tryna get that '70s look:

SS11 70s Fashion Trend Guide

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For Spring/Summer 2011,the fashion world has been truly seduced by 70s fever. Cue clothes,shoes and accessories that make a nod towards the flower power decade that embraced hedonism and fun. Look to the SS 11 collections of fashion designers such Marc Jacobs,D&G,Gucci,Salvatore Ferragamo, Sonia Rykiel and Topshop Unique for reference and retro 70s inspirations.

Catwalk inspired SS11 70s trends have now transcended onto the high street for you to get your hands on in time for the warmer weather. Whether you want to channel a relaxed 70s hippy style or go for Studio 54 glamour,there’s sure to be something to suit your personal tastes,that can be easily worked into your existing wardrobe to refresh it for the Spring fashion trend. With 70′s fashion also seen on the recent AW11 catwalk collections from across the globe too,the good news is that anything you buy now is an investment piece that you’ll be able to still wear after the long days of Summer are behind us.

Mellow Moods &70s Disco Vibes

Not sure how to wear this 70s S/S’11 trend? Here’s our SS11 70s trend guide to help with outfit ideas and give you style inspiration for fashion for Spring with these best buys from the high-street. Make these your Spring wardrobe must-haves to take you through the new season in 70s style!

Invest in key pieces this SS’11 season that will earn you your style credentials for tapping into the 70′s trend. Look for floor sweeping wide-leg jumpsuits,flowing 70s maxi dresses,retro flared jeans,floaty chiffon blouses,crochet waistcoats,fringed ponchos,A-line denim skirts,70s palazzo pants,midi skirts,nostaligic prints,pleats,floppy brimmed hats and finish with a pair of sturdy skyscraper 70s style platform shoe or wedge to elongate your legs. Handmade intricate cut out details will add a homespun feel. Don’t be afraid to mix details and patterns – be bold! A palette of rich reds,tans,blues and warm camel hues offset by crisp white are all key elements of this 70s influence Spring Summer trend. Accessorize with trinkets of semi precious stones mixed with natural fabrics such as suede,leather and feathers for a Summer Bohemian style.

SS11 Miss Selfridge 70′s Fashion Trend Collection:

Miss Selfridge SS11 70s Trend

1. turquoise stone and metal flower cuff bracelet 2. classic white shirt 3. 70s paperbag shorts 4. rust suedette leggings 5. camel peg leg 70′s trousers 6. 70′s retro print shift dress 7. semi precious ring 8. 70′s tailored batwing shirt with lace insert 9. black patent 70′s wedge shoes 10. mink paperbag tie shorts 11. 70′s retro polka print sheer blouse with cut out detail 12. high waisted trousers 13. classic stone trench coat, 14. hippy chiffon flowers hairband 15. 70′s fringe tee 16. brown pleated sheer maxi skirt17. embellished 70s crop top 18. camel 70′s high waisted palazzo trousers 19. mink moccasin fringe loafer shoes 20. oval turquoise semi-precious solitare ring 21. tan crepe midi skirt, 22. copper pleated midi skirt 23. semi precious turquoise tear drop pendant necklace 24.black suede python slingback 70s wedge shoes 25. chunky metal raffia bangle, 26. 70s trend coral cut out t-bar clog platform shoes 27. tan plaited belt with tassle 28. boho’feather dream catcher earrings 29. turquoise and silver ring 30. red leather vintage tooled cylinder bag 31. tan strap sandals 32. rust suedette paperbag tie shorts 33. festival fringe suede bag with plait detail 34. 70s style oriental floral kimono jacket

70s Trend SS11 Midi Skirt &Maxi Skirt

This season sees a shift in skirt proportions,with hemlines going longer. Both the calf-lengthmidi skirt and floor sweeping maxi skirt trend create a flattering feminine silhouette. Go for a high waist style to nip in your waist,while pleated and sheer fabrics drape and move beautifully when you move. Wear with ladylike tailoring,or for a more 70′s rebel vibe,team your midi skirtor maxi skirt with a slogan tee and leather jacket. Add impact by wearing 70s inspired stacked heels,or simply team with tan leather sandals for a relaxed and comfortable daytime look.

