These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer - But They're Actually From the '70s

Samantha Sutton
·4 min read
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

You've probably heard it about 8 million times: the top clothing trends of today are pretty much all recycled from Y2K, and with each pully top sighting or celeb-approved platform flip flop, we've started to feel as if we're living in the past. But that's just how the cycle works - nothing in fashion is ever really new-new. And the '90s and early '00s are far from the only source of 2021 style inspiration; '70s fashion is having a moment, too.

RELATED: 12 Questionable Trends From 2011 That Are, Unfortunately, Back

In fact, many modern trends that are labeled as Y2K actually originated a few decades prior, pioneered by '70s icons such as Cher, Bianca Jagger, Debbie Harry, and Jane Fonda. And, it's not all flared jeans and crochet tops, either (although we're definitely feeling both of those as well). Even fairycore borrows some key elements from this cool, carefree, super sexy time in history.

In case you're curious where to start in terms of '70s fashion inspiration, we've rounded up 11 iconic celebrity outfits from the decade, along with the way models, musical artists, and actresses are wearing those same looks today.

Upside-Down Bikini

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images/Instagram

Now: Kourteny Kardashian

Then: Diana Ross

It may be one of the more confusing (and super sexy!) trends of the summer, but you can't forget that Ross wore a simila, scrunched, string top in the form of a dress, way back in 1974.

RELATED: Underwear-Tops and Upside-Down Bikinis Are 2021's Weird Yet Viral Swimsuit Trends

Flared Pants

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Victoria Beckham

Then: Dolly Parton

These babies tend to resurface every few years, and as we move away from slimmer cuts and embrace chaotic bottoms, flares have become a wardrobe must-have.

Crochet Clothing

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Olivia Rodrigo

Then: Pam Grier

Summer knits continue to trend, and stores are stocked with crochet tops - along with crochet shorts, crochet skirts, and crochet pants (all the things!). However, we definitely associate this textile with the '70s, and feel an urge to pair those pieces with pops of denim and large glasses.

Breezy Florals

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Pink

Then: Cicely Tyson

Breezy florals fit right in with the cottagecore and fairycore craze, but slightly sheer, layered designs are actually a subtle reference to the loose, carefree clothes from this decade.

Fun Graphic Tees

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Bella Hadid

Then: Lynda Carter

Graphic tees might be considered more timeless than throwback, but you can't deny the similarities between these two outfits, especially once you factor in the casual non-skinny jeans and chain necklaces.

Structured Vests

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Kendall Jenner

Then: Julie Andrews

Annie Hall came out in 1977, inspiring people to wear structured vests. These days, it's more popular to skip the button-down when slipping one on, wearing this classic layer as a shirt.

One-Shoulder Sequined Designs

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Megan Thee Stallion

Then: Debbie Harry

When most people think of the '70s, high shine and disco designs come to mind. But don't forget about the sexy, sequined, rock-inspired looks that were in Harry's wardrobe, which looked similar to what Megan Thee Stallion wore at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Bandeau Halter-Top

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Adwoa Aboah

Then: Cher

Halter tops are back in a big way, and everything from curve-hugging dresses to beach-friendly bikinis feature this neck detail. However, the bandeau style, which features a string tie, still reminds us of Cher, whose outfits, surprisingly enough, fit right in with those from 2021.

Twisted Halter-Necks

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Hailey Bieber

Then: Bianca Jagger

We admittedly think of Y2K Christina Aguilera each time we see this twisted, social-media-approved trend. However, the crisscross style really emerged half a century ago, when it was worn by Jagger, Cher, and other well-dressed women, typically for major events and parties.

RELATED: Hailey Bieber Took On the Cut Out Halter-Neck Dress Trend For a Meeting with Emmanuel Macron

Extreme Side Cutouts

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: Kim Kardashian

Then: Debbie Harry

The key detail we're focused on is that tiny connection in the middle, which helps the wearer show some skin and make a statement, every single time.

Oversized Glasses

These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s
These 11 Fashion Trends Are Going Viral This Summer — But They’re Actually From the ‘70s

Getty Images

Now: H.E.R.

Then: Jane Fonda

The fashion world has finally moved on from obsessing over tiny sunglasses. Now, the larger styles of the '70s, which usually include lighter, ombre lenses, are the new go-to.

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