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Look at any fashion blog or magazine and it's obvious: the '70s are back, and they aren't going anywhere. At first I'll admit I wasn't particularly fond of '70s revival--the wide leg pants reminded me of my frayed-bottom middle school American Eagle jeans, the neutral shades of cognac and camel looked boring, and the patchwork reminded me of the free applique vest that comes with "Mom Jeans" on SNL.
But I came around eventually. '70s styles don't have to make you look like you came out of Dr. Funke's 100% Natural Good-Time Family Band Solution. They don't even always need to look obviously '70s. Here are some ways to incorporate this groovy decade into your closet without looking stupid.
1.) Button-front A-line skirts
A-line skirts are universally flattering, and button-front A-line skirts are very '70s. Suede, denim and corduroy are all materials that can give this classic skirt a vintage vibe without making you look like you stepped off the Scooby Doo bus. For extra '70s punch, try a patterned floral one, or a patchwork one.
2.) Flare Jeans
Most likely, if you're apprehensive about the '70s you're also apprehensive about flare jeans, but I insist that with a high waist, these won't make you look like you just left a Linkin Park concert in 2003. High waisted flares in blue denim or cognac can be leg lengthening and slimming. Pair with platform shoes or high heels to avoid getting the hems all muddy and gross (or invest in a tailor.)
3.) Clogs
Clogs aren't exactly the sexiest-sounding shoe, but paired with the right attire (like flare jeans) they can look pretty cool. Try brown, wood-heeled clogs with a mini skirt, jeans or even a maxi skirt. Midi skirts may look a bit too frumpy and clunky with these though, so perhaps avoid unless you're 5'11" with legs up to your armpits.
4.) Cognac leather jackets
This one isn't even explicitly '70s, so there's really nothing to fear. A fitted cognac leather moto jacket (or vegan leather, which I actually prefer) will give your look a slight '70s edge without going overboard into Farrah Fawcett or Foxy Brown territory.
5.) '70s prints
I'm not a big print person (I prefer solids) but if you do like prints, try a paisley or hippie-floral pattern on a classically cut blouse or skirt. Paisley and small florals are safe enough to wear even after '70s revival is over, although big groovy flowers may be out by next year.
6.) Turtlenecks
Given the cold weather, this should be a go-to regardless of what's in style. A simple ribbed, fitted turtleneck looks sexy with high-waisted pants, keeps you warm, and accentuates a long neck.
7.) Striped, cropped halter tops
While this is probably one of the riskiest item on the list (because first of all, it's freaking winter, and second of all, not everyone wants to wear crop tops) it's definitely evocative of the '70s. You may have to wait around for spring and summer, but paired with some high waisted shorts or flares, these tops are super cute. Not to mention, they're so cheap that I couldn't find an example over $30.
8.) Crochet
Crochet has been stylish for a while now, and it's always been one of my favorite materials (is crochet a material? IDK.) Crochet tends to be more popular in the warmer months, but a long sleeve blouse with crochet insets will work perfectly with the cold weather. Avoid crochet ponchos, because those are what Maury always puts on his makeover guests.
9.) Platform shoes
The key to the '70s platform is to make sure the heel is thick. A stiletto shoe with a giant clunky hoof-like platform in the front makes you look like a stripper who walked out of 2008 (what? Someone had to say it.) A flashy metallic or patterned platform is straight-up disco and will definitely catch the eye, but for a safer bet, try a suede or leather neutral toned platform shoe. Pair with thick ribbed tights and an A-line skirt on cold days.
10.) Felt hats
In San Francisco, hats just don't work for me because the wind blows them off. Plus, I have a freakishly small head (#tinybrainhumblebrag) and hats just don't fit me. But personal difficulties aside, I think felt hats are adorable. They're also great for shielding your face from the sun (because yes, there's still sun in the winter and yes, you can still get sun damage from it.)
Look at any fashion blog or magazine and it's obvious: the '70s are back, and they aren't going anywhere. At first I'll admit I wasn't particularly fond of '70s revival--the wide leg pants reminded me of my frayed-bottom middle school American Eagle jeans, the neutral shades of cognac and camel looked boring, and the patchwork reminded me of the free applique vest that comes with "Mom Jeans" on SNL.
