14 Crazes From the ’70s That Would Never Survive Now

From the iconic blinding neon colors, wide bell bottom pants, and disco outfits made with shimmering sequins to the first VCRs (video cassette recorders) being in homes and the push of the women’s rights movement, it’s hard to deny that the ‘70s were a dynamic decade! Of course, there are some things from the ’70s that never go out of style (we see you aviator sunglasses, crop tops, and platform shoes). Some crazes were huge then and would never survive 2024. Curious about what they are? Keep reading to learn all about the crazes from the ‘70s that would never survive now!

Home Trends from the ‘70s that Wouldn’t Survive Today

Move over modern home decor because we’re setting out on a blast to the past with 1970s home trends that wouldn’t make it in our minimalist-loving modern world.

1. Patterned Linoleum Floors

Even though linoleum floors were originally created in the mid-1800s, the iconic brick-patterned floor grew increasingly popular near the turn of the century. They were popular in low- to modest-income houses for a couple of reasons. They were easy to clean, had a low cost, and were water resistant, so they were perfect for family living and cooking spills. Now, in 2024, you won’t find patterned linoleum floors in new builds. Instead, gleaming natural hardwoods, wide planks, polished stone tile, and flooring made of natural ingredients with an emphasis on sustainability took their place!

2. Wood Panelling

Wood paneling was versatile, beautiful, and affordable. It was also very easy to install over plaster walls, making it more accessible to modest-income families. In 2024, wood is still exceptionally popular, but in an entirely different way. Rather than using wood products all over the walls, people are using them on their own. You might find barnwood, oak, birch, mahogany, and more as accents on walls, focal points, or furniture.

3. Shag Carpet

Shag carpet could be found in most homes in the ‘70s in bold colors like red and orange. It was believed to make a space more comfortable and fashionable. Carpet trends in 2024 are about comfort and style. You’ll find luxurious plush carpets in earthy tones or bold rugs with vivid colors with a focus on sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices.

4. Floral Sofas

Near the hippie movement, floral sofas were all the craze in the ‘70s. They were considered durable, fashionable, and a playful way to add personality to a room. In 2024, the floral sofas will be replaced by plush, oversized ones crafted with sustainability in mind. 

Fashion Crazes from the ’70s that Wouldn’t Make it Now

Fashion is a never-ending revolving door of creativity, personality, and uniqueness. You should always be wearing fashion that makes you feel good, regardless of the trends. But below are some fashion trends from the ’70s that wouldn’t make it now.

1. Bell Bottoms

Bell bottoms were a fashion sensation. They were made with a dramatic flare from the knee of the pants to the floor. They were simple to dress up or down, making them versatile and a good pick for any occasion. Today, we like our flared legs and baggy pants, but not the dramatic bell bottoms! (At least not yet; we know how fashion trends like to repeat themselves.)

2. Feathered Hair

The ‘70s embodied self-expression, and people could do exactly that with feathered hair. It was a versatile haircut that required little maintenance and was easy to style. Now we have bold pixies, blunt bobs, and curtain bangs instead.

3. Corduroy

Corduroy is a versatile material. People could dress it up or down. It was durable and affordable. Now we wear soft, cozy joggers, leggings, and relaxed-fitting pants.

4. Disco Attire

We can’t talk about the ’70s without talking about the glitz and glamor of disco attire! Sequins, sparkle, and all the razzle-dazzle made-up disco outfits. Heavily sequined shirts, dresses, crop tops, bright makeup, and big earrings were all the rage! In 2024, our parties will differ greatly. 

Travel Trends that Wouldn’t Make it Nowadays

Travel has evolved since the ‘70s. Many rules have changed and laws have been made. Keep reading to learn more about ‘70s travel trends that simply wouldn’t make it in 2024.

1. Smoking on Airplanes

In the 1970s, passengers could light up on airplanes. Some airlines even distributed complimentary smoke. In the late 1990s, laws came into place to ban this.

2. Travelling Without Security Checks

Originally, travelers could just walk up to the boarding gate without any checks or screening. (This means that basically anyone could hop aboard a flight.) Airports had minimal security and lacked crisis plans, such as what to do if there was a bomb threat, terrorist activity, etc. Passengers could even board a flight without proper identification. Modern-day travel looks quite different, with security checks and scans placed in multiple spots before passengers board. 

3. Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking was a popular way to get around in the ‘70s and was even considered safe. Now, most people wouldn’t ever hitchhike!

Beauty Trends from the ‘70s that you Won’t see as Much in 2024

Remember to always do things that make you feel good and like the awesome person you are. We’re sharing trends from the ‘70s that aren’t as popular now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in them!

1. Bright Blue Eyeshadow

While bold make-up is popular, that iconic bright blue eyeshadow from the past is not so much. The pastel blue shade embodied bold vibrancy, which will become more common in 2024 as we see dewy skin and more minimalist make-up.

2. Bold Lower Lashes

Bottom lashes became very important in the ’70s, with people using mascara to over-emphasize them. The look was a bold allure that took the beauty industry by storm.

3. Rosy Cheeks

We loved a good blush in 2024, but in the ‘70s’, they loved it even more! Rosy-flushed cheeks were a popular beauty trend. It was typically applied to look natural but was very visible and not natural-looking.

The Takeaway

The 1970s were a dynamic decade. Filled with fantastic trends—many that people still adore—and other trends that we’ve done a good job not accepting now. From perfectly feathered hair, sparkly sequined outfits, and nostalgic bright blue eyeshadow to smoking on airplanes and traveling without security checks, the 1970s were a decade of growth, learning, and evolution.