The 1970s are back in a big way, and it’s not about costume-level nostalgia. This season, the shapes and textures that defined the decade, wide legs, soft suede, bold prints, and easy layering, feel fresh because they prioritize comfort and personality over fussy dressing. The key is picking one or two retro elements and letting the rest of the outfit breathe.
These looks are for women who remember the first time around, or who simply appreciate how a great flared trouser and a tucked-in blouse can change your whole silhouette. Here are 20 ways to wear the decade’s best ideas without looking like you raided a costume trunk.
The 20 looksOpen list +
Peasant Blouse and Flared Trousers Evening Out
To balance voluminous bottoms, anchor them with a more fitted top. Here, a floral print peasant blouse is tucked into high-waisted corduroy flared trousers, creating a defined waist that keeps the proportions in check. The trousers’ dramatic flare is grounded by the blouse’s close fit and the red pointed flats, which add a neat finish without competing with the wide leg. This combination works well for a clear waistline; you can adapt it by choosing trousers with a gentler flare for a less pronounced silhouette. To recreate it, look for flared corduroy trousers in a warm rust tone, then add a floral print peasant blouse, a newsboy cap, and a neck scarf for an extra layer of texture.
Geometric Wallpaper and Wood Accents
A geometric wallpaper in orange and brown tones sets the foundation for a 70s-inspired room, with wooden furniture and macrame wall hangings adding warmth and handcrafted texture. The repeating pattern on the walls creates visual rhythm, while the natural materials keep the space from feeling too busy. To bring this look into your own home, look for a geometric print wallpaper in warm earth tones and pair it with solid wood shelving or a console table. Macrame accents and potted plants soften the lines and complete the retro atmosphere.
Wide-Leg Denim with Sheer Kimono Layering
The sheer kimono-style top here does more than add a second layer. It introduces a subtle pattern and a flowing silhouette over the deep v-neck top and high-waisted wide-leg jeans. The high waist of the jeans creates a long leg line, and the platform sandals add height that complements the wide leg rather than getting lost under it. Anyone who prefers relaxed fits can wear this; for cooler weather, swap the sheer kimono for a knit cardigan in a similar rust tone. To recreate it, look for high-waisted wide-leg jeans in a classic denim wash, then pair them with a deep v-neck top and a sheer kimono-style overlay.
Olive Green Velvet Office Chair
A green velvet chair with a curved back and chrome frame becomes the focal point of a creative workspace, its rich texture contrasting with warm wood paneling and a red and gray plaid blanket draped over the seat. The mix of velvet, metal, and wood creates a layered, inviting look that feels personal rather than corporate. To recreate this at your desk, look for a velvet office chair in olive green with visible metal legs. Add a plaid throw, a desk lamp, and a few potted plants to soften the edges and bring in the natural elements that make the space feel lived-in.
Crochet Lace-Up Top and Flared Jeans
Pair a cropped top with high-waisted bottoms to keep the silhouette balanced. The crochet lace-up top here sits just above the waistband of light blue flared jeans, emphasizing the waist and creating a long leg line. The crochet’s open texture and cream color keep the look light, while the brown leather crossbody bag and belt tie the earthy palette together. This boho-chic style works well for a defined waist; you can adapt it by choosing a slightly longer crochet top for more coverage. To recreate it, look for a crochet lace-up top in a natural cream shade, then add flared denim jeans in a light wash and a suede crossbody bag.
Plaid Suspender Skirt and Bow Blouse
A suspender skirt can feel polished when you tuck a fitted white bow blouse into a high-waisted brown plaid suspender skirt. Brown block heels and white socks keep the look grounded, while the A-line shape of the skirt balances the blouse’s volume at the neckline. This playful take on preppy styling nods to schoolgirl references without going full retro. To recreate it, look for a brown plaid suspender skirt, a white bow blouse, and a white beret to finish the proportions.
Matching Yellow Suit with Striped Sweater
A matching suit can read as too formal for a daytime outing, but swapping a blouse for a striped sweater changes the whole equation. The cropped jacket and high-waisted flared trousers stay coordinated, while the green-and-blue striped layer adds a casual break in color. Brown heeled loafers ground the bright yellow palette and keep the proportions from feeling top-heavy. This is a bold monochromatic statement without a boardroom feel. To recreate it, look for a matching yellow suit with a cropped jacket and high-waisted flared trousers, then layer a striped sweater underneath.
Orange Plaid Bell Bottoms and Suede Jacket
The shearling-lined jacket has a relaxed fit that doesn’t fight the volume of the trousers. Orange plaid bell-bottom trousers are wide enough to create a distinct flare at the hem, and the cream top underneath keeps the color blocking simple. Brown heeled loafers anchor the look without competing with the pattern.
This combination of suede, shearling, and plaid works naturally for cooler weather; the textures add warmth without needing extra layers. Anyone drawn to bold patterns can adapt this by choosing a lighter-weight fabric for the trousers in transitional seasons. To recreate it, look for orange plaid bell-bottom trousers, a cream top, and a shearling-lined suede jacket with a relaxed fit.
Silver Sequined Halter Jumpsuit
A full sequin garment works best when the cut does the talking. This silver sequined halter jumpsuit has a fitted bodice that leads into wide legs, creating a dramatic column of shine. Low block heel sandals keep the focus on the jumpsuit’s silhouette. This is a straightforward choice for evening events where the dress code calls for glamour; the halter neckline and wide leg balance each other. A one-piece statement can be adapted by adding a blazer for more coverage. To recreate it, look for a silver sequined halter jumpsuit with a wide leg and a fitted bodice.
