There is no decade more iconic for revolutionizing men’s fashion than the 1970s. A time of great social liberation and cultural exploration, its bold adventurous spirit has once again established itself as a presence in menswear collections at just the right moment, with brands like Gucci, Marni, Dolce & Gabbana, and Etro taking the lead on reinterpreting bold 70s prints with an edited and contemporary sophistication. 70s style continues to inspire contemporary fashion and we see this inspiration manifest in Fall Winter 2024 trends and in summer fashion trends with the popularity of vintage-inspired gold jewelry. The 70s fashion trend is synonymous with bell-bottom jeans, bright colors, big sunglasses, platform shoes, and patterned knitwear. With the attire of the 70s, corduroy and velvet clothes reigned supreme and can be used today to add a touch of disco style to any outfit. Prints are essential for any 70s look: think bright, floral, and geometric. 70s outfits for men can be as simple as a silk shirt, roll neck jumper, denim jacket, and retro athletic shoes. From the resurgence of 70s fashion today, to icons of the era and 70s-inspired retro sneakers, we explore everything 70s fashion. Discover more of 70s-style men’s clothing and find your style inspo to embrace the trend.
Men’s 70s fashion: The Birth of a Trend
What began with nature-inspired hippie aesthetics and ended with the flamboyance of disco, 1970s fashion didn’t hold back – and that’s why we love it. Music and youth culture dominated the era. Led by celebrities like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, free love quickly gave way to the rebel spirit of 70s glam rock that unapologetically favored bold prints, patterned knitwear, flared pants, statement sunglasses, smart-cut sports coats and tuxedo jackets. For this season, the rebirth of 70s prints sees warm palettes of mustard, terracotta and burgundy compliment a vast range of blues, black and white to pair retro color palettes reminiscent of 70s interiors in rethought and modernized combinations.
1970s fashion didn’t hold back – and that’s why we love it.
Decade-inspired 70s looks walk a fine line between nostalgic homerun and verging on costume. The key to successful decade-inspired dressing is masterful styling and restraint. Tone down the flamboyant influences of 70s glam-rock and hippie fashion by incorporating one or two patterned pieces into your look rather than all of them. Focus on maintaining a mix of staple pieces in interesting textural fabrics like suede, corduroy, and satin to keep the indulgent 70s feel without oversaturating. When going all in for all-over prints and patterned sets, opt for dark, neutral, or tonal hues that lean on the side of luxury. There is plenty of style inspo when it comes to 70s accessories too. Finish your look with a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses that balance contemporary refinement with nostalgic roots, or step out in a pair of this season’s hottest heeled ankle boots for a laid-back yet put-together style with the same fun-loving essence of 70s music and social culture.
Iconic Elements of 1970s Fashion for Men
It’s important to know the icons of 70s men’s clothing. The first one that comes to mind is the classic bell-bottom jeans. It was the preferred pant of the 70s hippie and disco diva who rebelled against society. Today we see the trendy pants return in modern iterations of flared or wide pants. Opt for a modern 70s look with wide, flared pants such as the Cargobelas cargo stretch cotton pants from Rick Owens, or the Hama double pleat wide-leg sweatpants from Dries Van Noten. Bell-bottom jeans paired with pointed, wide-collar printed shirts and platform shoes made for the ultimate outfit for a night out. Channel the 70s disco vibe with printed shirts for men – the brighter the better. Florals, geometric, and psychedelic prints are key to achieving the 70s look. Try the floral printed boxy-fit Marni shirt or the silky Cuban collar short-sleeved shirt from Casablanca. For the more daring man, opt for patterned jackets or checked suits. The Nour jacket with embroidery from Baziszt is perfect for the 70s look. Alternatively, the textured crisscross silk blend petal suit from Bottega Veneta is a total showstopper. When it comes to 70s accessories, more is more. Think statement shades, belts with large buckles, printed silk scarves, and jewelry adorned with feathers and stone. If you want to take your outfit to the next level, add some oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses from Loewe, paired with a viscose printed scarf from AMI Paris, the vintage leather buckle belt from Dsquared, and twin feather charm necklace from Emanuele Bicocchi.
Men’s 70s Sneakers
A lesser-known icon of 70s fashion is the humble sneaker. As sneakers rose to popularity, they were part of the evolution of 70s casual style. The streetball players of the illustrious Rucker Park tournament in 1970s Harlem, New York would attract huge crowds, with fans sporting the same sneakers as their favorite players on the court. In 1973 the Puma Clyde was released in honor of basketball player Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier, becoming a sneaker icon of the era. From the courts, the trend trickled into the music scene, with early hip-hop artists wearing the same sneakers as their basketball heroes. One such sneaker was the Adidas Superstar, famously worn by basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 70s. With the rise of hip-hop and basketball culture and the players and artists who became icons, people everywhere aspired to wear the same sneakers as their idols as a way to tap into their lifestyle. Influenced by sport and music, the sneaker became a popular alternative to formal shoes. Incorporate 70s-inspired sneakers into your look to elevate any simple outfit. The adidas originals SL 72, created as a running shoe for the 1972 Olympics, has recently been relaunched and is the perfect 70s-inspired sneaker for the modern man. High-top sneakers are another example of classic 70s-inspired sneakers. You can’t go wrong with the classic Converse Chuck Taylor high-top sneaker or Nike high-top sneakers. Whether you want to go full 70s with prints and color or want just a touch of 70s with retro sneakers, explore the selection of the 70s trend with LVR.
