Life of 1970 teen

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The s and '70s were volatile decades, both politically and socially, and the fashions reflected it. Teens sought individually and, for good or ill, tended to wear that quest -- quite literally -- on their sleeves. By the '70s, styles were changing rapidly as bright, flamboyant colors gave way to the unkempt punk influences. At school, pants were usually verboten and skirt hemlines were required to reach the knee. Plaid patterns and herringbone tweed were popular for skirts, with matching solid-colored blouses, often accompanied by cardigan sweaters. They were matched with knee-high socks made of wool or stretch nylon. Dresses were classically styled, often cinched at the waist with a vinyl belt.

So, when I was given this assignment to rank my Top 25 favorite series of the s, my immediate concern was how I could work with only 25 options. PBS was also an option, and the typical market also offered two to three independent stations. But network television was the center, and despite the limited options there was always something good to watch.

Watergate, Roe vs. Wade and America's exit from Vietnam marked the decade of the s. As adults concerned themselves with these and other major news issues, kids were going gaga over a wacky assortment of games, toys, hobbies and clothing styles.