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.
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.
Groovy & Vibrant Prints
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.
Bold Sunnies
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!