20 Retro ’70s Fashion Trends Making a Comeback

The cyclical nature of fashion has led to the resurgence of 1970s styles, with designers and retailers reintroducing iconic elements from that era. Runways, celebrity wardrobes, and store collections are embracing these vintage trends, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair. This revival reflects a collective appreciation for the bold patterns, unique silhouettes, and creative textiles that defined the ’70s fashion scene.

1. Flared Jeans

Flared jeans, reminiscent of the 1970s, have reemerged in modern fashion, offering versatility for both casual and chic ensembles. Designers like Celine, Gucci, and Victoria Beckham have embraced this silhouette, incorporating it into their recent collections. (voguecollege.com)

2. Platform Shoes

Platform shoes, iconic in the 1970s, have resurfaced, adding boldness to modern fashion. Designers like Valentino and Versace have reintroduced these elevated styles in their recent collections. For instance, Valentino’s TAN-GO platform pumps feature a 55 mm platform and 155 mm block heel, available in both neutral and vibrant colors. (theglamandglitter.com) Similarly, Versace’s platform designs embrace the retro aesthetic, offering a contemporary twist on classic styles. These platforms not only provide added height but also serve as statement pieces, reflecting the era’s influence on today’s fashion landscape.

3. Tie-Dye Everything

Tie-dye, a hallmark of 1970s fashion, has made a vibrant comeback, adorning t-shirts, dresses, and accessories. Modern interpretations by brands like Prada and Proenza Schouler have elevated this technique, offering sophisticated designs that blend nostalgia with contemporary style. (the-independent.com) This resurgence reflects a collective appreciation for individuality and artistic expression, as tie-dye’s unique patterns continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts. (backintimetoday.com)

4. Corduroy Fabrics

Corduroy, a fabric synonymous with the 1970s, has experienced a notable revival in contemporary fashion, adding texture and warmth to modern wardrobes. Designers such as Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Giorgio Armani, and Todd Snyder have incorporated corduroy into their recent collections, reimagining it in contemporary ways. (biancalani.com) This resurgence reflects a broader trend celebrating 1970s aesthetics and a renewed interest in voluminous, classic fabrics reinterpreted for today.

5. Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses, characterized by their floor-length, flowing silhouettes, have become a staple in contemporary fashion, offering both comfort and elegance. These dresses have been prominently featured at summer festivals and events, reflecting a blend of bohemian and modern styles. Designers like Etro and Missoni have incorporated maxi dresses into their recent collections, showcasing vibrant patterns and lightweight fabrics that capture the essence of the 1970s revival. (vogue.com)

6. Fringe Details

Fringe accents have made a significant return in contemporary fashion, adorning jackets, bags, and boots, and infusing a dynamic movement into modern ensembles. This revival draws inspiration from both bohemian and Western styles, reflecting a fusion of free-spirited and rugged aesthetics. Designers like Prada and Alexander McQueen have incorporated fringe into their recent collections, adding texture and flair to their pieces. (fashionallure.com) Celebrities such as Sydney Sweeney have also embraced this trend, showcasing fringe jackets that blend Western influences with contemporary fashion. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of fringe as a versatile detail that enhances the visual and tactile experience of modern fashion. (accio.com)

7. Suede Outerwear

Suede vests and jackets have made a notable comeback, offering a unique texture that adds depth and warmth to contemporary wardrobes. Modern brands are reimagining iconic 1970s silhouettes, incorporating innovative cuts and bold colors. For instance, designers like Zadig & Voltaire and House of Dagmar have introduced suede jackets in various hues, moving beyond traditional tan and caramel shades. (voguescandinavia.com) Additionally, the bohemian revival in 2025 has seen suede jackets and vests reimagined with fringe details, aligning with the era’s aesthetic. This resurgence reflects a broader trend of embracing vintage textures and styles in modern fashion. (vintabid.com)

8. Wrap Dresses

The wrap dress, popularized by Diane von Fürstenberg in the 1970s, continues to captivate with its universally flattering silhouette. Its adjustable waistline and V-neckline create an hourglass figure on virtually everyone. (journee-mondiale.com) This timeless design has resurfaced in current collections, with designers like Zimmermann featuring satin wrap dresses in their Spring RTW 2025 line. The wrap dress’s versatility allows it to transition seamlessly from office wear to evening events, maintaining its status as a wardrobe essential. (miraclesuit.com)

9. Wide-Collar Shirts

The exaggerated, pointed collar trend, originally popular with disco shirts, has resurfaced in both men’s and women’s wardrobes. These wide collars, often extending several inches beyond the shoulders, add a bold statement to contemporary fashion. Designers like Paco Rabanne and Victoria Beckham have incorporated this style into their recent collections, blending retro aesthetics with modern designs. (thefashionspot.com)

10. Psychedelic Prints

Psychedelic prints, characterized by bold and colorful patterns, have made a significant comeback in contemporary fashion, aligning with the prevailing trend toward maximalism. These vibrant designs, reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s, are now featured on shirts, dresses, and even suits. Designers like Pucci have reintroduced swirling, graphic patterns in their collections, adding a modern twist to this retro aesthetic. (vogue.com)

11. Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits have experienced a significant resurgence, offering versatility that seamlessly transitions from casual to formal settings. Celebrities like Anne Hathaway have been spotted wearing jumpsuits in both relaxed and elegant styles, highlighting their adaptability. (whowhatwear.com) Designers are embracing this trend by incorporating jumpsuits into their collections, featuring various cuts and fabrics to suit diverse occasions.

12. Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized, often tinted sunglasses have made a significant comeback, channeling the glamorous ’70s vibe favored by celebrities. These bold frames, reminiscent of icons like Jackie Kennedy and Diana Ross, add a touch of mystery and sophistication to modern ensembles. Contemporary designers continue to embrace this trend, offering updated versions that blend vintage aesthetics with current fashion sensibilities. (whowhatwear.com)

13. High-Waist Trousers

High-waisted trousers have made a significant comeback, offering a flattering fit that elongates the legs and accentuates the waistline. This style, revisited for its figure-enhancing properties and vintage flair, has been embraced by designers like Khaite and Saint Laurent, who have incorporated high-waisted, wide-leg black trousers into their collections. (vogue.sg) The resurgence of this trend reflects a broader appreciation for classic silhouettes in contemporary fashion.

14. Crochet Pieces

Crochet tops, vests, and dresses have experienced a resurgence, reflecting a renewed interest in arts-and-crafts aesthetics. This revival emphasizes sustainability and individuality, with designers incorporating crochet into their collections to offer unique, handcrafted designs. The trend aligns with a broader movement towards eco-friendly fashion and a desire for artisanal, one-of-a-kind pieces. (businessoffashion.com)

15. Bold Plaids & Checks

The return of strong plaid suits and checkered patterns has become a defining feature in both men’s and women’s fashion, reminiscent of 1970s power dressing. Designers like Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Burberry have reintroduced these patterns, offering modern interpretations that blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary styles. (voguevocal.com) This resurgence reflects a broader trend of embracing bold, expressive styles that harken back to past eras while addressing modern fashion sensibilities. (whowhatwear.com)

16. Leisure Suits

The leisure suit, a staple of the 1970s disco era, has been reimagined in modern fabrics and cuts, making a stylish comeback in both casual and more dressed-up settings. Contemporary designers are incorporating leisure suits into their collections, offering updated versions that blend vintage aesthetics with current fashion sensibilities. This revival reflects a broader trend of embracing retro styles in modern wardrobes. (loaded.video)

17. Ringer Tees

Ringer tees, characterized by their contrasting colored bands around the neckline and sleeves, have made a notable comeback, often featuring vintage graphics or logos. Originating in the 1950s and gaining popularity in the 1970s, these tees are now embraced as casual staples, reflecting a nostalgic yet contemporary aesthetic. (vogue.com)

18. Satin Fabrics

Satin fabrics have reemerged in contemporary fashion, offering a glossy allure in shirts and slip dresses that evoke the disco era’s glamour. Designers like Givenchy, Miu Miu, Chloé, Fendi, and Saint Laurent have showcased satin pieces in their Fall/Winter 2025 collections, including delicate lace-trimmed slip dresses and embellished midi skirts. (whowhatwear.com) This revival reflects a broader trend towards luxurious textures in modern party outfits.

19. Puffed Sleeves

Dramatic puffed sleeve silhouettes are making a significant return in modern blouses and dresses, echoing the volume-heavy styles of the 1970s. Designers are reimagining this trend with contemporary fabrics and cuts, offering a fresh take on a classic look. This revival adds a touch of romance and whimsy to current fashion, appealing to those seeking both nostalgia and modernity in their wardrobes. (vogue.com)

20. Patchwork Designs

Patchwork designs have emerged as a prominent trend in 2025, offering a crafty, homespun feel in coats, skirts, and denim. Designers are embracing colorful, upcycled materials to create unique, eco-friendly pieces that reflect a commitment to sustainability. This revival not only showcases creativity but also aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious fashion choices. (knitwearglobal.com)

Conclusion

The enduring influence of 1970s fashion on today’s wardrobe is evident through the resurgence of trends like flared jeans, platform shoes, and psychedelic prints. These revived styles reflect a contemporary appreciation for individuality and nostalgia, allowing individuals to express unique identities while honoring past aesthetics. As fashion continues to evolve, it’s likely that other vintage elements will reemerge, offering fresh interpretations of classic styles. Staying attuned to these cyclical trends can provide inspiration for future fashion choices. (vogue.com)