Fabulous Fashions of the 1970s

November 1, 2011

Gr 5-8-With an emphasis on youth culture and fashion, this series describes trends and crazes of the 20th century. The books each open with a chapter on fashion fads, followed by chapters on hairstyles, women's and men's fashions, accessories, and the decade's unique trends. The concluding chapters discuss popular culture. Niven writes in an informal, readable style and includes some historical and economic information for context, but keeps her focus on fashion. The attractive layout includes numerous full-color and black-and-white photos and reproductions of fashion advertisements with breezy, magazine-style captions. This set's visual appeal and approachable text will draw readers.

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2012
Grades 4-7 Ah, the '70s. From Farrah Fawcett's feathered do to men in leisure suits, this entry in the Fabulous Fashions of the Decades series takes readers along for the wild ride, breaking down the fabulosity into six short chapters: Hairstyles, Women's Styles and Fashion, Men's Styles and Fashion, Accessories, Fads and Trends, and Pop Culture. Vogue's announcement in 1970 There are no rules in fashion anymore is apt, and the individuality that characterized the '70s is reflected in photos throughout (three-piece denim suit, anyone?). However, the women's rights movement seems out of place in the Pop Culture chapter alongside lighter topics, such as pet rocks and disco dancing. Readers will likely note how fashion trends (such as the current penchant for friendship bracelets and high-waisted jeans) have a way of swinging back around. A time line charts trends from the 1920s to the present day.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)