What We Were Wearing - Fall 1971

Today, the high fashion trends from 40 years ago this month, Fall 1971.  Polyester was the newest miracle fiber and double knits abound.  Quiana nylon was also being touted as a substitute for silk.  Vinyl instead of leather, faux furs instead of real.  It seems all of fashiondom was in love with synthetics.

Jean-Louis Scherrer

Wide bell-bottom pants were worn by everyone.  Suits had longer jackets.  Crazy prints were very popular.  Coats and jackets often had fur (real or faux) trim.

Guy Laroche

Large scale plaids, often in bright and jarring color combinations were very popular.  Even men got in on this trend.

Get Gaston

Hem lengths were all over the map.  Mini, midi, maxi.  Your choice!

Pierre Cardin

Hippies inspired high fashion with ethnic and folkloric styles.  Remember crocheted granny squares?

Chloe

The ubiquitous "secretary" dress, usually in wacky prints.  How can you tell the difference between a 70s and an 80s secretary dress?  70s dresses will have fitted shoulders with no shoulder pads and no dropped shoulder lines.  The blouson line of the bodice will be either non-existent or far less floppy.

Paul Bon

Hot pants!

Gil Coutin

Jumpsuits.  Vests worn over jumpsuits, hot pants, and dresses.  Vests were often midi or maxi in length, even when worn over shorter skirts and hot pants.

Lounging About in Giorgio di Sant'Angelo - 1971

In the early 70s, loungewear in the form of caftans and luxurious pajama sets became important for entertaining at home.  As women's wardrobes became more casual overall, eveningwear was not unaffected.  Today, loungewear to be worn for hostessing from 1971, all by Giorgio di Sant'Angelo.  You may be surprised at the prices of these garments, expecially considering they are all made from synthetic fabrics.

Above:  Pants suit in turquoise silky polyester.  Sold for $165 in 1971 (about $920 in today's dollar.)

Asian inspired pajama set in bright cherry red satin of acetate and nylon.  A matching chiffon sash trails to the floor from the waist.  Sold for $225 in 1971 (about $1,255 in today's dollar.)

This time Sant'Angelo uses a beautiful acetate satin floral print for this Asian pajama set.  The top is accented in apricot satin and apricot chiffon shirt sleeves billow out from under the jacket.  Sold for $350 in 1971 (about $1,952 in today's dollar.)

This scarlet caftan in brocade and chiffon has billowing sleeves and a slit at the front of the skirt.  Of acetate and rayon.  Sold for $295 in 1971 (about $1,646 in today's dollar.)

Vintage Couture Dresses - 1971

1971 was a schizophrenic year in fashion.  From minis to maxis and kooky to sophisticated, it seemed every designer had their own idea of what women should be wearing.  Here, looks from the haute couture for Spring 1971.  Would you wear any of these today?  Which one is your favorite?

Guy Laroche orange silk evening gown with kimono sleeves and tassels.

Philippe Venet zebra print jumpsuit.

Pierre Cardin leather zodiac dresses.  There was one for every sign.  Shown here are Cancer and Aries.

Lanvin midi dress in a wild print.

Givency sequined top and sheer maxi skirt over hot pants.

Pattern, Color, and Texture - 1971

It seems that every few years designers go a bit wild with pattern and color combinations. There was no wilder time than the early 70s when those crazy hippies were influencing high fashion as never before. Need proof? Look no further than these designer clothes from 1971.

Two half circles fashion a skirt and shawl by Chloe.
The diving girl adds a whimsical touch.

Yves St. Laurent tie dyed silk organza evening gown.

Missoni ensemble. The silk jersey skirt is printed with an
embroidered pattern from a 1920s piano shawl.

Oscar de la Renta beach caftan.

Thea Porter Ikat print silk chiffon blouse and long vest worn with panne velvet knickers.

Weekend Eye Candy - Christian Dior, 1971

Another incredible coat, this one by Christian Dior, Fall/Winter 1971. Stripes of black, red, and purple leather are accented with black fox fur. The make-up was done by Serge Lutens. Remember him?