then Gold
Rust, mustard, brown, avocado, cream. Then one gold accessory. That is the whole color story.
Skip the Costume Pieces
No headbands with flowers, no round sunglasses unless you mean it. One era piece, worn now.
Where to Find It
The Hunting Grounds
The denim and pant rack, high rise. Flip for ’70s labels and a rise above the navel. Flares are back on the reissue racks; the originals are cheaper.
The knitwear wall. Crochet vests and cardigans, usually handmade and priced like nothing.
The outerwear rack, suede. Jackets and vests in tobacco and rust. Check for dryness and stains.
Search Terms That Work
flip the label. union tag = jackpot →
From the 70s / Hippie Files
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