How to Create Perfect '70s Outfits For Dolls

How To Create The Perfect 1970s Outfit For Your DollWe've put together the ultimate resource guide to recreating the quintessential fashion favorites of the 1970s for your 18-inch doll such as American Girl®. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our style guide on 5 Spring Trends To Sew For Your Doll.  

Giveaway Alert: Scroll to the bottom of the page to enter our American Girl® Julie™ Doll Giveaway!

We all know trends come in cycles, and suddenly the crop tops, scrunchies, or "mom jeans" of decades past are back in style once again. One fashion era that is always being reinterpreted by trendsetters of today is the style of the 1970s. 

Key features that are so fun to play around with in design are:

  • bell bottom silhouettes
  • fitted and/or cropped tops such as peasant blouses
  • wide lapels
  • midi and maxi length skirts
  • fabrics and prints such as paisley, crushed velvet, crochet, and bold colorful florals

Find the entire collection of 1970s Patterns For 18-inch Dolls on Pixie Faire. 

The 1970s Color Palette 

Pantone™ 1970s Colors

According to Pantone®, economic recession and eco-consciousness were top of mind during the '70s, and this influenced consumers taste in colors by drawing them to more muted, earthy tones. Similar colors have been popping up consistently across runways and trend reports over the last few seasons, as people today look for grounded and more minimalistic colors. 

1970s Dresses

1970s Dress Patterns For 18-inch dolls

     

1970s Chevron Sun Dress Crochet Pattern by Little Abbee

Sweet 70s Dress from Keepers Dolly Duds

Convergence Dress from DKinley Designs

All Occasion Dress from 123 Mulberry Street

Create a cute spring dress for your doll that channels a '70s vibe by choosing a pattern with classic details of the decade, like a wide pointed collar, or pick groovy fabrics and accessories to add '70s flare to a more versatile and classic dress pattern. 

 

1970s Spring Separates

1970s Skirts, Pants, and Tops Pattern For 18-inch dolls

  1970s Flounce Blouse and Skirt 18-inch doll clothes pattern 1970s Pantsuit and Jumper 18-inch doll clothes patternsPeasant Blouse Pattern For 18-inch dollsGenniewren Philippa Skirt Pattern

Eclectic Closet Flounce Blouse & Skirt from Flossie Potter
Study Hall Pantsuit and Jumper from Keepers Dolly Duds
Peasant Crop Top from Flossie Potter
Philippa Skirt from Genniewren Designs
These great tops, pants, and skirts can be made into authentic '70s ensembles, 

 or be mixed-and-matched with other wardrobe staples to create more contemporary looks. 

70s Spring Shoes and Accessories

1970s Accessories Patterns For 18-inch dolls

18-inch doll shoes pattern espadrilles sandals    Fringe Bag Pattern For 18-inch Dolls    18-inch doll shoes pattern Dollistock sandals 1970s Accessories For 18-inch dolls

Platform T-Bar Espadrilles from Miche Designs
Killara Fringe Bag from Liberty Jane Clothing
Dollistocks from QTπ Doll Clothing
'60s and '70s Accessories from Flossie Potter
These shoes and accessories are the perfect way to add a hint of the 1970s to an outfit, or to go the extra mile and create an authentic look.

 

1970s-inspired Pattern Hacks

Hip-Hugger Bell Bottoms and Maxi Skirt Pattern Hack

Sew the perfect Hip-Hugger Maxi Skirt using this Pattern Hack of the Hip-Hugger Bell Bottoms from Flossie Potter.

1970s Bell Sleeve Tutorial

Add a fun and frilly Bell Sleeve detail to your favorite t-shirt using this pattern hack of the T-shirt Variations Pattern from Liberty Jane Clothing.

 

ENTER TO WIN An American Girl® Julie™ Doll!

To enter this week's contest, simply click the link below and then enter through the giveaway widget at the bottom of the blog post, there are many things you can do to earn multiple entry points!

Contest Details: You enter through the entry form that is embedded on this page and appears just below this paragraph, if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices. The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. This is not a comment contest - in other words, leaving a comment on the bottom of this page is not an official entry method. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget. One person will receive the Julie™ doll. You can enter once, or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increase your chances of winning. Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island. This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire. Not endorsed by or affiliated with American Girl®. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us - which '70s trend is your favorite! Commenting below and confirming your entry in the widget above gives you one entry method, the other methods are listed in the widget above, be sure to enter in as many ways as you can to receive the maximum amount of entries to win one Julie™ Doll!

Thanks, everyone!

The Pixie Faire Team

 


100 Comments

Thresea
Thresea

April 10, 2020

Oh, the maxi dress all the way!

