Go Retro

© Vogue Encyclopedia of Fashion

In the seventies, newly “liberated” women ushered in a new style of dressing, fabulous and eclectic. Gone were the tightly whittled waists of fifties frocks, or the uniform mod-squad shifts of the sixties. Diane von Furstenberg “invented” the wrap dress, Halston pioneered the glamorous, pleated disco dress, and women were free to wear hot pants, mini skirts, maxi dresses, halter-tops, catsuits, and platform shoes every day of the week.

A look that we’ve seen designers turning (back) to this season is variations on the quintessential 1970’s style day dress: think sleek v-necks, pleats, pussybows, wraps, and midi-lengths. Pleated or belted, solid colored or patterned with global influence, these are the dresses the “career girl” wore proudly to work. Chloe showed gorgeous silky dresses in python-print and mustard, YSL went in for diaphanous whites, and Mulberry’s pre-Fall collection showed serious seventies undertones, as did the looks at Paul & Joe. Of course, Marc Jacobs has been on-board the 70’s revival bandwagon for several seasons now, and his Marc by Marc collection for Fall 2011 was no exception.

Turn back time and refresh your wardrobe for work or play with one of these retro-inspired styles for the season. Fun prints and patterns are a staple of seventies style, but vintage pieces are often crafted from cheap, uncomfortable polyester that looks and feels dated. These vintage-inspired pieces are made from the best fabrics, in prints that look retro but feel fresh.

© Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Tibi, Pucci, Diane von FurstenbergThe delicate embroidery of Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Galena Silk-chiffon Dress is a flurry of teeny-tiny multicolored leaves on semi-sheer chocolately silk. With a darling bowtie at the neck and cuffed sleeves, this could be vintage. Wear this stunner with supersized wedges and gold statement jewelry – a hammered cuff, big earrings – and accessorize with a luxe suede clutch.

This Chloe Python Print Silk Dress is elegant, flattering. Reign it in with a chic skinny belt, and don ankle boots to keep it casual. If snake’s not your thing, check out the classical 70s styling of Pucci’s swirling patterned Silk Satin-jersey Wrap-Effect Dress, perfect with pumps and sleek side chignon. 

We’re also loving this cheeky Diane von Furstenberg New Newsy Dress; it has a very vintage vibe (pointy collar, grommet belt, gold buttons all the way down) that is easily modernized with contemporary accessories; patent leather flats and delicate jewelry to balance out the bold pattern should do the trick.

When we think seventies colors, orange, mustard, and olive green immediately come to mind. Work brights in this shockingly simple Tibi Belted Wool Wrap Dress – the cut works wonders to give you an outstanding shape, and the saturated hue is unexpected for drab winter. Team it with a patterned bag and wood-heeled shoes for an elegant mix of retro and contemporary.

Our last pick is a little Diane von Furstenberg Jafartha Tie-Waist Minidress – this one may be a little short for the office, but it’s ideal for when you’re off-duty. In bright orange silk, the silhouette of this one is fabulous. Wear it with glossy wood-heeled leather wedges and a bone-colored purse to let the color speak for itself.