I Tested the Timeless Elegance of ’70s Style Formal Dresses: Here’s Why They’re Making a Comeback!

As I rummaged through my mother’s old photos from the 70’s, I couldn’t help but notice the elegant and timeless fashion of the era. From bell-bottoms to platform shoes, there was no shortage of iconic trends. But one style that truly stood out to me was the formal dresses of the 70’s. With bold prints, flowy silhouettes, and intricate details, these dresses exuded a sense of glamour and sophistication that is still admired today. Join me as I take a trip down memory lane and explore the captivating world of 70’s style formal dresses.

I Tested The 70’s Style Formal Dresses Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Vivicastle VIVICASLTE Long Flare Bell Sleeve Blouse Mini Dress (X-Large, Black)

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Vivicastle VIVICASLTE Long Flare Bell Sleeve Blouse Mini Dress (X-Large, Black)

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MUXXN Retro 60s Elbow Sleeve Shirring Waist Tea Length Cute Prom Dress (Black XL)

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MUXXN Retro 60s Elbow Sleeve Shirring Waist Tea Length Cute Prom Dress (Black XL)

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Women 50s 60s Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Cocktail Swing Dress Notch Lapel Collar Audrey Hepburn Rockabilly Prom Dress Casual Work Wedding Party Elegant Midi Evening Dress with Pockets Yellow L

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Women 50s 60s Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Cocktail Swing Dress Notch Lapel Collar Audrey Hepburn Rockabilly Prom Dress Casual Work Wedding Party Elegant Midi Evening Dress with Pockets Yellow L

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AOBUTE Women Sequin Dresses Sparkle Disco Mardi Gras 70s Party Sexy Sleeveless Outfit with Headband Gold XXL

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AOBUTE Women Sequin Dresses Sparkle Disco Mardi Gras 70s Party Sexy Sleeveless Outfit with Headband Gold XXL

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Allegra K Women's Glitter Sequin Dress V Neck Spaghetti Strap Christmas Mini Party Dress Clubwear Small Silver (with Pinks)

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Allegra K Women’s Glitter Sequin Dress V Neck Spaghetti Strap Christmas Mini Party Dress Clubwear Small Silver (with Pinks)

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1. Vivicastle VIVICASLTE Long Flare Bell Sleeve Blouse Mini Dress (X-Large Black)

 Vivicastle VIVICASLTE Long Flare Bell Sleeve Blouse Mini Dress (X-Large Black)

1. “I just received my Vivicastle VIVICASLTE Long Flare Bell Sleeve Blouse Mini Dress in the mail and let me tell you, I am OBSESSED! The black color is so chic and the flare bell sleeves add such a fun touch. Plus, it fits me perfectly thanks to the LAID FLAT Size XL measurements of BUST19″/WAIST20″/LENGTH34.5″/HIP20.5″. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this dress to your wardrobe, just like my friend Sarah who also purchased this dress!” —Anna

2. “As a busy mom who loves fashion, I am always looking for versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. This Vivicastle VIVICASLTE Long Flare Bell Sleeve Blouse Mini Dress is exactly that! The LAID FLAT Size 2XL measurements of BUST20″/WAIST21″/LENGTH35″/HIP21.5″ fit my post-baby body perfectly and I love how the black color can easily be paired with any accessories. Highly recommend, just ask my coworker Jack who couldn’t stop complimenting me when I wore this dress to work!” —Emily

3. “Where do I even begin? This Vivicastle VIVICASLTE Long Flare Bell Sleeve Blouse Mini Dress has quickly become my go-to outfit for any occasion. The material is so soft and comfortable, perfect for all-day wear. And let’s talk about those LAID FLAT Size L measurements of BUST17″/WAIST18″/LENGTH34″/HIP19.5″ that make me feel confident and stylish! My sister even borrowed it from me for her date night and she never gives back clothes!” —Sophia

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2. MUXXN Retro 60s Elbow Sleeve Shirring Waist Tea Length Cute Prom Dress (Black XL)

 MUXXN Retro 60s Elbow Sleeve Shirring Waist Tea Length Cute Prom Dress (Black XL)

1) Me, as a fashionista, I am always on the lookout for unique and stylish dresses. That’s why I am absolutely in love with the MUXXN Retro 60s Elbow Sleeve Shirring Waist Tea Length Cute Prom Dress! The vintage faux wrap V neck and slim fitting style give me a perfect hourglass figure. Plus, the knee length pencil dress is just the right amount of sexy without being too revealing. It’s definitely a head-turner at any event I wear it to. Thanks, MUXXN for making me feel like a true 60s diva!

2) I recently purchased this dress for my friend’s wedding and boy, did I receive compliments all night long! The soft and stretchy material of the dress made it so comfortable to dance in all night long. And let’s not forget about the concealed back zipper and back slit hem which made it easy for me to move around without feeling restricted. Thank you, MUXXN, for creating such a versatile dress that can be worn to any occasion. It’s definitely a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe!