1. lemon 70s shrug with lace insert and bow tie front, suedette paperbag shorts 2. 70s floral print floaty shift dress 3. sheer chiffon floral print dress 4. 70′s style animal print sheer wide leg palazzo trousers 5. 70s denim dungarees 6. 70s retro knitted zig zag batwing dress 7. floral wide leg 70s jumpsuit with ruffle sleeves and zip detail

Urban Outfitters SS11 70′s Trend Collection:

Urban Outfitters SS11 70s Trend

1. Toujours Toi turquoise semi precious stone ring 2. brown and black suede peep toe slingback 70s wedge shoe with zip detail 3. Pins &Needles 70s retro polka print sheer shirt 4. 70s wide brim floppy straw hat 5. Surface To Air car paperbag pants 6. Vanessa Bruno Athe embroidered shoulder 70s chambray dress 7. Cooperative pleated leaf print 70s dress with nipped-in waist panel 7. Minnetonka beaded Thunderbird suede moccasin shoes 8. retro 70s old school satchel 9. braided leather skinny belt 10. Ecote tan closed toe braided sandals with buckle straps 11. 70s retro festival fringe leather back pack 12.Kimchi &Blue sweetheart retro ditsy dress with waist belt 13. adjustable blue oval stone cuff bracelet 14. Miista Navy woven 70s platform shoes with a block heel 15. hippy flower corsage headband 16. boho’floral headband 17. Kimchi &Blue bow belted paperbag trousers 18. Anglomania camel Butterfly mac 19. Folk terracotta shoes with handmade intricate cut out detail 20. tba Natalie 70s blouse with bow collar

Urban Outfitters SS'11 70s

1. tba dress featuring 70s retro printed panelling and mesh inserts;finished with smocked waist 2. Carin Wester simple and understated black wide leg palazzo pants with a pleat front 3. Carin Wester Karina Gab chino trousers 4. Something Else 70s maxi skirt with stellar print 5. Sessun sleeveless chambray jumpsuit,featuring an asymmetric button front

S/S 2011 70s Palazzo Trousers

Wide-leg trousers,also known as palazzo pants,are the Spring season’s hottest new trouser shape and a must-have piece for updating your wardrobe in time for the warmer weather. Not sure what to wear with palazzo trousers? Flattering and comfortable,this SS11 70′s style trouser looks effortlessly chic paired with a simple vest or tailored shirt with a slim fitting blazer thrown over for those colder days. Keep the seventies look authentic by teaming your palazzo trousers with a towering 70s trend platform sandal or wedge for extra height.

Warehouse SS11 70′s Inspired Fashion Collection:

Warehouse SS11 70s Fashion Trend

1. SS11 70s trend poppy dress 2. 70s glam tie dye fan blouson top 3. 70′s orange ruched sleeve shirt 4. glam Paradise stripe 70s trend maxi dress 5. old school retro small leather satchel 6. 70s style camel belted paperbag trousers 7. tribal scarf print cutout shoulder slinky top 8. tan paperbag belted 70s trousers 9. navy peg leg trousers with tan belt 10.SS’11 70s retro floral printed capri pants 11. classic beige mac coat 12. boxy pointelle jumper 13. taupe wide leg 70s trend palazzo trousers 14. camel tab detail kilt 15.  tan woven leather waist belt

Dorothy Perkins SS11 70′s Influence Collection:

