Style blast from the past (1970s) is back in the limelight with celebs flaunting flared pants, flowing maxi dresses, polka dots and retro shirts
Taapsee Pannu. (Image by arrangement)
Fashion trends are cyclical, and this season, the spotlight is on the return of retro trends as top actresses and pop stars worldwide embrace the vibrant, bold styles of the 1970s. From shiny, glimmering dresses to flared pants, polka dots, and brightly coloured retro shirts in easy-fit fabrics, the spirit of the 70s is making a grand comeback. We ask fashion experts to redefine the quirky retro styles for too-cool-for-old-school Gen-Z and millennials.
Retro Resurgence
Globally, celebrities like Dua Lipa and Florence Welch are leading the charge in bringing 70s fashion back into the limelight. Dua Lipa, known for her bold fashion sense, has been spotted in wide-legged pants and glittering ensembles that channel the disco era. Similarly, Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine often embraces bohemian-inspired 70s looks, with flowing maxi dresses and loose sleeves that maintain an ethereal, timeless quality. Back home, Bollywood actresses like Karisma Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu and Janhvi Kapoor have often been spotted in retro-inspired styles fusing Indian and global aesthetics in classic 70s styles.
What makes the 70s truly iconic is its spirit of liberation, where fashion was all about making a statement — whether through exaggerated silhouettes, vibrant colours, or eclectic patterns. In the present-day context, designer Mayankraj Singh, founder of the label Atelier Shikaarbagh, explains the allure and says, “The 70s were a time of bold self-expression, freedom, and a break from the rigidity of earlier fashion eras. It was a decade that celebrated individuality, with styles that ranged from bohemian to disco, reflecting the diverse cultural movements of the time. One creative way to style is to mix iconic pieces with contemporary wardrobe staples. For instance, you can pair a big-collar shirt with high-waisted, straight-leg jeans and a statement belt for a look that’s both retro and modern. Adding a pair of platform boots or block heels can further enhance the 70s vibe.”
Bold and Bright
Designer Varun Bahl echoes the sentiment that the 70s were a powerful era for fashion and highlights the importance of balancing these bold styles with modern fashion. He says, “The 1970s was a decade where fashion became a powerful expression of individuality and freedom. From the fluidity of flared pants to the boldness of big collar shirts, the shimmer of disco-inspired dresses, and the effortless elegance of loose sleeves, the 70s
celebrated personal style like
no other era. The clothing was both comfortable and stylish, with an emphasis on tailored
silhouettes that complimented the wearer rather than overshadowing them."
Bahl suggests pairing flared pants with a fitted top or tucking a big-collar shirt into tailored trousers or skirts with a statement belt. For evening looks, a shimmering disco dress with minimal accessories captures the 70s vibe while keeping it modern. Loose and voluminous sleeves, a staple from the era, will work best with structured bottoms like high-waist jeans or a fitted skirt, balancing volume with sophistication.
Nostalgic Charm
“The 70s hold a special place in my heart because it was a decade of such daring creativity and self-expression. The era’s mix of psychedelic patterns, bold colours, and unique silhouettes was all about breaking away from convention and embracing individuality,” mentions designer Seema Gujral. To reinterpret these trends for 2024, Gujral adds, “To bring these trends into 2024, I’d recommend reinterpreting them with a modern twist. For example, choose sustainable fabrics for those iconic flared pants and big-collar shirts, and update shimmering dresses with contemporary cuts. I’ve been inspired by how Zendaya and Florence Pugh have embraced these retro styles. Zendaya’s wide-legged trousers and Florence Pugh’s dazzling, vintage-inspired gowns remind me of how timeless these trends can be when adapted with a personal flair.”
Showtime Folks
Globally, celebrities like Dua Lipa and Florence Welch are leading the charge in bringing 70s fashion back into the limelight. Dua Lipa, known for her bold fashion sense, has been spotted in wide-legged pants and glittering ensembles that channel the disco era. Similarly, Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine often embraces bohemian-inspired 70s looks, with flowing maxi dresses and loose sleeves that maintain an ethereal, timeless quality. Back home, Bollywood actresses like Karisma Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu and Janhvi Kapoor have often been spotted in retro-inspired styles fusing Indian and global aesthetics in classic 70s styles.
