Its 1971, the year that catapulted us into the ‘decade of decadence’ , an era characterized by excess and androgyny. For there is a mainstream movement that echoes ‘masculine fashion’, where shapeless silhouettes merge seamlessly with tailored shirts. At times, looks are bottom heavy, loose flares vs tailored shirts, at others looks are more streamlined, sharp and precise. Hems become longer and the micro mini’s of the 60’s are replaced with longer midi’s and even loose maxi skirts, worn with bell tops and peasant blouses. There is almost a bohemian vibe and a sentimentality for looser fabrics, see men and women unified in a love for ‘genderless clothing’. But for others they are still caught in the cusp of time, where short hems still exist and a more tailored silhouette sets them apart from the ‘peace and love’ hippies. In our modern fashion-scape, the prevalence of 1970’s fashion still influences the way modern fashion icons dress. Note Sienna Miller’s bohemian white floaty gown or street style blogger Blair Eadie’s infatuation with floppy hats, clearly hailing from the 70’s era of decadence. The 1970’s seems to be an era that has sparked many modern day trends including ‘ off-beat layering’, knee high boots, suede and peasant blouses but is especially prevalent in Autumn/ Winter fashion. Note the S/S 17 catwalks, awash with colours that are far too bright to be considered as 70’s, but A/W 16 was famed for its disproportionate hem lengths juxtaposing tight and loose silhouettes to create that 70’s vibe that us modern fashion lovers all heart.
Modern day designers are so enamored by the ‘free-spontaneous’ vibe of 70’s ready to wear collections, that pop up stalls, vintage sites and vintage catwalks have become ever popular, especially in 2017. For some, brands like Rokit began as a mere pop up stall, specializing in thrifted wares like denim, before organic demand led to brand expansion, resulting in 4 independent shops to be opened to keep up with public demand. For others, they hustle in markets like Camden, targeting a specific demographic that travel far and wide to buy vintage wares that are specifically either designed in the 70’s or is inspired by 70’s fashion. One of the most distinctive features of the ‘me’ decade was not just its ability to spawn commercial, evergreen trends but to create a colour-specific palette, that we now associate with autumn fashion. While summer/spring ready to wear collections are awash with lemony yellows and pastel brights, autumn/winter draws inspiration from the 70’s love of neutrals and earth tones. Jewel tones are kept to a minimum, although burgundies that lie somewhere in between ‘earthy’ and ‘neutral’ were a popular tone to contrast an outfits earthy accents.
The concept of the 70’s being about ‘freedom’, ‘identity’ and ‘personal expression’, is an asset that remains relevant to modern fashion today and indeed fashion throughout history. Being able to ‘dress’ without inhibition is what creates the greatest fashion ‘trends’ and has seen an increase in ‘buyers of vintage fashion’ who crave a movement away from mainstream ‘fast fashion’. It seems ironic though as decades past are ‘movers and shakers’ rather than explicitly buying into ‘slow fashion values’ but nevertheless 2017 is an era where our trends are ‘recycled versions’ of trends past. Its this notion that we live in a ‘fast fashion’ environment that has created a demand for vintage suppliers like Rokit, who are able to supply us with real authentic dresses, trousers and more from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, all at wholesale prices, that seem fairly ‘cheap’ for vintage fare. Notably the 70’s collection predictably features dreamy floaty smocks, neutral tones although the shocking inclusion of 50’s tea prints makes us remember how the 70’s borrowed freely from its predecessors, without certification. The tea lady ‘floral print’ might have been more 50’s but the 70’s adored adopting trends like the floral print and making it the era’s own. Arguably the 70’s inclusion of floral was often ‘moody’, in saturated tones and would adorn folk blouses, embroidered skirts and more. The infusion of ‘floral’ was quite often linked to the ‘hippy movement’ although many argued it was ‘folk’ linking to Hungarian and Scandinavian trends at the time.
The 1970’s had an influence on eras to come and arguably still remains one of the most popular influences in modern fashion. Its ability to accommodate trends like the midi, floral and boots and mark it as its own, was one of fashions greatest accomplishments while its philosophy that ‘freedom of expression’ was a trait we should all abide by, still stands as a value we use today. The 1970’s outside of the fashion world was nevertheless just as culturally relevant but for many and especially me, the 1970’s significance is rooted in its eclectic fashion tastes.
Are You A Fan of 1970’s Fashion?
