Written & Photography By Rishita Nannapaneni

Modeled By JD Downing, Dylan Cothran, Jason Lauz, & Jake Moreland

The seventies was a time of disco fever, extensive political change, and the ‘stache. But what was truly a sign of the times during this era? Bell Bottoms. The decade of the seventies is responsible for some of the most timeless fashion, integrated into trends and pieces we see today.   

Men’s fashion nowadays tends to vary greatly and it’s hard to define a unique generational style, something that leads us to look to a past when there was a more unified, distinctive style. The clothing of the seventies, specifically for men, featured pieces including flared pants, pointed collar shirts, jean jackets, cowboy boots, cropped tees, and sunglasses to top it off. There was almost a simplicity in the way that the uniqueness of the clothing items made an outfit, compared to an emphasis on accessorizing that we tend to hold in this day and age. 

Media has definitely played a role in the resurgence of this style by men. Movies like The Nice Guys with Ryan Gosling and Almost Famous, or shows like Minx and That 70’s Show, are all set in the 70s and feature the colorful, geometric, and playful style that is associated with that decade. When seeing this style in shows or movies, we tend to be drawn towards its simplicity; either that, or, how attractive Ryan Gosling is in a 70s suit. As this style becomes more incorporated into modern day clothing trends, vintage stores hold the resources needed to style it effectively.

Queen City Collectors (@QueenCityCollectors on Instagram) is a vintage and antique store located in Downtown Springfield at 412 E Walnut Street. It is co-owned by Becky Berger and Jessica Dunn, two longtime friends who share a love for vintage fashion and eclectic decor. They had worked together at the location’s previous store (A Cricket in the House), and their shared interests led to the opening of Queen City Collectors in May of 2022. The store features an extensive collection of vintage clothes, including a variety of clothing from the 70s, as shown in the photos! It is also home to small collections by a variety of local artists and curators, and new items are sourced frequently to keep the store unique and fresh. The owners enjoy seeing new people come in to experience the vibe they have curated, and even work with the community to host after hours events. Head down and check out the store to explore what vintage fashion they have to offer, including a plethora of stylish 70s pieces. Vintage and antique stores like this one offer a special opportunity to find hidden treasures and help you elevate your style with period accurate clothing! Special thanks to Becky and Jessica for allowing us to use their clothes and storefront!