70s Children's Fashion
Looking through old photos of children dressed in their 1970s attire, you probably have an initial wave of horror and pity. Bell bottoms, mini-dresses, mini-skirts and anything denim filled America's closets. Children are never immune to society's fashion trends. Walk into any American school in the 1970s, and you were sure to see miniature Farrah Fawcetts, short Shawn Cassidys and plenty of bell bottom pants.
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Early 1970s
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Mini skirts, short dresses, rompers and smocked dresses (for little girls) carried over from the 1960s. Hippies, however, heavily influenced fashion in the early 1970s. Bohemian styles made their way to the children's clothing market. Girls wore peasant shirts and mothers covered boys' pants in colorful patches. Denim was the choice fabric during this time. Some polyester clothing was even made to look like denim.
Mid-1970s
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Bell bottoms reached the height of popularity in 1975. From 12th grade down to kindergarten, girls and boys wore wide pants. Bell bottom jumpsuits were also popular, especially among younger kids. All varieties of the color green filled clothing racks in the early '70s. The earth-friendly, hippie vibe continued as quilted and ethnic fabrics became popular. Children's clothing reflected this popularity with colorful, patchwork dresses and bright floral tops. Turtlenecks and disco-styled shirts were also trendy. Batwing sleeves were considered fashionable among high school girls along with Annie Hall-inspired button down vests.
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Late-1970s
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Athletic and disco-styled clothing became increasingly popular in the mid to late-1970s. The culture was more relaxed and fashion reflected this trend. The brand Adidas caught on with the younger generation as more kids walked around in track suits and athletic wear. Disco influenced this athletic wear by contributing shiny satin stripes to shorts, jackets and pants. Still, jeans and T-shirts with graphics were a mainstay among kids. The jeans, however, were no longer full at the bottom. Jeans became skinnier, reflecting a newer trend as children moved into the 1980s.
Feathered Hair and Clogs
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Girls as young as 10 learned how to use a curling iron during the 1970s. Feathered hair was the rage thanks, in part, to Farrah Fawcett's "Charlie's Angels" character. Other popular TV shows like "Happy Days," "American Bandstand" and "The Hardy Boys" influenced hair and clothing styles. Spending an hour styling your hair before school was the norm. Striped Adidas athletic shoes and heavy wooden clogs could be found on every kid's foot. Wear your knee-high glitter socks with your clogs and expect heads to turn.
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References
- Photo Credit Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
