The Anything Goes Decade
The 1970s was the anything goes decade. A free flowing mix of ideas draped upon both men and women, which in turn gave people a sense of liberty in turbulent times. Jewelry trends and designs reflected this new era of self-expression utilizing eastern, ethnic and native influences for a new lasting appeal—and then there was disco.
Much like previous decades, a shadow from the previous decade could be felt. Disagreements in Washington, the Vietnam War, and a revolution on social norms overflowed into the 1970s, and continued to push a degree of personal expression within the fashion industry. Large peace signs were commonly marked on clothing and worn as accessories. Moreover, the introduction to eastern cultures made headway and was fully embraced within subcultures affecting clothing trends, tastes in décor and accessories as a whole.
During the 1970s a general mistrust of government had grown to infect the vast majority. In turn, the social climate became one of personal quests for liberty. A reasonable public reaction after such scandals as Watergate and major casualties suffered over the course of the Vietnam War. The 1970s was a decade known as a time many departed politics all together; disco queens emerged, the hippie movement heightened and boho chic was invented. As civil rights and social justices felt out of reach or even out of control, people turned toward their own lives, projecting liberties where they could afford them.
Innovations of the early seventies
The early seventies fully embraced the hippie movement. People felt obliged to set their own standards and seek individual styles rather than relying on celebrities. Though, icons like Cher held weight in trend setting for her styles born of ethnic origins and fringe accents, a majority relished on individual tastes. Casual clothing was widely worn, such as high waist blue jeans and t-shirts strewn with oodles of accessories. Accessories were commonly made of natural materials such as feathers, leather and shells; like puka shells, worn by both men and women.
For the hipsters of the 1970s, American Indian influenced trends were hip in both accessories and jewelry. This style represented American origins and a people that historically held deep connections with the earth. Metals made of sterling silver; set with turquoise can be found on plated bracelets, necklaces, headbands and earrings. Pieces varied, some incorporated stones with rich red hues, and bone as well as shapes made into feathers or animals. Beaded headbands, moccasins, and fringe handbags could be mixed into any outfit. The trend elaborated on casual basic trends with indigenous inspired accessories to create an absolute 1970s style.
Boho chic, still popular today, gave rise in the 1970s; a style fundamentally spawn of bohemian origin, and constructed of natural materials. Embroidered peasant tops, macramé, shiny belts, basically a comfy style appeal with intricate designs. Boho has a gypsy look that celebrates free style: flowing skirts, scarves and layers of jewelry. Colorful bangles, metals, and intricate designs can all resemble that of bohemian chic. Chain belts, mood rings, beaded necklaces, and anklets, worn together to create a subtle chime —is collectively bohemian.
The 1970s gets glam
The trends of the 1970’s held a strong connection to earth tones and materials, however by the late seventies a new tone took center stage—disco. For an era of ethnic trends, and hippie mantra, disco became an alternate hutch for those not feeling truly at home.
On the outside, casual trends continued to be fully embraced throughout the 1970’s. However, within the confines of disco clubs a new lifestyle emerged. Infamous Studio 54 cradled the epitome of disco culture. Wild parties, celebrities, drugs a plenty, not to mention a fashion trend all their own. Tight clothing, hot pants, platform shoes, sequins, accessorized with long earrings, shimmer belts, knee high boots, large hoop earrings, thin plated gold chains —and the legacy of Saturday Night Fever. Disco in itself, is a subculture of the 1970s with a rich appeal, the style and accessories have a category all their own.