Fashion & Style

Archive 70s Trends We Can't Wait to Copy

by Adam Fletcher

Flares have found their way into our wardrobes again. Faux fur is the texture to be seen in. Borg is having a major moment RN. Boots have got the knee-high treatment. Bows are back on our most-loved blouses (the bigger the ribbon-tie, the better). There’s no doubt about it, 70s fashion is in full swing this season, and evidence of this peace-loving period can be found on some of autumn’s biggest looks. So, with that in mind, we felt it the perfect time to reflect on some of the top fashion moments that made this era epic and check out how we’re starting to channel the 70s now.

Okay, first thing’s first, what did the best of the best fashion look like in the early 70s? By the ‘best of the best’, we mean: what styles were our wardrobes living for fifty years ago? Well, Diana Ross shows us exactly how it was done in the 70s while wearing a roll-neck jumper dress, neck scarf, circular chain necklace and oval-frame sunglasses at the headquarters of EMI Records. Okay, but what else does the above collage show us about 70s style? Well, it’s that high-neck satin tops, geometric-print shirt dresses and high-waist flared jeans were also very much in the spotlight during this decade. And, when footwear was concerned, it’s clear that point-toe ankle boots, or knee-high boots with a square toe, that got all the attention. Basically, if Cher was on board a specific type of boot, so were we.

Fast forward to now, and you’ll find 70s-inspired styles all over the runway for spring/summer 2021, but not as you think you know them. For a modern take on the trends, expect to see knee-high boots featuring stud embellishments and a relaxed fit, shirt dresses designed from leather-look fabrics, and boots with chunky tread soles (instead of pointed ankle boots). Let us guess, now you’re probably wondering, ‘can we see any of the ‘true’ 70s styles in today’s shows?’ Yep. Some of the collections also featured faux-fur gilets, tops with giant bows, exaggerated point collars, patchwork prints and tonal dressing.

Thought the influences stopped there? Never. Aside from the latest runway shows, there’s something else that’s playing a major role in the resurgence of 70s fashion today. Celebrities. Our favourite A-listers have been spotted in some 70s looks, but they too have put a 2020 twist on the classic trends. Gigi Hadid, for example, opted for wide-leg trousers, pointed shoes (very Cher) and a tan trench jacket thrown over the top. To give it a fresh spin, note how Gigi’s trench is a mid-length cut, and not long-length, which we absolutely love. Hailey Bieber has also been seen repping some 70s-inspired finds of late, like an oversized borg jacket in cream, oval-frame sunglasses and a pair of light-wash jeans.

The 70s trends trickle down further… Last month, the street stylers were also in full support of 70s-inspired pieces while and about for fashion week. We’re talking about an abundance of flared jeans, paisley-print dresses, bell-sleeve tops, bow-neck blouses and some unexpected pieces thrown into the mix, too: colour-pop micro accessories, knee-high slouchy boots, doubled-up statement belts and strappy sandals. Our thoughts? The seventies are set to be sticking around for the next few seasons to come, so start tapping into the trend now.