This Is How We Were Dressed In High School

Source: Janice Engelgau

The 1970s were a decade of great cultural change and political upheaval. It was a time when people were pushing boundaries and expressing themselves in new and exciting ways. This was especially true when it came to fashion, and nowhere was this more apparent than in high schools across the country.

Growing up in the 70s, I remember the excitement of getting dressed for school each day. It was a time when self-expression was highly valued, and everyone had their own unique sense of style. Looking back, I can see how much the fashion of the time reflected the larger cultural trends of the era.

One of the most iconic fashion trends of the 70s was the rise of disco. This was a time when people were dancing the night away to the beat of the Bee Gees and Donna Summer, and this was reflected in the way that people dressed. Disco fashion was all about being bold, glitzy, and glamorous. Girls would often wear sparkly dresses with platform shoes, while guys would wear shiny shirts with wide collars.

Another trend that was popular in the 70s was the hippie look. This was a nod to the counterculture movement of the 60s, and it was all about expressing a sense of peace and love. Girls would wear long flowing skirts with tie-dye patterns, while guys would wear bell-bottom jeans and fringed vests. Both genders would also wear love beads, which were long strings of beads that were often made of colorful stones.

One of the hallmarks of 70s fashion was the emphasis on comfort. This was a time when people were starting to prioritize comfort over formality, and this was reflected in the way that people dressed. Girls would often wear loose-fitting blouses with bell sleeves, while guys would wear t-shirts with printed designs. Both genders would also wear sneakers, which were becoming more popular as a casual shoe.

Of course, no discussion of 70s fashion would be complete without talking about denim. This was a time when denim was everywhere, and it was worn in all sorts of ways. Girls would often wear denim skirts with embroidered designs, while guys would wear denim jackets with patches. Both genders would also wear denim jeans, which were becoming more popular as a casual pant.

As I look back on the fashion of my high school days in the 70s, I realize just how much it reflected the larger cultural trends of the time. It was a time of change and experimentation, and this was reflected in the way that people dressed. Whether it was the disco look or the hippie look, there was a sense of freedom and self-expression that was highly valued.

Looking back, I also realize just how much fashion was a form of social currency. The clothes you wore and the way you styled your hair were all important ways of expressing your identity and fitting in with your peers. This was especially true in high school, where the pressure to fit in could be intense.

Despite this pressure, I also remember how much fun it was to experiment with fashion. Whether it was trying out a new hairstyle or wearing a daring outfit, there was a sense of excitement and possibility that came with expressing yourself through fashion.

In many ways, the fashion of the 70s was a celebration of individuality and creativity. It was a time when people were encouraged to be themselves, and this was reflected in the way that they dressed. Looking back, I can see how much these fashion trends reflected the larger cultural trends of the era, and I feel grateful to have been a part of it.

In conclusion, the fashion of the 70s was diverse, bold, and exciting. From disco to hippie to denim, there were so many different styles to choose from. But more than anything, the fashion of the 70s was a reflection of the larger cultural trends of the time. It was a time of change and experimentation, and fashion was one of the many ways that people expressed themselves.