Bollywood rewinds the style clock, revamping ’70s glam and ’90s edge for a bold new era.
Fashion is cyclical, with past decades continuously influencing the trends of the present. In 2025, Bollywood is embracing the return of two iconic eras—the ’70s and the ’90s—each offering a distinct aesthetic that fuses vintage flair with modern sensibilities. These eras, known for their bold experimentation, vibrant colors, and unique silhouettes, are making a stylish comeback in Bollywood wardrobes, redefining contemporary fashion with a nostalgic twist. From the groovy, bohemian vibes of the ’70s to the edgy, grunge-inspired looks of the ’90s, Bollywood has found a way to honor the best of these decades while infusing them with a fresh, 2025 perspective.
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The ’70s were all about free-spiritedness, bold patterns, and liberation, which made them a perfect fit for today’s fashion landscape, where individualism and creativity are celebrated. Bollywood’s love affair with the '70s has been reignited, with several actors channeling the iconic style of this era. The ’70s were marked by dramatic flares, psychedelic prints, and earthy tones, and Bollywood’s top designers are effortlessly reviving these elements with a modern twist.
One of the most prominent examples of this '70s resurgence is the wide-leg trousers and flared jeans that are taking over Bollywood wardrobes in 2025. These pieces, which were once a hallmark of disco culture, are now being reinvented with luxe fabrics like silk and velvet, making them suitable for both casual daywear and evening glam. Actresses like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have been seen wearing high-waisted, wide-leg pants paired with cropped tops, creating a polished yet retro-inspired look. These looks perfectly blend nostalgia with the sleek, minimalist silhouettes that dominate today’s fashion.
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Another standout trend from the ’70s making waves in Bollywood is the bohemian aesthetic, characterized by flowing maxi dresses, fringed details, and earthy colors. Bollywood actresses have adopted this carefree vibe in their off-duty looks, often seen wearing flowy skirts, crochet tops, and embroidered blouses. These pieces, while reminiscent of the boho movement, have been tailored and styled to reflect a modern, high-fashion sensibility.
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The ’70s influence also extends to accessories, with Bollywood celebrities sporting oversized sunglasses, statement belts, and platform shoes, completing the vintage-inspired look. Whether it's an elegant sari with a bohemian twist or a casual street style look, the ’70s aesthetic has become an essential part of Bollywood’s fashion scene in 2025.
If the ’70s brought us boho chic, the ’90s gave us a whole new attitude—grunge, minimalist, and often androgynous. Bollywood is embracing the '90s aesthetic in full force this year, bringing back the cool, carefree spirit of that era with contemporary updates. From slip dresses to chunky sneakers, the influence of '90s fashion is palpable in Bollywood’s 2025 wardrobes.
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One of the most iconic elements of the ’90s is the slip dress, which has made a strong comeback in Bollywood. Celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan have been seen wearing satin slip dresses in various colors, paired with chunky boots or strappy sandals, embodying the effortless, laid-back charm of '90s fashion. These dresses, which once dominated the wardrobes of supermodels and actresses, have been reintroduced in contemporary fashion with sleek, clean lines, making them suitable for everything from red carpet events to casual brunches.
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The '90s also brought us oversized jackets, graphic tees, and high-waisted jeans—pieces that are now staple items in Bollywood’s off-duty looks. Celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif have embraced oversized blazers and baggy jeans, giving them a stylish update with tailored fits and luxe fabrics. The return of the denim jacket is another '90s trend that Bollywood has made their own, often paired with floral skirts or dresses, giving the look a feminine touch.
What truly sets the '90s revival apart is its focus on minimalism and comfort. Unlike the maximalist approach of the ’70s, the '90s style embraced a more pared-back, utilitarian aesthetic, and Bollywood celebrities are making this work with casual, easy-to-wear outfits. The trend of matching co-ords—crop tops paired with high-waisted pants or skirts—has also been embraced by stars like Shraddha Kapoor, creating a chic and comfortable vibe that’s perfect for everything from airport looks to casual streetwear.
Both the ’70s and ’90s influence on Bollywood fashion in 2025 is rooted in color palettes and fabric choices that pay homage to the past while adapting to the present. The earthy tones and bold prints of the ’70s are now being updated with contemporary fabrics like silk blends and satin, adding a touch of luxury to the laid-back vibe. These retro prints, seen in everything from blouses to sarees, have been modernized through innovative cuts and minimalistic styling, making them suitable for today’s fashion-forward audience.
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In contrast, the '90s color palette is all about neutrals and muted tones, with black, white, and gray dominating the wardrobe. Bollywood has embraced this minimalism by incorporating sleek monochrome outfits and classic cuts that showcase the '90s influence in an updated, sophisticated way. Metallics are also a prominent feature of the '90s-inspired wardrobe, with celebrities sporting silver slip dresses or gold accessories that add a touch of glamour to an otherwise understated look.
The ongoing embrace of '70s and '90s fashion in Bollywood is a testament to the power of nostalgia and the ability of past trends to be reinterpreted in fresh, exciting ways. These eras continue to inspire designers, stylists, and celebrities who are eager to experiment with their wardrobes and explore different facets of Indian and global fashion.
Whether it’s through the carefree bohemian charm of the '70s or the edgy, minimalist cool of the '90s, Bollywood’s take on retro fashion in 2025 shows that these trends are not just fleeting revivals—they’re here to stay, offering a timeless way to express personal style in today’s fashion landscape.
