By Lauren Zazzara
Features Assignment editor
It’s time to study up on “That ‘70s Show” because 1970’s fashion is coming back in chic full force.
Everything old is new again, and the fashion world is fussing over the cool, earthy and laid-back appeal that the 1970’s offered.
Staples of the decade include paisley, florals, bell bottoms, fringe, suede, embroidery and round sunglasses.
Derek Lam, Coach and Diane von Furstenburg showcased flared jeans in their spring/summer 2015 collections, according to InStyle.
Saint Laurent, Gucci and Derek Lam featured suede jackets on their runways. Dries Van Noten displayed floral dresses, said the online blog, Grazia Daily.
The key to embedding this trend into your look is to make it look modern. If you pair a floral blouse with a pair of high-waisted flares, platforms and round sunglasses, you run the risk of looking like you are wearing a costume.
Instead, only use one item per outfit that has a 70’s reference. For example, try pairing a pair of flared jeans with a fitted sweater to balance out the looser fit of the bottoms. A pair of heels prevents the jeans from dragging on the ground. For class, a pair of sneakers will add a modern touch.
If you choose a suede jacket, wear it over a graphic T-shirt with a pair of skinny jeans for a laid-back look. Suede jackets can be expensive, especially for a trend that may be gone next season, so if you want to indulge, try looking for one at a thrift store.
My favorite 70’s trend is the floral dress. It comes in a variety of lengths and shapes. A maxi dress offers a bohemian look that will stand out when paired with simple sandals. A swingy mini dress can be worn in the winter with a pair of warm tights, a coat and boots. For layering, be sure to stay away from anything suede to avoid overindulgence. Choose a leather or denim jacket or a cardigan instead.
Luckily, a 70’s inspired outfit requires minimal effort in hair and makeup, as both were worn naturally.
For men, it may be more difficult to draw on 70’s inspiration in a subtle manner. Try a patched jacket or a button-down with a vibrant print to make an outfit eclectic. Or, just invest in a John Lennon-esque pair of round sunglasses.
Maybe its nostalgia that brings fashion full-circle when we look to past decades for outfit inspiration. In a high-stress world, maybe we crave the down-to-earth aesthetic of the 70’s.
Or maybe the fashion world is just sick of skinny jeans.