Herma
Herma

April 10, 2020

I loved the long straight hair of the 70s. My mom finally lot me go without a perm. The maxi dresses were my favorite. They made me feel feminine.

Louella callahan
Louella callahan

April 10, 2020

Love your patterns. I’m a 70s kid thank you for the patterns.
Peace n Love

Simone
Simone

April 10, 2020

I like the peasant blouses.

Karen
Karen

April 10, 2020

I love Julie! I was a child of the 70s and can relate to her entire story and collection!

Darlene
Darlene

April 10, 2020

reminds me of the days my daughter was I school

Susie
Susie

April 10, 2020

I remember my 1st pair of bell bottoms – deep purple! Very cool!

Nancy Tibbins
Nancy Tibbins

April 10, 2020

I was definitely a flower child. Love all the styles from this era. Even if I don’t win, thank you so much for giving me such fond memories.

Helen
Helen

April 10, 2020

takes me back to my youth

Carla
Carla

April 10, 2020

My favorite is the Stidy Hall pattern by Keepers Dolly’s Duds. I had a pantsuit just like that in bright pink as a young girl in the 70’s

Jo
Jo

April 10, 2020

I like the peasant blouse trend. Thanks for the giveaway!

Barb
Barb

April 10, 2020

The bell bottoms and short tops are my favorite but also the hair styles. Thank you so much for the great giveaways they are so much fun.

Beth Lee
Beth Lee

April 10, 2020

Love the 70s patterns! My era for sure!!!💓

Linda H
Linda H

April 10, 2020

I was in my 20’s and a 100% flower child! What wonderful memories! Can’t wait to share the memories through these clothes!

Patty Stanton
Patty Stanton

April 10, 2020

I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. Loved wearing the different kind of clothes. The bell bottoms were my favorite.

Barbara Brockett
Barbara Brockett

April 10, 2020

Having spent all of my teenage years and first year of marriage in the 70’s, these clothes bring back a lot of memories. It is ok when my daughters and granddaughters make fun of me. I still like to sew the doll clothes for the dolls.

Sandra Barrett
Sandra Barrett

April 10, 2020

This is one way to bring back memories of the “Old Days”. Love the designs and styles.

Judy Holland
Judy Holland

April 10, 2020

I entered through the widget and forgot to add this to my comment.

Judy Holland
Judy Holland

April 10, 2020

I love the Sweet Seventies Dress. I love working with Keepers Dolly duds designs.

Rhonda
Rhonda

April 10, 2020

I’m a 70’s girl! Flower power, and rock and roll! Loved the 70’s.

Shirley
Shirley

April 10, 2020

Oh,what memories! the crop top and bell bottoms on Julie are just the cutest things. They get my vote,

Kathi M
Kathi M

April 10, 2020

I loved the bell bottoms and halter tops

Patricia S
Patricia S

April 10, 2020

My Granddaughter loves Julie so she would love this outfit.

Deborah
Deborah

April 10, 2020

reminds me back in the 70s for sure

Jill
Jill

April 10, 2020

All the floral items were so pretty back then.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

April 10, 2020

For me, it was the hair!

Karen
Karen

April 10, 2020

I love bell bottoms and the hair!! :)

Pam Myers
Pam Myers

April 10, 2020

I love the Julie doll she reminds of me and my friends in the 70s.

Linda
Linda

April 10, 2020

For me, the bell bottoms were the best. I can still remember walking the halls of my high school wearing the hip hugger bell bottoms with a knit body suit. Wow! what memories

Donna Landreth
Donna Landreth

April 10, 2020

I entered thru the widget for the contest.

Marie A
Marie A

April 10, 2020

My favorite ’70s trend is the drop waist dress with a pointed collar, shaped sleeve cuffs, and center tie!

Teresa Smith
Teresa Smith

April 10, 2020

Love the fashions & hairstyles.

jonigirl
jonigirl

April 10, 2020

id love to win this always making doll clothes for the little girls at the children home,I know one kid that would love this with a new outfit

Carol
Carol

April 10, 2020

I love the crop top.and bell bottums

carol

Paula
Paula

April 10, 2020

Love the bell bottoms. It reminds me of when I was a teenager

Alice Denny
Alice Denny

April 10, 2020

I loved platform shoes with hot pants. Remember those? I was 6 feet tall in the 70s,with long blond hair. I have since shrunk by two inches and the hair is now short and gray. Anyway, I had a pair of four inch platforms that had a tiny little scene carved in the wedge heel. It was a wooded area with a tiny little man chopping wood. Now keep in mind, those shoes now made me 6’4" tall but I was sure that it was the shoes that people were turning their heads to look at.

