How to Wear the ’70s Fashion Trends Celebs Are Bringing Back for Summer

For further proof that the world is seeking sartorial comfort in groovy relics of the past, check out Instagram accounts like @70sdaily or @70sbabes who are elevating the free-spirited style subculture. Or take a look at the latest collections of designers like Hermès and Chloé, who sent out runway models in clogs and fringe ponchos.

Disco fever is in full swing—and if you want to channel some of this retro energy in your own wardrobe, scroll down to see which ’70s fashion trends are reigning supreme in 2021. 

Halter Tops

After a year of virtual dating and being trapped in tiny Zoom squares, the going-out top is re-entering the zeitgeist, thanks to the likes of Bella Hadid championing flashy Studio 54 vibes. The halter silhouette is one of the more flirty and wearable options, as it looks great in a dress or top version. Not to mention, the exposed shoulders play nicely with another beloved ’70s trend: high-waist bell-bottom jeans. Go for a statement-making print, cropped cut, or something you can secure in multiple ways, like the lurex Kukhareva top that Hadid has.

Wray Leigh Top

Zara Crossed Halter Top

Agua by Agua Bendita Castaña Embroidered Linen Cropped Halter Top

Kukhareva Bella Top

Groovy Prints

If anyone can convince us to put our minimalist, chocolate-brown-loving aesthetic on hold, it’s Lizzo and her psychedelic mini dress. Whether you go for exaggerated florals, squiggly gingham, or an equally trippy abstract motif, keep the rest of your look simple to give the print its full-on moment to shine. 

Paloma Wool Sonia Blouse

House of Sunny Day Dreamer Cardi

Wray Porto Suit

En Saison Smocked Midi Dress

Flared Pants 

People in the ’70s lived in flare pants—and celebs like Queen B are solidifying their place as a wardrobe staple yet again. Think of them as the sexier cousin to balloon jeans: still comfy thanks to the bell-bottoms, but form-fitted through the hip. The more in-your-face the pants are, the better—and you can ground your look with unfussy staples like a tucked-in white T-shirt or tank top.

Norma Kamali Tie-Dyed Stretch-Jersey Flared Pants

Frame Le Bardot High-Rise Flared Jeans

Rolla’s East Coast Cord Flare Pants

ASOS Design Curve Flare Pants

Rectangular Sunglasses 

It’s time to pack away those teeny, tiny specs and lean into exaggerated shapes for summer—ideally of the rectangular or aviator variety. Take cues from Miley Cyrus and Kaia Gerber and opt for lenses in lighter tints (think gold, amber, or blue) to add an extra pop of color to your looks and show off your eyes. The future is bright!

Vintage Retro ’70s Sunglasses

Cult Gaia Meira Sunglasses

Le Specs Oh Damn! Rectangular Sunglasses

Mia Lu Goldie Sunglasses

Crochet

Few textures embody the decade’s sunshine spirit quite like crochet, and right now we’re seeing brands reimagine the trend on everything from tops and skirts to colorful short sets. Take your pick from any of the four below—or check out our full edit of crochet pieces on how to bring the retro vibes into your wardrobe. 

Tach Clothing Mayra Top

Free People Heat of the Moment Crochet Skirt

Mango Floral Crochet Polo

Alameda Turquesa Coralia Knit Set

Clogs

Clogs are a divisive footwear choice, period. You either love the quirky middle-school art teacher look…or you don’t. Either way, celebs like Dua Lipa are making a case for the folklorish shoe by working it into their everyday wardrobe—and brands like Fabrizio Viti and Loeffler Randall are offering up actually chic and practical options as a stand-in for trek-y sandals and workout sneakers this summer. Best part? You can still wear these babies in the fall with woolly socks. 

Zara Buckled Leather Clogs

Kurt Geiger London Ozark Clogs

Loeffler Randall Roberta Leather Clogs

Fabrizio Viti Jean Shearling-Lined Leather Clogs

Headscarves

Silk scarves worn as hair wraps get a big y-e-s from us. We first wrote about them last year—and while the look wasn’t as popular then, it’s all over TikTok now. A square silk scarf is a low-commitment way into the trend since you style it in many other ways, but if you want to go all-in on the milkmaid vibes, opt for something triangle-shaped. The smaller cut is perfect for tying behind your ear and leaving a few strands of hair out to frame your face. Cue the hair toss. 

Free People Solid Hair Scarf

Urban Outfitters Triangle Twill Hair Scarf

Room Shop Chiffon Triangle Headscarf

Deseda Nina / Feeling Good Scarf