Dust off those bellbottoms and funky knits — the 1970s are back with a vengeance. Some would call the ‘80s the decade that style forgot, but you could be forgiven for thinking they’d got it wrong with some of the ’70s-inspired looks on this season’s catwalks. Prada and Gucci went all-out with brightly coloured clashing separates while Miu Miu and Valentino chose top-to-toe prints, in classically garish style.
Chloé and Tadashi Shoji put a ladylike spin on the trend with very proper frocks in muted shades with extreme detailing. And Alice and Olivia came up with one of my favourite looks with hearts all round.
Elsewhere on the runways there were shimmering floor-sweepers, invoking the heady days of Studio 54, knit dresses galore and chunky heels that you could easily spend an evening in. This is a trend that’s actually quite shocking at first — for those of us brought up with more classic styles and natural materials, it screams against the grain. But I promise you, it will grow on you, and in a few weeks you’ll be raiding charity shops for forgotten gems and perhaps even digging out the knitting needles!
The ‘70s look is one that can be as extreme as you dare — think Scooby Doo meets grandma’s knitting patterns. Team skinny-knit sweaters with tweedy A-line skirts or wide-leg pants. Adapt the look for evening with the addition of a belted kimono jacket, like this one from Massimo Dutti which is reminiscent of vintage Starsky and Hutch (the David Soul, Paul Michael Glaser version!). Shoes are very definitely clunky, almost verging on the ugly but, in true fashion style, so naff they’re cool and their functionality makes them perfect for the workplace or a night on the town. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for platform boots!
