Fashion Forecast: That '70s Show

So pretty much every blogger of the fashionista persuasion has posted recently about Spring 2011's return to 1970s style.  Perhaps this is why I've been so reluctant to cover the trend myself: it feels a little like white noise.  However, it also would feel like a glaring oversight if I didn't at least give it a cursory nod in a Fashion Forecast.

In other posts I've mentioned the return to flared and wide-leg jeans, as well as the resurgence of crop tops and peasant tops.  These respective trends are all part of the larger '70s trend.  Big hair, flowing maxi skirts, and floppy hats all paraded down the runway this spring leaving us all with infinite ways to adapt the trend to our own personal style.  The '70s style is great if you want a more bohemian edge to your look, or if you'd like to revamp your silhouette.  I know I'm going to be rocking some sheer dresses to the beach this summer.  Last year I actually managed to find a gorgeous Poleci silk blouse for a great deal.  At the time I just loved the blue and white pattern, but now the flowy structure, sliced sleeves and '70s vibe are right on trend.  I love it when that happens.  All photos from www.style.com.

 

Badgley Mischka

 

Blumarine

 

Blumarine

 

Blumarine

 

D&G

 

Elie Saab

 

Fendi

 

Jason Wu

 

Marc Jacobs

 

Valentino

Fashion Forecast: A Touch of Flare

Okay, so I haven't posted a Fashion Forecast in a while, so I thought I'd throw up a few more for those of you who are sartorially minded.  With the '70s on the runways in a big way, wide-leg and flared jeans/trousers were abundant.

While I like a good bootleg cut as much as any other, I can't say flares are a favourite of mine, mostly because they're hard to pull off if you don't have a really unhealthy BMI.  So, I'll be more inclined to go with the more democratic adaptation: the wide-leg.  A good wide leg jean will fit snugly through the hips, and then fit loosely through the thigh and leg.  If you have shorter legs then I recommend going with a high-waisted version or have them hemmed to just brush the ground in high heels, which will give you height and longer lines.

Badgley Mischka, Celine, Christian Dior, Derek Lam, D&G, Dries van Noten and Jason Wu all showcased versions of this trend.  Photos from www.style.com.

 

Badgley Mischka

 

Celine

 

Christian Dior

 

D&G

 

Derek Lam: This shot in particular has been featured in more fashion blogs and articles than I can count; and for good reason, since it's a great look!

 

Dries van Noten

 

Jason Wu

Fashion Forecast: Short Story

Again and again designers chose to clothe their models in crop tops.  Before you cringe to yourself at the thought of bulging muffin-tops and exposed bellies, let me point out that this year's crop-top has several differences from the early 2000's "belly top".  This new incarnation boasts a looser silhouette, and rather than being paired with low-slung jeans (with the exception of in Michael Kors' show) is worn instead with high-waisted trousers and skirts.  As luck would have it, I actually bought a crop-top last April for a date, and it has turned out to be one of my favourite items despite my lack of a six-pack.  Mine is more like Badgley Mischka's version than the others, and has a high boat neck in the front that drapes down to expose the upper back, with loose sleeves that just graze the inner elbow.  Crop tops are a great way to update a look and still wear a t-shirt.  If you want to get a '70s vibe (very big this year - more on that later), I suggest pairing the crop-top with high-waisted belted jeans.  If you'd like something more modern a high-waisted fitted skirt will nicely balance out the looseness of the top (and is delightfully slimming).  If you REALLY want to go '70s then have a go at the peasant top version that gathers at the bust and the shoulders.  Anyway, without further adieu, here they are!  Photos courtesy of http://www.style.com/.

 

Badgley Mischka

 

Blumarine

 

D&G

 

Dolce and Gabbana

 

Marc Jacobs

 

 Michael Kors