1970s Disco Fashion for Women

Those who deride polyester don't realize what a boon it was in the 1960s and 1970s for hard-working women and even men. Easy to care for and almost impossible to wrinkle, it meant time saving on laundering and ironing.

Polyester also allowed for fabrics that sported vibrant prints and yet were reasonably priced. Although it does not breathe, it allowed for loose and inexpensive clothing that looked great when spinning on the dance floor. Part of what was so exciting about 1970s disco fashion for women was that there was so much that was acceptable – which is to say, pretty much anything – and so much from which to choose.

Dresses with a 1940s sensibility were popular, although they tended to have looser bodices and a more empire waistline. Miniskirts, especially of the flared variety, were very popular, as were the ultra-daring skin-tight and abbreviated hot pants. But while women could legally show as much leg as they can, they were also free to cover as much as they like and still takes on comfortable and adds flair. In the 1950s and 1960s, a teenager might be able to get away with going to a dance in Capri pants or jeans, and some Beatnik women did so as well (in the movie Funny Face, Audrey Hepburn does a sexy dance in black Capris), but most women felt obliged to wear a skirt for dancing.

Not so in a 1970s disco, when a maxi, wide-legged jumpsuit could be worn to great acclaim. Maxi dresses were also seen whirling under the disco balls. Women who went dancing regularly had a great time exploring wildly different looks on different nights.

Because disco was so widely derided after it passed, the fashions that had characterized it went for virtually pennies in thrift stores, if they were even resold at all. Increasingly, however, both the music and the clothes have seen a resurgence of interest. Whatever polyester's drawbacks, it does hold up well so many of the original 1970s disco fashions for women, despite having been worn and danced in many times, can be found in remarkably good condition.

Hot pants are still desirable club wear and a lot of women gravitate towards these vintage hot pants as a way of being sexy and funky at the same time. A deceptively simple disco dress, knee-length with a flowing skirt, sash and sleeve detail, can be at once flirty and sexy. So disco clothes are becoming desirable once again. For the best luck and quality, as well as ease of hunting, it's best to look for original disco fashions in vintage shops, where they usually divide the stock by era.

Things like the knee-length or mini-dresses and hot pants can be very precious and thus expensive, whereas jump suits don't tend to create the same excitement. However, if you want to have a quirky vintage look, you might give a jump suit a try. If you're tall, they can make you look striking and if you're not tall, they make you look taller. That's especially true if you're wearing the requisite platform shoes or boots. The whole outfit makes a statement.

Working with polyester is difficult, but finding patterns for disco wear is easy. What you need to do is get out the sewing machine and go to town.

Body Shape Fashion Tips

There are four common body shapes, and different women fall into different shape categories. Many women tend to gain wait in certain areas if their body, based on heredity and other factors, and that often determines what their 'shape' looks like.

Common body types include:
(1) The Apple Body Shape: Women with this type of shape usually have an upper body that is larger than their lower body. When women with this body type gain wait, it has a tendency to show around the waistline.

(2) The Pear Body Shape: Also referred to as a triangle or bell, pear-shaped body types typically have a smaller upper body. Weight gain tends to fall in the hips, thighs, and legs.

(3) The Hourglass Shape: A defined waist and curvy upper and lower body are typical of this body type.

(4) The Rectangle Body Type: Sometimes referred to as an athletic or straight body type, rectangular body shapes have fewer defined curves. Waist, hips, and breast measurements may be more similar to each other than with other body types, and weight gain is often evenly distributed. Remember that these are general shapes and many women may fall in between two types. For example, you may be curvy with a mostly hourglass figure, but have a slight tendency to gain weight in the hip area. Use the tips as a guideline on how to wear clothes to draw attention to your best features and look your beautiful best!

Body Shape Fashion Tips for Apple Types

Apple shapes can show off fabulous legs! Typically apple body shapes needn’t accentuate the waist, and sometimes minimize the appearance of broad shoulders. Try a few of the following style tips for beautifu balance:
① V-neck tops can create a more elongated look and draw eyes upward.

② Cinched waists or wrap tops and belted or nipped waist jackets can give the illusion of a smaller waist.

③ Raised waist and empire tops and dresses can hide your extra weight around the tummy.

④ Opt for low-rise, flat front jeans and pants in flared or wide leg styles, or boot cuts with slimming tops.

⑤ Pair shorter skirts with tunic style to show off great legs and create perfect proportion.

Tips for Pear Body Shapes

Pear or triangle shapes can draw attention to their fabulous shoulders and top half. Gals with this shape typically want to create the illusion of a more balanced top and lower body. Look for clothing that broadens and adds dimension to shoulders and draws attention away from hips and thighs.

Pear body shape fashion tips include:

① Choose wider necklines, such as bateau, squared, or cowl necks

② Blouses and tops with pattern and texture draw attention to the upper body.

③ Pair light or brightly colored tops with darker bottoms for a more balanced look.

④ Boot cut or boyfriend cut jeans and pants can help create the appearance of leaner looking legs for pears.

⑤ A-line or asymmetric skirts skim the hips rather than drawing attention to them.

⑥ Choose jackets that fall just above the hip rather than longer versions.

Tips for Rectangle Body Shapes

Many rectangle or straight body types have slender bodies. You can celebrate your shape and create the illusion of more curves with a few rectangle body shape fashion tips:

① Look for scoop neck or v-neck tops to create curves.

② Choose jackets with defined waists or that flare out from the waist.

③ Low rise straight or flared jeans with a lighter fade in the thigh area creates the illusion of curvier legs and hips.

④ Layered looks can add more dimension to this figure type.

⑤ Try tops and blouses that have detail around the bust area for shape.

⑥ The best dresses for body shapes that are straight are styles that break up a columnar silhouette with with prints, patterns, dimension details like ruching, and tailored designs.

Tips for Hourglass Shapes

Hourglass shapes can show off their classic curves! Ladies with this look can either draw attention to a narrow waist and show off curves, or choose clothing that de-emphasizes bust and hips to create a longer, leaner look. To show off curves:

① Choose waist-defining clothing like wrap dresses, cinches waists, and belted anything.

② High-waisted pants and skirts show off the waist and hips.

③ Tailored blouses and fitted skirts and dresses show off your curves.

To elongate and balance an hourglass:

① Go for monochromatic colors for balance.

② Choose v-necks to flatter and draw the eye in vertical motion.

③ Choose thin, lightweight fabrics to avoid adding extra bulk.

④ Try pants or jeans with a slight flare for balance.

Experiment with fabrics, colors, and styles to come up with looks that are fresh and flattering, but don't obsess over having a 'perfect' body. When you accept your natural body shape, fashion tips can help you accentuate your unique beauty!