Vintage fashion lovers everywhere are wearing 70s-inspired sunglasses. These timeless and exuberant accessories have made the ultimate comeback. In the 1970s, fashion evolved alongside the ever-changing music and cultural scene. It was a decade of bold trends and eye-catching statement styles that combined the bohemian fashion of the 60s with the vibrancy and flair of the disco decade – from tie-dye and bell-bottoms to glittery outfits and platform shoes.
Sunglasses in the 70s were fun and flamboyant. They made the ultimate accessory. The colour palette of the time consisted of earthy hues like burnt orange, harvest gold and avocado green. 70s brown sunglasses and eccentric tortoiseshell prints were also a particular favourite at the time.
Boogie with 70s big sunglasses
Funky oversized sunglasses were a fashion staple of the 70s. Due to advances in technology, most glasses had lenses made of plastic rather than glass. Sunglasses therefore became less bulky, more durable and could be made in bigger sizes while still being comfortable and flattering for your features. Besides which, with the rise of celebrity culture, a lot of famous stars wore them for practical reasons. By wearing big sunglasses, they could more easily stay hidden from the paparazzi.
Sir Elton John was and continues to be an eyewear icon. He has a flamboyant, fun and fearless fashion sense. When he shot to fame in the 1970s, he inspired others with his bold fashion choices. Stevie Nicks and Diana Ross, with their exaggerated hairstyles at the time, also famously wore classic 70s big sunglasses.
As disco fever struck, many people at the time were boogieing the night away in glitzy and vibrant outfits. In the 1970s, gradient sunglasses became a real hit amongst fashionistas because of their contemporary look and feel. The lenses create a unique visual effect going from dark at the top and fading gradually towards the bottom. Iconic artists of the time wore big oversized 70s disco sunglasses to complement their vibrant attire. This included ABBA, the Village People, Chaka Khan and the Bee Gees. Also, in the 70s, Ray-Ban® launched their Ambermatic lenses which were able to change colour, from amber to dark grey, according to surrounding light conditions.
These style of sunglasses have had a big revival lately due to recent hit TV shows set in the 70s, like The Serpent and Poker Face. Queen of Dance Jennifer Lopez certainly knows how to rock a pair of oversized 70s sunglasses. Pop icon The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, also knows how to pull off a pair of retro 70s sunglasses.
If you want to create this iconic look, our gradient sunglasses lenses come in classic brown and grey, both popular colours in the 70s. Alternatively, if you want to add a splash of groovy 70s colour to your wardrobe, you can choose to add Transitions® GEN S™ lenses which seamlessly adapt to changing light conditions and come in eight stylish colours. Amber in particular will create a real 70s vibe reminiscent of the styles famously worn by John Lennon and David Bowie. They function as fully clear glasses indoors and within seconds, transform into a fashionable pair of sunglasses when you head outside!
Complement your enigmatic nature
In-keeping with the oversized styles of the decade, big and bold black sunglasses were highly popular in the 1970s. Actresses of the time, like Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren, loved this chic and classy style.
Jackie Kennedy, née Onassis, was also a major fashion icon from the 1960s into the 1970s. Her favourite pair of oversized black oval sunglasses were always a highlight of her outfits. In fact, they were referred to fondly as ‘Jackie O sunglasses’ at the time. Today, we call them butterfly sunglasses because of their curvy and bold shape which resembles the elegant wings of a graceful butterfly. They are one of the most fashionable styles of women’s 70s sunglasses. Olivia Newton-John and Bianca Jagger were both very fond of this cat-eye-esque style.
With the rise of glam rock in the 1970s, big oval sunglasses were also a popular choice for men. This style of fashion saw men dress up in flamboyant and traditionally feminine outfits, including glitter garments, platform shoes and makeup. David Bowie was iconic for this eccentric style of fashion in the 1970s along with bands like T. Rex and Slade. This style has since returned to the fashion scene thanks to trendsetters like Lady Gaga and Harry Styles.
Embrace your love of retro
Round sunglasses are a timeless style that never seems to go out of fashion. They originally became popular in the 1930s amongst movie stars and athletes and were the very first shape to be created. By the 1960s, they were made iconic again by John Lennon and The Beatles.
John Lennon was still a major star and fashion icon during the 1970s. His round sunglasses with their thin metal frame were still very popular. They were adored for their classic bohemian style and still are today.
Other music icons also enjoyed the versatility of round sunglasses. Ozzy Osbourne, leader of the metal band Black Sabbath, popularised this versatile style which complemented his dark attire. Elton John even opted for this trendy style in the early 1970s before his outfits became more vibrant and eye-catching.
Plus, as plastic frames became more widespread, more and more people at the time were opting for new contemporary sunglasses with modern aesthetics. Influential visual artist of the 70s Andy Warhol was often spotted sporting a pair of round sunglasses. His favourite styles included transparent frames and wacky tortoiseshell prints.
Today, round sunglasses are a popular style to wear at summer festivals because of their links to music icons throughout the decades. Many celebrities love this vintage style. Selena Gomez, Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid have all been spotted in a pair of these classic retro sunglasses.
Inspire your rebellious style
As it would in later decades, the timeless Ray-Ban® Aviator™ had a huge influence on 1970s fashion trends. Originally designed for US pilots in the 1930s, this timeless style of sunglasses has remained popular throughout the decades. By the 1950s, advances in technology and design meant modernised alternatives could be created. New versions of the Aviator™ emerged, including those with square lenses. These replaced the classic teardrop style so that pilots could comfortably wear their oxygen masks. The temples were also straighter so they would fit beneath their helmet.
King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley was perhaps the first to make this style of sunglasses iconic as a fashion accessory. He was partly to thank for their rise to fame as they became one of the most fashionable men’s 70s sunglasses. They were also loved by music legends like the Bee Gees and Freddie Mercury. Yet, women also claimed them for themselves. In fact, feminist icon Gloria Steinem was one of the first to make them popular. Stevie Nicks and Bianca Jagger also looked chic in this classic style.
In addition, military-style fashion became popular among the punk movement, namely camouflage prints, combat boots and military accessories. Aviator™ sunglasses also became an integral part of their rebellious fashion choices which sought to resist the status quo. The Vietnam War partly influenced fashion because of the widespread TV coverage that showcased the fashion choices of demonstrators and activists. Sunglasses featuring a double bridge design were a trendy must-have accessory in the 70s. In particular, acetate designs which made a modern alternative to the traditional style.
