Bollywood's Top 5 Retro Looks That Will Transport You Back In Time

The 70s fashion was quite different from that of the 1950s and 1960s. There was a wide range of attire, from traditional Indian to more Western styles. Inspiring as it may be, 70s outfits of Bollywood fashion ranged from casual elegant to expensive party costumes to traditional daily Indian attire.

Fantastic films like Sholay, Kabhi Kabhie, Don, Seeta Aur Geeta, and many more were released during this decade. Hema Malini, Dimple Kapadia, Rekha, and Zeenat Aman were just a few of the Bollywood beauties that had us swooning over 70s fashion women due to their stylish ensembles.

Mini skirts, polka dots, crop tops, and sarees of every hue were all fair game in 70s style.

And here we are in 2022 relooking at the golden era of Bollywood fashion.

Bell Sleeves And Flared Pants

In the 70s fashion, bell sleeves were a must-have fashion accessory. A lot of women wore dresses and men wore button-down shirts with flared sleeves. The use of such sleeves has even made a reappearance.

Flared trousers were another hallmark of 1970s Bollywood style, along with bell sleeves. All the actresses wore these flared pants all the time. Furthermore, males showed off similar bottoms with flowery and denim tops.

To attend a 70s Bollywood theme party, you can choose a red color fabric top and denim flared pants with blue color fabric. You can also add oversized sunglasses with this outfit. 

Anarkalis 

Among the finest garments from India is the anarkali. They look great and would be great for a formal event. Mughal-e-Azam, a film from the 1960s, featured the first on-screen appearance of an Anarkali attire. In films from the 1970s, women wore anarkalis that came just below the knee. Costumes like this were saved for the actress's twirl-worthy, scene-stealing dance performances.

Net and silk fabric majorly used to create such gorgeous ensembles. This trend continued till the 80s. 

Androgyny Fashion

If ever there was a decade of innovation in Bollywood style, it was the 1970s. Most of the looks took cues from 70s outfits men. Men and women alike wore bow ties, button-down shirts, and flared slacks without a hitch. Women in Indian films were also given new roles throughout this decade. The '70s heroine was brash, self-assured, and feminine all at once.

To get such kind of look, you can choose a denim button-up shirt and flared pants of linen or cotton. 

Bold Disco Outfits

Well, well, if we made it here in the era of the 70s fashion, so how can we miss out on disco outfits? 

Bollywood actresses of the 1970s wore flamboyant headbands, sequined skirts, and chokers, and their fashions should not be forgotten. They were masters of the art of rocking out in any situation. Helen and other actresses paved the way for this style. Although the phrase "item number" had not yet been created, several actresses had already won the hearts of the male population with their dance skills and stylish wardrobes.

To recreate this look, you can go for a yellow color fabric of sequined pattern. 

Floppy Hats 

Inspired by Hollywood and western fashion, floppy hats have become a major essential for the 70s Bollywood fashion era. Such colorful hats were part of every actress's wardrobe as they were easy to go with every kind of special dress. The hats were made out of felt and embellished with earthy motifs like flowers and vines. There are some ladies who like to keep things basic with only a bow of ribbon. Fabrics like silk and satin used to create glossy ribbons for hats. 

Saree Fashion 

The era of sarees in the '70s Bollywood style favored garish colors and patterns. Sharmila Tagore, an eternal beauty, is credited with popularizing the see-through saree. In addition to the sarees, we also noticed women wearing high-necked, short-sleeved shirts. Another popular 70s fashion trend was the paachwari, or five-yard saree with a minimal pallu.

FAQ

What accessories do I need for a 70s costume?

If you love to recreate 70s fashion for a Bollywood retro party then make sure to carry a costume with some essential accessories such as a bracelet, necklace or choker, headbands etc. You can add value to your costume through  platform heels and footwears.

Is the 70's style coming back?

Fashion is cyclical and has a habit of returning. Fashion world of 2022 taught us about the 70s fashion flared pants, polka dot print, front side knot shirts and sheer fabric sarees. No wonder the 70s style is making a huge comeback in the modern world. 

We also happen to be a magnet for suggestions, and would love to catch yours….throw us yours on hello@fabriclore.com

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