Fashion in the 1970s

A detailed Summary of Fashion in the 1970s

Throughout the 20th Century, fashion has been a major influence in the United States. It has helped people express their beliefs in a controlled manner and shaped the way for women's rights. Each decade has had a profound effect in today's world, but one decade that really stands out is the "ME" decade, also known as the 1970's. Fashion in the 1970's was a way for people, especially women, to express their feelings about the times and the changes that were happening around them. Before understanding the fashions of the 1970,s it is important to look back and understand how fashion started in the first place.

In the beginning of humanity, people were only interested in their survival. In order to survive man needed food and shelter. When it became cold, "some migrated to warmer places. Others found techniques for keeping warm, such as clotheing and fire. Those who could not adapt died from statvation or exposure." Clothing was part of human culture. Fashion began as a way to keep warm, and protect the body from outside things such as weather, sharp rocks and plants. "Initially humans wrapped themselves in animal skins, later they laced the skins together with strips of leather."

Just as history tells people about the life of

"The motto for 1978 was exercise and keep fit." 1978 was all about dieting, exercising, and being healthy and with this trend came a strong need for sportswear. "Designers were quick to capitalize on the physical fitness craze which opened a vast market for warm-up shoes, suits, sports shoes and jogging shorts - not intended exclusively for athletic activities." In the winter of 1978, people began to wear leather and in the spring, they wore short jackets with wide shoulders. Every thing that was being worn was meant to express the image of being physically fit. Another trend in 1978 was the 40's look. The fashion look was for broader shoulders (shoulder pads), slimmer hips and a lot of black. Clothing in 1978 had a "retro" feel to it.

The late 70's were full of big changes and flashbacks in time. In 1978 came the motto "fit is in". In 1979, slits in skirts went as high as the changing oil prices. 1978 and 1979 were all about changes. People were no longer wearing the boring looks of the late 60's and early 70's but now had a whole new look. People were tired of war and ready for a whole new era known as the 80's.

In 1970 and 1971 fashion was split between pants and skirts. Women had fought for the right to wear pants in public places and won. Although this was a large step in women's rights, some women still did not feel comfortable wearing pants. "The 1970's are often cited as the decade of decadence, but despite the extremes of Glam and punk this was the time when women really looked at their place in modern society for the first time."

The year 1977 started with the basic style of a bloused over jacket or blouson. Skin-tight long-legged pants were big with the younger teens and so were leggings with high heels and netted stockings with boxer shorts. "With the coming of spring everything turned soft and fluid." Pants were traded in for a variety of skirts and jackets replaced the blousons. Sandals were now "in" and clogs were no longer worn. The pajama look which was a T-shirts and slim pants were popular and men and women both wore the new trend. In the summer and the fall, the "must have" was a shawl. During this time people started wearing dresses with ruffles and this added a Victorian look to the outfit.

During 1974 and 1975 feminism was at full force, but another thing that was important was the gay liberation movement. The gays developed their won style in which they introduced uni-sex clothing. The gays believed that by introducing uni-sex clothing they were "breaking down the stereotype differences between male and female."

In 1976, the loden coat became the big fashion hit. It was a very practical and everyone had one. Another big style was the ov

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mary Quaint, , St Laurent, Street Journal, women wore, wear pants, length skirt, girls wearing, okay women, women's rights, fashion industry, uni-sex clothing, fitting shirts, 1970's fashion,

Approximate Word count = 1822
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History