As French Connection marks turning 50 with a retro collection straight out of 1972… Fall back in love with Seventies chic
- Seventies trends are key to breezing through this year’s tricky transitional period
- Frankie Graddon turns to flares, midi dresses, sweater vests and platforms
- UK-based fashion expert describes how they are perfect for autumn dressing
So summer is nearly over, and it’s time to remember how to dress when you can’t just throw on a floaty dress and some Birkenstocks.
Fortunately, this season all you have to do is look back in time 50 years, because the Seventies trend is key to breezing through this year’s tricky transitional period.
Flares, midi dresses, sweater vests, platforms – they’re all back with a vengeance. And with good reason; they’re perfect autumn dressing thanks to the fluid lines, rich colours and luxe textures (think shearling, silk, soft-as-butter leather). It’s effortlessly glamorous and flattering.
Shirt, £39, and trousers, £49, French Connection; heels, £100, Dune; sunglasses, £16, River Island
For its AW22 catwalk show, Chloé celebrated the decade with folksy patchwork coats, knitted tunics and bohemian fringed totes, while Budapest label Nanushka made the case for tailored bell-bottoms being the workwear trouser of choice. On the High Street, French Connection’s 50th anniversary collection is an homage to 1972, the year the brand was founded: wrap dresses, cords, printed minis and blouses which look as though they’ve come from Jean Shrimpton’s wardrobe. Jigsaw, Boden, Mango and Marks & Spencer have also dipped a toe into the 1970s look.
Top, £19.50, M&S; gilet, £60, Onaie; skirt, £65, French Connection; heels, £52, Oasis; belt, £95, Wyse London
Jacket, £95, and blouse, £39, French Connection; trousers, £105, Jigsaw; heels, £295, Terry de Havilland; bag, rent from £79 a month, Gucci at Cocoon Club
The revival couldn’t have come at a better time. Those burnt oranges, tans and creams chime with the season and will work with the black, brown and navy already in your cold-weather wardrobe.
Shirt, £19.99, Mango; vest, £49, French Connection; jeans, £90, Jigsaw; heels, £295, Terry de Havilland; bag, £239.40, Maje
Seventies layering can take summery pieces into autumn, too. Switch sandals for these Karen Millen ankle boots to wear with midi dresses, or team a simple M&S roll-neck with your maxi skirts and add this Onaie shearling gilet. This tran-seasonal way of dressing makes styling out September’s can’t-make-up-its-mind weather a whole lot easier.
Dress, £95, French Connection; heels, £139, LK Bennett
Top, £28, Warehouse; trousers, £65, French Connection; heels, £279, LK Bennett; bag, £175, Jigsaw; sunglasses, £49, Quay Australia
Refresh your workwear look with Jigsaw’s high-waist, wide-leg tailored trousers and a French Connection ruffled blouse. A leather jacket may not be the obvious 9-5 look, but when cropped and in glossy marmalade, it looks suitably smart.
Shirt, £49, French Connection; shorts, £65, Boden; boots, £150, River Island
If just a hint of Seventies flair is all you fancy, reach for accessories. Pile on chunky gold hoops and chain-link necklaces, switch cross-body bags for a sleek shoulder style and don a pair of oversized browntint sunglasses — the chicest shield against autumnal sunshine.
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