Iconic Styles of the 70s and 80s Men’s Fashion
70s 80s fashion men’s – The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a dramatic shift in men’s fashion, reflecting the evolving cultural landscapes of each decade. From the flamboyant styles of disco to the power dressing of the 1980s, these eras left an indelible mark on menswear.
Disco Fashion of the 1970s
Disco fashion for men embraced bold colors, shimmering fabrics, and a generally flamboyant aesthetic. Think wide-collared shirts, often in vibrant shades like gold, orange, or purple, paired with flared trousers or bell bottoms. Platform shoes added to the height and dramatic effect. Sequins and satin were common, reflecting the glamorous atmosphere of discotheques. The overall look was one of confident, sometimes ostentatious, style.
Evolution of Men’s Suits: 1970s to 1980s
Men’s suits underwent a significant transformation between these two decades. The 1970s saw looser, more relaxed fits, often with wider lapels and higher waistlines. Fabrics were softer, with velvet and corduroy making appearances alongside traditional wools. By the 1980s, the power suit emerged, characterized by a structured silhouette, broad shoulders, and a more fitted, tapered cut. This reflected a shift towards a more assertive and ambitious image.
Heavier fabrics like wool and gabardine were preferred.
Preppy vs. Rebellious Styles
The contrast between the preppy styles of the 1980s and the more rebellious looks of the 1970s is stark. The 1970s saw a reaction against conformity, with styles like the bohemian look, characterized by loose-fitting clothing and natural fabrics, and the burgeoning punk movement, which favored ripped clothing, safety pins, and an anti-establishment aesthetic. In contrast, the 1980s embraced a more polished and structured look, with preppy styles emphasizing neatness, classic cuts, and often, expensive brands.
This reflected a growing emphasis on corporate success and social status.
Comparison of Iconic Styles
| 1970s Style | Key Features | Representative Figure | 1980s Style | Key Features | Representative Figure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disco | Flared pants, platform shoes, shimmering fabrics | John Travolta | Power Suit | Structured silhouette, broad shoulders, bold colors | Gordon Gekko (Wall Street) |
| Bohemian | Loose-fitting clothing, natural fabrics, earthy tones | Mick Jagger | Preppy | Neat, classic cuts, pastel colors, button-down shirts | Ralph Lauren |
| Punk | Ripped clothing, safety pins, leather jackets | Johnny Rotten | New Romantic | Dramatic silhouettes, layered clothing, androgynous elements | Adam Ant |
The Influence of Music and Culture
The cultural shifts of the 70s and 80s profoundly impacted men’s fashion. Music, film, and television played a pivotal role in shaping the styles of the era.
Disco Music’s Impact on Men’s Fashion
The rise of disco music in the 1970s directly influenced the flamboyant and glamorous styles associated with the era. The need for clothing that could withstand the energetic movements of disco dancing led to the popularity of comfortable yet stylish options like flared trousers and breathable fabrics.
Punk and New Wave’s Influence
Punk and new wave music movements of the late 1970s and 1980s fostered a reaction against mainstream fashion. Ripped jeans, leather jackets, and safety pins became symbols of rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment, reflecting the music’s ethos.
Hollywood’s Role in Shaping Trends
Source: thefashionisto.com
Hollywood films and television shows of the era, from “Saturday Night Fever” to “Miami Vice,” significantly impacted men’s fashion trends. Iconic characters and their wardrobes became aspirational, driving the popularity of specific styles and garments.
A Fashion Clash
A 1970s-styled man, sporting a wide-collared shirt, flared trousers, and platform shoes, walks into a trendy 1980s club. A sharply dressed man in a power suit, complete with broad shoulders and a confident air, eyes him with disdain. The 70s man, unfazed, confidently orders a drink, the clash of styles a testament to the changing times.
Key Garments and Accessories
Certain garments and accessories defined the menswear of the 70s and 80s. These elements, from hairstyles to footwear, contributed significantly to the overall look of each decade.
Popular Hairstyles
The 1970s saw the rise of longer hairstyles, including the shaggy, layered looks and the iconic Farrah Fawcett-inspired styles. The 1980s brought big hair, with styles like the mullet and teased, voluminous looks being highly popular, often employing hairspray to achieve the desired effect. These hairstyles reflected the changing social attitudes and cultural trends of each decade.
