Americana
Jessica Wagner
70s Inspired Styling for Summer
Happy Memorial Day weekend! Whether you’re spending the holiday relaxing seaside, barbequing with family, or shooting off fireworks I hope you enjoy the long weekend and the liberty of choosing how to spend it.
This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. With that in mind, I want to spotlight how to channel that carefree vibe of the season. Basically - goodbye long johns, hello cotton sundress. Unless of course, you’re into wearing long johns in warm weather – you do you!
Some of my favorite fashion inspiration is from the '70s. Icons like Jane Birkin, Jean Shrimpton, Cher, Stevie Nicks, and Ziggy Stardust taught us the rules, alter-egos and all. It was an era of earth-goddess hair, rock-n-roll, and on-point leather jackets. Romantic silhouettes and floral-drenched prints. But the look requires more than bare-feet, guitar in hand.
When you hear '70s you might think hippie flower power and all that. Tie-dye and flares. But '70s fashion was about more than clothing, it was a movement. It was a generation of voices that demanded to be heard, and took to expressing themselves through a variety of outlets, one of them being fashion.
If you look back at fashion from the '50s and '60s, it’s safe. It was a time of conformity. There were boundaries and expectations. The '70s came along and shook those ideals upside-down.
I personally love taking an outfit in a boho-ethereal direction, but it’s a little outside my normal comfort zone. I ultimately lean feminine, full skirt and heels. More streamlined. Wild expressive outfits can really kind of be thrown together. I get nervous about pairing an oxblood hat and round-mirrored frames. But I shouldn’t be and neither should you.
When adding a '70s modern vibe to your wardrobe, know what to look for and where to look. To find cool hats, flea markets are my favorite. Forever 21 has the best selection of big sunglasses that won’t blow your entire month’s fashion budget. Antique malls and consignment shops are also treasure troves of goodies. Bangles, funky scarves, platform ankle boots are all things I have found for pennies on the dollar. And If you have the time, they always sport an extensive amount of vintage jewelry, yours for the picking.
Start off pairing a wide brim hat with cut-off jeans and a vintage tee. Then keep exploring. Try an off-the-shoulder top, knee-high gladiators or a patterned kimono. Trial and error. You don’t have to be some sort of avant-garde stylist to dress with dramatic flare. This is an achievable look for us normal girls. A vintage print skirt is the perfect summer score. Pair it with a sleek crop top and high boots. Watch it transform from passé to in vogue. Kick off summer with your vintage rock and roll style game strong.
My best tip is to search on-line first from your favorite stores. I am a die-hard fan of Free People and Urban Outfitters for their billowy silhouettes, natural-toned hues and bohemian, wild elegance.
As the days get warmer and the nights get longer, start introducing yourself as Penny Lane and make an entrance in statement shapes that will catch the season’s brightest light.
Outfit Details:
Hat: Vintage (similar here) Top: Francesca's Collections old (similar here) Shorts: Lux by Urban Outfitters (similar here) Shoes: Free People Oliviera Wrap Sandal Leather Fringe Clutch: Vintage (similar here) Sunglasses: Forever 21 Bandana: Urban Outfitters Assorted Bangles: Vintage Earrings: Forever 21 (also love these) Lips: MAC Sin Nails: OPI Taupe-less Beach Peacock Chair: Vintage (also love this one)