In the realm of fashion it's almost inevitable to be entangled in the threads of history's patterns. Serving as a wellspring of valuable inspiration, the fashion industry often turns to history for guidance, as what was once popular cycles back around with a modern twist. Silhouettes, fabrics, and tones of colours often filter their way through making a comeback through reimagined designs. In the 21st century, it's unsurprising that up-and-coming designers draw inspiration from archival pieces that solidified the monumental legacy of todays esteemed fashion houses.
The resurgence of the 70s style is a complex interplay of nostalgia and creative exploration. A time where Yves Saint Laurent introduced woollen tuxedo jackets for women, and Diane Von Furstenberg created her legendary wrap dresses that became women's sultry symbol of liberation, today it continues to be a staple in the contemporary woman's wardrobe. It was the decade of the ultra suede shirt dress and textile prints, where of course denim triumphed all. The 70's fashion was more than a trend, it was symbol of the time of empowerment, vocalised through the communication of clothes. The essence that runs deep into our style and trends emerging today, carrying more than just the physical weight of their fabrics but also the wealth of expression they convey.
As we look to the year ahead, we're stepping back in time to one of the most stylish decades to inform our wardrobe selects for the summer – 70s fashion.
Whimsical frocks, adorable two-piece crochet sets and the trouser suit; 70s fashion gave us a lot to be grateful for. It represents exactly who we are when we're our best selves. Relaxed, casual and free. Below, we round-up the timeless 70s fashion trends we'll be sporting this season.
Crochet
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A trend that owes much of its success to Italian brand Missoni, crochet has dipped in and out of fashion throughout the years, and has seen a significant resurgence in recent years through the rise of festival culture. Although Missoni's iconic zig-zag pattern will forever have our hearts, fellow designers such as Gucci and Miu Miu have put their own spin on the classic knit for us to enjoy five decades later.
Flares
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Synonymous with the emblematic Farrah Fawcett, flares – and especially those of the denim kind – have begun to replace the once iconic skinny jean as our taste in denim reverts back to the classics. Let your pants do the talking by pairing this wide-leg cut with a 2020 fashion mainstay, the white tank for a timeless and simple everyday summer look.
Headscarves
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When Jackie O stepped out in Capri sporting a perfectly placed, yet undeniably effortless scarf draped around her head, she embodied everything we admire about 70s fashion. The seamless mix of minimalist with maximalist, as we learnt from the 70s style queen, a printed headscarf has the power to transform even the simplest of outfits.
Trouser suit
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One cannot discuss 70s fashion without mentioning the queen herself, Bianca Jagger. At Studio 54 and beyond, Jagger made sartorial waves namely through her collection of expertly tailored, crisp pantsuits. A look that has lasted the test of time, designers such as CAMILLA AND MARC have reinvigorated the timeless set – creating the perfect suiting ensemble for a Sunday long lunch in the summertime.
Co-ord sets
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Any outfit that requires minimal thought ranks highly in our books. Which is exactly why the easy, breezy co-ord's made famous during the 70s will be a staple in our wardrobes this season. From poolside to beach bar, worn separately or together, make like Dyan Cannon and embrace the matchy-matchy. And of course, a co-ord denim set is a simple yet effective style for any occasion.
Denim dress
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A wardrobe staple, 70s fashion inspires us to look at denim from a new perspective. Point in case, the adorable, flirty, halter-neck dress above that we continuously dream of. While we haven't been able to land on an exact replica just yet, there are a string of denim dresses making appearances on our summer-wardrobe Wishlist this year.
Unisex Fashion
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The 70's saw a movement towards androgynous fashion that men were experimenting with more expressive tones and subtle silhouettes and women began to adopt structured silhouettes and blazers. In full reckoning in 2023 we saw a surge of styling a fusion of oversized blazers with penny loafers. Matilda Djerf herself hailed the blazer as an essential modern attire and fashion staple.
Bobbed Hair
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As we had reported on this year, bobbed hair is making a resurgence with the newly-coined 'Butterfly Cut'. Movement, texture and bounce were inescapable factors in haircare that emerged a decade after the clinch-hold of hairspray coiffed styles. Now, the light springy layers are seen everywhere from the stars to the streets. Another nifty hack we have the '70s to thank. Miley Cyrus at the Grammy's is a snap confirmation of the 'big is better' revival.
Sneakers
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Get your sneakers on. We're gonna have some fun. 2024 is marked the year of the Samba renaissance for a reason. The shoe, though boasting origins from the 50s, were popularised in the 70s and still trotted out this year during Paris Fashion Week. A relaxed mentality when it comes to footwear is typified by the 'Peace and Love' era for a reason: It was comfortable, louche, and still effortlessly in.
