I Didn't Think '70s Style Was My Thing, Until I Clocked These 6 Outfits

If I was to describe my style, I would say I’m somewhere in-between a minimalist and a maximalist. While I love to rely on timeless basics, I’m also a sucker for colour and print, so this leaves me pretty open when it comes to trying new trends. What I’m rarely drawn to, though, is dressing to a decade. Sure, I’ll embrace an '80s-style skirt suit or a ‘90s baguette bag, but full throwback looks aren’t usually my thing. So when everyone from Isabel Marant and Etro to Gabriela Hearst put retro '70s looks in the form of top-to-toe crochet, embroidered denim and flares on the runways for spring/summer 2022, I thought I would pass on this trend. That was, however, until I saw some of my favourite fashion people on Instagram plucking hints of the trend for a modern take on the look.

From Lucy William’s open waistcoat to Monikh’s maxi skirt and French-girl Anne-Victoire’s retro colour combo, I’m suddenly drawn to the decade I’ve formally dismissed. So much so, I’ve copied their outfits below for us all to try. And believe me, you won’t be disappointed. Keep scrolling to shop the 6 '70s-esque outfits I can’t stop thinking about.

1. Polo Knit + Flared Trousers

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(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

Style Notes: Giving a French-girl spin on the seventies trend, Anne-Victoire proves how flared trousers never fail to look chic. I love the rich blue and brown shades teamed together, so yes, I will be copying this look from top-to-toe. 

2. Printed Shirt + Clashing Maxi Skirt

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: I've followed Monikh for years, and it seems her style has naturally transitioned to have a retro spin. With a penchant for boho tops, maxi skirts and fun accessories (of course including oversized, tinted shades), there's something so effortless about the way she gives a nod to the decade. 

3. Floral Jumpsuit + Tan Boots

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Style Notes: Vintage lover Alyssa often wears items that are actually from the seventies, so of course they stay true to the trend. A bold, statement floral jumpsuit is an easy way to embrace the look in all its glory. And this ASOS jumpsuit is such a winner, I predict it'll have "sold out" written all over it, so be quick. 

4. Halter Top + Flared Jeans

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: Like the bandeau and the one-shoulder, "nice tops" are making a comeback, so naturally this includes the halterneck. Make like Lena and pair with flared jeans and XL hoop earrings. Whether you need glasses or not, aviator specs will be the cherry on the retro cake. 

5. Floral Maxi Dress + Flats

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(Image credit: @emsladedmondson)

Style Notes: Emma's dress is a gorgeous vintage find from Mother Vintage (who find the best one-off dresses, FYI), but any floaty floral frock will achieve the vibe. Moving south from '60s minis, the '70s was all about maxi shapes with lots of floaty, excess fabric. 

6. Waistcoat + High-Waisted Jeans

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: If you're more of a minimalist than a maximalist, look to the waistcoat to get a slight hint of the seventies look. Wear open, just like Lucy, over a body, T-shirt, billowing blouse or dress.

Next up, the basket bags we'll love forever

Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning. Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people. When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.