Bringing The Seventies Back
American Hustle has a lot to answer for. Not only did the film clean up during last year’s awards season, but it also captured the imagination of menswear designers across the globe – kick-starting a seventies moment in both fashion and pop culture.
This year, the movie Inherent Vice is carrying on the trend (check out our guide to the 5 stylish movies you should watch in 2015) while high street brands are packing their stores with seventies-inspired pieces.
With this in mind, we’ve carefully selected five key items you should consider if you want to give the trend a go without looking like your dad at a disco.
1. The Reiss Geometric Knit Polo Shirt
Yes, it’s OK to start buying short-sleeved tops again – especially if it’s a polo like this
The 1970s-esque geometric print is pleasingly retro, but its knitted construction will also bring a refined, Riviera feel to your look, making it an ideal piece to pack if you’re going on an early summer holiday.
Keep things simple down south with a neutral slim-fitting chino.
Folio Geometric Knitted Polo Shirt, available at reiss.com, priced £69.
2. Lyle & Scott Puppytooth Roll Neck Jumper
Roll necks were ever-present during autumn/winter 2014, and lightweight versions look set to carry on as a new classic for spring.
This two-tone number from Lyle & Scott is one of the best on the market right now. Constructed from a soft merino wool blend, we particularly love the mix of grey and blue – two hues all men will already be comfortable wearing.
If we were ever going to try flared jeans, it would be with this knit. Flares aside, team this with your trusty indigo denim for any smart-casual event.
Lyle & Scott Puppytooth Roll Neck Jumper, available at johnlewis.com, priced £115.
3. Ray-Ban Tortoiseshell Aviators
The best thing about sunnies (other than being associated with holidays) is that they hide a multitude of sins. If you’re tired from a late night, pop these on when heading out for a triple espresso on a sunny spring morning.
There is only one option if you want to channel an authentic 1970s style: the original, iconic, Ray-Ban tortoiseshell aviator.
Ray-Ban Tortoiseshell Aviator Sunglasses, available at mrporter.com, priced £145.
4. ASOS Bootcut Indigo Jeans
We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that it’s OK to start considering bootcut legwear again.
Flared trousers were extremely prominent on both the SS15 and AW15 runways, which means they could potentially develop into a huge trend this year. If you’re a vintage lover with the confidence to pull off such a controversial piece, you’ll want to get on board early.
With denim set to be SS15’s fabric of the season, these bootcut jeans from ASOS will help you nail two key trends in one. Plus, at just £25, it won’t sting quite so much if they end up in the charity shop come September.
As for how to style? It’s important your choice of cut appears a conscious decision, so go the whole 1970s hog by tucking a plain shirt or tee into them.
ASOS Bootcut Indigo Jeans, available at asos.com, priced £25.
5. Adidas Stan Smith Trainers
First launched back in 1971, the iconic adidas Stan Smith silhouette was revived last year and became an instant must-own for any fashion-conscious gent. Spotted on the feet of menswear’s elite, their clean design and minimal detailing make them easy to slot into any outfit, whether 1970s-inspired or not.
That said, they would look superb with your new knitted polo or roll neck this summer.
Adidas Stan Smith Neo White Fairway Green Trainers, available at office.co.uk, priced £66.99.
