'70s Summer Fashion Series: Part 2

I hope you enjoyed part one of the ‘70s Summer Fashion Series discussing the bohemian trend from that decade and how to incorporate it into your summer wardrobe.  This time, I’ll be opining on a ‘70s trend parallel to the bohemian culture, but still distinctive on its own – Global & Ethnic Prints.

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.

Orange Global Print Blouse – Work

When I first bought this button-up blouse, I was inspired by the ‘70s.  It contained a bold global-inspired print and the lapels reminded me of the wider, pointed collars that were popular during that time – I just had to have it!  For this outfit, I paired this silky button-up blouse with taupe capris dress pants and added pops of yellow in the heels and belt.  If you aren’t fond of wearing colored shoes, just opt for a neutral pair.  I picked the button-up blouse and pants combination as homage to women in the ‘70s finally being able to wear pants at the workplace.  Since the outfit itself contains many elements including a bold color and print, I kept my hair simple and straight.

Orange Global Print Blouse – Weekend

For this weekend outfit, I wanted to display a fun and eclectic look.  I swapped the dress pants with a faux suede miniskirt and adorned the outfit with layers of jewelry for a bohemian touch.  I chose the faux suede miniskirt because suede was another fabric prevalent during the ‘70s, especially with the introduction of Halston’s Ulstrasuede shirtdresses.  I finished the look with a pair of gladiator sandals, a trendy saddle bag, and a simple half-up, half-down hairstyle.

Wide-Leg Printed Pants – Work

Who says you can’t wear printed pants to work?  If you work in a creative or business casual work environment, maybe think of this outfit as a new option.  For this look, I combined elements from the ‘70s and ‘80s.  I paired wide-leg printed pants with a silky white sleeveless top and an oversized black vest reminiscent of ‘80s power dressing.  I wanted to juxtapose the flowy ‘70s silhouette with a strong structured shoulder from the ‘80s.  I finished the ensemble with black strappy heels, silver jewelry, a darker lip and a sleek topknot.  This look can be transitioned for happy hour by taking off the vest and adding a clutch.

Wide-Leg Printed Pants – Weekend

For a more casual look, I paired the wide-leg printed pants with a turquoise V-neck t-shirt and white sandals.  I kept the jewelry and hair simple and minimal, resonant of the relaxed look of the ‘70s.  Loose and wide-leg printed pants have become more common in multiple retailers, especially those that are geared towards a bohemian aesthetic.  Go find your printed pants today!

Prints in the ‘70s were present in a variety of fashion items including shirts, pants, caftans, scarves, and dresses.  One dress in particular – the silk jersey wrap dress, which was introduced by Diane von Furstenberg in 1974, became a timeless piece that women still wear today.  Stay tuned for the next and last installment of the ‘70s Summer Fashion Series – The Wrap Dress.

Kristin Gredys is the Marketing Coordinator for Kidder Benefits Consultants, Inc. and the author of fashion blog Crazed Chameleon. Want to connect with her? Join her on LinkedIn or follow her blog at crazedchameleon.blogspot.com/