CJ
CJ

April 10, 2020

Love the bell bottom skirt. It was my favorite skirt “back in the day!”

Heidi
Heidi

April 09, 2020

Love the styles. So remembered

Jane
Jane

April 09, 2020

Especially love the bell bottoms. My favorite outfit was a pair of denim bell bottoms and a fitted denim jacket. The legs of the pants were 26" wide when measured flattened. Paired with fiery red patient leather wooden clogs, I was ready to step out! I still have that outfit!

Jane
Jane

April 09, 2020

Especially love the bell bottoms. My favorite outfit was a pair of denim bell bottoms and a fitted denim jacket. The legs of the pants were 26" wide when measured flattened. Paired with fiery red patient leather wooden clogs, I was ready to step out! I still have that outfit!

OKSANA
OKSANA

April 09, 2020

Burnt Sienna is my favorite, thank you for the give away!

Karen
Karen

April 09, 2020

I have a certain fondness for avocado and gold, just not for kitchens 😂

Dianna
Dianna

April 09, 2020

My favorite fashion was the tent dress!!

Rebecca Flint
Rebecca Flint

April 09, 2020

Was a child of the 70’s . Love Julie!

Briana
Briana

April 09, 2020

I love the hip hugger, bells of the 70s.

Arlene
Arlene

April 09, 2020

I love skirts so that’s my choice. The jean skirt

Brenda
Brenda

April 09, 2020

The 70’s were my life – graduated in 1970, 2 of my 4 boys born in the 70’s — young, free, thin, and just full of life. Love the long, straight hair (impossible for this curly girl).

LEE
LEE

April 09, 2020

I have to make some bell bottoms. I lived in them in the 60s-70s. Well, that and mini skirts, peasant tops, and fishnet hose.

Heather
Heather

April 09, 2020

Love the 70s fashion, excited to see these patterns!

Sue Fisher
Sue Fisher

April 09, 2020

It is so hard to choose. I like the hip huggers and peasant tops.

Holly Jensen
Holly Jensen

April 09, 2020

I love it!!!!!!!!!

Marsha Chibitty
Marsha Chibitty

April 09, 2020

I love the A-line skirt and top

Cathy
Cathy

April 09, 2020

I love the jeans into skirt. Something I wore back in the day!

Peggy Seaver
Peggy Seaver

April 09, 2020

I like the peasant crop top!

Maxine VanGuilder
Maxine VanGuilder

April 09, 2020

My two youngest granddaughters both LOVE the Pixie patterns i make for them. Thay would love bell bottompants and halter tops.

Meghan
Meghan

April 09, 2020

I just got Julie and ivy at the very very start of quarantine and I want to make them lots of clothes.

Pat S
Pat S

April 09, 2020

Bell bottoms! I was in high school in the 70’s so I loved them all! Takes me back to my teenage years! Peasant tops, bell bottoms, midi and maxi skirts….the colors! Life was good!

Sharon
Sharon

April 09, 2020

I have always loved the bell bottom pants, except when I was riding my bike and they got caught in the chain (letting my brother fix my bike, he neglected to put the chain guard back on).

Flora
Flora

April 09, 2020

Loved the hip huggers and peasant tops. Also loved the body shirts with pants.

Flora
Flora

April 09, 2020

Loved the hip huggers and peasant tops. Also loved the body shirts with pants.

Kate E
Kate E

April 09, 2020

I loved the look of maxi skirts and bell bottom pants. It’s what I wore during the ’70s. Julie is a fabulous model for the ’70s looks!

Cindy
Cindy

April 09, 2020

Love the retro look. So cute!

Olivia
Olivia

April 09, 2020

My favorite 70’s trend has always been tie die and bell bottoms! :)

Bev
Bev

April 09, 2020

I liked the maxi skirts best

Pat
Pat

April 09, 2020

My teen years ended in 1973 but I still loved the fashions. My favorite was the bell bottom jeans, long skirts and platform shoes. (They made me look taller)

Darlene
Darlene

April 09, 2020

I love the bell bottoms

Claudia
Claudia

April 09, 2020

I love the bell bottoms. I wore them and the present blouses loved them

Kay
Kay

April 09, 2020

The 70’s was so my era…..I had that maxi denim skirt! Love the daisy pattern it’s paired with. Thanks for sharing a great contest- crossing my fingers to win here :)

darlene bulford
darlene bulford

April 09, 2020

My favorite are bell bottom pants and peasant blouses, wore them both as a teenager. Thank you for the chance to enter

Jeanne
Jeanne

April 09, 2020

I loved the bell bottoms! That extra fabric at the bottom of the pants seemed so stylish, coming out of the slim pant era.

