While we may think of 1970s fashion in clichés—bell-bottom jeans, earth tones, lots of glitter, miniskirts galore—the decade was an impressive step forward for individual style. There were so many aesthetics to choose from, from glam rock to casual chic, that folks were able to tailor trending styles to their own tastes. Looking back at the most innovative styles from the '70s—many of the photos below are from editorial shoots, and are representative of cutting-edge trends at the time—it's clear how modern sensibilities can be traced back to this decade. From modern feminism workwear to youth counterculture punk, we owe a lot to this moment in history.
Below, 32 iconic photos that prove the 1970s were the best fashion decade.
