by Yve Goodwin

Created on: March 09, 2009

The classic women's 70s silhouette was body-fitted. There was a combination of curved, and angular, lean lines, which began close fitting in the torso area, and flaring at the pant bottom.

Designers have preserved the flavour of the 70s throughout the years, with minor changes to specific design elements in order to adapt to the present styles. A Liz Claiborne white cotton fitted shirt, with crisp collar and deep cuffs, is a great example to show how this close fitting 70s style remains a classic. A fitted Sass and Bide sequined vest worn in combination with a gold plated necklace by Isaac Manevitz (for Ben-Amun) highlighted the sparkle and shine element which was prevalent throughout the '70s and re-vamps this style in 07.

In 2007, wearing skinny denim jeans that were fitted at the waist highlighted a curvy, snug fit; while wearing pant cuffs which fitted closely to the ankles, and barely over the top area of the feet. This style created the opposite effect to the wide, and flared bell-bottom 70s style. Accessorizing with a crocodile clutch by Brian Atwood, or a PVC tote by Betsey Johnson were sleek and stylish alternatives to the 70s sports bag. Finally mixing it up with a pair of classic red, or burnished gold pumps made a chic and lively alternative to the open-toed sandal style of the 70s. These gorgeous pumps added a splash of colour, while nicely finishing off this re-invented body-fitted 1970s silhouette.

The 70s disco night-life was fuelled by the hit movie "Saturday Night Fever". Its party influence helped to create a softer silhouette, allowing clothing to gently flow over the curves and contours of the body. There were also specific design elements used (e.g. plunging neck-lines, tight fitting tops and wide bottom elements) to highlight specific parts of the body and create a fun, sexy style.

In 2007, the club scene was still alive and well; however the silhouette had conformed to a shorter, sleeker and body-fitted style. Body-conscious styles, such as a Versace paillette dress (when properly worn) accentuated the shape of the body, and highlighted specific body parts. Its strapless bustier style top lifted, and separated the bust area, while the past 70s style ankle length, jersey dress with plunging halter-neckline; flattened the bust-line and accentuated the entire torso. The glamour and gaudiness of the 70s disco gold' sparkle, shine and glitter was still alive and well in 2007! Soft metallic, plastic and leather shoulder bags of the 1970s had been conformed in 2007 to hand held sleek, solid pieces made from a variety of different materials (including leather, beads, and PVC). Finally the long and lean leg area once accentuated by the wide platform shoe silhouette with strappy elements, (suitable for disco dancing) and classic gold disco pumps were preserved in '07. With the addition of higher heels (with different colored heels) and sleeker designed shoes, the re-invention of the1970s fashion trends in 2007 was complete.

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