Turn Back Time: the Return of 70s Fashion
Whoever said glamour is dead didn’t anticipate this: the return of 70s fashion. Here are the decade’s best and brightest trends finding their way back into fashion’s favour
Read more
Turn Back Time: The Return of 70s Fashion
Whoever said glamour is dead didn’t anticipate this: the return of 70s fashion. Here are the decade’s best and brightest trends finding their way back into fashion’s favour
By: George ElliotFor better or worse, the 1970s brought us many things: punk, questionable decor decisions (Google ‘70s bathroom suites’ to see for yourself) and the rise of music legend Kate Bush, to name just a few. But the decade will also go down in history as one of the best dressed of all. It was the golden age of glamour, extravagance and self-expression - all characteristics that, if you fast forward five decades or so feel timelier than ever, so is it any wonder why 70s fashion trends are back in their full, flared glory? From opulent evening wear and floor-sweeping maxi dresses to glam rock glitter and the all-important flares, learn how to turn back your own sartorial clock with a little help from Liberty.
Ornamental Accessories
If you’ve seen Daisy and the Six, the Amazon Prime series that’s said to be based on Fleetwood Mac’s legendary internal feuding and romantic bust-ups, you’ll know that seventies style required an expansive, flamboyant collection of accessories to delve into. First and foremost, oversized sunglasses – usually with colour tinted lenses – were all the rage; Liberty’s oversized oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses, £140 will do nicely. Whether patterned in richly-hued paisleys or interlaced florals, ornate scarves were also big news, usually trailing gracefully from necks or worn over shoulders as shawls. Liberty’s Hera 140X140 Silk Molare Scarf, £250 is fittingly fancy.
Read more: Find Your Perfect Pair with this Guide on Sunglasses for Face Shape
Shop Liberty's Accessories Edit
All-Out Opulence
Jerry Hall, Bianca Jagger, Grace Jones; women in the 70s in-crowd did two things: they all frequented the legendary nightclub Studio 54 (the place to see and be seen) and they all dressed for all-out opulence. Tailoring for women was on the rise and rise back then, so Etro's Silk Twill Robe Jacket, £1,760 should be your first port of call; cut from floral print silk, it’s the last word in refined extravagance. Why did women dress for excess? To put it simply, it was about self-creation and conjuring a feeling of fantasy. Complete with feather trimmed cuffs, a href="https://www.libertylondon.com/us/lurex-lounge-suit-R499262006.html" title="Shop now">Sleeper’s Party Feather-Trim Pyjama Set, £245 does just that.
Read more: Boost Your Mood by Delving into the Psychology of Colour in Clothing
Shop Liberty's Opulence Edit
Length to the Max
While the mini dress dominated the 1960s, the 70s saw hemlines fall dramatically, so an elegant maxi dress that cascades right down to the floor should be high up on your shopping list. Made from crepe de chine that’s decked all-over with blooming florals and featuring pagoda sleeves, Liberty's Jude’s Floral Silk Gala Maxi Dress, £450 is the decade to a tee. But because maximalism also reigned supreme back then, going for one that’s as long as it is bold is equally advised. One for flamboyant dressers, FARM Rio's Black Enchanted Nature Midi Dress, £330 comes decorated in the brand’s richly-hued tropical motifs, so embodies the age’s more-is-more motto.
Read more: Discover Liberty's Boldest Maximal Fashion Brands
Shop Liberty's Maxi-Length Edit
Flares with Flair
Dresses aside, it’s impossible to nail the 70s look if you're not wearing a figure-flattering pair of flares - they are the emblem of the decade. In tones of brown and bronze (some of the period’s favourite tones), Etro's Flared Velvet Jacquard Medallion Trousers, £735 widen in cut the further down the leg you go, so are the first pair to try on for size - especially if you’re after some that can be worn anytime, anywhere. But because the decade also saw disco’s meteoric rise, make some extra space in your wardrobe for a pair that’s perfect for partying in. Crafted from spliced squares of denim and wide in cut (so they’re ideal for twirling around on the discotheque floor), Chloé's Patchwork Denim Flared Jeans, £1,295 are the ones to slip into before hitting the town.
Read more: Discover How Should Jeans Fit?
Shop Liberty's Flared-Leg Edit
Retromania
During this eclectic, “anything goes” era, standing proud from the crowd in clothes nobody else had was the objective, meaning antique fairs and thrift shops became the places to shop. In other words, retro fashion was huge. To follow suit this season, there’s no need to go on the hunt for vintage finds yourself; just look to Max Mara's Albenga Silk Foulard Shirt, £520; tailored from shiny silk and coming with an adjustable neck tie, it exudes the kind of period charm seventies style seekers hunted for. Inspired by nightwear from bygone centuries, the kind decked with theatrical thrills and flounce, Horror Vacui’s Cleo Megumi Floral Liberty Print Silk Dress, £790 is another piece that embodies the 70’s love of making old fashions new.
Read more: Learn How to Change Your Style
Shop Liberty's Retromania Edit
Go Glam Rock
Decked in sequins, lurex, feather bowers, leopard print and glitter, stars of glam rock were among the decade’s most influential and extravagant tastemakers (think: David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Bryan Ferry). This means that your 70s-inspired capsule should dazzle with flamboyance too. Thankfully, we’ve got just the thing: Stine Goya's Rockey Silver Jacket, £310. An occasion jacket that shines from top to bottom, it’ll glisten with every slight movement you make. But going glam isn’t just for after-hours; designed with max wearability in mind, Ganni's Sheer Voile Cropped Off-Shoulder Smock Top, £195 deserves a spot in your workwear rotation.
Read more: Let Team Liberty Show You What to Wear to Work in Summer
