70’s Bollywood retro fashion
The 70s marked a golden era in 70’s Bollywood retro fashion, where the silver screen became a canvas for fashion experimentation. From sequined disco outfits to flared pants, and voluminous hair to vibrant ensembles, the fashion of the 70’s Bollywood retro fashion era was truly unforgettable.
In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the iconic 70’s Bollywood retro fashion trends of the 70s, which continue to inspire and captivate us even today.
The Glorious Beginning of 70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion
The 70s witnessed a remarkable evolution in 70’s Bollywood retro fashion trends. Actresses like Dimple Kapadia and Zeenat Aman revolutionized the industry with their unique style statements.
Dimple Kapadia’s cropped tops and vibrant bell-bottoms became a rage, while Zeenat Aman popularized the bohemian look. Alongside, we have also seen a resurgence of some of these styles in recent years, proving that 70’s Bollywood retro fashion truly is cyclical.
Bell Sleeves and Flared Pants: A Match Made in Fashion Heaven
One of the most iconic 70’s Bollywood retro fashion trends of the 70s was the combination of bell sleeves and flared pants. Actresses like Hema Malini, Neetu Singh, and Zeenat Aman rocked this trend with utmost grace and elegance.
Flared pants became a favourite not only among women but also among men, who paired them with floral and denim shirts. If you’re planning a 70s Bollywood-themed party, don’t forget to don a pair of flared pants with a bell-sleeved floral top. Complete the look with oversized sunglasses, and you’re ready to groove to the retro beats!
The Charm of Front-Tie Blouses
Front-tie blouses were a major 70’s Bollywood retro fashion statement in the 70s and continue to be appealing even today. Actresses like Zeenat Aman and Neetu Singh popularized this style, making it a trendsetter in the industry. Dimple Kapadia’s front-tie cropped blouses created quite a buzz, especially when paired with her white polka-dotted top.
This style has been seen in several other movies as well, but Dimple’s take on it was truly unmatched. She paired it with mini skirts, giving it a modern twist. This style can still be embraced today, especially for a beach outing or a casual lunch with friends. To achieve that 70’s bollywood retro fashion style statement, team it up with oversized sunglasses and a high ponytail.
The Evergreen Anarkali
The Anarkali ensemble is one of the finest examples of Indian attire. It is elegant, sophisticated, and perfect for parties. The Anarkali dresses first gained popularity in the 60s with the movie “Mughal-E-Azam.”
In the 70s, we witnessed knee-length Anarkalis that were mostly reserved for special dance numbers, where actresses could twirl and look stunning. Personally, I loved Rekha’s style in “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar.” This style continued to be popular even in the early 80s, with Kajol sporting a polka-dotted Anarkali in the movie “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.” This 70’s Bollywood retro fashion style can be embraced by anyone, irrespective of age, and make a statement.
Polka Dots: A Timeless Trend
Polka Dots and the movie “Bobby” are inseparable. Dimple Kapadia’s contribution to making polka dots fashionable cannot be overlooked. She made the polka-dotted front-tie cropped blouse a sensation, showcasing her abs in style.
The bold statement she made with this outfit was widely applauded. We have also seen Mumtaz sporting polka-dotted salwar kameez in the movie “Khilona.” Polka dots are a classic pattern that has stood the test of time. They continue to be a popular choice among 70’s Bollywood retro fashion enthusiasts, and their charm remains unblemished.
Androgynous Fashion: Inspired by Men’s Style
The 70’s Bollywood retro fashion of the 70s was undoubtedly experimental, with many styles drawing inspiration from men’s fashion. Women confidently flaunted button-up shirts, bow ties, and flared pants.
The 70s paved the way for a new representation of women in Indian cinema, where they were portrayed as bold, confident, and yet feminine. It was a decade that witnessed a shift in the traditional portrayal of women. The leading ladies of the 70s were iconic, embodying strength and empowerment.
The Voluminous Hair Trend
The voluminous bouffant hair of the 60s remained popular well into the 70s. Actresses experimented with various hairstyles, even trying out different colors like blonde, ginger, and more. The trend of side-swept bangs was also a favorite, especially if the character was young and unmarried. We have seen side-swept bangs paired with ribbons or a high ponytail in movies like “Caravan” and “Seeta Aur Geeta.”
