SS21 - 1970s Inspired Fashion for All

It’s out with the old and in with the new, but maybe not this spring-summer season. From Gucci’s vibrant resort collection to Versace’s bold ready-to-wear looks, designers have re-invented the revolutionary style of the 70s, including genderless silhouettes. Wide leg pants, oversized sunglasses, and funky patterns are popular style trends this season. While this article is not sponsored, Zara was quick to release a spring collection that not only recreated many of the runway trends from top designers but also reflected a youthful and energetic ambience that characterized much of the 70s fashion. This summer is all about flowy shapes, oversized everything, and colours that you never thought would be paired together!

Pastel Suits

Jacquemus, as well as Fendi, both included oversized blazers in pastel and sorbet tones in their  SS21 collections. Moving away from fitted and shaping silhouettes, both designers drew from typical menswear shapes this season. To style this look, I recommend a monochrome co-ord set for a classy and clean look. However, if you are looking for something more vibrant, I suggest colour blocking with a coloured shirt underneath or mix-and-matching two different colour suit sets. 

Women’s Cropped Blazer - $79.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Cropped Blazer - $79.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Full Length Menswear Style Pants - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Full Length Menswear Style Pants - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Suit Jacket in Pink - $79.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Suit Jacket in Pink - $79.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Pleated Suit Shorts - $49.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Pleated Suit Shorts - $49.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Wide Leg Pants

Flowy bottoms seem to be a trend in both women’s and men’s fashion, and Gucci’s resort collection hit home with the 70s inspiration showcasing a pair of bell-bottom jeans. High waisted, full length, and 100% comfortable! If you’re short like me (5’3”!!), this trend may seem a little daunting, but with a little bit of tailoring, I’m sure you’ll find your next holy grail pair of trousers. Great for styling up or down, with built-in elegance for the workplace or casual events.

Women’s Full Length Pants in Stone - $49.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Full Length Pants in Stone - $49.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Organic Cotton Barrel Leg Trousers in Beige - $119 CAD at COSSTORES.COM

Men’s Organic Cotton Barrel Leg Trousers in Beige - $119 CAD at COSSTORES.COM

Men’s Wide Fit Pants - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Wide Fit Pants - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Wide Leg Pants in Mauve - $35.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Wide Leg Pants in Mauve - $35.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Groovy & Vibrant Prints

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One of the most memorable parts of the Versace runway show, aside from its theme of being underwater, was the amount of colour all of the pieces included. Similarly, Gucci’s resort collection included bold and playful prints. In an interview with Vogue Magazine, designer Donatella Versace expressed that after being in lockdown in Milan with only herself and her dog Audrey, she hopes a post-pandemic landscape for Versace will reflect inclusivity, mutual support, and acceptance. The runway show paid homage to the mysterious Atlantis, symbolic of a world of “diverse wonders''. Paired with pieces that would be considered disruptive or loud, this was exactly how Versace planned to express the pivotal moment in history and the future trajectory of revolutionary design visions. I recommend buying pieces in sets or co-ords or utilizing your basics to keep looks simple for this trend. A white cami or button-down top would pair well with the green geometric Zara pants pictured below. Colour coordinating accessories with accent colours in the pattern will also help make certain tones stand out if there are multiple colours. For example, a pastel pink or yellow bag would compliment the design on the Zara midi skirt below. 

Men’s Floral Print Shirt - $49.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Floral Print Shirt - $49.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Tied Patchwork Shirt - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Tied Patchwork Shirt - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Geometric Print Pants - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Geometric Print Pants - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Printed Midi Skirt - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Women’s Printed Midi Skirt - $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Floral Tie-Dye Shirt $69.90 and Shorts $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Men’s Floral Tie-Dye Shirt $69.90 and Shorts $59.90 CAD at ZARA.COM

Bold Sunnies 

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Oversized sunglasses are an iconic symbol of 70s fashion and have arrived just in time for when we need them most. Large, square frame sunnies seem to be a theme for the season, and coloured lenses can transform an outfit. While you might not actually be as influential or iconic as Jackie O in the 70s, these chic frames will undoubtedly make you feel as if you are!

ASOS DESIGN 70’s Square Sunglasses - $24.00 CAD at ASOS.COM

ASOS DESIGN 70’s Square Sunglasses - $24.00 CAD at ASOS.COM

ASOS DESIGN Oversized 70s Sunglasses - $24.00 CAD at ASOS.COM

ASOS DESIGN Oversized 70s Sunglasses - $24.00 CAD at ASOS.COM

Kelsi Lee