Elaine
Elaine

April 09, 2020

I don’t remember the 70s much. The colors are not pretty, but I like the fringe on the bottom of the vests.

Linda
Linda

April 09, 2020

I loved the bell bottoms with colorful belt they used to wear. Those were the good old days, Thanks………..

Linda
Linda

April 09, 2020

Love the fringed vest. I had a leather one just like it in the 70s. It was my favorite.

Linda Biorge
Linda Biorge

April 09, 2020

My favorite dolls! The 70’s clothes bring back wonderful memories!

Linda Biorge
Linda Biorge

April 09, 2020

I loved my clothes from the 70’s. Brings back great memories! Love all these dolls!

Andrea
Andrea

April 09, 2020

Brings back such memories!

Ellove AG
Ellove AG

April 09, 2020

The bell bottoms and dresses are a hit to the 70s.

Jennifer
Jennifer

April 09, 2020

I remember I had 2 different styles of peasant tops, both were hand-me downs from my cousins in Indiana and both were white. I remember getting outlandish colored tights in those hand-me down bags too. A bright pink, mustard yellow, and a groovy purple. The big floral printed dresses that tied in the back around the waste and the chunky heeled buckle dress shoes. I liked the jeans with the embroidered back pockets, flowers mainly, but I do remember a pair that had peacocks on the pockets. With Easter coming, I have to say I remember 2 particular dresses, one was light green chiffon floral and the other was a long pink cotton floral, both had matching hats. My days were pretty young in the 70’s, but I loved that time and have great memories of my life in the 70’s :)

Lee
Lee

April 09, 2020

Brings back memories of my children.

Sam
Sam

April 09, 2020

I think one of favorite trends from the 70’s is fringe.

Arlene M Coleman
Arlene M Coleman

April 09, 2020

what a crazy time the 70’s were. I remember it well.

Sandra
Sandra

April 09, 2020

While I did not like wearing them in the early 80s, I love the look of the Flossie Potter hip huggers.

candy
candy

April 09, 2020

talk about flashback

Ellen
Ellen

April 09, 2020

I loved the long skirts. I think, too, that that trend gave way to long skirts being okay anytime. Just like my generation…teen in the 60’s…gave way to jeans being okay anytime, not just for farmers anymore!

susan
susan

April 09, 2020

Love those great flares, the wider the better!

Debbie
Debbie

April 09, 2020

Reminds me of my childhood days! And my daughter loves them too! She would love the doll and will want to sew the clothes too! Thank you

Barb Leavens
Barb Leavens

April 09, 2020

Loved the halter tops, which I made a ton of and macrame purses. Julie would be so much fun to sew for and a wonderful gift for my granddaughter.

BettyAnn
BettyAnn

April 09, 2020

Lived the 70s. Brings back a lit of memories

Kay
Kay

April 09, 2020

Bellbottoms …..reminds me of what I wore to school.

Kristina
Kristina

April 09, 2020

I like the peasant blouses and bell bottoms

Patty
Patty

April 09, 2020

Julie is so cute! I am sure she brings back a lot of memories to others as she does myself! What fun it would be to sew for her!❤😍

Patty Wilson
Patty Wilson

April 09, 2020

Julie is so cute! I am sure she brings back a lot of memories to others as she does myself! What fun it would be to sew for her!❤😍

Leigh Ann
Leigh Ann

April 08, 2020

My daughter would love the bell bottoms. So cute!

Cheryl
Cheryl

April 08, 2020

I loved the Middi skirts because I am short….that meant they became a Maxi skirt on me. The skirts marketed as Maxi always needed adjustments.

S
S

April 08, 2020

The maxi skirt is my favorite.

Jennifer
Jennifer

April 08, 2020

The denim maxi skirt is too cute! Brings back great memories.

Linda L
Linda L

April 08, 2020

The fringe bag has reminded me of the brown leather fringe bag a bought with matching leather boots. I had to put them on layaway. I was really happy to get them paid off!!

Diane R
Diane R

April 08, 2020

My mother used to hate when I took a nice pair of pants and added an insert in the bottom of the legs to flair them out. I had long legs and had to add an extra length of material to the bottom. My favorite pair of bell bottoms was purple jeans with orange flowers and brown mushrooms on the insert. I think I wore an orange and white striped top with them too!

Julie
Julie

April 08, 2020

I was the age of the Julie doll in the 1970’s. My daughter was sure that she was modeled after me! Lol! I don’t remember caring about fashion back then, but now, I love the paisley and prints and the peasant style tops.

LissandraMia Rakoczy
LissandraMia Rakoczy

April 08, 2020

I was a teen during the 70s living all over as my parents moved alot. I just love all these patterns, Julie is one of my dolls I do not have but have always wanted.

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