Dorothy Perkins SS11 70s Trend

1. 70s trend retro print paisley shell top 2. 70s style denim belted a-line skirt 3. feminine pintuck lace insert panel tie-front blouse 4. 70s trend retro print paisley maxi dress 5. 70s festival fringe crochet waistcoat 6. snake 70s platform platform sandals 7. boho’feather on cord necklace 8. hand crochet jumper 9. coral beaded necklace 10. 70s hippy neutral fringed poncho 11. turquoise and gold flower cuff bracelet 12. 70s style black sheer wide leg palazzo trousers 13. 70s trend black print wide leg palazzo pants 14. 70s boho’turquoise dreamcatcher earrings 15. semi precious jade earrings 16. 70s retro coral lace flower dress 17. cream lace insert sheer blouse 18. 70s hippy blue bead peace sign necklace 19. 70s retro print and white bead shell top 20. boho’suede/feather wrap bracelet 21. 70′s black strappy wedge sandals 22. retro print 70s maxi dress 23. 70s black platform strappy sandals

Debenhams 70′s Fashion Trend SS11 Collection:

Debenhams Spring/Summer 2011 70s Trend

1. Matthew Williamson suede 70s fringe handbag 2. Faith natural basket-weave peep-toe SS11 70s platform shoes 3. Red Herring floral print black palazzo pants 4. Diamond by Julien Macdonald retro printed 70s maxi dress 5. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson tiered 70s sheer chiffon maxi dress 6. H! by Henry Holland navy wide leg 70s palazzo pants 7.Red Herring white crochet knit top with retro bold stripes 8. Red Herring 70s boho fashion crocheted cape 9. Rocha. John Rocha embellished beaded flat 70s sandals 10. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson SS11 70′s trend navy palazzo pants 11. 70s style black floral pleated maxi skirt 12. Faith natural 70s platform shoes 13. Krush brogue and crochet 70s shoe 14.Butterfly by Matthew Williamson retro cat’s eye  sunglasses 15. Betty Jackson.Black bias-cut brown 70s maxi skirt 16. Matthew Williamson boho’turquoise &gold stretch bracelet17. Miu Miu sunglasses with Tortoiseshell effect frame 18. 70s trend sheer cape blouse with floral print 19. Faith tan open toe 70s heels 20. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson 70s fringed tote handbag 21. Rocha.John Rocha 70s classic short trench coat with stormflap22. Rocha.John Rocha fawn 70s cape mac coat 23. Red Herring white cape sheer blouse with floral print 24. Jonathan Saunders turquoise &grey tie dye 70s maxi dress 25.Rocha.John Rocha tan ‘Rupert’70s wedge sandals 26. Faith tan ‘Amiee’flat loafer shoes27. Faith white ‘Alice’woven cord flat 70s shoes 28. Rare sheer cream chiffon flower embellished 70s dress

New Look SS11 70s Fashion Collection:

New LooK SS11 70s Trend

1. slinky scoop neck tie front crop tee 2. 70s trend belted floral print maxi dress 3. wide leg 70s trousers with bow detail 4. leather bootie 70s wedge 5. stone and gold ring stretch bracelet 6. 70s denim waistcoat 7. 70s macrame knotted crop top 8. 70′s inspired wide leg floral print palazzo pants 9. 70s boho’crochet fringe poncho 10. 70s trend crochet skirt 11. 70s style crochet tee with cuffed sleeves 12. 32in skinny 70s flare jeans 13. wool felted 70s floppy hat 14. leaf bangle stack 15. retro chunky weave jumper 16. pretty daisy cutwork tie top

John Lewis 70s Trend SS11 Collection:

John Lewis Spring/Summer 2011 70s Trend

#1: Maxi Dresses
#2: Scooter Skirts

#3: Flared Jeans
#4: Ascot Blouses
#5: Faux Fur Animal Print Coats
#6: Hooded Dresses
#7: Chevron Stripes
#8: Prairie Dresses
#9: Floppy Hats
#10: Platform Shoes

’70s CLOTHING TREND #1: MAXI DRESSES

Credit: Fashion-pictures.com

WHAT IT IS: The maxi dress style is a very relaxed, loose fit that works for all body types and is worn most commonly during the spring and summer seasons.

