How Back-to-School in the 70s Was Way Cooler Than Today
Heading back to school in the 1970s was not just about sharpening pencils. It was an entire experience. Before online shopping, influencer-inspired outfits, and digital planners, the back-to-school season had its own unique groove. Here’s what it was like to get ready for school in one of the most colorful decades ever.
1. Sears and JCPenney Catalogs Were the Amazon of the Day
Instead of scrolling online, kids flipped through thick catalogs, circling dream outfits with a pen. Glossy pages were filled with bell-bottom jeans, polyester tops, and corduroy everything. Waiting for an order to arrive in the mail was half the fun.
2. Bell-Bottoms, Platforms, and Polyester Ruled
Fashion was bold and unforgettable. Girls wore peasant blouses with flared jeans, while guys rocked plaid pants and wide-lapel collared shirts. Platform shoes were a must-have even if walking to class felt like a balancing act.
3. No Trapper Keepers Yet
The original Trapper Keeper didn’t arrive until the late 70s. Before that, kids carried plain three-ring binders and spiral notebooks. The coolest students decorated them with stickers and colorful doodles.
4. School Supplies Smelled Like Freshly Sharpened Pencils
Organization started with a fresh pack of #2 pencils, a pink eraser wedge, and a sturdy plastic ruler. Pencil cases with sliding tops were the ultimate accessory for kids who wanted to show some style.
5. Lunchboxes Were Pop Culture Gold
Choosing a lunchbox was a major decision. Popular designs featured Scooby-Doo, The Six Million Dollar Man, Charlie’s Angels, or The Partridge Family. Each metal lunchbox came with a matching Thermos that usually smelled like soup by mid-year.
6. Hair Prep Was Serious Business
Feathered hair was the ultimate look. Kids spent time with round brushes and blow dryers to perfect Farrah Fawcett flips or a sleek center part. Boys often went for a straight shag cut that required its own care routine.
7. A Trip to the Mall Was an Event
For families near a mall, the annual back-to-school shopping trip was a highlight of summer. Sears, JCPenney, and Montgomery Ward were packed with kids trying on flare jeans while parents braced for the bill.
8. Sneakers Were a Status Symbol
Footwear mattered. Adidas and Puma were hot brands, but if you had Nike Cortez or Converse All Stars, you ruled the schoolyard. White tube socks with bold stripes were the finishing touch.
9. DIY Book Covers Were an Art Project
Before colorful book sleeves, kids used paper grocery bags to cover textbooks. The blank surface became prime real estate for doodles, band names, and peace signs.
10. Laying Out the First-Day Outfit Was a Ritual
The night before school, every kid picked out their best bell-bottoms, coolest sneakers, and maybe a handmade choker necklace. There was no texting friends for outfit approval—just anticipation and a little extra hairspray.
Back-to-School in the 70s Was About Simple Joys
There were no cell phones or online supply lists—just catalogs, corduroy, and the excitement of a brand-new notebook. It was a time when fashion was fearless, supplies were basic, and the first day of school felt like the start of something big.
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Self-esteem, often regarded as a cornerstone of emotional well-being, undergoes a fascinating journey throughout our lives. Contrary to common misconceptions, research suggests that self-esteem doesn’t dwindle with age but rather peaks at a particular stage, offering individuals a sense of confidence and contentment. Let’s look at the intricacies of self-esteem across different stages of life, shedding light on its evolution, influential factors, and strategies for nurturing it.
READ: What Boomers Want Younger People To Know Gets Better with Age
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