Iconic Footwear
Platform shoes were a defining feature of 1970s men’s fashion, adding height and drama to outfits. By the 1980s, loafers, sneakers (particularly high-tops), and dress shoes with pointed toes became prevalent, reflecting the more diverse range of styles in the decade.
The Evolution of Denim
Denim played a significant role in both decades. In the 1970s, bell-bottom jeans were incredibly popular, while the 1980s saw the rise of slim-fitting jeans and stonewashed denim, reflecting the evolving aesthetics of each era.
Essential Accessories
Five essential accessories for each decade included:
- 1970s: Wide belts, platform shoes, aviator sunglasses, long necklaces, fedora hats.
- 1980s: Wristwatches (often oversized), suspenders, cufflinks, pocket squares, leather briefcases.
A Visual Representation of the Eras: 70s 80s Fashion Men’s
A detailed description of outfits and mood boards helps to visualize the distinct aesthetics of 70s and 80s men’s fashion.
Three 1970s Outfits, 70s 80s fashion men’s
Outfit 1: A brown corduroy suit with wide lapels, a paisley patterned shirt, and brown leather loafers. Outfit 2: A cream-colored turtleneck sweater, flared jeans, and suede boots. Outfit 3: A brightly colored shirt with a bold print, bell-bottom jeans, and platform shoes.
Mood Board: 70s vs. 80s
- 1970s: Images of flared jeans, platform shoes, earthy tones, long hair, and bohemian-style clothing.
- 1980s: Images of power suits, big hair, bright colors, preppy styles, and athletic wear.
The 1980s Power Suit
The 1980s power suit was typically made from heavy wool or gabardine, in dark colors like navy or charcoal gray. Its silhouette featured broad shoulders, a structured waist, and a strong, confident shape.
Three 1980s Hairstyles
The mullet, characterized by short hair on the top and sides and longer hair in the back; the teased, voluminous hair; and the short, neat, side-parted hair, reflecting the diverse styles of the decade.
The Lasting Legacy
The influence of 70s and 80s men’s fashion continues to be felt in contemporary menswear.
Influence on Contemporary Menswear
Elements from both decades, such as denim in various washes, tailored suits (though often with a slimmer fit), and certain footwear styles, are regularly incorporated into modern menswear collections. The cyclical nature of fashion ensures that trends from these eras reappear, often reinterpreted for a contemporary audience.
Cyclical Nature of Fashion
Source: apetogentleman.com
The resurgence of 70s and 80s styles demonstrates fashion’s cyclical nature. Trends reappear, sometimes subtly altered to suit current tastes, but often retaining core elements from their original context. This demonstrates how fashion draws inspiration from the past, adapting and reimagining previous styles for new generations.
Modern Interpretations
Modern interpretations often maintain the silhouette or key elements of a classic piece, but incorporate contemporary fabric choices, colors, or detailing. For instance, a modern interpretation of a 70s flared trouser might use a lighter, more modern fabric and a slightly more tailored fit.
70s and 80s men’s fashion was a vibrant era, showcasing bold styles and a range of silhouettes. A key element contributing to these iconic looks was, of course, the haircut; finding the right style was crucial. For inspiration on achieving that perfect 70s or 80s vibe, check out this guide on mens fashion haircuts to complete your retro ensemble.
Ultimately, the haircut perfectly framed the overall aesthetic of the decade’s men’s fashion.
A Modern Outfit Inspired by the 70s
A modern outfit inspired by 70s style could feature a well-tailored blazer in a deep teal color, paired with slim-fitting dark wash jeans and Chelsea boots. This combines the sophisticated elegance of a blazer with the casual cool of jeans, offering a modern twist on a classic 70s silhouette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were some common fabrics used in 70s men’s fashion?
Velvet, corduroy, suede, and polyester were popular choices, reflecting the era’s textures and bold colors.
How did 80s hairstyles differ from 70s styles?
70s hairstyles were often longer and looser, while the 80s saw a rise in big hair, often styled with mousse and gel, such as the mullet and the teased bouffant.
What accessories defined 80s men’s fashion?
Bold statement jewelry, such as large watches and chunky necklaces, were popular, alongside leather bracelets and belts.
Were there any crossovers between 70s and 80s men’s fashion?
Yes, denim’s popularity continued, and some elements of disco style transitioned into the early 80s, particularly in nightlife fashion.