Fringe Leather Jacket and Straight-Leg Trousers
The tan leather fringe jacket has a relaxed fit that adds movement without overwhelming the frame. Worn over a white tank top and dark blue straight-leg trousers, it introduces a Western-inspired detail into an otherwise simple base. Black heeled sandals keep the outfit from leaning too casual, while a gold necklace and sunglasses add polish. The straight-leg trousers ground the fringe and let the jacket define the look. To recreate it, look for a tan leather fringe jacket, a white tank top, and dark blue straight-leg trousers.
Psychedelic Print Maxi Dress
The psychedelic print on this long-sleeved maxi dress runs from shoulder to hem in an A-line cut, so the pattern never gets chopped by a seam. The multicolor motif is loud enough to be the only thing going on, which is why the only accessories are a pearl necklace. A dress this full can feel like a lot of fabric, but the flowing silhouette keeps it from wearing you. To recreate it, look for a long sleeve maxi dress in a psychedelic print that covers the whole garment, not just a panel.
Wide-Leg Jeans with Oversized Blazer
When you pair a slouchy piece with another slouchy piece, the result can look like you got lost in your closet. The fix is to anchor the outfit with something fitted underneath. Here, light blue wide-leg jeans are worn with a blue and white striped shirt, a denim vest, and an oversized black blazer. Red open-toe heels and a black handbag add polish without fighting the denim. It suits anyone who wants an easy smart-casual uniform. To recreate it, look for wide-leg jeans with a straight leg that skims the floor, then add a blue and white striped shirt and a denim vest under an oversized black blazer.
Patchwork Maxi Dress with Bell Sleeves
A patchwork maxi dress with bell sleeves gives you a lot of visual real estate to work with. This one combines velvet and silk panels in a multicolored patchwork design, with sleeves that flare out dramatically from the elbow. The A-line silhouette keeps the volume in check, and black flat shoes let the dress do the talking. If the mix of textures feels overwhelming, look for a version that uses a single fabric with printed patchwork instead. To recreate it, look for a patchwork maxi dress in velvet and silk with bell sleeves that hit at the hip.
Suede Blazer and Culottes
A fitted brown suede blazer has a textured finish that remains subtle. Here it sits neatly over a beige top and culottes, with black espadrille sandals keeping things grounded. The real move is the teal handbag: a single bright accessory against all those neutrals. A gold watch adds polish without competing. This outfit works for daytime casual: put together but not stiff. To recreate it, look for a brown suede blazer with a tailored cut, a beige top, and culottes.
Belted Suede Shirt Dress with Scarf
A button-down shirt dress in beige suede is the kind of piece that works hardest when you cinch it. The belt at the waist defines the silhouette and keeps the midi length from feeling shapeless. Brown heeled shoes add height, while a red scarf tied at the neck brings in the contrast. A gold watch and bracelets are the only other accessories. It suits a safari-inspired look that still appears polished and not costume-like. To recreate it, look for a belted suede shirt dress in a neutral tone and add a red scarf for color.
Patterned Blouse and Flared Denim
A relaxed-fit cream patterned blouse pairs with flared blue denim jeans for a balanced, casual look. Black loafers ground the outfit with a classic finish that doesn’t compete with the blouse’s print. This comfortable, easygoing style suits anyone after a low-key, retro-inspired aesthetic. To recreate it, look for a relaxed-fit cream patterned blouse, high-waisted flared denim, and black loafers.
Knit Dress with Psychedelic Headscarf
A purple knit dress with an A-line skirt gets a jolt of personality from a matching psychedelic print headscarf. The scarf’s orange and pink tones echo the knit’s color while adding a sheer, layered texture that keeps the look from feeling too uniform.
This bohemian outfit works for those who enjoy a coordinated set but want more visual interest than a solid dress alone provides. To recreate it, look for a purple knit dress with a defined waist, a psychedelic print scarf you can tie as a headscarf, and simple flats.
Street Style Leather Jacket and Midi Skirt
How do you make a leather jacket feel fresh for a casual day out? Layer a black leather jacket over a cream sweater and a midi skirt. Black boots provide a practical, grounded foundation that matches the jacket’s edge. This mix of textures pairs knit, leather, and wool in rust, black, gray, cream, and brown. To recreate it, look for a black leather jacket with clean lines, a cream sweater, a midi skirt in a neutral tone, and black boots.
Moto Jacket and Wide-Leg Jeans
A black leather moto jacket worn over a black t-shirt with wide-leg blue jeans is a straightforward formula that never gets old. White low-top sneakers keep the whole thing relaxed and street-ready rather than overly polished. This rock-inspired combo suits those who prefer an edgy, casual look. To recreate it, look for a black leather moto jacket with a slightly cropped cut, a black t-shirt, wide-leg blue jeans, and white low-top sneakers.
Shirt Dress with Thigh-High Boots
A beige mini shirt dress with a lace-up front is cinched with a black belt, creating a clean silhouette that lets the footwear take center stage. Black leather thigh-high boots make a bold statement, extending the line of the leg and adding a dramatic finish to the otherwise simple dress.
This outfit is for those who like their footwear to do the talking. To recreate it, look for a beige shirt dress with a defined waist (a lace-up detail adds interest), a black belt, and black leather thigh-high boots. A scarf or chain-strap bag can echo the accessories without distracting from the boots.
Final Thoughts
- Balance a voluminous bottom with a fitted or tucked-in top.
- Let one standout piece, a fringe jacket, a plaid pant, anchor the look.
- Mix warm textures like suede, corduroy, and velvet for depth.
- Use a bright scarf or bag to add a hit of color to neutrals.
Building a 70s-inspired wardrobe means leaning into proportions that move with you and colors that feel rich rather than loud. Start with one great pair of wide-leg trousers or a soft suede piece and build from there.
