Vintage Coats - 1970s

Today, I continue our look at coats through the decades with the 1970s. As we saw last week, in the late 1960s, maxi coats and capes were hugely popular. These trends continue into the early 70s, but if there is one coat that defines the 1970s, it is the wrap coat.

1975

1972

No matter if they were made of wool, cashmere, tweed, or leather. No matter whether they had big fur collars or not, a coat that was belted with it's own sash was the look.

1974

As more casual clothing started to become popular, leather coats and denim jackets are seen more and more.

1973

The traditional poplin trench coat, a menswear style popular for decades, is translated for women.

1972

As pants become a mainstay of a woman's wardrobe, shorter jackets become stylish as an alternative to a longer coat.

1973

Knit fabrics are everywhere in the early 70s, and sweater coats, often with fur fronts or fur trim, are very popular. Long thickly knit cardigans that are belted at the waist are often worn as coats too.

By the late 1970s, belted styles are gone, and a straighter silhouette reigns. We start to see larger shoulder pads emerge, a harbinger of the 1980s.

Quilted, snap front coats are popular in the late 1970s. These are both reversible from one color to another.

By 1979, shoulders are dropping, big shoulder pads are in, and the oversized look emerges. We'll see more of this next week, with a look at coats in the 1980s.