Words by Tanya Grimson
March 15th, 2015
The distinctly ‘70s luxurious fabric finds its way back into the spotlight in the form of spring coats, A-line skirts and dresses. For true retro appeal opt for classic tones of brown but for an updated take on the trend choose a fresher palette of muted greys and pinks.
See more of this trend in our weekly trend report here.
Denim, but not as you know it, this season it’s sculpted, minimal and well rounded. Double it up, dress it down or go for full impact with a boiler suit or duster dress.
Accessories are also having a ‘70s moment as the American mid-west cross-body saddle bag, synonymous with the folk spirit of the decade made a return to show. In traditional tans or contemporary pops of colour, this extremely wearable carry-all is the bag de jour and deservedly so.
The infamous western trim swished its way down catwalks for S/S15 in an array of seventies inspired bohemia to 1920s flapper dresses. If you don’t want to go ‘full fringe’-opt for touches in shoes and bags.
Supersized and playful, floral patterns are larger than life this season. From painterly strokes to cartoon like impressions, spring blooms are bold and beautiful, so wear them large, loud and proud.
Black on white or white on black, whichever way you choose to wear it, this classic pairing continues to pack a stylish punch.
Designers were dreaming in check for spring/summer as gingham, the pattern made famous by western heroines and 1950s silver screen icons is back with a bang. Ranging from directly inspired 1950s silhouettes of twin-set cropped tops and pencil skirts á la Oscar de la Renta to more modern silhouettes from Marc by Marc Jacobs, this season’s tiny check is well equipped for all sartorial opportunities.
Marc Jacobs, Sacai and Acne marched to a khaki beat this season, as urban utility wear was paraded once more. Soften it up with versatile capes and jackets or inject brass button detailing for the slightest touch. How to wear it this season? Choose key pieces in tonal variations of khaki green, olive, cream and white for stylish neutrality.
You can’t have a seventies revival without the return of the iconic platform shoe. Wear them strapped and sandaled for a real slice of fashion history. (Caution advised: falling is a possible side effect)
In stark contrast to the more fluid bohemian shapes of the seventies inspired collections we are seeing this season, sculpture, architecture and languid lines formed the basis for inventive and modern silhouettes. Innovative bonded fabrics, typography and graphic cuts engineer a perfect path for 21st century styling. Keep it minimal and simple because in this case, less is definitely more.
Looking to the sporting legends of the past, this season’s sports lux is all about using retro cricket and tennis gear as inspiration. Opt for polo shirts and striped trims in vintage colour schemes for an on-trend way of channelling your sporting prowess. Keep the look current with an injection of modern fabrics and flatform loafers or sandals.
Take your cue from Marni, Carven and Maison Martin Margiela and jump on board the Orient Express as eastern motifs, floral prints and Japanese silhouettes were defined by wrap over cuts, obi belts and kimono sleeves.
If bohemian gladiator sandals are not your thing, rejoice, as sandals come in two guises this season, strappy boho styles or sporty flatforms that elevate your feet and bring the sports lux vibe to a new status. Wear with culottes, retro sports and oriental wrap styles for a distinctive nod to a new season.
The distinctly ‘70s luxurious fabric finds its way back into the spotlight in the form of spring coats, A-line skirts and dresses. For true retro appeal opt for classic tones of brown but for an updated take on the trend choose a fresher palette of muted greys and pinks.
See more of this trend in our weekly trend report here.
Innocent whites with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship such as broderie anglaise, lace and cut-work detailing romanticise Victorian ideals in seriously pretty forms. Accessorize with modern shapes to propel the look into the 21st century. See what celebs are wearing the trend and how you can steal their style here.
Geometric cuts, symmetric slashes and perfectly placed gaps created peekaboo moments on dresses, jackets and tops this season. Look to Stella McCartney, Erdem and Celine to see what you are missing. This is definitely a trend where less is apparently so much more.
Designers are having serious historical flashbacks this season as roman knee-high gladiator sandals adorned the legs of many models. With cropped trousers and skirts featuring heavily, the leg has become the new erogenous zone as decorative leather ties and cutaways led to some serious leg candy.
Lengths have gone to extremes this season from seventies inspired minis to floor length maxis. From bohemian fluid shapes and structured shapes on dresses and skirts, designers have gone to great lengths to create the ultimate occasionwear look.
Playing homage to seventies icons Annie Hall, Twiggy and John Lennon, round shaped sunglasses are the shades of choice this season among designers and celebrities such as Beyonce and Miley Cyrus.
Paisley, crochet, broderie anglaise and embroidery detail all sing from the same 1970s folk sheet. Channel the Woodstock free spirit vibe by adding saddle bags, fringing and round sunglasses. Festivals essential.
The allure of culottes continue for another season as the catwalks were awash with shin and knee chops in both angular and softly draped styles providing a feminine take on masculine cuts. For the vertically challenged opt for high waist versions that end just below the knee to create the illusion of longer legs. Wear with heels for extra streamlining or flatforms for daytime elevation.
Thanks to Stella McCartney and her band of ‘Stella Superhero’ bags, bags have taken on a personality of their own. Let your bag do the talking this season with a selection of kitsch in-your-face-conversation starter beauties.
Get your rock chick hat back on and raid your local vintage shop or your mother’s wardrobe as ‘70s and ‘80s vintage tees are back. With designers like Loewe and Jonathan Anderson showing you how to incorporate them into your capsule wardrobe, there has never been a better time to rock out your look a little and cut a retro dash.
See more on how to style your favourite vintage tee in our 1 Tee 3 Ways.
From racing lines, to pops of colour and classic Breton styles, stripes are bigger and brighter than ever. With Denis the Menace references, re-invented nautical classics, and bold and vivacious colour blocking, this season stripes are lining up to prove why they are the perennial favourite of high summer dressing.
See more of this trend in our weekly trend report here.
Thanks to merging seasons and designers favouring the transitional cover up, a myriad of spring coats lined the catwalk. Choose from relaxed and languid styles in the form of duster and trench coats, or stick to minimal cuts or supple leather for uptown chic. There has never been a better time to ‘get your coat!’. Find more of our picks in our spring coats trend.
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