Trends From The '70s That Older Women Still Love

The 1970s were defined by an eclectic range of fashion trends that blended bohemian and punk aesthetics. Initially shaped by disco culture and hippie influences, the decade popularized bell bottoms, platform boots, hotpants, and vibrant colors. Growing folk aesthetics also prompted a love for ruffles, feathered hair, and mood rings. However, as punk glamour was later championed by designer Vivienne Westwood, one of the most influential designers in the '70s, the decade's fashion trends evolved into a striking fusion of bohemian freedom and punk rebellion. With the rise of punk glamour, fashion enthusiasts increasingly wore animal prints, black leather, and studs. Despite also hosting some controversial fads, several once-popular fashion trends from the 1970s have been praised for being timeless and reigniting a flower-power culture.

In recent years, modern designers have sought to revive 1970s style by reintroducing popular silhouettes, accessories, and materials from the decade into contemporary collections. Although some crazes have become outdated, other garments have successfully made their way back into mainstream wardrobes and have even been embraced by some of the world's most famous faces. Female celebrities have helped revive these fads by wearing some of the retro garments to public events. Now in their later years, many of these personalities have been nodding back to their youth through fashion choices that echo the era. By seamlessly blending 1970s-inspired style into their everyday looks, these women have demonstrated the lasting influence of the decade on their personal style.

In 2025, reality star Kris Jenner embraced leopard print for a stroll with her daughter, Khloé Kardashian, prior to Jeff Bezos' wedding in Venice. The momager took to the city wearing a leopard print maxi dress that featured a thigh-high slit and balloon sleeves. Jenner modernized her look by incorporating popular fashion pieces, including rectangle sunglasses, and ballet flats. Leopard print became a staple for punk glamour in the 1970s. As the decade's punk culture evolved into a rebellious movement, the animal design symbolized nonconformity and boldness.

In 2023, when country singer Dolly Parton performed at halftime during a Dallas Cowboys football game, she took to the stage wearing hotpants. The then 77-year-old paired the micro shorts, featuring a chunky belt and embellished blue stars, with a coordinating western-style jacket, and balloon-sleeved blue shirt. Parton's blue eyeshadow and disco-style earrings added to the outfit's effortless retro feel. Hotpants were a major hit in the '70s as dancers reignited the trend from the 1950s. The short-shorts trend, known for their ultra-tight fit, eventually fizzled out before the decade concluded.

Singer-songwriter Cher has had some unforgettably iconic hair looks. She is also known for her fashion choices in the 1970s and the singer has even been recognized for her distinct boot collection. The singer, who was 76 at the time, did not disappoint when she attended the 2023 Versace Fashion Week Show wearing a pair of platform boots. From head to toe, Cher's all-blue outfit, featuring disco pants and a studded leather jacket, nodded to several 1970s fashion trends. As a disco culture dominated the era, chunky boots were popularized by the decade's music scene and bold approach to self-expression.

On many occasions, actor Jane Fonda has been named one of the best-dressed women over 40. In 2018, she made another style statement at the Lumiere Film Festival. Fonda, who was 80 at the time, not only embraced bell bottoms at the event, but her trousers also featured a geometric print. Geometric designs were made popular by the era's groovy culture and hippie movement. She blended the vibrant pattern seamlessly with her green turtleneck, also a popular fad among fashion enthusiasts in the '70s, and proved the decade had a permanent impact on her wardrobe.

At the Tony Awards in 2023, Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director, posed on the carpet wearing a gold gown. The glistening maxi dress was adorned with gold sequins that shimmered under the spotlight. The then 73-year-old accessorized with a statement pair of black sunglasses, and while her gown was anything but understated, she concluded her look with a subtle pair of nude heels. In the 1970s, a dance culture dominated social spaces, and with that, a made-for-movement style of clothing arrived and sequin-drenched ensembles became staples on the dance floor.