While the fashion of the 1970s may bring to mind clichés like bell-bottom jeans, earthy colors, lots of glitter, and miniskirts, the decade was an impressive step forward for personal style. With so many aesthetics to choose from, from glam rock to casual chic, people were able to tailor trending styles to their own tastes. trends of the time), it is clear how modern sensibilities can be traced back to this decade. From contemporary feminist workwear to youth counterculture punk, we owe much to this moment in history.

Below are 32 iconic photos that prove that the 1970s was a decade of fashion at its best.

The popularization of the wrap dress by Diane von Fürstenberg's 1972/73 collection evolved classic womenswear. Feminine and comfortable, these garments became a staple of the decade.

Diane von Fürstenberg had a cool, professional, yet often edgy style. This silky dress and fishnet combination was office-ready, but also a bit daring.

Technically, this trend was seen in the late 60s, but the 70s carried on the floppy hat throughout the rest of the decade. Something about the wide, drooping brim captured our hearts and was a staple in both casual and (in this case) formal attire.

Asian-inspired pantsuits, with patterns, buttons, and high-necked collars, appeared alongside similar styles of the decade, designed for a 1971 New York Magazine photo shoot by John Weitz, whose usual emphasis was on menswear.

Long before Miranda Priestly of The Devil Wears Prada had thoughts of floral patterns in clothing, the dainty paisley pattern looked perfect with spring flowers (this was apparently Dumbarton Oaks Park in Washington, DC). This will not be the last time a paisley pattern graces this list.

Lorna Luft (Judy Garland's daughter) looked chic in this classic 70s style. Huge platform heels and wide-brimmed hats are a modern take on 40s designs.

The '70s was the heyday of flowing silk fabrics, and these shawls were no exception. I especially love the fringe on the skirt and shawl. This detail was quite popular during this decade, but the carefree styling is thoughtful without being over-the-top.

This beautiful yellow suit is further elevated with a feminine pageboy cap and contrasting deep burgundy shoes. But my absolute favorite detail is the small but incredibly ingenious pear pin at her waist, which is not to say that the '70s weren't whimsical, because they were.

String bikinis were popular during this decade, and this full-coverage option is also appropriate for the '70s. I would like to say that the model's hairstyle was inspired by "Star Wars," but this photo was actually taken two years before the first film was released.

The two models are celebrating the opening of their boutique on London's Kings Road with some of the store's designs: a 50s-inspired polka dot pattern, a more modern striped mini, and not to forget, platform heels. [This feminine floral look is complemented by a Victorian-style blouse. This look definitely fits in with much of the 70s style, but the large collar helps to move it forward. [25] [26] Apparently, this photo showcases a number of "punk" designers on Staple Street in Tribeca, New York, from the late 70s (not the decade we associate with this trend). But like many New York designers, the innovation was around long before it became mainstream.

The tennis style (or the style that makes you look like you just got off the court) is not necessarily a modern invention. This photo from 1973 shows a crossed tennis racket and small red ball motif with a visor and cravat. It's on the nose, but not angry.

Former child actress Janina Fey looks chic (and grown-up) in this checkered coat dress and high boots. Honestly, with a few tweaks, this outfit would look right at home today.

The chic, celebratory pool party of 1970 is the pinnacle of casual style for this decade. For the women, I especially love the crop tops, strategically sheer knit fabrics, and big bouffant hair (probably a carryover from the 60s). And I love the colorful blazers on the men.

When you think of designer Diane von Fürstenberg, you don't necessarily think of pink. With her signature wispy hair, smart skirt suits, and fishnets, this pop of color is both surprising and welcome.

Matching dress to interior: A+ fashion work. This is all very Missoni (including the pillows), but it is utterly hilarious and basically serotonin dressing before it had a name. It also combines two major 70s trends (color and pattern) into one extremely vivid garment.

Printed silk Emilio Pucci dress: check. Very gorgeous location in Florence, Italy: check. Photoshoots that look like they were taken months ago: check. These designs are amazingly timeless and perfect for vacation dressing (both in the 70s and now).

We often associate Princess Diana with the "royal effect" (people trying to emulate royal style). This one from 1972 is reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth's style.

This photograph, taken at Studio 54 in 1978, epitomizes how avant-garde Grace Jones was. (Her glamorous knit hood and golden mask are totally her brand and symbolize how fearless she was long before it became cool.

Pantsuits, a staple of "working girl attire," were extremely popular during this decade. The tunic style, with stripes, matching bags, and other '70s touches, retails for about $50 (about $400 in today's money), according to the description.

The more traditional pantsuit also got a modern update in the 70s, thanks to stripes, exaggerated proportions, contrasting shirts, and (of course) wide-brimmed hats. Nevertheless, with a different hat and shirt, it would not look out of place today.

Kaftans have been with us for centuries, but the kaftan of the 70s signaled luxury and relaxation (in part popularized by celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor). Chunky jewelry is also '70s in a fun way, and while this aesthetic would be dated, it is still a bold and interesting choice.

This tiered dress designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé is an exceptional example of how well the designer handled prints. His clothes from this period are extremely difficult to find, but as vintage pieces they are wonderful and highly sought after.

Before the nap dress, there was the simple tunic dress. This Diana Ross-like afro hairstyle is a testament to how much of an impact she and others like her (including Gloria Gaynor) made when they performed with their natural hair texture.

I love vintage dolls, and this line of skipper dolls is a perfect example of how influential she and Barbie were in youth fashion. If you're wondering, Barbie's sister came on the scene in the 60s, and as she evolved, so did her style.

This is from 1975, when Iman's career began, and is pretty emblematic of the supermodel. It was a very unusual look by the standards of the New York fashion scene at the time, but she completely dominated every photo shoot she ever participated in.

This photo is a good example of how the 90s were influenced by the 70s. While "preppy chic" is out of fashion, it is quite timeless in terms of style.

Similarly, color blocking, with its bold, bright fashions next to each other, was popular in the 70s. The contrasting patterns of the male models' shirts and pants, combined with the colorful scarves wrapped around the female models' waists, are exaggerated in a good way.

Robert Charnin, known for his practical fashion, makes good use of the denim-on-denim trend here. While not a new invention at this point (it was initially popularized in the 1950s), this faded, lived-in iteration is an expression of the casual chic of the decade. It also feels like a clear throwback to the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde.

French designer Louis Feraud wears a contrasting red "pepper and salt" tweed suit with matching plastic boots. It's too stylish to resist. If someone wore this to a Fashion Week event today, no one would bat an eye.

This is Guy Laroche's Fall/Winter 1971-72 collection, and I love the sport coat with the matching hat in complementary rainbow colors. In many ways, the 70s were the era of the boldest and brightest choices.