Retro Off the Rack: ’70s Summer Style
At long last, the ’70s are back! Well, fashion-wise, anyway. Suddenly, it’s very en vogue to wear items that were nearly impossible to find only a few years ago, including wide-leg jumpsuits, high-waisted flares, and chunky platform sandals. So while we still have a month or two of summer left, let’s take advantage of this retro resurgence (as well as the end-of-season sales, of course) and stock up on some of these fabulous items while they’re still widely available. To guide you through this process, “Retro Off the Rack” will take a look at some big trends of the 1970s and tell you ladies how to recreate them with pieces you can find at major retailers today.
Tops
Summertime is halter time! Or just plain old t-shirt time. Either way, you can instantly achieve a ’70s look with a casual top, whether it’s a baseball shirt, a ringer tee, or a halter-neck crop top. There are plenty of options to choose from. Even your old Led Zeppelin t-shirt can work — just don’t forget to tuck it in for a touch of retro flair. Or if you want to be a bit more trendy, look for a simple, short-sleeved or sleeveless top with colorful horizontal stripes or a chevron pattern. Lace-up necks and crop tops both seem to in right now, so nab those ’70s styles while you can.
Flares
Up until very recently, it seemed that flares were basically extinct. Now, everyone is finally stocking them again, and we have a great selection to choose from. However, not just any pair will do! Leave those plain-looking jeans behind and look for high-waisted ones with distinctly ’70s details, such as patch or flap pockets in the front, unique stitching patterns and embroidery, stripes and prints, and vibrant light blue or indigo washes. If you can pull it off, the wide-leg is another classic ’70s cut that retailers are beginning to return to as well.
Hot Pants
If you’re in a significantly warmer climate, you can cool yourself off in style with some hot pants. Short shorts are extremely easy to find these days, and ’70s ladies wore them in just about every color and fabric, from denim and cotton to velvet and suede. You can also pair them with tights or knee-high socks if you feel so inclined.
Skirts
If you’re not in the mood for shorts or pants, you can always go the skirt route. Try a bold-patterned maxi, a flowing midi, or an a-line mini, which all seem to be particularly trendy right now. And just like hot pants, skirts in the ’70s were made of just about any material, such as corduroy, suede, denim, or a fun patchwork pattern. They can either be clean and simple or wild and crazy and still be in keeping with the feel of the decade.
Dresses
As with the skirts, ’70s dresses ranged in length, but the most popular style on the market right now is the maxi, the perfect breezy, lightweight option for a hot summer day. Look for one in a bright, solid color, or go for stripes, florals, or a loud, unique print.
Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dress is another timeless statement that’s still considered a wardrobe staple today, but you should be able to find a variety of ’70s inspired halter and v-neck dresses as well. Seventies sleeves come in many different shapes, including bell, angel, puffy, cold shoulder, and caftan. Fortunately for modern shoppers, all of these seem to be growing in popularity once again, especially bell sleeves and caftans, which many fast fashion retailers are currently offering.
Jumpsuits
For a slightly more comfy option, you can try one of those playsuits that are all the rage these days and come in a seemingly endless variety of colors, prints, and styles. Keep the ’70s glamour going with with super wide legs and a keyhole halter, plunging v-neck, or bandeau.
Shoes
What better piece to finish off the look than one of the most legendary symbols of the ’70s: the platform shoe! Specifically, platform sandals are ideal for the season and will look just as great with hot pants as they do under a maxi dress or a pair of flares. Check out any shoe store, and you’re bound to see at least a few different styles for sale. In the ’70s, platforms came in multiple heights and materials. Try an earthy look with suede straps and a wooden heel or go more disco with colorful velvet, leather, or even plastic.
If you aren’t a fan of high heels though, you can opt for some classic clogs, which are also enjoying a revival right now. Even those with a short heel can still be very comfortable, and they’re easy to slip on and off in the summer months.
Accessories
Belts are quite important to the ’70s look, whether it’s a wide leather one with a large round or square buckle, or just a strip of fabric knotted around your dress or jumpsuit. For some extra ’70s pizzazz, tie a thin scarf around your neck or throw on a floppy hat.
Crocheted and knitted pieces were another big trend of the era and came in everything from skull caps to vests and beyond, so don’t be afraid to add a little homemade handiwork to your look. Finally, top it all off with some aviators or other oversized sunglasses, which you can pick up anywhere from Macy’s to Walmart.
Hair
Although Farrah Fawcett’s heavily feathered tresses are probably the most iconic look of the decade, this was also an era when more natural styles were becoming popular, such as Pam Grier’s famous ‘fro and Ali MacGraw’s straight strands. It’s totally up to you whether you’d like a big ’70s blowout style, or just want to rock the locks you’ve got. Just stay away from that helmet hair trend.
Makeup
As with most anything else related to ’70s fashion and beauty, there are a few different ways to go with makeup. You can do a dramatic smoky eye or a natural, sun-kissed look. For a more subtle summer style though, focus on browns, peaches, pinks, and other nude, neutral tones of shadow, blush, and lipstick, and feel free to slather on that self-tanner. Highlighting and contouring will be your best friends, and try to keep your skin looking fresh and dewy.
The outfit
Now that we know what we’re working with, let’s put it all together! For this outfit, I went as casual as possible to show how you can apply these tips to your most laid back, everyday style.
Shirt (Hot Topic): A fitted t-shirt is essential, since baggy tees were more of an ’80s thing. I love how this graphic emulates the decade’s aesthetic with the vibrant color palette and stylized letters and stripes. And of course, tucking in your shirt is a super easy way to instantly make your outfit just little more retro.
Shorts (New Look via ASOS): Never in the 21st century has it been easier to find high-waisted shorts in a wide variety of styles. Everything about this pair fits the decade perfectly, from the stitching down the front to the slit pockets and bright blue wash. But even the simplest pair of shorts can look like authentic ’70s hot pants with the right ensemble.
Clogs (American Eagle via Payless): This is also a prime time to get yourself some clogs, either platform or low-heeled. The studs and perforations on these are great retro accents that I’ve seen on many similar pairs of shoes lately.
Makeup: To emulate that naturally glowing look that Farrah made so popular, I dusted my face with bronzer, lightly applied a peachy-pink blush, and used a shimmery nude eye shadow on my nose and cheekbones as highlighter. My shadow and liner are mostly browns and beiges to add natural definition to the eyes, and I layered lip gloss over a pale pink lipstick to enhance the overall look.
Sunglasses & Earrings (Francesca’s & Target): Something about these little gold linked hoops struck me as very ’70s, and the square aviators were the ideal addition to the outfit. Oversized round and square frames are everywhere right now, so you should have no trouble finding your own ’70s inspired shades in any price range.
I hope you enjoyed this trip back in time and that it’s inspired you to create your own ’70s look this summer. See you on the Sunset Strip!
If you’re interested in seeing even more retro-inspired style, please check out The Retro Wardrobe. And if you’d like REBEAT to recreate a different look of yesteryear for “Retro Off the Rack,” please let us know in the comments below!