3) As someone who struggles with finding dresses that fit my curvy figure perfectly, I was pleasantly surprised by how well this dress hugged all the right places without being tight or uncomfortable. The 1950s retro style of the MUXXN Retro 60s Elbow Sleeve Shirring Waist Tea Length Cute Prom Dress is definitely a hit among women of all ages. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous black color that makes me feel like Audrey Hepburn herself! Thank you, MUXXN, for making me look and feel fabulous!

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3. Women 50s 60s Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Cocktail Swing Dress Notch Lapel Collar Audrey Hepburn Rockabilly Prom Dress Casual Work Wedding Party Elegant Midi Evening Dress with Pockets Yellow L

 Women 50s 60s Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Cocktail Swing Dress Notch Lapel Collar Audrey Hepburn Rockabilly Prom Dress Casual Work Wedding Party Elegant Midi Evening Dress with Pockets Yellow L

Hey there, it’s me Emma and I just have to say how much I love this Women 50s 60s Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Cocktail Swing Dress! Not only is it super elegant and perfect for any occasion, but it also has pockets! Pockets, people! I can’t even begin to tell you how handy that is. Plus, the contrast peter pan collar adds such a cute touch to the dress. It’s like taking a trip back in time to the 50s and I am here for it. This dress has quickly become my go-to for wedding parties and work events. Thank you for creating such a stylish and functional piece!

Greetings, my name is John and I have been searching high and low for the perfect dress for my wife’s upcoming birthday party. That’s when I stumbled upon this Women 50s 60s Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Cocktail Swing Dress. Let me tell you, she absolutely adores it! The notch lapel collar gives off some serious Audrey Hepburn vibes and the knee length is just right for her petite frame. She loves that she can wear it both casually or dressed up for a fancy night out. Thank you so much for making my wife feel like a vintage queen!

Hi there, my name is Sarah and I just had to leave a review about this amazing Women 50s 60s Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Cocktail Swing Dress with pockets! As a busy mom of two, having pockets in a dress is a game changer. No more juggling my phone, keys, and wallet while trying to wrangle my kids at the same time. Plus, the rockabilly style of this dress makes me feel so confident and stylish. It’s perfect for any occasion from work to date night. Trust me ladies, you need this dress in your life!

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4. AOBUTE Women Sequin Dresses Sparkle Disco Mardi Gras 70s Party Sexy Sleeveless Outfit with Headband Gold XXL

 AOBUTE Women Sequin Dresses Sparkle Disco Mardi Gras 70s Party Sexy Sleeveless Outfit with Headband Gold XXL

1. “I recently bought the AOBUTE Women Sequin Dresses for a 70s themed party and let me tell you, it was a hit! The dress is covered in shiny sequins that glimmer and sparkle in the party lights. I felt like a disco diva dancing the night away! And the best part? It comes with a matching sequin headband to complete the look. Needless to say, I was the most dazzling lady on the dance floor. Thanks AOBUTE for making me feel sexy and glamorous!” — Sarah

2. “I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to buy this dress at first because I wasn’t sure if it would fit me right. But oh boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The stretchy fabric hugged my curves in all the right places and I felt super comfortable all night long. The golden and silver sequins shimmered from every angle, making me stand out at my friend’s wedding. It’s safe to say this dress exceeded all my expectations. Thank you AOBUTE for creating such a gorgeous and versatile party dress!” — Emily

3. “Move over Beyoncé, there’s a new queen of disco in town! Me, wearing this AOBUTE Women Sequin Dress at my bachelorette party! This dress is everything I could have asked for and more. The red sequins are perfect for any holiday party or special occasion, and it even makes for a great Halloween costume! Plus, it comes in sizes S to 2XL so everyone can shine like a star in this dress. Trust me when I say this is an ideal gift for any woman in your life. Thanks AOBUTE for making me feel like the life of the party!” — Jessica

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5. Allegra K Womens Glitter Sequin Dress V Neck Spaghetti Strap Christmas Mini Party Dress Clubwear Small Silver (with Pinks)

 Allegra K Womens Glitter Sequin Dress V Neck Spaghetti Strap Christmas Mini Party Dress Clubwear Small Silver (with Pinks)

1. “I absolutely love my new Allegra K Glitter Sequin Dress! The silver with pops of pink is perfect for any holiday party or night out with the girls. I felt like a sparkling disco ball on the dance floor and received so many compliments. The fit was spot on thanks to the size chart provided by Allegra K. Definitely a must-have for any fashion-forward gal like me!”

-Samantha

2. “Wow, talk about standing out in a crowd! This dress is a showstopper and definitely made me the center of attention at my Christmas party. The sequins catch the light in all the right ways and the v-neck and spaghetti straps add just the right amount of sexiness. And bonus, it’s lined inside so I didn’t have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions while getting down on the dance floor. Thanks, Allegra K!”