What makes the 70s truly iconic is its spirit of liberation, where fashion was all about making a statement — whether through exaggerated silhouettes, vibrant colours, or eclectic patterns. In the present-day context, designer Mayankraj Singh, founder of the label Atelier Shikaarbagh, explains the allure and says, “The 70s were a time of bold self-expression, freedom, and a break from the rigidity of earlier fashion eras. It was a decade that celebrated individuality, with styles that ranged from bohemian to disco, reflecting the diverse cultural movements of the time. One creative way to style is to mix iconic pieces with contemporary wardrobe staples. For instance, you can pair a big-collar shirt with high-waisted, straight-leg jeans and a statement belt for a look that’s both retro and modern. Adding a pair of platform boots or block heels can further enhance the 70s vibe.”
Bold and Bright
Designer Varun Bahl echoes the sentiment that the 70s were a powerful era for fashion and highlights the importance of balancing these bold styles with modern fashion. He says, “The 1970s was a decade where fashion became a powerful expression of individuality and freedom. From the fluidity of flared pants to the boldness of big collar shirts, the shimmer of disco-inspired dresses, and the effortless elegance of loose sleeves, the 70s
celebrated personal style like
no other era. The clothing was both comfortable and stylish, with an emphasis on tailored
silhouettes that complimented the wearer rather than overshadowing them."
Bahl suggests pairing flared pants with a fitted top or tucking a big-collar shirt into tailored trousers or skirts with a statement belt. For evening looks, a shimmering disco dress with minimal accessories captures the 70s vibe while keeping it modern. Loose and voluminous sleeves, a staple from the era, will work best with structured bottoms like high-waist jeans or a fitted skirt, balancing volume with sophistication.
Nostalgic Charm
“The 70s hold a special place in my heart because it was a decade of such daring creativity and self-expression. The era’s mix of psychedelic patterns, bold colours, and unique silhouettes was all about breaking away from convention and embracing individuality,” mentions designer Seema Gujral. To reinterpret these trends for 2024, Gujral adds, “To bring these trends into 2024, I’d recommend reinterpreting them with a modern twist. For example, choose sustainable fabrics for those iconic flared pants and big-collar shirts, and update shimmering dresses with contemporary cuts. I’ve been inspired by how Zendaya and Florence Pugh have embraced these retro styles. Zendaya’s wide-legged trousers and Florence Pugh’s dazzling, vintage-inspired gowns remind me of how timeless these trends can be when adapted with a personal flair.”
Showtime Folks
On a similar note, Jasmin Om Brar, head stylist at fashion label Biba, adds a unique perspective, drawing parallels between 70s fashion and traditional Indian wear. She recalls, “The 70s stand out as the most iconic fashion decade due to the bold experimentation. This era broke away from rigid fashion norms, embracing free-spirited styles that mixed glamour with comfort. The resurgence of 70s trends today reflects a desire for nostalgia and self-expression, making it more relevant than ever. For lovers of Indian wear, flared pants resemble traditional palazzos, big-collar shirts and loose sleeves echo the grandeur of kurtas, and shimmering dresses translate into embellished kurtas and lehengas. To nail these trends in 2024, pair a big-collar shirt with an A-line skirt for a chic Indo-Western look or team flared pants with a short kurti for a stylish, comfortable ensemble.”
It (the 70s) was a decade that celebrated individuality, with styles that ranged from bohemian to disco, reflecting the diverse cultural movements of the time.”
— Mayankraj Singh, founder, Atelier Shikaarbagh
The 1970s was a decade where fashion became a powerful expression of individuality
and freedom.”— Varun Bahl, Designer
The resurgence of 70s trends today reflects a desire for nostalgia and self-expression, making it more relevant than ever.”— Jasmin Om Brar,
head stylist, Biba
— Mayankraj Singh, founder, Atelier Shikaarbagh
The 1970s was a decade where fashion became a powerful expression of individuality
and freedom.”— Varun Bahl, Designer
The resurgence of 70s trends today reflects a desire for nostalgia and self-expression, making it more relevant than ever.”— Jasmin Om Brar,
head stylist, Biba
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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