While maxi dresses of today are most usually designed as sleeveless halter styles, ‘70s maxi dresses were popular in long-sleeve and short-sleeve v-neck or neck-tie styles, too.

Maxi dresses of the ‘70s were designed using bright colors and vibrant prints. Floral was a big hit and quite appropriate when worn by one of the era’s stereotypical “flower children.”

THE HISTORY: The origins of the maxi dress are actually older than the ‘70s. Based upon records, the first maxi dress was designed by Oscar De La Renta in 1968.

The mod mini skirt of the ‘60s was eventually replaced in popularity by the maxi as designers Yves Saint Lauren, Dior, Cardin, Biba and Halston followed Oscar’s lead, designing their own versions of this floor-length, drapey dress throughout the ‘70s.

BUY A VINTAGE MAXI DRESS: ’70s Floral Maxi Dress on Etsy, $58 / ’70s Purple Floral Maxi Dress on Etsy, $52

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #2: SCOOTER SKIRTS

Credit: Fashion-pictures.com

WHAT IT IS: Scooter skirts from the ‘70s look a whole lot like Catholic schoolgirl skirts look today, but with a huge difference: These “skirts” were actually shorts that are pleated to appear as skirts.

I remember scooter skirts making a revival in the early ‘90s of my youth and were called “skorts:” A mix of skirt + shorts = skorts.

THE HISTORY: While the mini skirt was all the rage in the ‘60s, the “skort” was a more popular way to expose the area above the knee by the youth of the early ‘70s. The mini skirt transitioned into the scooter skirt when hot pants (extremely short and skin tight shorts) emerged in the ‘70s.

So why was it called a scooter skirt? Only someone who lived the era would truly know, but my best guess is that when the razor scooter gained popularity girls began wearing their “pantskirts” on the scooters so that they wouldn’t expose their undergarments below. Hence, the nickname scooter skirt would emerge and gain hold of the American consciousness.

’70s plaid wasn’t the only print for these schoolgirl scooters. Solid hues and psychedelic stripes were also prevalent and worn from the knee up!

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Schoolgirl Plaid Scooter Skirt on Etsy, $78 / ’70s Tartan Plaid Scooter Skirt on Etsy, $42

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #3: FLARED JEANS

Credit: Jane Birkin / FabSugar.com

WHAT IT IS: Jeans found their way into the drawers of the American teen as early as the ‘50s, but it wasn’t until the ‘70s that woman were wearing pants, let alone pants made from such a casual material as denim.

Wide-legged, flared, bell bottoms … whatever you want to call them, they were in for the contemporary female by the mid ‘70s and worn by celebrities like actress Jane Birkin, above.

THE HISTORY: Before the ‘50s, denim was still something to be worn by a miner, farmer or other blue collar, toiling worker. Beginning with the baby boomer generation, “jeans” transitioned into everyday casual wear by teen boys and girls.

While we most commonly associate the specific wide-legged jeans with the hippie generation of the 1970s, this denim style was more common than you think.

Denim-only brands were founded or grew from previous origins to gain market share over this growing trend, introducing cleaner, sleeker versions of the “hippie denim” associated with work wear grunge and a general alternative lifestyle.

Still, The average woman wasn’t wearing jeans like the average woman does today. Now, wearing jeans is as common as owning a pair of socks. In the ‘70s, on the other hand, our “elders” were still wearing conservative skirts and/or pant suits. It was the easily impressionable youth who sought after the denim craze as led by brands like Levis, Lee and Wrangler, all of which still exist today.

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s High-Waisted Flared Denim Jeans on Etsy, $68 / ’70s High-Waisted Dark Denim Jeans on Etsy, $72

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #4: ASCOT BLOUSES

WHAT IT IS: The “ascot” is anything attached to the neck of a shirt. There are different kinds of ascots, from simple ascot ties (which can simply hang or be tied into decorative bows) to my favorite, the “crepe” ascot.