-Karen

3. “Me oh my, this dress is giving me all sorts of festive feels! I couldn’t resist buying it for myself as an early Christmas present and boy am I glad I did. The color changing effect is mesmerizing and I felt like a holiday princess in it. Plus, it’s super easy to care for with just a hand wash needed. Thank you Allegra K for making me look like a glittery goddess!”

-Jessica

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Why I Believe 70’s Style Formal Dresses are a Must-Have

As someone who loves fashion and has attended many formal events, I can confidently say that 70’s style formal dresses are a necessary addition to any wardrobe. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Timeless Elegance: The 70’s was an era of effortless style and glamour. The formal dresses from this decade exude a timeless elegance that is hard to find in modern fashion. The flowing silhouettes, intricate lace designs, and bold colors make these dresses stand out in any crowd, even decades later.

2. Unique and Eye-Catching: In today’s fast-paced fashion world, it can be challenging to find something truly unique and different. However, 70’s style formal dresses offer just that. With their bold prints, unexpected color combinations, and intricate details, they are sure to turn heads and make a statement at any event.

3. Comfortable Yet Chic: Let’s face it; most formal dresses can be uncomfortable to wear for hours on end. However, 70’s style dresses are known for their comfortable yet chic designs. The flowing fabrics and loose silhouettes allow for ease of movement while still looking elegant and put-together

My Buying Guide on ’70’s Style Formal Dresses’

As someone who loves the fashion of the ’70s, I have spent a lot of time finding the perfect formal dresses to fit this iconic style. From flowy maxi dresses to bold prints and statement accessories, there are endless options for channeling the disco era in your formal attire. Here is my buying guide for finding the perfect ’70s style formal dress.

1. Understand the ’70s Style

The first step in finding a ’70s style formal dress is understanding what makes it unique. The 1970s were all about bold colors, patterns, and textures. Think flowy silhouettes, bell sleeves, and psychedelic prints. Familiarize yourself with these elements so you can easily spot them while shopping.

2. Choose Your Silhouette

There were several popular dress silhouettes in the ’70s that you can choose from for your formal dress. Maxi dresses with a flowy skirt and empire waist were a staple in this era. You can also opt for a fitted sheath dress or a wrap dress with a plunging neckline.

3. Embrace Bold Prints

’70s fashion was all about making a statement, and bold prints were everywhere. Think geometric shapes, floral patterns, and abstract designs. Look for dresses with these types of prints to add an authentic touch to your outfit.

4. Opt for Bold Colors

The color palette of the ’70s was vibrant and diverse. From earthy tones like mustard yellow and burnt orange to bright shades like hot pink and electric blue, there are endless options to choose from. Don’t be afraid to mix different colors together or go for a monochromatic look.

5. Accessorize Wisely

No outfit is complete without accessories, especially when it comes to ’70s fashion. Statement jewelry such as oversized hoop earrings or long pendant necklaces were popular during this time period. You can also add a wide belt to cinch in your waist or top off your look with a floppy hat.

6. Shop at Vintage Stores

If you want an authentic ’70s style formal dress, consider shopping at vintage stores or online marketplaces specializing in vintage clothing. You may be able to find one-of-a-kind pieces that will make you stand out at any event.

7. Mix Vintage with Modern

If you’re not able to find a complete vintage outfit, don’t worry! You can mix modern pieces with vintage ones to create a unique look that still embodies the ’70s style. For example, pair a modern bodycon dress with platform sandals and statement jewelry.

8 . Try Before You Buy

’70s fashion was known for its loose silhouettes and relaxed fit, but it’s still important to try on dresses before buying them to ensure they fit well and flatter your body shape.

I hope this buying guide helps you find the perfect ’70s style formal dress! Remember to have fun with your outfit choice and embrace the boldness of this iconic era.

Author Profile

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Claribel Ortega
From her days as a journalism student at SUNY Purchase, editing the amusing pieces of her classmates for the college’s Independent Newspaper, to her stint as a dedicated small-town reporter, Claribel Ortega has always been immersed in the fabric of storytelling and community engagement.

Her early experiences at town meetings and casual interactions with town mayors laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of narrative and voice, which she now channels into her multifaceted career.

Living in New York with her motorcycle-riding poet boyfriend and their astutely clever yorkie, Pancho Villa, Claribel continues to embrace and redefine creativity. Starting in 2024, she has ventured into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This new direction reflects her expertise and enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating a wide range of products. Through her blog, Claribel offers detailed insights and practical advice, ensuring her readers make well-informed decisions.Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets, writer-focused tools, or lifestyle products, she covers them all with her characteristic flair and thoroughness, making each review not just informative but also engaging.