It was an era when somehow it was socially acceptable to arrive at a nightclub on a horse – here’s looking at you, Bianca Jagger. There’s no question the 70s was a major fashion moment.
We saw the highs (Diane Von Furstenburg’s wrap dress, flared jeans, the jumpsuit), the lows (John Travolta’s white suit in Saturday Night Fever – enough said) and everything in between – and this season’s throwback runs the whole gamut, from disco to hippy luxe. Before you run off and dig out those platforms, read on for our guide on what to resurrect and what to let collect dust.
WORK.
Ultimately, integrating 70s silhouettes into your work wear wardrobe is all about subtlety – an direct transformation into Diane Keaton circa Annie Hall is not necessarily ideal. A touch of volume here or there is a polite nod to the era without getting too theatrical, but aim to keep it to one zone only (torso or legs) for balance – a flared pant paired with a bell sleeve blouse may come across a little too Woodstock for the office. Think tonally when it comes to your colour palette, too – nothing screams 70s more than tawny browns and jewel-inspired shades.
H&M patterned dress, $69.95 from hm.com/au; Chloe Faye medium suede and leather shoulder bag, $1,995.51 from net-a-porter.com; H&M suede skirt, $139.00 from hm.com/au; H&M narrow leather belt, $14.95 from hm.com/au
Country Road longline sleeveless jacket, $349.00; Sussan Francis sling bag, $59.95; Seed printed wrap shirt, $89.95 from seedheritage.com.au; Seed longline crepe flare skirt, $129.95 from seedheritage.com.au;
EVENING.
It was the birth of disco, and unashamedly glamorous after all, so if you’re drawn to a bit of glitz come night time, modern 70s has got your back (open in a halter, preferably). It’s all about movement over body-con, so think wide-leg pants and jumpsuits to ramp up that dance floor prowess. Then throw on a fringed accessory, sky-high heel and a red lip for good measure.
Max Mara Elegante Gianna jumpsuit, $833 from matchesfashion.com; Isabel Marant Lelie lace-up leather sandals, $1,175 from matchesfashion.com; M Missoni stretch-crepe wide-leg pants, $425.70 from net-a-porter.com;
Witchery Iris Over The Knee Boot, $399.95 from witchery.com.au; Michael Michael Kors embellished stretch-jersey jumpsuit, $275.62 from net-a-porter.com;
H&M V-neck tunic, $59.95 from hm.com/au; Seed fringe detail heel, $189.95; Witchery Luxe Wrap, $129.95 from witchery.com.au; Miu Miu leather fringe clutch, $545 form mytheresa.com.au; Sussan Clean Bar Wallet, $39.95
WEEKEND.
The backbone of any off-duty 70s-inspired look? Jeans – the wider, the better. Flares are denim’s equivalent to David Blaine when it comes to magic body-slimming – curvy or narrow through the hip, they elongate, hug, skim and suck-in (all our favourite fashion adjectives). As for separates, dive in – anything from a printed cotton floaty blouse to an off-the-shoulder knit slots in perfectly. Top it off with a wedge and circular eyewear (afro/headscarf optional).
Stella McCartney high-rise flared jeans, $387.46 from matchesfashion.com; Chloe Carlina round-framed sunglasses, $310 from matchesfashion.com; Gucci Alexis espadrille wedges, $604 from matchesfashion.com; H&M wool hat, $24.95 from hm.com/au; Seed off the shoulder knit sweater, $149.95 from seedheritage.com.au; Country Road gathered front blouse, $99.95 from countryroad.com.au
Loup Charmant Goa tie-neck kaftan, $316 form matchesfashion.com; Country Road Sabina ankle boot, $199.00 from countryroad.com.au; Witchery Mara sunglasses, $69.95 from witchery.com.au; Country Road Estah platform sandal, $99.95 from countryroad.com.au; Miu Miu suede wedge sandals, $925 from net-a-porter.com
