NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
Subscribe
Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

The Dos and Don'ts of Hippie Style

The Dos and Don'ts of Hippie Style

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2020: Red carpet looks

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2020: Red carpet looks

Golden Globes 2020: All the fashion from the red carpet

Golden Globes 2020: All the fashion from the red carpet

{headline}

{headline}

Where Should I Study Fashion Design?

Where Should I Study Fashion Design?

Meghan’s Remembrance Day outfit lands her in hot water

Meghan’s Remembrance Day outfit lands her in hot water

Ladies Day! The best and worst dressed celebrities at Oaks Day 2019

Ladies Day! The best and worst dressed celebrities at Oaks Day 2019

{headline}

{headline}

The $32 Kmart bikini women are going crazy over

The $32 Kmart bikini women are going crazy over

Melbourne Cup 2019: Best dressed celebrities

Melbourne Cup 2019: Best dressed celebrities

This photo of the Queen rocked the Palace

This photo of the Queen rocked the Palace

Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Leather

Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Leather

Meghan Markle launches fashion collection for charity - See all the behind-the-scenes photos

Meghan Markle launches fashion collection for charity - See all the behind-the-scenes photos

LOOK: Nicole Kidman's very brave choice of gown has everyone talking

LOOK: Nicole Kidman's very brave choice of gown has everyone talking

Meghan Markle has a clothing line

Meghan Markle has a clothing line

  1. Home
  2. Fashion Trends

Big Hair, Big Looks: 70s Fashion For Men

Learn about the 70s look and how to pull it off. - by Rhys McKay
  • 20 May 2019
Big Hair, Big Looks: 70s Fashion For Men
Getty

Fashion trends have always been cyclical, and the return of these retro 70s looks proves that.  If you’re looking for a way to get into the groove of disco fashion, this article will outline everything you need to know about recreating classic 70s outfits.

70s Style: A History

Fashion trends are often affected and informed by the socio-political climate of the times.

For example, the post-war climate of the Roaring Twenties was a period of great change and freedom, which lent itself to fashion that was a little more revealing and utilitarian

Then there was the leisurely Beat generation that rose up in the post-World War II period, whose laid-back look was a protest against traditional values.

The 70s was no different; the iconic flamboyant 70s style was inspired by the counterculture movement in reaction to the Vietnam War. Bell-bottom pants, tie-dye shirts, and tight-tops, were all forms of individual expression that characterised the decade.

The Peacock Revolution

Along with all that counterculture came a unique questioning of gender roles; specifically masculine identity. Who said that men couldn’t pull off garish, colourful looks with soft fabrics? Before the 70s, it seems like all men’s fashion boiled down to looking like a new hire at a dreary corporation.

The strength of the 70s’ individual expression led to men wearing silk scarves, flared sleeves and chiffon tops. The traditional square-shaped silhouettes gave way to more feminine contours.

And of course, the colours became bright and vivid.

Hugh Hefner at Press Conference
Getty

The Clothes That Make The Man

The 70s were a very transformative decade in terms of fashion choices, and the influences are still felt in today's fashion landscape. Here are a few of the most iconic 70s outfits for men.

Hippie

As we mentioned, bell-bottom pants and tie-dye shirts were part of the hippie movement, but there were also flowery looks and ethnic or folk-inspired prints. Most hippie clothing was also pretty loose and made of natural materials.

For men, torn or baggy jeans, long hair, and any clothing that looks both used and way too big for you can be a great foundation a cool hippie style outfit. Circular sunglasses and headbands are a big part of the theme too.

Two festival goers dressed in hippie attire
Getty

Disco

Also known as ‘Studio 54 fashion’ in honour of the legendary club Studio 54, the disco party outfit is perhaps the most iconic 70s style.

You can assemble a disco outfit by putting together a colourful three-piece suit, pants with flared legs, big aviator-style shades, and toss in some suede boots for good measure.

Guy at karaoke dressed in 70s fashion
Getty

Glam Rock

The vintage glam rock look is one of the best ways to draw attention at a party without anyone questioning your sanity. Just look at David Bowie—but then again, David Bowie looks good no matter what he’s wearing.

Imagine a classy suit and pants, and then make it wild. Splash some colour, throw in materials like satin and velvet, and add frills and leather jackets. Wear leather boots or platform shoes to complete the look.

David Bowie dressed in a 70s glam rock outfit
Getty

Hair

The afro might be the signature 70s look, but not everyone can appropriately pull it off. Long, straight hair is a viable alternative for anyone else. However, if you’re not willing to go that far for your 70s look, sideburns, side parts, and crew cuts are all great pairs.

A signature 70s look: an afro
Getty

Blast From The Past

70s men's clothes aren’t really just retro anymore—they’re as ‘back’ as any other eclectic style. Mix and match the styles with modern looks to get a unique style that is truly you.

Rhys McKay

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

The Dos and Don'ts of Hippie Style

The Dos and Don'ts of Hippie Style

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

Boxing Day sales 2020: All the best deals so far!

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2020: Red carpet looks

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2020: Red carpet looks

Golden Globes 2020: All the fashion from the red carpet

Golden Globes 2020: All the fashion from the red carpet

{headline}

{headline}

Where Should I Study Fashion Design?

Where Should I Study Fashion Design?

Meghan’s Remembrance Day outfit lands her in hot water

Meghan’s Remembrance Day outfit lands her in hot water

Ladies Day! The best and worst dressed celebrities at Oaks Day 2019

Ladies Day! The best and worst dressed celebrities at Oaks Day 2019

{headline}

{headline}

The $32 Kmart bikini women are going crazy over

The $32 Kmart bikini women are going crazy over

Melbourne Cup 2019: Best dressed celebrities

Melbourne Cup 2019: Best dressed celebrities

This photo of the Queen rocked the Palace

This photo of the Queen rocked the Palace

Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Leather

Everything You Need To Know About Vegan Leather

Meghan Markle launches fashion collection for charity - See all the behind-the-scenes photos

Meghan Markle launches fashion collection for charity - See all the behind-the-scenes photos

LOOK: Nicole Kidman's very brave choice of gown has everyone talking

LOOK: Nicole Kidman's very brave choice of gown has everyone talking

Meghan Markle has a clothing line

Meghan Markle has a clothing line

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Shop This Offer
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!