The '70s is one of our favourite decades to look back on, even for those who weren't alive when the electric era of Studio 54 and punk was in full swing. Brimming with inspiration at every turn, it's no wonder we get nostalgic.
Music was on fire, no matter which group you were affiliated with: disco from Chic, Donna Summer, The Pointer Sisters and Sister Sledge; folk from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin and Nick Drake; rock'n'roll from Blondie, The Rolling Stones, Patti Smith and The Velvet Underground; and punk from the Sex Pistols, The Clash and Iggy Pop – arguably, there hasn't been a more eclectic and exciting decade for music.
It isn't just the soundtrack of the time that makes us so nostalgic – the style, too, is still referenced and reworked today. Think jewel-toned velvet, bookish cord blazers, broderie anglaise blouses, and bell bottoms; we owe a lot to the fabrics and cuts of the '70s.
Imagine our delight, then, when we stumbled across the Instagram account 70s Babes. Dedicated to our favourite people of the time, from the gender-shirking Prince and David Bowie to outspoken icons like Liza Minnelli and Grace Jones, there's a plethora of photographs to inspire your style. Whether you look to the bohemian romance of Stevie Nicks' twirling kimonos or the disco-ready glamour of Jerry Hall's sequin-embellished ensembles, there's a model, musician or It Girl to learn from.
The creator of the account has even made a playlist of the best tracks from the 1970s, so you can listen while you scroll. Ahead, we've selected our favourite get-ups from the decade, from leather jacket-clad punks to flares-and-all disco freaks. We'll meet you in Beyond Retro.
Farrah Fawcett hung on every teenage boy's bedroom walls in the '70s – but we're more interested in her teaming of Nike Cortez and flared denim.
We adore Joan Didion for her brain and words, but the literary genius was also a sharp dresser, making the most Céline-esque minimalist outfits come alive.
This 1970 Harlem shoot by Jack Garofalo could easily be 2018 with that red vinyl mac.
If you haven't seen Cabaret, then you must – just look at the beauty of Liza Minnelli, from the beaded dress and directional fringe to her babydoll lashes and metallic green manicure.
Blondie may have been known for her animal-print dresses and way with a fuchsia eyelid, but this soft-focus shot of her in a cute peachy knit is a keeper, too.
It wouldn't be the '70s without Grace Jones - who knew what to do with a sequin get-up.
The face-covering sunnies, the fur jacket, the short bangs – Donna Summer, we love you.
Who knew denim hotpants could look so cool? We're nabbing this tie-front floral blouse for festival season, too.
Ali MacGraw's college campus style in Love Story is our autumn/winter go-to. Must find a camel coat with an oversized stiff collar.
Look to Angela Davis and Toni Morrison for casual workwear this spring.
Model Jerry Hall brought an unshakeable glamour to Studio 54 in gold lamé dresses, fringed minis, and high-as-they-come heels.
This wouldn't be out of place in a Reformation lookbook. Spring aim: find some dusky pink flares.
Sure, we love Cher's Bob Mackie-designed stage outfits, but her low-key Sonny-era looks are amazing too.
Will we ever look as chic as Charlotte Rampling in a simple black turtleneck dress? Doubt it. Also, without the layered, whooshing hair of the decade, the '90s would never have had 'The Rachel'.
Model Jean Shrimpton was a huge part of the '60s Carnaby Street scene, but we'd be remiss to overlook her more bohemian '70s get-ups.
Joan Jett, a rip-roaring punk with the pin-covered leather and chopped-in mullet to prove it.
Want more like this?
My Favourite Fashion Decade: The '60s
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My Favourite Fashion Decade: The '90s
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