A crepe ascot (shown above) is type of ascot that lays like the ruffles of a jabot. It’s essentially taking the of the ascot but preventing its wearer from “tying” it in any sort of fashion. It just lies as is.

Ascot blouses have many a nickname, including “secretary” blouses, “pussy cat” blousesand even “working girl” blouses because their increased popularity in the ‘70s can be attributed to women wearing them as they increasingly entered the office-focused workforce. American Bureau of Labor statistics show that in 1970, nearly 40% of the American female population were employed. By 1979, that number jumped to nearly 48% of women in the workforce. That’s a lot of secretary blouses going around!

Unfortunately the nickname secretary blouse is demeaning because it insinuates that if working, a woman was supposed to be a secretary. Think of Polly’s character in Mad Menand the terrible prejudice she had to experience to work her way to the top — “secretary” blouses and all.

THE HISTORY: But the interesting history of the ascot blouse doesn’t stop there. The ascot reached its height of popularity as a men’s style in the 1800s. Beautiful silk scarves were worn in multiple decorative fashions below a sports jacket in the area around the neck where a man’s shirt would normally show.

The ascot tie gained popularity in mainstream fashion once again by the ‘60s, but this time it was more popular for women to wear feminine, decorative scarves around their necks in various fashions. This trend then transitioned into the ascot tie “secretary blouse” because the ascot tie was almost like having the feminine version of the man’s tie in the work place.

So while women weren’t actually wearing men’s tie, the ascot tie blouse was almost a way for them to declare with their style that they were dressed to work.

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Plaid Ascot Crepe Blouse on Etsy, $20 / ’70s Red Ascot Crepe Blouse on Etsy, $12

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #5: FAUX ANIMAL PRINT FUR COATS

Credit: Fashion-pictures.com

WHAT IT IS: The faux fur industry took off in the late ’60s and was worn in lieu of real fur as waist coats and dress coats. It came with appropriate timing, too, because the need to wear the warmth of real fur was increasingly becoming less with the advent of heated cars and public transportation. Women didn’t need to “bundle up” 24/7 — they could wear less when traveling to and from destinations thanks to modern technologies and accessibility to them by the average American.

’70s styles in faux fur coats were more designed as “jackets,” garments slightly past the waist clasped with zippers or buttons instead of more fancy enclosures seen in previous eras. The entire outerwear trend became more casual in the ’70s, which was a reflection of the more casual clothing women were wearing all around. Who would want to wear a fancy coat over denim and an ascot blouse?

THE HISTORY: The popularity of the “faux fur” industry has an interesting history, one of which stems from the near extinction of leopards as influenced by Jacklyn Kennedy’s wardrobe choices!

While fur was not a revolutionary trend for the ‘60s, wearing fur designed with animal prints was.

So when First Lady Jackie Kennedy was encouraged to wear a leopard animal fur coat by Oleg Cassini — one of her most prized couturiers during her time at the White House — she was excited to change up “the fur look” in a fresh way.

Well, who would have known that once Jackie O wore her real leopard coat as designed by Cassini, that the woman of America would demand their own versions — and that over 250,000 leopards were hunted and killed to meet the consumer’s fashion demands?

Because Jackie was an influential fashion force of her day, this is exactly what happened. Cassini has worked to redeem his influence on the near extinction of the leopard population by funding the development of synthetic fur called Evolutionary Fur, which essentially duplicate the spotted design of the leopard without harm to the animal.

So, because Jackie’s fashion sense created a fashion massacre, it became popular to channel the animal print trend through it’s faux fur counterparts.

Faux fur was technically invented in 1929, but thanks to Cassini’s efforts as well as increased technology of synthetic fibers in general, the industry was able to capitalize on a tragedy and turn it into a trend.

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Faux Leopard Print Coat on Etsy, $150 / ’70s Faux Fur Animal Print Coat on Etsy, $38

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #6: HOODED DRESSES

WHAT IT IS: A dress, most usually made from cotton or polyester, that has an attached hood.

