This Autumn Winter will see a return of seventies inspired fashion like we haven’t seen for a few seasons. There are always sprinklings of 70s throughout current trends, but its fair to say the decade will dominate the coming season.
I’ve already received numerous catalogues and look books in the mail, and there is a clear 70s theme going on in all of them.
So what defies the 70s? What looks are making a comeback? And how do we adapt and modernise them in 2016 so we don’t look like we’re still living in the seventies? (great song by the way)
We might have to return to the topic later in the season, but for now here’s a summary of what’s on offer and how you can make it work for your shape and style.
A-Line skirt – image Country Road
I really love a good A-line. The classic A-line is a style that suits everyone. Perfect as we know for women with a heavier hip and thigh and a more generous derrière. It helps to create balance and smooths over the above-mentioned areas rather than cling.
The A-line is also a great style to show off the waist. Ensure a skirt sits nice and high on your waist, not your hips. You always want to draw the eye to the narrowest point. Tucking into an A-line skirt will not only show off that fabulous waist, but make your legs look so much longer. Win-win.
As you can see from the image above, you can try your A-line over a flared pant for a modern take. Will you dare to double-flare?
Knee High Boot – image Country Road
The poor knee-high boot has been kept in the dark (and the back of the closet) for a few seasons now but it’s having a comeback! Like all things 70s, the knee high style defines a casual yet relaxed look. The mix of leather and suede is very on trend and the neutral colour palette is oh-so stylish
Beware there will be a lot of over-the-knee boots this season also. Unless you have REALLY long legs and slim thighs, I’m suggesting to stay clear. Instead opt for a boot that finishes just under the kneecap. I’m yet to know if we’ll see a return of jeans tucked into boots this season ~ I’m guessing probably yes.
Team your knee highs with skirts and dresses, particularly A-line styles which I believe work better with a knee high boot than does a pencil skirt. And of course this look is true to the seventies.
Wide leg pants – Image Witchery
After all these years of skinny, skinny, skinny, it’s a nice change to have a new style to choose from (or revert to in the case of those who never discarded from your wardrobes)
The new flare is fitted through the hip and thigh, then flutes out from the knee. It’s rather dramatic. Like all things with lots of fabric, this is a style I recommend to always wear with a bit of a heel, particularly those petites out there (5’5′ and under)
As you can see from the image, there are a few ‘rules’ being broken this season with an oversized, longer blouse worn on top. Now for most of you, this is a hard look to pull off (they use tall skinny models for a reason) so my advice is to stick to something either more fitted up top or wear your blouse tucked in.
And don’t forget, any wide leg trouser should fall to the bottom of your heel regardless of heel height.
The soft print dress – Image Saba
The key to this style is fabric and fit. We’re not looking at a body conscious, fitted style made of jersey. In keeping with the 70s, the look is floaty, bohemian, feminine. Look for fabrics like silk or polyester blend that drape the body.
The key to this look is accessories. Tan belt, tan bag, tan shoes. Any of these options will help to create the seventies inspired look. Opt for gold or bronze accessories as they work better with shades of tan, caramel and camel.
The Boho Blouse – Image Jag
If you’re not convinced on a dress or you’re just more of a pants and tops kinda girl, then there will be plenty of soft blouses around. Again, fabrication is the same ~ soft and floaty. The look is high neckline, gathering across the bust, around the neck or on the shoulder line and elasticated bell sleeves.
Team with your old faithful skinnies and knee high boots (yes you can!) or go all-out 70s over flared jeans and wedges.
The last word-
A big trend to add to this look is the necktie. I took a fabric belt from an existing jumpsuit and wore it around my neck and thought it looked pretty good! The best thing about this trend is that it looks oh-so stylish but won’t break the bank.
My tip is to raid your wardrobe to see if you’ve got anything to use ~ think a black fabric waist belt on an old dress ~ and give it a go!
