17 High School Fads From The ’70s That Were Totally Radical
Ah, the 1970s—a time when fashion was loud, self-expression was king, and high school hallways were a parade of fearless style choices.
Every outfit was a declaration, whether it screamed disco fever, rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, or laid-back hippie vibes. Bell-bottom jeans flared to impossible widths, platform shoes defied gravity, and shaggy hair flowed freely, completing the effortlessly cool look. It wasn’t just about what you wore; it was about how you wore it—swagger included.
Accessories were just as iconic. Mood rings kept everyone guessing your vibe, while puka shell necklaces gave even the most landlocked teens a surfer’s spirit. Custom Vans and Converse were the go-to for skaters and rebels alike, while polyester everything ensured you stayed groovy even in the sweltering heat.
Whether you were strutting into class or hitting the roller rink, style was everything. So, let’s dive into the most legendary high school trends of the ‘70s—where being radical was just part of the routine!
1. Bell-Bottom Jeans
Bell-bottom jeans were the epitome of cool in the ’70s. Their style was defined by wide flares that captured the essence of freedom and style.
Whether paired with a loose-flowing blouse or a tight-fitting tee, these jeans made a bold statement. The wider the flare, the more you were admired by your peers. Walking down the school hallway felt like strutting on a fashion runway. The real bragging rights were in the frayed ends.
If your bell-bottoms were frayed from dragging on the ground, it showed just how much of a laid-back and effortlessly cool individual you were. It was all about nonchalance, and having your jeans worn out at the bottom was a badge of honor. Bell-bottoms weren’t just pants; they were an identity, a lifestyle, and a forever fashion love story for those who lived through the era.
2. Feathered Hair (a.k.a. The Farrah Fawcett Look)
Feathered hair, famously associated with Farrah Fawcett, was the hairstyle everyone craved. It was the era of volume, layers, and enough hairspray to keep the hairdo locked in place during a windstorm.
Guys and girls alike aimed for that perfect feathering, where hair seemed to flow like a cascade of silk. Achieving this look required patience, a good brush, and, of course, a trusty can of Aqua Net. The bigger the hair, the closer to disco heaven.
Styling feathered hair was an art form, with every layer meticulously crafted to create that signature swoop. It wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a culture, an identity, a must-have for anyone wanting to catch the eye of their high school crush. In the world of ’70s high school fashion, feathered hair was the crowning glory.
3. Aviator Sunglasses
Aviator sunglasses were more than just a fashion accessory; they were a statement of cool. Inspired by pilots but adopted by teens, these shades had a way of adding an air of mystery and swagger.
With their sleek metal frames and iconic teardrop shape, aviators were the go-to for anyone wanting to say, “I’m too cool for school.” The mirrored lenses not only protected eyes from the sun but also reflected the spirit of a generation that was discovering itself.
Aviators made every glance a little more daring, every step a little more assured. They were the perfect complement to leather jackets or bell-bottom jeans, adding that extra layer of “don’t mess with me, I’m on a mission.” Whether you were in a band or just wanted to look like you were, aviators were your ticket to high school fame.
4. Leather & Fringe Jackets
Leather jackets with fringe were the ultimate symbol of rebellion and style in the ’70s. Whether you were channeling the king of rock, Elvis, capturing hippie vibes, or embracing rock star swagger, these jackets were essential.
The fringe wasn’t just for decoration; it swayed with every move, turning a walk into a performance. Owning one of these jackets was like wearing a badge that read, “I march to the beat of my own drum.” They were versatile, too, pairing perfectly with a pair of jeans or even a more formal outfit for a night out.
The tactile feel of leather combined with the playful movement of fringe made these jackets a must-have. In the high school hierarchy of cool, if you had a leather fringe jacket, you were definitely at the top of the heap.
5. Eight-Track Tapes & Boomboxes
Eight-track tapes and boomboxes were the lifeblood of teenage music lovers in the ’70s. Portable and loud, the boombox was your personal concert on the go.
The bigger the boombox, the bigger your status as a music aficionado. Whether you were blasting Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, or Donna Summer, the music was the soundtrack to your life. Eight-track tapes, with their chunky design and tendency to switch tracks mid-song, were a source of both frustration and joy.
They were the mixtapes of the era, filled with carefully curated playlists that reflected your mood, your loves, and your dreams. Carrying a boombox on your shoulder was a rite of passage, a declaration that you were ready to take on the world with a killer soundtrack. Music was the heart and soul of ’70s high school life, and boomboxes were the heartbeat.
