The 1970s were a tumultuous time in the United States. In some ways, the decade was a continuation of the 1960s. Women, African Americans, Native Americans, gays, lesbians and other marginalized people continued to fight for their freedom, while many more Americans joined the demonstration against the ongoing war in Vietnam. Because of these movements, the 1970s saw changes in its national identity, including changes in social values. These social changes have also manifested themselves in the fashion industry, offering new perspectives in both men's and women's clothing arenas. The 1960s were the time when baby boomers began to grow up and integrate their ideas. The post-World War II Baby Boom created 70 million teenagers in the 1960s. This youth influenced fashion in their favor by moving away from the conservative fifties. Even the fads and politics of the decade were influenced by the new generation. The shift from conservative to liberal thought ultimately led to revolutionary changes in the cultural fabric of American life. The 1960s were a decade of great changes in the world of fashion. Previously, fashion was aimed mainly at wealthy and mature elites, but with the beginning of the decade, the tastes and preferences of young people became important. Parisian designers dominated the beginning of the decade with their extraordinary ability to translate their ideas into their clothes. Towards the end of the decade the Hippie movement had a huge impact on the way people began to view clothing. This group rebelled against war, encouraged peace and love. Their presence had a great influence on fashion. They opted for natural and comfortable clothing. Accessories with...... middle of paper ......d women's fashion to free yourself from conventions. Bras and corsets were seen as symbols of oppression and conformity. They were discarded by many women as many new fashions appeared,(). Women also showed their newfound freedom by wearing traditional men's clothing such as baggy trousers, men's jackets, vests, oversized shirts, ties and hats. Men's fashion became bolder and bolder throughout the 1970s. The hippie influence of the late 1960s extended to fashion for both sexes. For men, this meant wide, colorful ties and bright, fitted shirts with wide collars. Many men grew short beards, sideburns, or mustaches and let their hair grow long. Bellbottoms were popular among both men and women throughout the decade, from slightly flared ones to huge billowing bellbottoms. By the late 1970s, however, pant legs had gradually straightened out.