Throughout the 1960s and 70s, women experienced increasing sexual liberation, which significantly influenced fashion trends. New styles emerged, and women began embracing clothing inspired by menswear. In 1974, Bianca Jagger famously wore a white Halston tuxedo to Studio 54, a look reminiscent of Yves Saint Laurent’s 1966 “Le Smoking” suit. This marked a turning point, as trousers gained acceptance in both formal and professional settings.
Trouser suits evolved, becoming less form-fitting and more practical. Diane Keaton’s character, Annie Hall, popularized layered menswear in 1977, further solidifying the trend. This contrasted sharply with previous years when trousers were primarily considered house attire. The incorporation of bold patterns like animal print and luxurious accessories such as fur coats elevated these styles, adding a touch of glamour.
The wrap dress epitomized the era’s emphasis on women’s sexual freedom. Diane von Fürstenberg’s iconic wrap dress, launched in 1974, sold over five million units in just two years. Its versatility allowed women to seamlessly transition from day to evening wear. Von Fürstenberg herself highlighted the dress’s ease of wear, emphasizing its practicality for the modern, empowered woman. The wrap dress offered a professional look for the office and could be quickly transformed for an evening out with simple additions like strappy sandals and jewelry. This adaptability made it a wardrobe staple for women juggling professional and social lives.
As women entered the workforce in greater numbers, they sought clothing that provided both style and freedom of movement. Trousers and wrap dresses became symbols of this newfound independence. Towards the end of the decade, comfort took center stage. The rise of personal fitness foreshadowed the emergence of athletic wear as casual attire, paving the way for the fashion trends of the 1980s. Designer Norma Kamali played a pivotal role in this shift, introducing elements like sweatshirts, ra-ra skirts, bandeau tops, jumpsuits, leotards, and leggings into mainstream fashion. These styles, originating in the late seventies, would ultimately define the iconic look of the 1980s.
