’70s Subdued

Though the ’70s is remembered as a decade of fashion decadence (think Studio 54 and the over-the-top drama of the disco scene), the era had a softer side as well — one that has been winningly reinvented and reimagined all over the runway this season.  (I’ve mentioned Chloe’s “glam 70s” look 34,389 times — including in my fall edition of the Magpie Must List), so I won’t revisit that territory again, but I still swoon over it.)  Then, when I saw this shot of a NYC fashionista on The Sartorialist, I knew that the subdued side of 70s style was back in a major way.

The ’70s revisited —  image from The Sartorialist

While I’m not sure that I’m willing to advocate high-waisted, light-wash flares (perhaps too literal an interpretation of the era’s fashions), I am drawn to the overall vibe here.  A little slouchy and undone — and at the same time, sophisticated and pulled-together.  To achieve that breezy chic-ness, I’m thinking of a slouchy sweater dress in soft camel first (Rag & Bone, $325, Intermix), paired with slouchy suede boots (bonus points for the OTK style — $110, South Moon Under):

Adore the neutral palette, and envision that a 70s style maven would complete the look with a cropped fur vest of some kind — though I’d probably leave it as is, adding only a boho glam necklace — I am still in love with these slightly rocker-chic statement necklaces by Fiona Paxton ($296, TheHipChick), but I was over.the.moon when I found this far less expensive variation by Hive and Honey ($30, PiperLime):

Add a slouchy oversized clutch (Marc Jacobs, $348, Saks) and a pair of retro shades ($231, Shopbop), and you’re set:

Alternately, I’m pretty much in love with this lace dolman-sleeved top (Beyond Vintage, $180, PiperLime), which I envision pairing with skinny jeans in a lighter wash than I normally use (Paige, $190, Shopbop) and some dusty brown shoes

Pair with these cognac suede pumps (Pour La Victoire, $250, Amazon) and a 70s throwback cross-body bag (can also be worn as a clutch — $78, South Moon Under):

All you’ll need is a tassel necklace ($78, South Moon Under) and you’re done:

If you’re ready to go with the flare (I’d either do a lighter wash skinny leg or a darker wash flare to avoid looking too costumey), I’d layer a faux fur vest (I d.i.e. over this fluffy Yves Salomon vest — $595, Intermix — though I’ve seen tons of affordable versions in the faux stuff, like this BB Dakota option, available for $58 at Glik’s) atop a nondescript long-sleeved white tee ($32, J. Crew) and add some flared jeans (Seven for All Mankind, $190, Intermix):

I’d add only this to.die.for panther pendant necklace (by Kenneth Jay Lane — who else?! — $117, Pret A Beaute) and a pair of suede pumps (Pelle Moda, $150, FootNotesOnline):

I again would accent with a slouchy oversized clutch — the Marc Jacobs above is incredible, but this Mat & Nat version is a bit more wallet-friendy — and it comes in a couple of right-on-point colors ($165, Mat and Nat):

For work wear, it’s all about the washed silk shirtdress.  I am obsessed with this See By Chloe number ($595, Intermix):

Pair with this surprisingly affordable state & lake brand mini messenger (love the tassel accent — I’m all about it this season — $148, Shopbop) and a jaguar-adorned bangle (very Bianca Jagger –$74, Pret-A-Beaute):

For shoes?  These substantial-looking Talbots pumps are right on the money ($149, Talbots):

I also enjoy the contrast of a floaty, printed chiffon dress (slightly hippie in vibe) and a pair of suede slouchy boots.  I like, for example, this etched feather print (there we go again with the feather pattern) dress ($365, Diane Von Furstenberg) and some slouchy suede boots (on sale for $80, J. Jill):

If you’re more inclined towards heels, these platformed Cynthia Vincents are the apple of Rachel Zoe’s eye ($425, Singer22):

Either boot would be perfect with this adorable sueded bag (about $560, Tila March):

Alternately, how hippie chic is this floral print mini by Valdivia (on sale for $74, Shop Ever):

I like it paired with these suede, taupe colored wedges (about $420, Tila March), though any of the above pumps would work and modernize it:

For something a bit more formal, take your cues from Halston, whose diffusion line (Halston Heritage) has scored major points since its release a year ago.  (Check out  “The Halston Heritage” post for more on these over-the-top luxe looks.)  I’m thinking a full-length silky shirtdress might just be the way to go ($398, Geren Ford):

Swoon.  Slightly undone hair and high heeled sandals (extra points if they’re in suede, as below — $595, Ralph Lauren) seal the deal.

Love it!