Retro Revival: Everything The Cool Kids Had To Have In The 1970s
By Jack Ripley | April 15, 2024
Breaker, Breaker: The CB Radio Craze of the 70s
The 1970s were a decade of bold fashion choices, must-have fads, and enduring cultural trends. From disco music to platform shoes, bell-bottom pants and pet rocks, the 70s were a time of diverse and influential crazes. Whether it was fashion, music, or just a particular vibe, there were things that you had to have if you wanted to be cool.
With the emergence of punk rock, video games that were actually fun to play, and roller disco, there were so many ways to be cool in the 1970s - let us know which one of these nostalgic must-haves jumps out to you!
The CB radio was a must-have communication tool in the 1970s. Truck drivers and others popularized it for its ability to connect on the road. The CB radio had a short range, but it was simple to use, allowing users to stay informed about traffic, talk to other travelers, and report emergencies. The CB radio craze reached its peak in the mid-1970s, and millions of Americans owned a CB radio in their vehicles or homes.
Despite the rise of cell phones and other advanced communication tech, the CB radio is still beloved. It's a piece of nostalgia for many who remember the camaraderie and community it provided on the open road. For those who experienced the heyday of the CB radio in the 1970s, it holds a special place in their hearts as a symbol of a simpler time.
Flared and Fabulous: The Bell Bottom Fashion Trend of the 70s
Bell bottoms were popular in the 1970s. They had wide legs that flared at the bottom. This style originated in the 1960s but reached the height of popularity in the '70s, worn by both men and women. The exaggerated flare of bell bottoms was inspired by the hippie movement and the free-spirited atmosphere of the era. They were often made of denim or bright fabrics. They were paired with crop tops, flowy blouses, or platform shoes for a classic '70s look.
Bell bottoms were also a staple of disco fashion. They were great for dancing and for creating a dramatic silhouette on the dance floor. Celebrities, musicians, and average Joes embraced them, after all, why wouldn't you?
Height and Style: The Trendy Platform Shoes of the 70s
Platform shoes were a fashion staple in the 1970s, with their tall, chunky soles adding both height and style to any outfit. Celebrities such as David Bowie and Elton John made platform shoes popular. They became a symbol of the disco era. They embodied the era's extravagant and flamboyant style. These shoes came in a variety of styles, from bold and colorful to more subdued and classic, catering to a wide range of tastes.
The platform heel could range from a few inches to upwards of 6 inches. They are both a fashion statement and a practical way to add height. Platform shoes eventually fell out of mainstream fashion. However, they've seen periodic resurgences in popularity.
Psychedelic Glow: The Iconic Lava Lamps of the 70s
Lava lamps of the 1970s became iconic symbols of the psychedelic and groovy era. The lamps were mesmerizing. They had a unique design with colorful blobs of floating wax in liquid. The blobs would move and change shape as the lamp heated up. Edward Craven Walker invented lava lamps in the 1960s, but they became popular in the 1970s. They captured the free and funky vibe of the time.
These lamps were often found in hip households, dorm rooms, and trendy lounges, adding a funky and groovy touch to any space. Lava lamps were decorative. They also provided a calming ambiance with their gently moving lava blobs. However, their popularity declined in the following decades. Yet, lava lamps from the 1970s are still sought after by collectors and nostalgists who appreciate their retro charm.
Retro Glamour: The Iconic Afro Hairstyle
The Afro hairstyle of the 1970s was a powerful symbol of Black pride, identity, and resistance. It became a trend among African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. They wore it to rebel against Eurocentric beauty standards and embrace their natural hair. The Afro was more than just a hairstyle; it represented a cultural revolution and a rejection of assimilation. It was a bold statement of self-love and empowerment.
This made the afro so popular that suddenly EVERYONE wanted to have one. By the end of the decade people who could pick their hair into a big, powerful afro were doing it - and hoooo boy did it look cool!
Groovy Retro Vibes: The 1970s Patterned Wallpaper Trend
In the 1970s, patterned wallpaper was all the rage in interior design. Vibrant colors and bold patterns on walls in homes added a funky feel to rooms. Popular patterns included geometric shapes, floral designs, and abstract prints. It often featured bright hues like avocado green, burnt orange, and mustard yellow. People loved the way patterned wallpaper could instantly transform a room and create a lively atmosphere. It was a creative way to add personality and style to a space. Designers embraced the trend with enthusiasm.
Patterned wallpaper fell out of favor in the following decades. However, it has experienced a comeback in popularity as people rediscover the charm of this 70s fad. Whether used sparingly as an accent wall or covering an entire room, patterned wallpaper is a fun way to customize and decorate a living space.
Revolutionizing Sound: The Hi-Fi Systems of the 70s
In the 1970s, the hi-fi system was a must-have for music lovers. These systems featured high-fidelity sound with impressive quality and power. They typically had a turntable for playing vinyl records, a receiver for amplifying the sound, and speakers for producing rich audio. Their sleek designs and impressive technology made them a centerpiece of many homes. Enthusiasts would carefully arrange their vinyl collection and fine-tune the sound settings for the perfect listening experience.
Popular brands like Pioneer, Sony, and Technics were known for producing the best hi-fi systems. These systems were a status symbol for many. They showcased their owner's appreciation for music and high-quality audio. While technology has advanced significantly since the 70s, these classic hi-fi systems are still popular with collectors.
Groovy Teens and Tiger Beat: The Disco Decade Delight
Tiger Beat magazine was a popular teen magazine in the 1970s. It was known for its glossy pages filled with heartthrobs and pop culture. The magazine featured articles about teen idols like Davy Jones from The Monkees, David Cassidy, and Leif Garrett. It also covered the latest fashion trends, music, and movies that were popular with young people at the time. Fans would eagerly turn the pages to read interviews with their favorite stars, collect posters, and learn about the latest gossip in the entertainment world. Tiger Beat was a must-have for any teenage girl in the 70s, providing a window into the glamorous and exciting world of Hollywood.
Retro 70s Wacky Packages: Wild, Wacky, and Weird Collectibles
In the 1970s, a popular trend among kids was collecting Wacky Packages stickers. These stickers featured humorous parodies of popular products, such as "Crust" toothpaste instead of Crest toothpaste, or "Bustedfinger" candy bars instead of Butterfinger. Each sticker included a funny slogan or joke, making them a hit among young consumers. Kids would trade and collect these stickers, trying to collect them all to complete their set. The Wacky Packages craze even led to the creation of a trading card series and merchandise. These wacky and irreverent stickers captured the imagination of a generation and remain a nostalgic memory of the fun and creativity of the 1970s.
Essential 70s Hits: K-Tel's Greatest Compilation Albums
In the 1970s, K-Tel was one of the most popular record compilation companies. They released albums featuring hit songs from various artists, making them a favorite among music lovers. These albums were advertised on television with catchy jingles and flashy graphics, making them hard to resist for fans of pop music. K-Tel compilations were known for their diverse range of music genres, from disco and rock to country and soul. They were a great way for people to discover new music and enjoy their favorite songs all in one place.
Some of the most popular K-Tel compilations from the 70s include "20 Power Hits," "Hooked on Classics," and "Dynamite." These albums were a huge success and helped propel K-Tel to fame as one of the leading record companies of the decade. Overall, K-Tel record compilations in the 70s were a fun and convenient way for music lovers to enjoy the top hits of the time.
