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Glam It Up

The seventies had a very unique feel, sound, and look to them.

The freedom-loving hippies of the 60’s were still in full (and quite literal) swing. The economy was post-Vietnam-war tight, but society was relieved the war was over. High unemployment rates and energy shortages combined to leave people feeling daily worry and desperation.

Our social icons (in the wake of women’s liberation) were strong, glowing, healthy females who radiated uniqueness and independence: Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, and Kate Jackson (nice Angels, Charlie!), Bianca Jagger, Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell, etc.

Music was free-spirited and diverse. The addition of smoothness, technology, and a lot of lights to the earthiness of the 60’s gave birth to wicked funk, sexy jazz-rock fusion, and glittering disco glam.

Fashion models captured society’s changing values with bombshells like Cheryl Tiegs, Lauren Hutton, Jerry Hall, Margaux Hemingway, Ali McGraw, Iman, Janice Dickenson, and the like.

Refined, yet empowered and unabashedly sexy, yet lady-like—the 70’s became known for glamour.

70’s Glam Fashion

Fashion trends reflected the independent feeling of the era with bold colors, ethnic prints from around the world, and a plethora of synthetic fabrics.

The ideal body was lean and healthy with slim fitting suits, high-waisted bell bottoms, and clingy shirts the showed off exactly how each person was built.
For the first decade within memory, women could wear short, mid-length, or long skirts and never once be out of fashion! Waistbands sat at the waist, and narrow belts were popular to emphasize slender body lines.

Fringe, beads, headbands, and chokers were the accessories du jour. And shoes of all types were chunky, colorful, and vibrant.

Wild prints appeared on everything from vests to sundresses, kaftans to tunics, and leisure suits to jumpers.

Makeup varied from neutral, sculpted eye shadow and emphasis on eyelashes to wild colors and glitter extending all the way to the eyebrows. Lip color ranged from a natural mouth to colorful, high-gloss lips.

And hair? Whoa… the hair! Sometimes it was smooth and straight, sometimes it was flipped on the ends, and sometimes it emphasized unruly curls that didn’t stop.

What defines 70’s glam fashion? Drama, gloss, and funk.

What About Disco?

Disco brought about its own version of glam. Like in any other era, the club scene utilized everything already present in fashion but more exaggerated.

Disco glam upped the ante.

Heels got higher. Clingy clothes got skimpier. Fabric got glossier. And colors got even brighter.

Using the 70’s in Your Modern Closet

How do you bring elements of 70’s glam fashion into your wardrobe?

If you’re a person who craves color, embrace the brights of that decade in your tops, shoes, and accessories.

If you love earthier tones, go for the more hippie-ish styles with off-the-shoulder gauze peasant blouses, fringed skirts, and beaded jewelry.

Take the body-hugging ideas and try a few slim-line dresses or tunics. Or stay loose with a printed kaftan and a hip belt. And never forget your lip gloss.

Get earthy, get funky, and get glamorous!