1970s Britain

The 1970s in Britain was a time of change. More families were making use of the kind of new technology in their homes that we now consider commonplace household items, such as the colour television, the microwave, and the VHS video recorder. The lifestyle in Britain was closely tied in to music and fashion, in addition to events that helped shape the nation.

Some if these events included a recession, strikes, and an oil crisis. Energy needed to be conserved during the time of inflated oil prices and miners strikes, so the country created a three-day work week. Television was also shut off at 10:30pm every evening to save energy. A rise in unemployment also contributed to the recession.

It was a difficult decade, but it was the perfect time for punk rock music to emerge onto Britain's music scene. It first gained popularity in London in the early to mid-1970s as a result of the youth culture. With the nation's economic difficulties came a movement that glorified anarchy and chaos. Bands such as The Clash and Sex Pistols provided anti-establishment lyrics to a generation of angst-ridden youth.

The fashion in 1970s Britain was affected by the punk rock movement. Clothes became a way to make a statement on not caring about society. Ripped jeans and tee-shirts, leather jackets, and studded accessories all helped create a tough image.

Other fashion trends emerged in the 1970s, particularly early in the decade. Glam rock was a big music trend before punk came onto the scene. Artists like Gary Glitter and David Bowie were as famous for their fashion sense as they were for their music. Sequinned clothing and tight shiny fabrics like Lurex were form-fitting and glamorous ways of dressing for a night out at a club. Feathered hair, vibrant make-up colours, and platform shoes that were at least four inches high completed the glam rock look. Model Bianca Jagger was a glam rock fashion icon in white Yves Saint Laurent suits, platform shoes, and sheer blouses.

The bohemian chic lifestyle and fashions lasted for much of the 1970s in Britain. Bell-bottom pants, suede fabrics, peasant skirts, and loose, flowing blouses were signature items. Music and fashion have always been influenced by the changes to society. Britain in the 1970s influenced many trends that were seen across the globe. In recent years, many of the trends from the 1970s have even been recycled back into today’s clothes.