The return of the 70s began last year with the spring 2015 shows and was in full force at the Fall 2015 shows. You'll start seeing these trends in clothing stores soon, but you can find the looks now in vintage shops and thrift stores around town, at a lower cost and higher quality than big-box retailers can offer.
The key to wearing this trend without looking like you're headed to a theme party is to mix vintage elements with modern pieces.
A pussy bow blouse paired with boyfriend jeans and strappy heels looks modern and chic, and you can remix the same blouse for work by pairing it with a colored pencil skirt or tucking it into sleek cropped trousers. Remix a simple sheath dress by layering a pussy bow blouse underneath.
See: Emilio Pucci, Frame Denim, Jason Wu, Sophie Theallet
Take on the metallic trend by adding a vintage sequined jacket over a sleek little black dress for a touch of vintage glam on date night. And you can't beat a sparkly metallic dress when you want to get attention on the dance floor.
See: Jason Wu, Giambattista Valli, Rodarte
Boho is always right for summer on the coast; a vintage boho maxi with gladiator sandals or a bohemian printed blouse with jean shorts is the perfect look for festival season. If you're really into the modern hippie look, try a loose, worn-in vintage t-shirt tucked into a boho maxi skirt for a look that's casual and comfortable.
See: Anna Sui, Rebecca Minkoff, Thakoon, Tory Burch
Fringe plays right into the boho trend- try layering a fringe vest over a lace mini dress or adding a purse with fringe details to your daily outfits. Fringe is another great choice for a night of dancing!
See: Rebecca Minkoff, Emilio Pucci, Tom Ford, J. Crew
Flares are back in a big way, and look best with a slim, short top or fitted blazer to emphasize your waist. This season you'll see flared pants in all textures and fabrics, the most wearable of which will be denim. You can find great high-waisted flare denim in vintage stores and thrift shops if you're willing to dig a little. The benefit of buying vintage denim is that it's already broken in for you! For a modern fit, find brands that did flared jeans back in the 90s- still vintage, but more akin to the shapes of our bodies today. If you're on the shorter side, you'll be pleased to know that platforms and clogs are also having a fashion moment right now and are the perfect way to add a little height to lengthen your leg line.
See: Derek Lam, Frame Denim, Coach
The patchwork trend may not be for everyone, but if you like to mix and match patterns, this one is for you. The 70s gave us some truly awesome patchwork skirts that can be very now when paired with modern shoes and a simple top. This is also a great opportunity to patch up all those ripped jeans you bought last season- just layer different patches of dark, medium and light wash denim over those holes in a random, yet balanced way for a look that was all over runways this year.
See: Etro, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tom Ford
