This past summer, I was offered an opportunity
to write a three-part fashion series for the Greater Des Moines Young Professionals Connection (YPC). For this
fashion series, I focused on this season's emphasis on 70's trends. With each installment, I featured a trend
that was popular in the 1970’s and described how you can wear that trend for
various occasions today. For the first
installment, I highlighted the bohemian trend that is already quite popular
today. For the second installment, I opined on the influence of global and
ethnic prints during the 1970’s. Lastly,
I discussed the iconic wrap dress and how it can be worn all-year long. Below are excerpts from each installment. To read the full blog posts on the YPC website,
click on the links below.
Bohemian
As the ‘60s
faded, the hippie culture from that decade continued into the early ‘70s. In
modern usage, the word “bohemian” refers to someone who lives an
unconventional, usually artistic life.
Today, the style term “boho chic” represents a fashion style that draws
inspiration from bohemian and hippie cultures of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Two easy ways to emulate the bohemian style today
is to invest in a peasant blouse and a boho dress. Peasant blouses are available at numerous
retailers and are flattering for most body types. Boho dresses can come in a
variety of prints, lengths and cuts that can work for all ages. Below I’ve displayed two outfits transitioning
a peasant blouse from work to weekend, as well transitioning a boho dress from
work to weekend. Click here to read the full blog post.
 |
| Outfit #1: Shirt: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Pants: Express// Belt: MintL.A. Boutique// Shoes: Payless// Jewelry: Gift Outfit #2: Shirt: Kohl's // Jeans: BCBGeneration // Purse: Target // Shoes: Kohl's Outfit #3: Dress: Target (Old) // Blazer: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Shoes: Payless// Belt: Old Outfit #4: Dress: Target (Old)// Vest: Dillard's// Shoes: Payless |
Global
& Ethnic Prints
During the ‘70s, easier access to
traveling abroad allowed cultures from other regions of the world to have
influences on the fashion industry.
Afghan coats from Afghanistan became a staple for the hippie counterculture
during the early ‘70s. Fashion designers
interpreted caftans from Morocco into casual women’s gowns for entertaining at
home. The paisley print, originally from
Persian descent and imported from India, became mainstream in women’s and men’s
fashion along with interior design patterns.
Global and ethnic influences came pouring in which inspired designers to
create bold and colorful prints during the decade. Colors and prints during the ‘70s are ranged
from bold and saturated hues to subdued earthy tones. For this installment, I’ve chosen four
outfits displaying global-inspired prints and how to wear them for the
workplace and the weekend or evening.
Click here to read the full blog post.
 |
| Outfit #1: Shirt: JCPenny// Pants: BCBG Max Azria// Shoes: Wet Seal (old)// Belt: TJMaxx (old)// Bracelet: World Market// Ring: Vintage (Grandma's) Outfit #2: Shirt: JCPenny // Skirt: BCBG Max Azria // Shoes: Payless // Purse; TJMaxx (Nine West) // Bracelets: World Market & Craft Fairs // Earrings: Express// Necklace: DryGoods Outfit #3: Pants: Target // Shirt: Express // Vest: Express // Bracelet: Express // Earrings: Old // Shoes: JCPenny Outfit #4: Pants: Target // Shirt: Target // Jewelry: Old // Shoes: Target |
The
Wrap Dress
The wrap dress was introduced in 1974 by
designer Diane Von Furstenberg. When explaining its instant appeal, she stated,
“The wrap dress is the most traditional form of dressing: It’s like a robe, a
kimono, a toga. It doesn’t have buttons
or zippers. What made it different was
that it was jersey; it made every woman look like a feline. And that’s how it happened….”¹ The wrap dress
was an unprecedented success – it was sexy, simple, packable, and looked good
on women of all shapes and sizes. The
dress itself soon symbolized power and independence for an entire generation of
women.² For this installment, I’ve chosen three outfits utilizing a wrap dress
and displaying how to wear it for the workplace, for the weekend, and how you
can transition it into the fall season. Click here to read the full blog post.
 |
| Outfit #1: Dress; JCPenny // Purse: JCPenny // Shoes: Kohl's // Bracelet: Gift // Earrings: Old Outfit #2: Dress: JCPenny // Jacket: Abercrombie&Fitch (Old) // Shoes: Target // Rings: Old Navy Outfit #3: Dress: JCPenny // Cardigan, Tights, Shoes: Target // Jewelry: Old Navy |
Sources: ¹Reed, Paula (2012), Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed the
1970’s, Conran Octopus Ltd
What trend is your favorite from the 1970’s? How would you wear it today?