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| Source |
But I came around eventually. '70s styles don't have to make you look like you came out of Dr. Funke's 100% Natural Good-Time Family Band Solution. They don't even always need to look obviously '70s. Here are some ways to incorporate this groovy decade into your closet without looking stupid.
1.) Button-front A-line skirts
 |
| From left to right: Topshop ($55), Anthropologie ($118) and Saks 5th Avenue ($329) |
A-line skirts are universally flattering, and button-front A-line skirts are very '70s. Suede, denim and corduroy are all materials that can give this classic skirt a vintage vibe without making you look like you stepped off the Scooby Doo bus. For extra '70s punch, try a patterned floral one, or a patchwork one.
2.) Flare Jeans
 |
| From left to right: Urban Outfitters ($64), Lulu's ($95), Anthropologie ($198) |
Most likely, if you're apprehensive about the '70s you're also apprehensive about flare jeans, but I insist that with a high waist, these won't make you look like you just left a Linkin Park concert in 2003. High waisted flares in blue denim or cognac can be leg lengthening and slimming. Pair with platform shoes or high heels to avoid getting the hems all muddy and gross (or invest in a tailor.)
3.) Clogs
 |
| From left to right: ASOS ($35), American Apparel ($135), Free People ($128) |
Clogs aren't exactly the sexiest-sounding shoe, but paired with the right attire (like flare jeans) they can look pretty cool. Try brown, wood-heeled clogs with a mini skirt, jeans or even a maxi skirt. Midi skirts may look a bit too frumpy and clunky with these though, so perhaps avoid unless you're 5'11" with legs up to your armpits.
4.) Cognac leather jackets
 |
| From left to right: Charlotte Russe ($42), Adrianna Papell ($139), Bernardo ($249) |
This one isn't even explicitly '70s, so there's really nothing to fear. A fitted cognac leather moto jacket (or vegan leather, which I actually prefer) will give your look a slight '70s edge without going overboard into Farrah Fawcett or Foxy Brown territory.
5.) '70s prints
 |
| From left to right: Zara ($20), ASOS ($65), Millie Mackintosh ($162) |
I'm not a big print person (I prefer solids) but if you do like prints, try a paisley or hippie-floral pattern on a classically cut blouse or skirt. Paisley and small florals are safe enough to wear even after '70s revival is over, although big groovy flowers may be out by next year.
6.) Turtlenecks
 |
| From left to right: ASOS ($26), J Crew ($70), Alexander Wang ($195) |
Given the cold weather, this should be a go-to regardless of what's in style. A simple ribbed, fitted turtleneck looks sexy with high-waisted pants, keeps you warm, and accentuates a long neck.
7.) Striped, cropped halter tops
 |
| From left to right: ASOS ($9), Motel ($13), Urban Outfitters ($29) |
While this is probably one of the riskiest item on the list (because first of all, it's freaking winter, and second of all, not everyone wants to wear crop tops) it's definitely evocative of the '70s. You may have to wait around for spring and summer, but paired with some high waisted shorts or flares, these tops are super cute. Not to mention, they're so cheap that I couldn't find an example over $30.
8.) Crochet
 |
| From left to right: ASOS ($27), Zara ($40), White Sand ($224) |
Crochet has been stylish for a while now, and it's always been one of my favorite materials (is crochet a material? IDK.) Crochet tends to be more popular in the warmer months, but a long sleeve blouse with crochet insets will work perfectly with the cold weather. Avoid crochet ponchos, because those are what Maury always puts on his makeover guests.
9.) Platform shoes
 |
| From left to right: ASOS ($56), NastyGal ($98), Free People ($168) |
10.) Felt hats
 |
| From left to right: Leith ($26), ASOS ($36), Lack of Color ($109) |
In San Francisco, hats just don't work for me because the wind blows them off. Plus, I have a freakishly small head (#tinybrainhumblebrag) and hats just don't fit me. But personal difficulties aside, I think felt hats are adorable. They're also great for shielding your face from the sun (because yes, there's still sun in the winter and yes, you can still get sun damage from it.)
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