As with every new school year, change is in the air. Gone are the sweet summer lazy daze and winds of fall. Instead, new beginnings are sweeping through college campuses all around the country.
While I embrace the cooling temperature, the changing hues of leaves in Washington Square Park, new classes and new opportunities, I’m most excited to see the real time execution of trends previewed in pre-fall collections. This autumn, the ‘70s are in full swing.
The 1970s were a time of free-spirited experimentation. This casual mindset was heavily represented through the clothing of the time. Teens donned loose blouses and bold pants while celebrating the first Earth Day, protesting the Vietnam War or rocking out to Led Zeppelin. The pants were hot and the shoes were high. These styles and more were transported to modern day in pre-fall 2015 collections. Ponchos, flared fits, billowy babydoll tops and an abundance of flatforms showed that the ‘70s are staying alive.
With visions of Birkenstocks dancing in my head, I spotted this Fashionista rocking a top with fabulous fringe detail. Flash back to the origins of fringe, which Native Americans first used on their jackets to repel rainwater. With the Civil Rights Movement of the late ‘60s inspiring equal rights for all, teens across America incorporated fringe and suede in their wardrobe as a nod to Native Americans. Further popularized in the 1969 film Easy Rider and by celebrities such as Twiggy, Sonny and Cher, fringe became the go-to embellishment of the 1970s.
This Fashionista brings far out fringe to New York City in 2015 as it serves as the main graphic detail of her top rather than on the sleeves, as commonly seen in Native American culture and again in ‘70s fashion. She completes the ensemble by combining her boss T-shirt with casual, loose jeans and flat sandals.
However, her look would not be complete without the easy, relaxed mentality notoriously channeled in the ’70s. Even though it’s easy for Fashionistas/os to feel overwhelmed at the start of the school year, we must remember to sit back, relax and channel our inner hippie. I can definitely dig it.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Being casual is not a casual thing. Pay attention to small details that make the big picture.”