6. Custom Vans & Muscle Cars
Custom vans and muscle cars were the ultimate dream rides for high schoolers in the ’70s. Vans decked out with wild, airbrushed murals were like moving canvases, each one a unique expression of individuality.
Muscles cars like Camaros and Mustangs roared down the streets, their engines a symphony of power and rebellion. Owning one of these vehicles wasn’t just about transportation; it was about making an entrance, making a statement.
Cruising around in a custom van or muscle car was the teenage equivalent of riding a chariot, with the world as your coliseum. The thrill of the open road, the freedom to go anywhere, and the envy of every peer made cars and vans so much more than just a way to get around. They were freedom, rebellion, and status all rolled into one.
7. Mood Rings
Mood rings were the mystical, color-changing accessories that everyone had to have. Claiming to reflect your emotions through changing colors, these rings were a fun way to gauge your mood—or just your body temperature.
Wearing a mood ring was like having a tiny, wearable mood detector on your finger. It was magical, mysterious, and a little bit silly, but that was part of the charm. The color shifts were supposed to represent everything from happiness (blue) to stress (black), turning your feelings into a vibrant spectrum.
Mood rings were a delightful conversation starter and an easy way to add a pop of color to your outfit. While scientifically dubious, the allure of mood rings lay in their simplicity and the way they captured the imagination. They were a little piece of wearable whimsy, perfect for the ’70s.
8. Making Mixtapes (on Cassette!)
Making mixtapes was the ultimate romantic gesture. Crafting the perfect playlist on cassette was an art form, involving hours spent recording songs from the radio, complete with DJ interruptions.
Every mixtape was a love letter, a carefully curated collection of tunes that expressed feelings words couldn’t capture. The thrill of giving or receiving a mixtape was unmatched, each song a chapter in a story of adolescent romance.
Rewinding to the right spot, hoping the tape wouldn’t get eaten by the player, and adding personal notes to the cassette case was all part of the charm. Mixtapes were a way to say the unsayable, to share a piece of your soul through sound. In a world before digital playlists, they were precious tokens of affection, capturing the heartbeats of teenage crushes and friendships.
9. Disco Fever
Disco fever swept through the ’70s like a rhythmic whirlwind. High school students everywhere donned their best polyester suits and glittery dresses, ready to dance the night away.
The disco was more than a dance; it was an entire cultural movement, a way to let loose and express oneself through music and motion. John Travolta’s moves from “Saturday Night Fever” became the ultimate dance floor inspiration, and everyone wanted to strut their stuff like a disco king or queen. The lights, the music, the atmosphere—all combined to create an electrifying experience.
Dancing under a shimmering disco ball, students could forget their worries and lose themselves in the beat. Disco was vibrant, flamboyant, and oh-so-very fun. It didn’t matter if you had two left feet; the disco was for everyone, a jubilant celebration of life and music.
10. Tube Tops & Halter Tops
Tube tops and halter tops were the ultimate summer staples for ’70s high schoolers. For girls, tube tops were all about showing off those shoulders and catching some sun.
Paired with high-waisted jeans or a skirt, they were simple yet stylish. Halter tops, tied around the neck, added a bit of flair to any outfit. Meanwhile, guys embraced open-button shirts, often paired with gold chains, for that quintessential laid-back vibe.
Fashion was all about self-expression and comfort, and these tops were perfect for both. With bright colors and bold patterns, they captured the carefree spirit of the era. Whether heading to a beach party or just hanging out after school, tube and halter tops were the go-to for anyone wanting to look effortlessly cool while staying comfortable in the summer heat.
11. “Happy Days” & “Welcome Back, Kotter” Catchphrases
Television catchphrases from shows like “Happy Days” and “Welcome Back, Kotter” were the viral memes of the ’70s.
Teens imitated The Fonz with a perfect “Ayyy!” or threw out a “Sit on it!” in hallways, bringing a touch of sitcom humor to everyday life. These catchphrases transcended the TV screen, becoming staples of teenage vernacular. They were a way to connect, to share a laugh, and to show off your coolness.
Mimicking your favorite character’s lines was a badge of honor, a sign that you were in the know with the latest pop culture trends. Television wasn’t just entertainment; it was a source of social currency, and these catchphrases were the coins of the realm. They added a layer of fun to conversation, making every interaction a potential comedy sketch.
