Open any men’s style feed right now and you’ll spot it fast: suede jackets, wide-leg trousers, knit polos buttoned halfway. 70s fashion trends for men are back, and no, that doesn’t mean digging out a costume for a themed party.
The modern version borrows the best parts of the decade and leaves the rest behind. Think earthy colors, relaxed trousers, suede, corduroy, knit polos, retro denim, loafers, leather boots, and a bit of textured layering. It’s less about recreating a look and more about stealing a few smart details.
This guide breaks down twelve trends worth trying, five full outfits, and how to wear any of it without looking like you raided your dad’s closet from 1974.
Why 70s Men’s Fashion Is Back
Relaxed silhouettes are having a real moment, and honestly, they’re more comfortable than the slim-fit era that dominated the last decade. Earthy colors, brown, rust, olive, camel, pair easily with almost anything already in a closet.
Textured fabrics like suede and corduroy add visual interest without needing a bold pattern. Retro denim, knitwear, loafers, and boots round out a look that feels lived-in rather than overly polished. This is retro men’s fashion at its most wearable: a handful of details borrowed from the past, worn with a modern fit.
12 70s Fashion Trends for Men Worth Trying
1. Earth-Tone Color Palettes
Brown, camel, rust, olive, mustard, cream, and tan form the backbone of this whole trend. They work today because they photograph well and mix easily without much planning. Try a Camel Wool Jacket over a cream knit top with brown trousers.
2. Wide-Leg or Relaxed Trousers
The key is proportion. Relaxed Wide-Leg Trousers look intentional with a slightly fitted top, not another loose piece. Keep the hem breaking cleanly at the shoe, not pooling underneath it.
3. Suede Jackets
A brown or tan Brown Suede-Style Jacket instantly reads retro without looking costumey. Pair it with dark denim and a plain tee for something that still feels current. Skip anything too boxy, a slightly tailored cut keeps it modern.
4. Corduroy
Corduroy overshirts and trousers add texture that suits early fall especially well. A Textured Corduroy Overshirt over a plain T-shirt is one of the easiest ways to try this trend. Stick to a fine wale rather than a chunky one for a more contemporary look.
5. Retro Denim
Dark or medium wash, straight or slightly relaxed through the leg, works best. Avoid heavy distressing, since it pulls the look toward something more casual than retro. Dark Straight-Leg Jeans pair naturally with loafers or boots.
6. Knit Polo Shirts
An open-collar Men’s Knit Polo Shirt tucked into trousers or worn with denim brings in the era without trying too hard. Leave the top button or two open rather than buttoning to the collar.
7. Turtlenecks and Mock Necks
Layer a Fitted Mock Neck Sweater under a jacket or coat for a cleaner, more deliberate look. It reads polished rather than costumey, especially in a fitted cut rather than something bulky.
8. Flared or Slightly Bootcut Jeans
Keep this one subtle. Slim Bootcut Denim not a dramatic flare, works with modern proportions and pairs well with boots or loafers.
9. Loafers
Brown Leather Loafers work with denim, trousers, and nearly everything else on this list. They’re arguably the easiest single piece to add if you’re testing the trend before committing further.
10. Chelsea and Retro Leather Boots
Suede Chelsea Boots pair well with denim, corduroy, and trousers alike. They add a slight retro edge without requiring you to change anything else about the outfit.
11. Patterned Shirts
A Vintage-Inspired Patterned Shirt works best with subtle stripes or geometric prints rather than anything too loud. One patterned piece is usually enough, everything else should stay simple.
12. Layered Textures
Combining denim, suede, knitwear, corduroy, and leather in one outfit works when you limit it to two or three textures max, a Textured Knit Sweater is an easy starting piece. More than that starts to look cluttered rather than intentional.
5 Easy 70s-Inspired Outfits for Men
Everyday Casual: Knit polo, straight-leg denim, brown loafers, light suede jacket, simple watch.
Fall Weekend: Corduroy overshirt, plain tee, dark denim, leather sneakers, retro sunglasses.
Date Night: Turtleneck, relaxed trousers, Chelsea boots, suede jacket, leather belt.
Office Casual: Knit polo, tailored trousers, loafers, no outer layer needed, classic watch.
Night Out: Patterned shirt, dark denim, Chelsea boots, suede jacket, retro sunglasses.
How to Wear 70s Fashion Without Looking Like You’re in a Costume
Pick one or two obvious retro pieces per outfit, not five. A suede jacket and a knit polo is plenty, adding flared jeans and a patterned shirt on top turns it into a Halloween costume.
Keep the fit modern throughout. Baggy everything reads dated fast, while a slightly relaxed but tailored silhouette reads current. Control the color palette to two or three earthy tones instead of a full rainbow.
Mix in simple modern basics, a plain tee, dark denim, to balance out anything more obviously retro. Skip loud patterns beyond one statement piece, and keep accessories restrained. If your personal style already leans polished and understated, this same restraint is the whole idea behind old money style for men too.
3 Rules for Making Retro Menswear Look Expensive
Fit Matters More Than the Label
A well-tailored $40 jacket beats a designer piece that hangs wrong. Get sleeves and hems checked, especially on suede or corduroy pieces, since proportion is what actually sells the look.
Keep the Color Palette Controlled
Earthy tones look polished when you stick to two or three per outfit. Add a fourth and it starts reading busy instead of intentional.
Mix One Vintage-Inspired Piece With Modern Basics
A suede jacket over a plain tee and dark denim reads current. The same jacket over a patterned shirt and flared jeans reads like a costume. One retro piece, the rest simple.
For footwear specifically, our guide to casual shoes for men covers more everyday options that pair well with this whole palette, and if brunch plans come up on the weekend, our Brunch outfit guide has more ideas in this same relaxed register.
FAQ
What are the main 70s fashion trends for men?
Earth-tone colors, wide-leg trousers, suede jackets, corduroy, knit polos, retro denim, and loafers form the core of the trend, worn today with more tailored, modern proportions than the original decade had.
How can men wear 70s fashion today?
Pick one or two retro pieces, like a suede jacket or knit polo, and pair them with simple modern basics such as plain denim or a fitted tee, rather than recreating a full head-to-toe look.
Are flared jeans still fashionable for men?
A subtle bootcut works well today, but dramatic flares tend to read more costume than current. Straight-leg or slightly relaxed denim is the safer, more versatile choice.
What colors are associated with 70s men’s fashion?
Brown, camel, rust, olive, mustard, cream, and tan are the defining shades, and they still mix easily with a modern, mostly neutral wardrobe.
What shoes work with 70s-inspired outfits?
Brown leather loafers and suede Chelsea boots both suit the trend, pairing naturally with denim, corduroy, and relaxed trousers alike.
How can I wear retro fashion without looking dated?
Keep the fit modern, limit yourself to one or two obvious vintage pieces per outfit, and control the color palette so nothing feels overdone.
Conclusion
Nobody’s asking you to dress like it’s 1974. Borrow a few of the best details, a suede jacket, a knit polo, a good pair of loafers, and let them work with the clothes already hanging in your closet. That’s really the whole trend.