Fashion in the 1970's

With each increasing decade, women gained more and more freedom in their choice of clothing. By the 1970's,  fashion was at its most wild, carefree, and diverse.

Skirt lengths varied for women, from the shortest (micro mini) to the longest (maxi) lengths. Catsuits, trouser suits, disco-inspired hot pants, and midi skirts were also worn, among other innovative new clothing items. Flared trousers and waistcoats, in particular, were very fashionable, in part due to movie stars such as Farrah Fawcett wearing them in films. For dresses, most designs were either straight or empire-waisted, often extravagant and adorned. Halter necks or Granny dresses with high lace necks were also popular.

Actress Farrah Fawcett popularized Flared Trousers

The hippie fashion of the 1960's carried over into this decade as well. Exotic influences popularized caftans, kimonos, and other styles of loose robes and wild prints. The use of the most innovative materials was usually reserved for nightlife. Discos were wildly popular, and clothing was designed to show off the body. Stretchy lycra, spandex, and velour clothes were decorated with sequins or metallic colors to make them noticeable under dance-floor lights.

Kaftans

To keep up with the new liberal lifestyle full of retro dance parties, shoes had to be comfortable but fashionable. Platform heels became iconic for shoes of the era, ranging from 1 inches to as much as 4. Women who wanted to flaunt their legs wore white stockings with black patent leather shoes. The release of the Wonder Woman series made knee-high boots popular, especially paired with hot pants.

Disco Fashion

Changes in purchasing power meant consumers could now buy individual clothing items without worrying about finding matching pieces, as color schemed clothes started disappearing from department stores. This meant buyers had more freedom to mix and match single pieces.

Sources:
http://pongogirl2.hubpages.com/hub/1970s-Fashion
http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-14_u-189_t-508_c-1883/fashion-in-the-1970s/nsw/history/australia-s-social-and-cultural-history-in-the-post-war-period/social-and-cultural-features-of-the-1970s