Return to Retro: A '70s Style Revival
From flares to floppy hats, '70s style has made a major comeback; and we're taking cues from the fashion icons who defined the decade.
The '70s are back in full swing this season and we're all about the groovy styles our favorite celebs are rocking. It’s certainly true that most decades come back into the fashion rotation every few seasons, but it’s really no surprise that the '70s are back in a big way. The decade was filled with a myriad of eye-catching and unique trends. Whether you worshipped at the altar of bell-bottoms, prayed to the god of bohemian maxi dresses or caught a case of "disco fever," the '70s offered a fashion flavor for every taste.
Now that throwback trends like flared jeans and suede are working their way into our 21st century wardrobes, we're feeling a bit nostalgic for the fashion-forward ladies who put these styles on the map in the first place. There’s definitely no shortage of inspiration when it comes to '70s style icons; and quintessential fashionistas like Farrah Fawcett, Debbie Harry and Bianca Jagger still influence the way we view fashion in 2015. Since they’ve contributed so much to our style worldview, we decided to pay homage to some of their most iconic looks.
All three of these ladies made their own lasting mark on the '70s fashion scene by subscribing to the hottest trends of the decade – flare jeans, glamorous eveningwear and sharp suit separates, just to name a few – but also by adding their own individual flair to each of their looks. You see, anyone can follow a trend but in the end, it’s the women who add their own stamp to the look and personalize it who truly stand out. So without further ado, let’s take a look at these three iconic style stars and shop out their looks so we, too, can achieve that enviable '70s style.
FARRAH FAWCETT
As one of three badass females on "Charlie's Angels," Farrah Fawcett made a name for herself in the industry as an actress and fashion star on the rise. Whether she was rocking flared jeans with flowy tops or structured work separates on camera, she somehow managed to perfectly toe the line between sexy and wholesome, quickly earning her spot as America's sweetheart. Naturally, the public couldn't get enough of Farrah - her personal life quickly became fodder for the tabloids - so they ate up any and all photoshoots she did. One such shoot took place before "Charlie's Angels" even premiered, and basically cemented Farrah's status as a fashion icon. If you're not familiar with the iconic shot of Farrah sporting a red swimsuit in a cheeky pose, just look it up. If you do, you'll likely notice how prominent a role Farrah's signature hairstyle plays in capturing her personality in this snapshot. Her bombshell waves and enviable volume earned their own claim to fame, giving women around the world hair envy to this day.
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DEBBIE HARRY
Most people know Debbie Harry as the lead singer of the punk rock band Blondie, but fashionistas everywhere will immediately recognize her iconic fashion status and influence on the style trajectory of the 1970s. Over the course of her long career, Debbie has dabbled in many arenas – Did you know she was once a Playboy Bunny and actress? – but through it all, her heart (and her sense of style) has always seemed to be in her punk rock music. Leather boots, jackets and pants were all regulars in Debbie’s style set list as were short hemlines and graphic tees. Always edgy and often provocative, Debbie’s style definitely reflected the feel of her daring music. Much like Farrah Fawcett, Debbie’s hair also defined her style status in a pretty major way. That two-tone bleached blonde crop cut was both sassy and perfectly imperfect – an ideal balance for a lady who reveled in pushing boundaries in everything she did.
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BIANCA JAGGER
Her ex-husband may have the moves like (Mick) Jagger, but Bianca Jagger has some stylish moves all her own. These days, the Nicaraguan beauty inspires us as a human rights advocate (she founded the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation), but back in the 70s, she burst onto the fashion scene in a remarkable way. Known for her love of menswear and statement hats, Jagger made her mark on the fashion world as part of the stylish Studio 54 nightclub scene, where glam eveningwear that stood out in a crowd was a mainstay in her wardrobe. The now former actress certainly wasn’t afraid to challenge fashion conventions, even opting for a stunning blazer and skirt instead of a wedding dress when she married Mick Jagger. While many of her peers were taking a more casual approach to fashion in bell-bottoms and maxi dresses, Jagger loved nothing more than to step out in a crisply tailored suit and killer pair of heels. And at the end of the day, it’s that individuality that earned her fashion icon status.