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You have summed up here what the 70’s did for fashion so well. I love the era and that it still has a place today
You always have the cutest outfits. I am not a red color fan I am more of a pink kind of girl, but I recently started loving burgundy which I would say its part of the red color family. Its just looks really flattering on any skin tone and I didn’t know it until I tried a pretty sweater I was given as gift and really liked it. This is a great outfit for spring which I cant wait for it to arrive 🙂
I liked the concpet of the 70s fashion of being free-spirited. You are pulling this off fanatically.
I love your outfit and I spot the bag. You look great.
Haha yes! It is the beautiful bag I won in your competition, isn’t it fab? xxx
I love the 70’s lookan thise boots are gorgeous just need to lose a bit more weight before I could pull them off
I love this look, really seems to suit you well. Love the pinafore and over the knee boots
Oh I was born in 1971! I am not a real fan of the fashion but the music was epic! Kaz x
This is a gorgeous look, I love the dress. The look really suits you!
Those over the knees boots are amazing! I’ve been looking for a pair just like that!
I LOVE this outfit on you. Those boots are stunning and pair so well with your hat! xxx
I love your pinafore dress! I actually bought one quite similar in the sales – I’m obsessed with burgundy colours <3
I love 70’s fashion! I have been searching for a nice pinafore for a while. Love this one! x
I agree 1970’s was a really great era in fashion that influenced today’s trends! The concept of ‘freedom’, ‘identity’ and ‘personal expression’ still relevant nowadays!
It always amazes me how quickly fashions come round, not too long ago it was the 50’s and now it seems everywhere I look it is all about florals and embroidery.
I love everything about that pinafore dress! The colour, style, length…. just stunning. You really have captured that 70s vibe xx
i love the 70s style and so love this trend of layering with the sheath!
This overall dress is super cute. I love the floral top too. This is a very pretty outfit.
The 70s was definitely an exciting era when it came to fashion and pushing the different boxes.It’s definitely no wonder why we continue to try to recycle many of the silhouettes and styles of that time.
Love love love! Your pinafore is so cute hun xx
I love 70s fashion and even interior. I sometimes wish I was raised during that era x
I absolutely love a 70s look. You look gorgeous in these photos and that little handbag is too cute for words!
Such a great look, definitely 70s it’s amazing how much the fashion changed from 70s – 80s.
The 1970s often get a bad rap fashion wise, but I love the style, from Ali McGraw in love story, Cybil Shepherd in Diane Von Furstenberg dresses in Taxi Driver, and Halston and Bianca Jagger. A fab decade for fashion.
I absolutely love 70s fashion! You look amazing in this outfit & your make up is on point! xo
I love the 70’s fashion. I like to add 70’s style things and vintage classics to my wardrobe as they never go out of style! Great look Ana, love your boots 🙂
I’m not really a fan of 70’s fashion but I do love your dress it’s a great style and lovely colour.
I do like the 70’s fashion and I definitely feel I would have fitted in well there x
I do like the fashion from the 70’s. And I love this look on you! x
Our outfits look gorgeous! Love your summary of the 70’s too!
That’s supposed to say your outfits look gorgeous!!
I enjoy certain aspects of 70’s fashion and I think there will always be parts of 70’s era fashion that will be in current trends. Love your look here, especially the boots x
Omgh I’m in absolute love with your outfit! That purple colour is gorgeous! The 70’s is definitely one of my favourite eras
What a cute look! I love the boots and the hat – it looks great on you!
I love some of the ’70 fashion trends, like knee high boots and suede dresses. I love your look. I especially fell in love with your dress! You look amazing and stylish, as always!
Loving this look on you. So retro, the hat is my Facebook piece x
That’s really insightful. The 70’s was an era that expressed freedom and I really enjoyed the clothes during that time. Comfy and flowy and very easy to move in. I think it’s quite nice that it’s making a comeback.
The 70’s is an awesome style inspiration for today. The clothes are more carefree and comfortable! I loved the dresses and the different clothes that I had back then, even the shoes!
I love this post Ana. I could talk for hours on my favourite fashion era ….the 70’s. Such an influential time in fashions that still affect the thoughts and design ideas of designers today.
I love 1970’s fashion, it’s so pretty! I love the burgundy tones in your outfit, perfect for Winter! I can’t wait for lighter tones to start coming through, definitely do a 1970’s style post in the Spring/Summer would love to see what you create!
Hats are where it’s at! I love this ourfit, you’re totally rocking it girl!
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
absolutely love the 70’s style i wish i could wear it
70’s fashion is definitely making a comeback lately. It’s nice to see patterns and colors come more to the forefront.
This outfit looks amazing on you, love the dress and boots combo. Very feminine and stylish