If we had to choose a favorite fashion decade for iconic swimwear styles, without question, we would choose the 1970s. From brightly colored bikini sets and high cut one piece swimsuits to colorful triangle bikini tops and cheeky bikini bottoms. This was the decade of daring cuts, notice-me colorways, and psychedelic prints. It taught us that swimwear should be fun as well as practical whether you're sitting poolside or relaxing on the sand. What's more, we had the likes of Brigette Bardot, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn to look to for inspiration. And truthfully? We still adore each and every one of their styles to this day. So, if like us you're looking for a little vintage inspo for your summer swimwear lineup in 2023, there's no time like the present. Travel back with us and learn how to replicate these 70s bathing suits styles and icons' go-to beachwear picks.
BRIGITTE BARDOT
Almost as famous for her wardrobe as she is for those iconic soft blonde curtain bangs, Brigitte Bardot has one of our favorite swimwear styles of all time. Fully embracing the more daring bandeau bikini trends synonymous with the 70s, Brigitte created plenty of wow moments with these strapless two piece bathing suits. She also showed us all how to play with color and pattern when it comes to choosing a cute swimsuit. Looking to replicate this unforgettable moment in fashion history? We recommend doing so in the Marie long triangle top in coral print and matching side tie bikini bottoms.
FARAH FAWCETT
When we think of Farah Fawcett, it's always her beautifully voluminous, shampoo-ad-worthy tresses with the gravity-defying flicks that first spring to mind. That said, her unforgettable sense of style is a very close second and that, of course, includes her flawless taste in swimwear. Just a quick search of Farah's name leaves us inundated with pics of her iconic, red, high cut one piece swimsuit moment from the 70s - and we're certainly ready to recreate the look within our own closets this summer. Luckily, the stylish Zabel tube swimsuit one piece exists to help us do just that.
JANE BIRKIN
As stylish today as she was five decades ago, we're still coveting Jane Birkin's iconic 70s blunt cut bangs almost as much as her simple yet chic taste in swimwear. Few style icons can rock a classic ensemble quite like Jane and her beachwear from the 70s was no exception. She opted for minimal fuss and maximum style points with a sporty triangle bikini top and low-rise full coverage bikini bottoms. If you're looking to add this eternally stylish look to your summer lineup - which we suspect you are - do so in the Hedy classic triangle bikini top in the Mosaico shade and match it with the Kumanomi high waist bottoms. They may be high-waisted but we think Jane would fully approve of this more modern take on her look. All that's left then is to take the plunge and ask your stylist for those blunt-cut bangs at your next appointment.
ROMY SCHNEIDER
There's no denying that in the 70s actress Romy Schneider was as much a style icon on screen as she was off. Looking back, you'll see her every outfit was so utterly flawless and effortlessly cool that her wardrobe would be just as coveted today as it was fifty years ago. Much like the other ladies on our list, her taste in two piece bathing suits was entirely enviable too. In particular, we adore the two piece black swimsuit she wore in her 1969 movie, La Piscine (The Swimming Pool). You can bet we'll be reaching for our go-to Marie triangle top and matching side tie bottoms in Nero to give our summer swimwear lineup a Romy-inspired edge.
ELIZABETH TAYLOR
Undoubtedly one of Hollywood's most celebrated and beloved style icons to date, Elizabeth Taylor set the style bar incredibly high for all those that came after. She, of course, had a penchant for diamonds and expertly crafted, form-flattering silhouettes, however, today it's her swimwear selection we really want to talk about. Ever the 70s fashion icon Elizabeth rocked plenty of different beachwear looks from cute one piece swimsuits to some truly cheeky bikini bottoms. However, we have to say her unforgettable white one piece swimsuit has to be our favorite. It's the very reason we'll be stepping out in the gorgeous Chikyu belted one piece bathing suit in the Etnico color for every beach day and every trip to the pool this summer.
GRACE KELLY
Grace Kelly remains one of the most celebrated and replicated style icons to this day and for very good reason. Her 70s swimsuit is the one we still adore, both off and on-screen. She treated us to throughout her career like a true 70s icon to many great looks, in particular her love of truly pretty one piece bathing suits. Steal her style this summer and make sure you have the Zabel one piece bathing suit in Mosaico on hand for when temperatures soar.
DIANA ROSS
Ever the entertainer, Diana Ross wows us with her beautifully theatrical style choices to this very day. Unsurprisingly, back in the 70s things were no different. Her on-stage outfits were eternally striking, as were her everyday looks. And, when it comes to swimwear we're still utterly smitten with her iconic red one piece. Make the look your own with a contemporary twist, and slip into the Annie one-shoulder bandeau top and matching high waisted bikini bottoms in burgundy for all future beach days.
AUDREY HEPBURN
No list of style icons could possibly be complete without our beloved Audrey. Her incredibly famous 70s wardrobe still inspires now with expertly tailored silhouettes and chic yet simple colorways that blend seamlessly together. That's why it was so utterly surprising to discover that Audrey once rocked one the most incredible multi-colored two piece bathing suits we've ever laid eyes on! Now, though we do love this look on her, we can't help but think she would adore the effortless simplicity of our Zabel tube one piece in the shade Nero.
Written by Sophie Mara - Fashion & Lifestyle Writer for Koraru
Sophie is a fashion and lifestyle writer based in the eco-friendly city of Brighton, England. She has years of experience writing for a number of online fashion and lifestyle publications about personal styling, fashion & lifestyle, Fashion Week coverage, beauty and more. On rare occasions when she's not writing, Sophie can be found with her head in a good book or catching up on her favourite interior design series