12. Earth Shoes & Platform Shoes
Footwear in the ’70s was all about making a statement, and Earth Shoes and platform shoes were at the forefront. Earth Shoes, with their unconventional negative heel design, promised comfort and a healthier walk.
They were the “sensible” choice for those wanting to stay grounded while staying stylish. On the flip side, platform shoes took fashion to new heights—literally. These towering shoes added inches to your stature and flair to your outfit. From boots to sandals, platforms were the must-have accessory for disco nights and everyday flair.
Each step taken was a confident stride into the era’s fashionable landscape. Whether you were going for comfort or style, the right pair of shoes defined your look. Earth Shoes and platforms were more than just footwear; they were a movement, one step at a time.
13. Skateboarding (Before It Was X-Games Cool)
Skateboarding in the ’70s was a burgeoning sport, a prelude to the extreme sports culture that would explode decades later.
Teens took to the streets with banana boards—small, skinny skateboards perfect for tricks and cruising. Owning a board was a status symbol, and mastering even a single trick made you a legend among peers. Skateboarding was about freedom, the rush of wind in your hair, and the thrill of carving a path through suburban sidewalks.
It was a way to express individuality, to break away from traditional sports and embrace something new and exciting. The sport was still in its infancy, making every rider a pioneer, pushing the limits and exploring the possibilities. Skateboarding was a subculture, a tight-knit community of rebels on wheels who saw the world as their playground.
14. Prank Calling with Rotary Phones
Before caller ID spoiled the fun, prank calling with rotary phones was a teenage pastime filled with mischief and laughter.
The slow, deliberate dial of the rotary phone added suspense, each number bringing you closer to your comedic target. Classic pranks like asking, “Is your refrigerator running?” became legendary, each successful call a badge of honor.
Prank calling was about creativity and bravado, the thrill of the unexpected response on the other end of the line. Friends would gather, giggling, waiting for someone to crack under the pressure of keeping a straight face. It was harmless fun, a way to bond over shared laughter and the occasional hang-up. In the ’70s, the rotary phone was more than just a communication tool; it was a gateway to endless entertainment and a staple of teenage rebellion.
15. Concert T-Shirts
Concert t-shirts were the ultimate fashion statement for ’70s high school students. Sporting a tee from a Led Zeppelin or Aerosmith concert was the ultimate badge of honor, even more so if you had actually attended the show.
These shirts weren’t just clothing; they were trophies, worn to show off your musical taste and concert-going prowess. Faded, loose-fitting, and often paired with a pair of jeans, concert tees were the perfect mix of comfort and cool.
They were stories waiting to be told, each shirt a reminder of a night filled with unforgettable music and memories. Concert t-shirts were a way to connect with fellow music lovers, a symbol of shared passion and a love for rock and roll. Wearing one was like shouting from the rooftops, “I was there, and it was legendary!”
16. Rolling Cigarette Packs in Your Shirt Sleeve
Rolling cigarette packs in your shirt sleeve was the quintessential “tough guy” look of the ’70s. This style was inspired by movie icons and rebels without a cause, adding a touch of swagger to any outfit.
It didn’t matter if you smoked or not; the look was all about the attitude it conveyed. The rolled-up sleeve was a makeshift pocket, a place to keep your smokes handy while projecting an air of confidence and rebellion.
It was part of the larger trend of adopting elements from biker culture and rock ‘n’ roll, a subtle nod to the nonconformity that defined the decade. This fashion statement was a rite of passage, a way to showcase your coolness and fit in with the in-crowd. In the world of high school fashion, this simple act spoke volumes without saying a word.
17. CB Radio Slang
CB radio slang was the unexpected communication craze that swept through ’70s high schools. Thanks to the influence of trucker culture, teens were soon speaking in code, using phrases like “Breaker 1-9” and “Catch you on the flip side!” It was a playful way to talk, a secret language that added a bit of fun to everyday conversations.
Owning a CB radio was a ticket into a world of chatter and camaraderie, where you could tune in and connect with friends near and far. The slang became part of teenage vernacular, a cool way to communicate that transcended the limitations of traditional speech.
Even if you weren’t anywhere near a truck, using CB lingo made you feel like part of a larger community, a rebel with a radio. It was about connectivity, creativity, and a bit of cheeky fun.