(The 70's pinup with the hair that defined an era - best it stays there though)
So the fashion gods have spoken and announced their annual 'trend list', featuring all that we mere mortals will be decking ourselves out in over the coming months. Trend forecasting is something I approach with scepticism, some see it as a guideline but it errs on the side of the dictatorial. Despite choice still being a valid option, trends inform what is 'trendy' and it becomes ever harder to step outside of the predisposed sartorial generator. However, I still love a little gander and quite frankly my findings never fail to shock me, for example, have you heard that the UGG boot is back? Yes, cue mass groan. Yet there is one trend that is set to permeate all of our wardrobes this season and I can't say that I'm feeling sad about it. The swingy 60s are so passé, this time it's all about - not as Meghan Trainor would have us believe, that base - but the stylin' 70s.
Yet it's a path that should be approached with trepidation. One disco pose too many and you risk resembling an ABBA tribute act - unless that's what you're going for and all the more power to you. If you're tempted to try out 'the Farrah Fawcett' you know you're standing at the top of a very deep chasm, the likes of which you may never get out of should you take the plunge. That's a disclaimer to the trend in a nutshell if you will but I like specifics so here goes: how 70's is too 70's?
(Dirty *disco* dancing)
Flares
The flared trouser baffles me. Not so much in the material sense of the trousers themselves but in the pretty negative hype surrounding them. They've got quite the bad rep and unduly so might I add. I get it, flares denote bad fancy dress and flashbacks to dad's rocking questionable attire and hair longer than our own. However, hear me out. Flares are universally flattering, way more so than your beloved skinnies and whilst I'm on the subject of the slim fit denim variety, the flares sure do make a welcome change among the sea of drainpiped legs. They also offer a put together-ness that can only be reappropriated with a blazer, and who truthfully feels comfortable in a blazer ey? Yeah, didn't think so.
(This could be going a step too far, but hey, whatever waters your plant)
Florals
Are florals ever out of fashion, like seriously? The sartorial signifier that Spring has sprung, that just like a fresh daisy, Summertime is here and autumnal posies and digital prints speak of the winter months ahead. Yep, that was 2014 summed up in flowers and it's set to continue on. For all those who scoffed at their grandmother's curtains, look who's laughing now. Channel the floral in all it's guises, OTT and ditsy alike. They called it flower power for a reason ya know.
(They say that Sienna's never looked so good. Uh, hello, it's all down to the suede people)
Suede
The fabric of the era. A pain to get dry cleaned but totally worth it. Choose caramel tones, paired with unexpected pastel accents (look to Coach for inspiration) and don't turn your nose up at a patch or two. If it all sounds too retro for your sartorial proclivities, stick to a palette of black and accessorise with structured pieces in glossy finishes. Think of it as haute hippy if you will.
(Channelling your inner cowgirl, but in the best possible way)
Fringing
I love fringe detailing. It, however, hates me. It's devastating really, a true tale of unrequited love. Yet I remain undeterred in my pursuit for all things tassel-y. Despite the potential tangle opportunities (because there are many) I don't think anything speaks to the little bohemian in me more. The Just Cavalli beauties are pretty radical but there are other options that err on the more subtle, and frankly more sensible, side of the fashion wheel. Try an accessory or two and aim to keep jewellery to a minimum which in this case is code for, non-existent. You'll thank me for it, seriously.
So go forth and enjoy wearing what is essentially a clashing of terms and eras: the modern retro, or is it, retro modern? I'll leave you to ponder the semantics of my ramblings, I'm going to press my flares and de-tangle my fringing.
(Images via: unknown, pinterest, tumblr, Vogue.com & ifyouareintoit.com)
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