WSHS 1970s - Fashion

Groovy Times

Pop Culture

1970s fashion is known for the hippie inspired bell bottoms that dominated the clothing market during the decade. Other popular items, such as mini skirts and platform shoes, could be easily observed among the students of West Springfield High School.

Female Clothing

Black and white photograph of the West Springfield Latin Club from the 1970 to 1971 yearbook. — West Springfield’s Latin Club, 1970-71

The 1970s were marked by a triumphant “return to normalcy,” as a response to the detrimental Vietnam War period. The women’s counterculture-era fashion was pushed off to the side and was replaced by shorter skirts, dresses, and shorts. Dresses were still very popular among young women. Fancier outfits were more common during this phase in fashion.

Female Hairstyles

Black and white portrait of actress Farrah Fawcett on the left and West Springfield High School student Stacey Trapp on the right. They have similar hair styles. — Farrah Fawcett (left) and WSHS student Stacey Trapp (right). This picture of Stacey was taken during the 1982-83 school year, showing just how popular Fawcett’s style continued to be into the next decade.

Women adored the voluminous hairstyles of the times and attempted to replicate that of famous hair icons, such as actress Farrah Fawcett. Young women would try to replicate her look by using hair curlers to get the desired volume. The bouncy hairdo is even still requested in salons today. Her big hair was a trademark of the times, made popular by her role on the show Charlie’s Angels.

Male Clothing

Black and white photograph of the West Springfield Math Team from the 1973 to 1974 yearbook. — West Springfield’s Math Team, 1973-74

In the 1970s, bold patterns replaced the dull colors of the counterculture movement with bright sweaters and button-ups. Men often sported turtlenecks, cuffed jeans, and glasses.