The 1970s were a decade of rebellion, romance, and radical self-expression—and nowhere was this more visible than in fashion. Fast-forward to today, and the retro 70s hippie look has returned with relevance. This article explores how to interpret the aesthetic through a modern lens, which brands deliver authentic styles, and how to style each garment technically for proportion, silhouette, and occasion.
Understanding the Retro 70s Hippie Silhouette
The ‘hippie’ vibe of the 70s wasn’t about looking polished—it was about freedom. The silhouette typically features:
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Fluid lines: Loose-fitting garments that allow movement
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Natural fibres: Cotton, suede, linen, raw silk
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Layered textures: Crochet, denim, fringe, velvet
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Prints and motifs: Paisley, florals, patchwork, embroidery
Technically, 70s dressing was a masterclass in balancing oversized with fitted. Voluminous trousers were paired with tight tops, while billowing sleeves needed to be offset with structured waists or fitted skirts.
Why Sizing Accuracy Still Matters
Boho and vintage-inspired pieces may look effortless, but achieving the right look depends heavily on proportional accuracy. For example:
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An empire waistline placed too low can visually shorten the torso
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Oversized peasant sleeves need a defined shoulder seam to avoid slouching
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Wide-leg trousers need precision in inseam length and rise height to sit properly
Tellar.co.uk helps solve all these challenges. It’s the UK’s leading free clothing sizing tool, matching your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands.
Use these essential Tellar guides:
These links are live, accurate, and tested.
Best Brands for 70s-Inspired Clothing
Here are high street and designer options that regularly offer 70s-style garments:
🛍️ High Street & Mid-Range (UK + Global)
Brand |
Specialty |
Homepage |
|---|---|---|
Monsoon |
Tiered dresses, embroidery, floaty blouses |
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Sezane |
Parisian prairie dresses, folk motifs |
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H&M Conscious |
Crochet, wide-leg trousers, boho tops |
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ASOS Design |
Patchwork, flares, bell sleeves |
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Mango Violeta |
Earth-tone trousers, tunics, 70s tailoring |
💎 Designer Labels (Luxury Boho)
Brand |
Signature 70s Elements |
Homepage |
|---|---|---|
Chloé |
Fringe, suede, high-end peasant blouses |
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Zimmermann |
Tiered skirts, puff sleeves, bold florals |
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Etro |
Paisley, velvet, layered styling |
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Ulla Johnson |
Folk embroidery, lace inserts |
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Isabel Marant Étoile |
Crochet, denim, western‑boho fusion |
Technical Styling Guide: Head to Toe
Upper Body: Tops & Jackets
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Peasant Blouses should hit just below the hip bone for flow and proportion. Choose embroidered cotton or raw silk.
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Bell-Sleeve Tops work best tucked into high-rise flared trousers to ground the volume.
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Crochet Vests layer well over tonal tank tops. Keep colours in the same earth-tone family (e.g. sand, rust, olive).
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Suede Fringe Jackets should hit at the hip or upper thigh. Use it as the statement and keep the rest of your look minimalist.
📎 Sizing support: Boho Jacket Sizing Review
Lower Body: Trousers & Skirts
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Wide-Leg or Flared Trousers require the correct inseam (especially with platform shoes).
Look for high-rise fits to lengthen the leg and create the signature 70s silhouette.
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Tiered Maxi Skirts should skim the ankle or lower calf, depending on footwear. Avoid pooling at the bottom—it breaks the line.
📎 Fit your length with this guide: Maxi Dress & Skirt Sizing Guide
👗 Dresses
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Maxi Dresses with empire waists, ruffles, or shirring are key.
Look for adjustable straps, ruched busts, or smocked backs for better fit.
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Shirt Dresses with belts are ideal for layering with vests or cropped jackets.
📎 Sizing principles for all:
🥿 Footwear
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Suede Ankle Boots: Go for tan or camel. Block heel = best for comfort + vintage aesthetic.
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Platform Sandals: Elevate flares and tiered dresses.
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Espadrilles: Pair best with prairie skirts and cotton dresses.
🎒 Accessories
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Fringe Bags: Use as a neutraliser—brown leather or tan suede adds texture.
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Wide-Brim Hats: Wool or felt works best. Avoid overly stiff shapes; 70s hats had movement.
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Jewellery: Long beaded strands, feather earrings, copper cuffs.
Layering is essential—but use odd numbers (3, 5) for a natural effect.
Example Lookbooks
Look |
Components |
Occasion |
|---|---|---|
Boho Brunch |
Sezane peasant blouse + Mango wide-leg trousers + suede boots + fringe bag |
Smart casual daywear |
Festival Throwback |
ASOS flared jeans + crochet vest + H&M floral blouse + platform sandals |
Outdoor festival |
Retro Luxe |
Chloé maxi dress + Ulla Johnson jacket + espadrilles + layered necklaces |
Garden party |
Modern Nomad |
Isabel Marant shirt dress + Etro printed scarf + wide-brim hat + ankle boots |
Travel & leisure |
Fit First: What Makes or Breaks the 70s Look
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Avoid excess fabric pooling—skirts should float, not drag.
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Match top volume to bottom weight—if your trousers are wide, the top must be defined.
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Choose print scale carefully—smaller prints elongate; large ones need confidence and contrast.
Tellar: The Tool That Makes 70s Style Work in 2025
Tellar isn’t just about measurements—it’s about helping you shop smarter across styles, decades, and silhouettes.
Use these key tools to help:
All articles are independent, brand-verified, and tested by the Tellar editorial team.
📲 Stay Connected with Tellar
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Final Word
The 70s hippie trend is more than nostalgia—it’s a design language that prioritises movement, natural fabric, and individual spirit. When styled correctly and fitted well, it becomes timeless. With Tellar’s tools and trusted guides, you can confidently wear retro pieces from both high street and designer collections—without sacrificing comfort or proportion.