7 Iconic Fashion Trends from 70s Movies That Are Making a Comeback

First up on our list of fashion trends from 70s movies are jumpsuits. These one-piece wonders were the epitome of 70s disco fashion, mixing comfort with overt-the-top style. In the movie Saturday Night Fever, jumpsuits appeared on both men and women, often in bold colors and patterns.

Unsurprisingly, fashion’s cyclical nature has brought back 70s aesthetics. From casual daywear to elegant evening options, generally, the modern jumpsuit offers a chic alternative to dresses. Designers have also updated this 70s staple with contemporary elements, showing how disco-era fashion continues to influence today’s trends.

Another fashion trend from a 70s movie is corduroy. In the political thriller All The President’s Men, Hollywood heartthrob Robert Redford sports a corduroy jacket that perfectly captures the texture-rich 70s fashion.

As journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, their corduroy outfits blended professionalism with the decade’s love for tactile fabrics.

Today, corduroy is coming back. This fabric has returned to runways and street style, offering a nostalgic yet modern twist to contemporary wardrobes. Appearing in forms like jackets and trousers, its comeback reflects a broader trend of embracing vintage-inspired materials.

Also Read: Most Handsome Actors of the 70s

Richard Roundtree popularized the afro in Shaft. This wasn’t just a hairstyle. It was a revolution for black individuals in America. Roundtree’s perfectly sculpted ‘fro and impeccable fashion sense became symbols of sophisticated masculinity.

As seen today, natural hair is having more than just a moment. It’s also become a movement. The afro is back with a vengeance. It can be seen gracing magazine covers and dominating social media, showing that these iconic fashion trends from 70s movies are making a comeback

Next, as the hippie movement thrived during the 60s and 70s, so did the style. Hair portrayed the vibrant, free-spirited fashion of the 60s hippie movement. The characters’ wardrobes were full of color and texture, featuring tie-dye shirts, headbands, bell-bottoms, and layers of bohemian-inspired pieces.

Fast-forward to today, and the influence of hippie fashion is unmistakable. The boho-chic trend, particularly visible in festival fashion, draws inspiration from this era. This comeback also reflects a contemporary desire for individuality and self-expression— were at the core of the original hippie movement.

Though set in the 50s, Grease truly cemented the timeless appeal of the classic leather jacket.

John Travolta‘s Danny Zuko and his T-Birds gang wore black leather jackets that showed off their cool confidence. In scenes with classic songs like “Summer Nights“, the boys captivated the attention of teenage girls everywhere.

Today, the leather jacket still remains a wardrobe staple. From runways to street style, it continues to evolve. Modern takes range from classic biker styles to colorful, more embellished versions, proving that this 70s fashion trend is timeless.

Next, the outrageous costumes in The Rocky Horror Picture Show were just one example of platform shoes, yet another fashion trend from a 70s movie.

Throughout the movie, Dr. Frank-N-Furter‘s platforms became a memorable piece of the film’s campy, gender-bending style. They represented rebellion, self-expression, and liberation.

In recent years, platforms have returned. From chunky sneakers to sleek boots, modern platforms offer both style and comfort. Rocky Horror‘s bold aesthetic influences modern fashion’s embrace of gender-fluid and androgynous designs and statement footwear.

No discussion of 70s fashion is complete without mentioning bell-bottom pants. And, of course, John Travolta‘s iconic white suit in Saturday Night Fever perfectly encapsulated this trend.

As Tony Manero strutted down the streets of Brooklyn and tore up the dance floor, his flared pants became a symbol of the disco era’s flashy style. The dramatic flare from the knee down created a distinctive silhouette while also accentuating Travolta’s dance moves.

Fast forward to today, and bell-bottoms are experiencing a revival. Modern interpretations of this trend range from subtle flared jeans to other bold cuts. Designers are still reimagining fashion trends from 70s movies like this one for a new generation, proving that the style is truly timeless.

Related: 10 Iconic Fashion Trends from 80s Movies That Are Making a Comeback