70s fashion makes waves at New York Fashion Week and MET Gala

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Making purposeful strides away from the sombre austerity of the pandemic, observers noted that the New York Fashion Week lit the runways up with striking flashes of Seventies swag. From Jason Wu embracing fringe details, to Tom Ford and The Blondes leaning towards shimmer and shine, there was no mistaking the return of the aesthetic which, fashion-lovers say, will soon trickle down to closets across the world.

Flare with flair

While a mainstay of the hippie era, flared trousers came into their own in the '70s. Today, the silhouette is being reinterpreted with denim, and often incorporates fringes and other detailing. Fashion blogger Shrima Rai suggests picking a high-waist version and teaming this with a cropped top: "Keep the top relatively simple so that it doesn't compete with the pants - these will be the highlight of your look. Add clog heels or chunky sneakers."

Flower power

Tie-dye and flower-print motifs can add a fashion-forward pop of colour to your wardrobe, provided you combine them with more modern fits, says fashion blogger Jannat Khan. Steer clear of round-neck tees and kaftans that seem overtly vintage in their appeal; instead, pick neutral tones and contemporary shapes such as fitted jumpsuits or over-sized jackets. You can also opt for athleisure in these prints to stay stylish and yet modern.

Go glam

"You can't go wrong with adding glitter to your evening looks," believes Indu Srimal, a fashion influencer. She suggests incorporating keyhole cut-outs (another trend that proved hugely popular at the New York Fashion Week) and choosing outfits with glitter accents if you aren't comfortable with head-to-toe shimmer. "Many brands offer evening wear made of lightweight lame that is far more comfortable to wear even in muggy weather," she adds.

On the fringes

The'70s throwback extended beyond the runway and into the recent Met Gala too. Take, for instance, Jennifer Lopez's feathery number that turned heads for all the right reasons, shares Rai. While faux fur may be a stretch considering our climate, she suggests choosing feathered tops, tasselled bags or jackets, and incorporating crochet patches on your denims to channel the style without veering too far away from your comfort zone.