The ’70s were a whole vibe—laid-back, creative, and unapologetically bold. People weren’t rushing through life or glued to screens; they were living in the moment and making everything they did a little bit cooler. While not every trend from that era is worth reviving (we can leave the shag carpets in the past), there are plenty we should totally bring back.
1. Casual, No-Fuss Dinner Parties
Back in the ’70s, hosting a dinner party didn’t mean turning your house into a Pinterest board. You’d throw together some funky retro dishes like fondue or a potluck casserole, and your friends would show up ready to hang. No stress, no perfection—just good food, great conversation, and maybe a little Fleetwood Mac playing in the background.
2. DIY Everything
From macramé plant hangers to hand-painted furniture, the ’70s were the golden age of do-it-yourself. People took pride in making their homes unique, one crafty project at a time. It wasn’t about trends or influencers—it was about adding a personal touch to everything. In a world full of mass-produced stuff, there’s something special about having something that’s one-of-a-kind.
3. Roller Skating Nights
Before boutique fitness classes were a thing, people strapped on roller skates and hit the rink. It was part exercise, part social event, and all kinds of fun. Whether you were showing off your moves or just laughing with friends, roller skating was pure, unfiltered joy. Let’s trade the treadmill for disco lights and get those wheels turning again.
4. Real, Unrushed Conversations
Before the nonstop buzz of notifications, people actually took the time to talk. Whether it was sitting on a porch with a cup of coffee or a long phone call, conversations weren’t rushed or interrupted. It wasn’t about multitasking—it was about connecting. Maybe it’s time to put the phone down and give someone our full attention, like the good old days.
5. Wearing Whatever the Heck You Want
The ’70s were all about self-expression through fashion. Flared jeans, bold patterns, fringe jackets—you name it. People dressed to feel good, not to fit in. Today’s neutral minimalist wardrobe could use a little ’70s pizzazz. Why not throw on that wild print or rock some vintage-inspired bell-bottoms?
6. Live Music Every Weekend
In the ’70s, live music wasn’t a once-a-year event—it was part of the weekend routine. Whether it was at a dive bar or an outdoor festival, hearing bands play live was a core part of your social life. The energy, the connection, the sheer magic of it all—it’s something Spotify just can’t replicate.
7. Slow, Earthy Wellness
Wellness in the ’70s wasn’t about pricey juice cleanses or influencer-approved supplements. It was about yoga, meditation, and eating simple, wholesome foods. People sought balance, not trends. With life feeling so fast-paced and overwhelming these days, a little ’70s-inspired Zen might be just what the doctor ordered.
8. Car-Free Sundays
During the ’70s energy crisis, people started leaving their cars at home on Sundays—and it was kind of amazing. They biked, walked, and got reacquainted with their neighborhoods in a way we rarely do now. Imagine a day where the streets are quiet, the air is fresher, and you’re rediscovering the joy of moving at your own pace.
9. Writing Actual Letters
There’s something so personal about putting pen to paper. In the ’70s, people didn’t just fire off a text—they wrote letters. Whether it was a love note, a thank-you card, or just a check-in with a friend, letters felt meaningful. Let’s bring back this lost art. It’s slower, sure, but isn’t that kind of the point?
10. Vinyl Records (Obviously)
Streaming is convenient, but vinyl records have heart. The tactile ritual of placing a record on the turntable, hearing that first crackle—it’s an experience, not just background noise. And don’t even get us started on album art. Listening to music on vinyl isn’t about multitasking; it’s about immersing yourself in the sound.
11. Backyard Gardens
Gardening wasn’t just for green thumbs in the ’70s—it was a way of life. Growing your own veggies and herbs was practical, satisfying, and a little therapeutic. Whether you’ve got a sprawling backyard or just a sunny windowsill, bringing a bit of nature into your life is always a good idea.
12. Handmade Gifts
In the ’70s, gifting wasn’t about spending a fortune—it was about creating something from the heart. Knitted scarves, hand-painted mugs, or a homemade batch of cookies were all fair game. It wasn’t about impressing; it was about showing you cared.
13. Block Parties
Remember when neighbors actually hung out? Block parties were a ’70s staple, bringing people together for food, music, and laughter. It wasn’t fancy or formal—just a way to connect. In an age where we barely know the people next door, a good old-fashioned block party might be exactly what we need to bring a little community back into our lives.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
