Bell-bottoms & beyond: Wild pants for women that were high fashion in the 60s and 70s

Womens 70s pants styles

Note: This article may feature affiliate links, and purchases made may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Email
LinkedIn
Pocket
Reddit

While skinny jeans have ruled fashion trends for the past decade, younger generations of the 2020s have brought bell-bottoms back in force (with updated flair, of course).

Here we have some retro bell-bottoms inspo from the decades that started it all. You might not even believe this fashion era really happened if it weren’t for the photo receipts!

Have a scroll through these photos of some of the wildest pants of all time.

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

1973: The height of fashion still is pants.

Make sure when you try on pants to get them long enough. The tips of your pants should meet your shoes, and your ankles shouldn’t show at all.

The newest way to update pants is to wear any jacket that focuses on the waistline. Battle jackets, longer safari jackets with elasticized or drawstring waistlines, and updated blazers with inset waistlines are some of the styles to note. These jackets are perfect to wear for grocery shopping.

Retro bell-bottoms

Other looks to remember include the shirt jacket, which doubles as a shirt or jacket; the short smock slicker, which will be perfect for April showers; and the short-sleeved shirt with the rolled-top sleeves — a new look.

Top focus also is on the head. It’s shorter hair and super slouch hats for the total pants look. Pants look either totally feminine, when accessorized with a white gardenia and floppy brim hat; or, strictly tailored, when accessorized with a natural straw hat with a small structured brim.

– Adapted from an article published in The Chicago Tribune (Illinois) – March 11, 1973

ALSO SEE: 50+ cute vintage mini dresses & miniskirts from the 60s & 70s


Vintage polyester pantsets with flare-leg styling and elastic waists – plus tunic-length tops

Vintage polyester pantsets with flare-leg styling and elastic waists - plus tunic-length tops


 

Retro 70s 3-piece suit outfits in white with red and black

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

 


Classic navy & white palazzo pants & halter tops

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog


Look great in 1973: Wide-legged polyester double-knit pants

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog


70s tailored looks: Casually classic knit tops and woven pants

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog

Retro pants - 70s fashion for women from the 1973 JC Penney Catalog


Big bell-bottom pants for ladies with garden-like long-sleeve floral shirts

Big bell-bottom pants for ladies with garden-like long-sleeve floral shirts

PS: If you liked this article, please share it! You can also get our free newsletter, follow us on Facebook & Pinterest. Thanks for visiting and for supporting a small business! 🤩 

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

You might also like...

The fun never ends:

Comments on this story

Leave a comment here!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.