There are plenty of beloved fashion trends we can attribute to the '70s. As the S/S 19 runways demonstrated just last month, many of them have even come back in style—think tinted sunglasses and head-to-toe suede. But there's one item in particular that the groovy decade did especially well, and that's denim. While you might be emotionally attached to your everyday skinny jeans, there's something about these styles that—despite their nods to a decade known for lava lamps and pet rocks—feel incredibly fresh and modern. From iconic bell-bottoms and flattering wide-leg jeans to head-turning embroidery, there are a few styles we're currently rushing to add to our denim rotation. In need of a wardrobe refresh? We've gathered our favorite far-out denim trends from the '70s that we're loving for 2018.
Wide Legs
Popular among those who attended Woodstock, this flattering style will look so good with a graphic tee or a puff-sleeve blouse.
You jeans have never looked so polished.
Ganni never lets us down.
These are a fashion-girl favorite.
Style these with a cropped sweater and a pair of platform shoes.
These are so flattering.
Flares
As the most iconic denim trend of the '70s, flares will look great with pointy-toe pumps to create illusion of mile-long legs.
These can be worn with everything.
We love this wash.
You'll never get tired of these.
Now these are some major flares.
We're obsessed this cut, and the fact they're $50 doesn't hurt either.
You'll get so many compliments on these.
Contrast Stitching
Contrast stitching is one of those trends that are subtle and yet so effective, leaving the right amount of eye-catching detail you could easily miss in a blink.
A little contrast stitching goes a long way.
So chic.
How good are these?
These will look so amazing with a pair of boots.
Leave it to AlexaChung to make lust-worthy jeans.
Embroidery
Dress up your outfits in one of the most retro-inspired ways with a pair of embroidered jeans. You'll always be in a good mood wearing these.
We love how subtle the embroidery is on these.
Wear these every day.
Style these with a cool sweater for fall.
Add a cool graphic tee and a moto jacket.
We imagine these with a pair of heels.
So that proves it: These old-school denim trends still hold up.
-
The New Rules of Summer Denim: No Rips, No Fray, No FussSee the full set of rules inside.
-
The Anti–Skinny Pants Trend Cool New Yorkers Are Quick to Ditch Their Blue Jeans ForBuh-bye.
-
Every Cool New Yorker Knows These Anti-Trend Flats Look Better With Jeans Than Boots and SneakersClassic and chic.
-
I Called the Cuffed Jeans Trend—7 Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With the Chic Denim StyleStyle the jeans like a fashion person.
-
Stop the Search—We've Discovered the Cool Denim Trend Every Fashion Person Will Be Wearing Throughout 2025And 2026.
-
If The Row, Khaite, and Toteme Feel Too Expensive, Here Are 33 Pieces to Try InsteadBring on the luxe-looking outfits.
-
9 Top, Jeans, and Shoe Outfit Combos That Fashion People Will Be Wearing This SpringI plan to re-create these ASAP.
-
My Friend Gave Me a $550 Budget to Update Her Spring Wardrobe—Here's What I OrderedI narrowed it down to eight key pieces.
