8 Boomer trends from the ‘70s that are due for a comeback
8 Boomer trends from the ‘70s that are due for a comeback
Daniela SuarezMon, March 2, 2026 at 11:56 AM UTC
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Reimagining the ‘70s
The 1970s were a whirlwind of bell-bottoms, mood rings and unapologetic self-expression. Decades later, that groovy energy is making a comeback, and not just in vintage stores and thrift shops. From fashion to home design, many beloved Boomer trends from the ‘70s are making an unexpected return in 2025. What was once considered “retro” is now being reimagined by Millennials and Gen Z with a modern twist.
The ‘70s offer a rich archive of aesthetic and cultural references that speak to authenticity, individuality and self-care, values that resonate strongly with younger generations today. So whether you’re dusting off your vinyl collection or eyeing a new pair of platforms, here’s a nostalgic stroll through Boomer trends from the ‘70s that are strutting back into the spotlight.
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1. Macramé & crocheted crafts
Macramé plant hangers, wall tapestries and handmade crocheted pieces were staples in ‘70s homes, and today, they’re back with a modern twist. In an age of mass production, there’s something appealing about the tactile and time-consuming nature of crocheting. It’s decorative, hands-on and delightfully slow in contrast to our digital lives.
Crochet clothing and accessories are also making their comeback in fashion, from patchwork to knit blankets. Brands are embracing handcrafted aesthetics that speak to sustainability and creativity.
Beyond decor and fashion, macramé has found new life as a popular DIY hobby on TikTok and Instagram. Tutorials and craft kits make it easy for anyone to get started, turning vintage pastime into a modern escape.
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2. Platform shoes
Platform shoes used to strut through disco clubs, but now, they’re fashionably stepping red carpets and city sidewalks. In 2025, platforms are dominating runways and streetwear alike, blending retro flair with modern comfort and bold style.
Today’s platforms aren’t just for nightlife. Brands are designing supportive, wearable options that offer height and statement appeal without sacrificing functionality. Seen everywhere from sandals to sneakers, the platform trend is more versatile than ever.
This resurgence speaks to a broader shift in fashion: maximalism is in and subtlety is out. In an era of simplicity and neutral palettes, platform shoes are a defiant nod to self-expression.
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3. Mood rings
Once a novelty item found in vending machines, mood rings were a fun way to “read” your emotional state. Today’s version? High-tech wellness trackers like the Oura Ring blend fashion with science.
The appeal is similar: a stylish, wearable item that reflects how you’re doing inside. But now, instead of just guessing your mood by color, these smart rings track sleep quality, stress levels and heart rate, all in real time.
This modern twist on mood rings reflects a larger interest in self-care and mindfulness. People want easy tools that look good and help them feel better, and the mood ring’s chic successor does just that.
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4. Bell bottoms
Bell bottoms were once the coolest pair of pants you could own, flaring out on everyone from rock stars to suburban teens. While they fell out of fashion for decades, flared pants are making their way back in the fashion rotation.
Flared leggings– dubbed “yoga pants 2.0”– and wide-leg jeans are dominating Gen Z fashion. They’re comfy, flattering and evoke a sense of fun that skinny jeans just can’t replicate. Influencers, celebrities and high-fashion brands are embracing the flare, giving the look a cultural reboot.
Their resurgence also mirrors shifting ideals and a desire for styles that are both nostalgic and functional. In the age of throw-back fashion, flared pants offer the best of both worlds.
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5. Thigh-high boots
In the ‘70s, Cher and Farrah Fawcett were our thigh-high boot idols. These knee-length footwears were stylish, elegant and could be styled with anything, from oversized blazers to micro-minis. They offered versatility and boldness, and now, they’re coming back with full force.
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This time around, designers are reimagining the boot with silhouettes and materials– think stretchy knits, eco-leather and sleek finishes. They’re empowering, sophisticated and fashion-forward– everything you’d ever want in a pair of boots.
Their comeback is more than aesthetic– it taps into the ‘70s ethos of liberation and confidence. Thigh-highs don’t whisper; they command attention.
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6. Neutral color palettes
While the ‘70s are remembered for bold patterns, they also embraced calming earth tones– think terracotta, avocado green, mustard and beige. In 2025, these neutrals are reappearing in home decor as people seek cozy, grounded spaces.
Neutral color palettes provide a blank canvas for mixing textures and personal touches. From curved furniture to ceramics, the look pairs mid-century influence with minimalist intent. The popularity of these colors signals a turn toward comfort and nostalgia. After years of stark grays and cool tones, the warmth of ‘70s hues feels fresh again.
Image Credit: YakobchukOlena/iStock
7. Statement sunglasses
Statement sunglasses were oversized, tinted and unapologetically dramatic– and that was the point. They’re not just accessories, they’re declarations, and they’re back.
In 2025, eyewear is all about style. Whether it’s sunny out or not, you can never go wrong with a square amber lens or a cat-eye frame. This trend speaks to a deeper desire for expressive fashion in an otherwise muted world. Just like in the ‘70s, the right pair of shades can instantly elevate a look.
Image Credit: EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Istockphoto.
8. Vinyl records
Long before Spotify playlists, there were crates of records and the satisfying crackle of a needle drop. Today, vinyl is back and thriving.
Record sales have been climbing steadily, with younger generations embracing analog sound as a counter to digital. Listening to vinyl is peaceful, a moment of pause in a world that rarely slows down.
This comeback is about more than just music; it’s about experience. The physicality of album covers and the ability to collect them makes vinyl deeply personal. It turns listening to music into an art form.
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Back to the ‘70s
The ‘70s were a decade of bold choices and questionable creativity. As these trends cycle back into our cultural consciousness, they’re not returning as carbon copies; they’re being reimagined through a contemporary lens.
Whether you’re slipping into flared pants or hanging a macramé piece in your living room, these revivals remind us that style, like history, is never truly gone. It just waits for the right moment to resurface.
So while Gen Z may not have lived through disco, their adoption of ‘70s trends proves one thing: nostalgia has staying power and the past always finds a way to dance back into view.
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