Additional Coverage:
- 20 Times the 1970s Took “Express Yourself” Way Too Far (wealthgang.com)
The Groovy, Wild, and Unapologetically Weird World of the 1970s
Ah, the 1970s! A decade where subtlety went to die, and self-expression reigned supreme.
From fashion that looked like it escaped a sci-fi movie to home decor that screamed “psychedelic,” the ’70s were a glorious, head-scratching, and utterly enduring spectacle. So, grab your mood ring and let’s take a trip down memory lane to some of the era’s most iconic (and sometimes questionable) trends.
1. Individuality, Cut and Sewn
Before fast fashion, there was the art of the DIY. In the ’70s, “individuality” wasn’t about buying the latest trend; it was about stitching your own story. Every seam, every patch, every carefully chosen fabric was a statement, proving that true originality came from within (and a good sewing machine).
2. Disco Suits with More Shine Than a Mirror Ball
If you hit the dance floor in the ’70s, you weren’t just dancing – you were a human solar flare. Polyester suits, drenched in metallic sheen and enough sequins to blind a small army, made sure everyone knew you were there to boogie.
Subtlety? Never heard of her.
3. Shag Carpets in Every Color and Rotary Phones
Living rooms became vibrant, fuzzy jungles thanks to shag carpets in hues like burnt orange and avocado green. They were plush, yes, but also notorious for swallowing crumbs and small pets whole.
Cleaning them was less vacuuming, more an archaeological dig. And let’s not forget the ever-present rotary phone, where patience was a virtue and speed dialing was a distant dream.
4. Mood Rings and ’70s Self-Expression
The ’70s promised a magical ring that could reveal your deepest emotions through color. The reality?
Mostly a thermometer for your finger. Still, people proudly sported these mystical trinkets, convinced their jewelry was a direct line to their inner truth.
5. Polyester Shirts with Collars Wide Enough to Take Flight
Collars weren’t just wide; they were practically aerodynamic. These sartorial statements featured wings so exaggerated they looked ready for takeoff. The bigger the collar, the bolder the statement – even if it meant occasionally jabbing an unsuspecting bystander.
6. Lava Lamps in Every Living Room
Hypnotic blobs of wax gracefully (or sometimes sluggishly) floating in neon liquid became the unofficial decor of the decade. Mesmerizing?
Absolutely. Prone to overheating and turning into a fire hazard?
Also, yes. Still, watching them bubble was peak ’70s chill.
7. Platform Shoes That Defied Gravity
Shoes weren’t just footwear; they were architectural marvels. Platforms stacked so high that every step became a precarious balancing act. Falling off your shoes was a legitimate risk, but hey, style demanded sacrifice, and disco demanded altitude!
8. Hot Pants So Small They Challenged Fabric Economics
Fashion in the ’70s wasn’t shy, and hot pants were the ultimate proof. These ultra-short shorts were less clothing, more a confident declaration. The less fabric, the louder the personality – a clear sign the decade had no time for moderation.
9. Feathered Hair That Required Its Own Maintenance Crew
Farrah Fawcett made feathered hair iconic, but replicating that perfectly coiffed look was a full-time commitment. Blow-dryers, enough hairspray to deplete the ozone layer, and endless brushing turned bathrooms into full-fledged beauty salons. The result was glorious, but the upkeep was exhausting.
10. Van Murals Featuring Unicorns and Galaxies
Custom vans transformed into rolling canvases, adorned with fantastical murals of unicorns, dragons, and cosmic landscapes. Parking lots became impromptu art conventions, each vehicle a mobile shrine to imagination. Forget subtle branding; your van was your personality on wheels.
11. Gold Chains Heavy Enough to Double as Dumbbells
Jewelry in the ’70s wasn’t just an accessory; it was a workout. Gold chains grew so thick and heavy they turned necklines into weightlifting competitions. The bigger the chain, the louder the statement – even if it left you with surprisingly sore shoulders.
12. Tie-Dye That Looked More Like Laundry Accidents
Tie-dye was supposed to be art, a psychedelic explosion of color. However, many shirts ended up looking less like a vision and more like a detergent mishap. Still, the DIY spirit was strong, and every blotchy tee proudly bore the badge of individuality.
13. Pet Rocks Marketed as Companions
The ’70s proved that self-expression could be commodified in the strangest ways. Pet Rocks were sold as low-maintenance friends, complete with cardboard “homes” and detailed instruction manuals. They didn’t bark, meow, or move, but they sure showed how far consumer culture could stretch a joke.
14. Waterbeds as the Ultimate Bedroom Statement
Owning a waterbed was the epitome of cool – until it leaked. The sloshing novelty quickly turned into a nightmare when seams split, flooding apartments and soaking those beloved shag rugs. Still, the idea of sleeping on liquid felt incredibly futuristic, even if it meant ruined floorboards.
15. Afros That Reached Architectural Heights
Hair wasn’t just styled; it was engineered. Afros grew to such monumental proportions that they became cultural landmarks in themselves. Maintaining them required patience, pride, and sometimes a hair pick the size of a gardening tool.
16. Earth Shoes That Made Walking a Philosophy
The ’70s didn’t just reinvent fashion; it tried to reinvent posture. Earth Shoes, with their “negative heel” design that tilted your feet upward at the toes, were marketed as a natural, health-conscious way to walk. Clunky in appearance and awkward in stride, wearing them meant you weren’t just moving; you were making a statement about living differently.
17. Bell-Bottoms and Power Chords
What started as a stylish flair quickly spiraled into fabric excess. By the mid-’70s, bell-bottoms had reached such exaggerated proportions that wearers looked like they were parachuting down the sidewalk. It wasn’t just fashion; it was a delightful (and sometimes tripping) lifestyle hazard.
18. Sunglasses Bigger Than Your Face
Shades in the ’70s expanded to windshield proportions, covering half your head in tinted plastic. These weren’t just about blocking the sun; they were about announcing your presence. The bigger the frames, the louder the personality.
19. Chain-Smoking as a Personality Trait
Cigarettes weren’t just a habit; they were an identity. People smoked everywhere: offices, airplanes, even hospitals.
Expressing yourself often meant lighting up constantly, turning every room into a hazy fog machine. It was rebellious, and, as we now know, disastrously unhealthy.
The 1970s truly were a decade of audacious acts and unforgettable trends. From the sublime to the utterly ridiculous, it was a time when expressing yourself was not just a mantra, but a way of life.
Read More About This Story:
- 20 Times the 1970s Took “Express Yourself” Way Too Far (wealthgang.com)