The Shimmer and Shine of Disco Fashion
Ah, the disco outfits! How can we forget the glitz and glamour of the disco era in the 70s? 70s Bollywood actresses rocked the iconic headbands, sequined dresses, and chokers with utmost style.
They knew how to rock these disco outfits like no one else. Helen, the queen of cabaret dance culture, added her touch of magic to the disco scene. Though the term “item number” wasn’t coined yet, Helen won hearts with her mesmerizing performances. The song “Yeh Mera Dil” from the movie “Don” continues to be popular even today.
The Oversized Sunglasses Craze
Oversized sunglasses were undoubtedly a 70’s Bollywood retro fashion statement in 70s Bollywood. Their popularity can be attributed to the rising pop culture of the time. Both men and women sported oversized sunglasses, which added a stylish touch to their looks. Personally, I loved the hippie look of Zeenat Aman and the laid-back style of Rishi Kapoor in “Bobby.” These oversized sunglasses added a certain charm to their overall appearance.
The Floppy Hat Trend
Floppy hats were a big thing in Hollywood, and 70s Bollywood fashion drew inspiration from western trends. We saw Saira Banu sporting a cute little floppy hat in the movie “Padosan,” and Dev Anand donning one in “Hare Rama Hare Krishna.” The floppy hat trend was truly a 70’s Bollywood retro fashion choice and continues to be admired by fashion enthusiasts today.
The Allure of Thigh-High Slits
Sexy and daring, thigh-high slits were a common sight in dance numbers of the 70s. Helen’s performance in the song “Yeh Mera Dil” from the movie “Don” remains one of the most prestigious fashion moments in Bollywood’s history. Thigh-high slits were a prominent feature in disco and exhilarating dance numbers of that time.
Winged Eyeliner: A Classic That Stood the Test of Time
Winged eyeliner was a popular trend in the 60s and continued to dominate the 70s. Actresses like Hema Malini and Mumtaz embraced the bold winged eyeliner look. This style creates an illusion of bigger eyes and adds a dramatic element to your look. Winged eyeliner is a trend that has remained popular among women, even today.
Conclusion
The fashion trends of 70s Bollywood continue to inspire us, reminding us of a glorious era filled with iconic style statements. From bell sleeves and flared pants to front-tie blouses and polka dots, these trends have left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape.
The androgynous fashion, voluminous hair, disco outfits, oversized sunglasses, floppy hats, thigh-high slits, and winged eyeliner are all part of the 70s Bollywood fashion legacy. Let’s pay homage to this unforgettable era and keep the spirit of retro fashion alive!
So, the next time you watch a Bollywood movie, take note of these fashion inspirations from the 70s! 😉
Additional Information
From sequined disco outfits to flared pants, and from voluminous hair to vibrant ensembles, the 70s was the era of Bollywood fashion experimentation.
Let’s take a look at the fabulous fashion of the 70s Bollywood era! Namaste! We are back with another Bollywood decade fashion analysis – 70s Bollywood fashion. The 70s era was like fifty years ago. Oh my! For us millenniums, it feels like almost 50 years ago, around the 1950s.
Laugh out loud! But here we are, once again casting our gaze on the prestigious era of Bollywood in 2021. This decade brought us many iconic films like Sholay, Kabhi Kabhie, Don, Seeta Aur Geeta, and many more. Actresses like Hema Malini, Dimple Kapadia, Rekha, and Jaya Bachchan mesmerized us with their fashion.
Compared to the fashion of the 50s and 60s, the fashion of the 70s saw significant changes. It featured a blend of both Indian and western attire.
From casual chic fashion to stunning party outfits and traditional Indian wear, 70s Bollywood fashion has much to teach us! The 70s was the time for bold colors, mini skirts, polka dots, crop tops, and colorful sarees.
We can’t forget the bikinis worn by Dimple Kapadia and Sharmila Tagore either. Flared pants and denim shirts were the main style attraction for men’s fashion.
The makeup of the 70s Bollywood era was bold, with winged eyeliner being a continuing trend from the 60s.
Actresses experimented with different types of wigs, and their hair was absolutely stunning. In one scene, they would have long Rapunzel-like hair, and in the next scene, they would be wearing Marilyn Monroe’s attire. The next time you watch a Bollywood film, take note of these trends! 😉”