In a world under pressure, fashion seeks refuge in an era synonymous with freedom. The 1970s, emblematic for a generation in search of ideals, are making a comeback in our wardrobes. A revival that is not merely aesthetic: it is a heartfelt response to a present in the midst of upheaval.
The world in pursuit of lightness
Loose cuts, natural fabrics, nude makeup, and freedom of movement: the bohemian style is making a strong comeback, driven by a desire to return to the essentials. This aesthetic, blending romance and carefree spirit, echoes the vibe of the seventies. A decade marked by conflict but also by the rise of hippie culture. Today, as international news grows darker, this light, slightly mystical silhouette resonates with our need for escape.
Some brands are emerging as leading figures of this revival: Isabel Marant, Chloé, Zimmermann, and Saint Laurent are all bringing back airy pleats, earthy tones, and signature accessories in their collections. Flowing dresses, white cotton blouses or floral prints, layered necklaces mixing silver and gold, oversized sunglasses with tinted lenses… even healing stones: every element of this look seems designed to ward off the chaos outside. Accessories become talismans, almost symbolic shields.
In everyday life, we embrace the trend in small touches by adorning our handbags with charms or lucky trinkets, and by wearing bandanas in our hair or around our necks. As for clothing, we bring out our flared pants and pair them with a vintage leather jacket. When it comes to shoes, the choice is yours: ultra-flat sneakers or platform sandals to revive the spirit of the ’70s without sacrificing comfort.
Flare and freedom: Men are embracing the trend too
Among men too, the ’70s are making a noticeable comeback, particularly through flared jeans, whether flare or bootcut. While still discreet on the streets, the trend is gaining ground among certain public figures. Footballer Jules Koundé caused a stir last May at Clairefontaine by sporting blue flared jeans paired with heeled cowboy boots — a very seventies-inspired silhouette that sparked plenty of commentary. Kendrick Lamar, for his part, chose flared denim by Celine for his Super Bowl performance. Paired with a custom leather jacket by Martine Rose and his signature New Era cap, the multi-award-winning rapper shows that you can embrace ’70s style in small touches, blending it with a more streetwear vibe.
Before Pharrell Williams reactivated these strong style markers in his Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2025 collection, Calvin Klein had already sparked this small revolution: in the 1970s, he was the first designer to incorporate jeans into ready-to-wear collections, elevating this utilitarian garment to the status of a fashion icon.
While jeans were once revolutionary, they are now a staple of our wardrobes provided they stick to classic cuts. As soon as they venture into bolder silhouettes, like flares, they tend to divide opinion, particularly among men, who often prefer more traditional, straight lines. Women, on the other hand, have fully reclaimed the flare cut, which elongates the silhouette and adds fluidity to movement. Flared jeans are therefore not just a nostalgic revival, but a true style statement for those who dare to break free from convention.
A sneaker in the spotlight: The New Balance 4714
On the sneaker front, New Balance is also riding the retro wave with the 471, a new model inspired by the brand’s 1970s archives, particularly the iconic 320. This lightweight, streamlined silhouette revisits classic running codes with a blend of breathable mesh, suede, and leather, offered in three delicately faded colorways cream/lilac, powder pink/grey, and blue/red enhancing its old-school vibe.
Mirroring Kendrick Lamar’s silhouette, the 471 is worn with flared jeans either in a full ’70s look or mixed with pieces from other decades. For a more spring-ready style, it can be paired, as seen in the New Balance campaign, with a short skirt and a polo shirt for a guaranteed back-to-school effect.
Between vintage carefree spirit and contemporary awareness, ’70s style is once again haunting our wardrobes, a way of warding off the present by borrowing a touch of freedom from the silhouettes of the past.