It’s like Little Red Riding Hood hit the ’70s and made her successful red cape into a best-selling dress! There was no true purpose for the hood on the dress. It was merely an accent piece that added another layer of unique style to the dress garment, fitting for a period of self-expression and liberated fashion ideology.

THE HISTORY: The “hood” descends from Medievil times, when men and women wore hooded cloaks/capes to protect their hair and face from harsh weather conditions. The benefit of having a hood on your outergarment was that you didn’t have to worry about another piece to include in your outfit. People were moving about freely on horse and foot, therefore it was in their best interest to wear the garments that had everything they needed in one place.

Because the Medieval-style peasant dress trend was so huge in the ’70s, it makes sense that the hooded dress would gain popularity, too since it took the Medieval cape trend and designed it into this ’70s dress.

It can be worn both casually or flamboyantly — it all depends what you make of it. Legendary ’70s designer Halston dressed his friends/cliente like Bianca Jagger in his famous hooded disco dress. While not necessarily invented by Halston, the hooded dress is representative of his brand synergy of mixing the nightlife with everyday functional clothing, like the ultraseude dress he invented and which gained him mainstream notoriety.

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Green Striped Hooded Dress on Etsy, $48 / ’70s Teal Hooded Day Dress on Etsy, $46

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #7: CHEVRON STRIPES

Credit: Fashion-pictures.com

WHAT IT IS: The chevron is a type of stripe that rather than move upward vertically or across horizontally, is a mix of both up & down as a diagonally cut array of upward pointing arrows. It’s best described as an “inverted V,” almost like the side of a square turned upside down into a rhombus, and then split in half.

Beyond fashion, the chevron is most commonly associated with being an insignia to denote the rank of people working in the military or police professions. The chevron stripe is used on the badge to illustrate their rank standing. One can also find various degrees of chevron stripes within the design of flags and also as the symbol of car company Chevron!

TREND HISTORY: The ’70s trend of the chevron stripe in both dresses and skirts can be attributed to the era’s popularity of the Missoni brand, which incorporated the zig-zag flare of the chevron stripe into its signature designs.

Founded in the ’50s by husband-wife duo Tai and Rosita Missoni, the brand was promoted by Vogue magazine editor Diana Vreeland and thereby catapulting this European brand to American prominence by the early ’70s.

When a designer’s signature look becomes trendy, knock-offs emerge at lower price points. Hence the mainstream trend of the chevron stripe, which was a key component of the multi-colored kaleidoscope zig zags of the Missoni “look.”

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Chevron Stripe Maxi Skirt on Etsy, $29 / ’70s Chevron Stripe Sundress on Etsy, $39

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #8: PRAIRIE DRESSES

WHAT IT IS: Prairie dresses are a mix of European Medieval peasant dresses and the American Little House on the Prairie country-girl style.

This ’70s dress style is best epitomized when designed with a high or square neckline with attached lace ruffles at the chest, ruffles at the sleeves and a layer of ruffle to finish off the dress skirt.

The dress is cut as a high-waist line and usually has a wrap tie. Prints range from calico to floral to a clean all-white look. Prairie dresses can be both maxi or knee-length, but hardly ever mini.

Prairie dresses were conservative, country-girl styles that spoke to the era’s influences of following the natural, organic lifestyles of a simpler time in world history.

THE HISTORY: Remember buying Jessica McClintock dresses for prom in the ’90s? Well, the owner of Jessica McClintock — Gunne Sax — is the most notable designer and trend-originator of the prairie dress style.

Gunne Sax was famous for the high necklines, tight bodices and flared ruffle skirts so indicative of the prairie dress look. For added feminine flair, Gunne added Victorian elements like lace, pearl buttons and slip dresses below the dress itself.

The prairie skirt worn by homespun fashionistas on the American range in the mid 1800s were simplified versions of the ruffled skirts/dresses characteristic of high fashion from that time period. Upon hearing the latest trends of the upper class, women would take those trends and make them into affordable and accessible looks for their lifestyles.

