As someone who grew up in the carefree ’70s, I have plenty of delightful memories—from munching on Pop Rocks to dancing to the catchy tunes of Grease. We relished Jiffy Pop while sipping bright red Kool-Aid, our moms swooned over Burt Reynolds, and our dads were obsessed with CB radios in their classic El Caminos. This vibrant decade was all about boldness, adventure, and a carefree spirit. Sure, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows—Watergate, the Cold War, and gas shortages were also part of the picture—but many of the trends from that era deserve a second chance. Here are ten trends from the ’70s we should bring back right away:
1. TV Shows with Substance
Today’s TV often lacks the depth of ’70s programming. Back then, creators were unafraid to tackle serious issues. Who can forget Maude’s groundbreaking abortion storyline or the poignant moments in Good Times? Characters like Archie Bunker and George Jefferson challenged societal norms while keeping us entertained. We need more shows that provoke thought rather than just glorifying reality stars.
2. Salad Bars
Dining out should be an adventure, not just an expensive plate of greens! I want to craft my own salad, piled high with bacon bits, croutons, and creamy dressings—just like the good old days. Why not let people curate their own culinary creations while sporting fabulous shoes?
3. Natural Body Hair
The obsession with Brazilians is getting old. Why not embrace our natural selves, reminiscent of the illustrations found in the original The Joy of Sex? It would make life a lot simpler!
4. Tropical Cocktails with Flair
Forget the skinny drinks of today; I crave a decadent piña colada served in a coconut, complete with a pink flamingo and a paper umbrella. The ’70s taught us that cocktails should be a feast for the senses, not just a way to get tipsy.
5. Empowered Female Characters
Growing up, I idolized female heroes like Princess Leia and Wonder Woman. They inspired us to be strong and independent. Today’s young girls deserve powerful role models too; we need more badass female leads in our media!
6. Fondue Parties
What could be better than melting cheese and chocolate for dipping? Fondue is the ultimate communal dining experience, and I’m baffled why it’s fallen out of style.
7. Chic Head Scarves
Made famous by Valerie Harper’s character Rhoda, headscarves were a stylish solution for bad hair days. They’re versatile and flattering—let’s bring them back!
8. Dancing the Night Away
The ’70s brought us elegant nights out dancing, not muddy music festivals or overpriced clubs. Picture yourself in a flowy dress, twirling on the dance floor to the sweet sounds of disco.
9. Classic Fisher-Price Little People
Today’s versions of Little People lack the charm and creativity of their ’70s predecessors. My old toys inspired hours of imaginative play, and thankfully, my kids appreciate them too!
10. Lovely Hair Scents
Whatever happened to hair that smelled amazing? The days of sweet scents like “Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific” seem to be behind us.
While we’ve made strides in many areas, we could certainly learn a thing or two from the ’70s about fun, indulgence, and vibrant self-expression. For more insights on navigating parenthood and home insemination, check out our other blog posts here. If you’re looking to explore home insemination options, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. Plus, for all things pregnancy-related, Progyny offers valuable information.
In summary, the ’70s were a time of bold choices and creative expression that we could benefit from revisiting today.