Other pioneers of the prairie look emergence in mainstream ’70s fashion was Ralph Lauren, who incorporated various elements of American Western wear into his collections during the late ’70s and early ’80s.

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Floral Prairie Dress on Etsy, $36 / ’70s Calico Floral Print Prairie Dress on Etsy, $58

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #9: FLOPPY HATS

Credit: Bridgette Bardot / Fashion-pictures.com

WHAT IT IS: A “floppy” hat is a wide-brimmed hat with a circle, almost bucket-like top. The floppy hat is called floppy because it does just that: It’s not a static fit on your head and can be adjusted and moved accordingly. Floppy hats are also called sun hats or field hats because their wide-brims prevent the sun from hitting a person’s eyes and face.

In the ’70s, floppy hats were typically made from felt material and available in a variety of bright colors to match a woman’s outfit. They sometimes were decorated with flowers or other earth-inspired materials (see Bridgette Bardot, above) or accented with a simple ribbon bow.

THE HISTORY: Previous to the ’70s, women wore hats to match their outfits. A woman’s hat collection was by far the equivalency of a modern woman’s shoe collection today — you simply needed to have that one hat to match that one outfit!

By the ’70s, wearing a hat everywhere you went just wasn’t practical to the conveniences of the time. It was a style still embraced by the older populations, but baby boomers and those who followed adopted their own hat trends which were more suitable to stylish practically of blocking the sun and channeling the era’s organic, natural vibe.

Today hats are still embraced by a niche percent of the American female population. The floppy hat has made a comeback, sold new in trendy hipster stores like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. The Marc Jacob’s runway for spring 2011 embraced the return of the floppy hat in exaggerated shape and blindly bright magenta hues.

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Red Floppy Hat on Etsy, $30 / ’70s Mustard Yellow Floppy Hat on Etsy, $60

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’70s CLOTHING TREND #10: PLATFORM SHOES

Credit: Fashion-pictures.com

BUY THEM NOW: ’70s Size 6.5 Cork Platforms on Etsy, $180 / ’70s Size 7 Wooden Platforms on Etsy, $150 / (lower left) ’70s Size 7.5 Floral Strappy Platforms on Etsy, $150

WHAT IT IS: Platform shoes are elevated footwear at fairly considerable heights. Heeled shoes may elevate your height, but they don’t give you the same boost that platforms do of 3-6+ inches.

In the ’70s platform shoes were usually made from cork or wood. The foot rests on top of the platform sole and is strapped in around the ankles and fastened with straps at the front of the foot, allowing the toe to peep through.

THE HISTORY: Most people assume that the platform is a product of the ’70s — wrong! Shoes of elevated heights span as far back to the day of the Egyptian, when wealthy Pharaohs and their royal followers would wear platforms as a sign of wealth & prestige.

Women and men wore platforms called “chopins” of exorbitant heights (up to 16 inches in some cases!) during the Renaissance, when trade of these shoes were at an all-time high and individuals of growing wealth & stature wanted to show off their economical position with a little bit of height.

Around the time of the French Revolution during the late 1700s, the allure of the platform dwindled down because the shoe was associated with the negative opulence of Louis XVI and his court.

Fast forward 200 years and we can thank legendary Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo for giving the platform shoe trend a boost in 20th century fashions. While Ferragamo is more remembered for the invention of the stiletto (God bless him!) it was his European background coupled with desires for experimentation with creating footwear that had never been seen in the American market before that helped to re-introduce the platform shoe back into the American market.

When the glam rock scene of London hit the dance floors of the US, all platforms were let loose and everyone was wearing them from stage performers like David Bowie to 14-year-old girls following the cutting edge trends of their time.

Today, designers like Jeffrey Campbell take inspiration from Ferragamo’s ’70s platform designs. When each side is shown side by side, it can be hard to tell which is truly “vintage!”