It was inevitable. From the 60s visions that graced the catwalk last fall to the 80s party girls set to be imagined by Topshop in the coming months, fashion nostalgia has truly pinned itself to our mood boards.
As we know, 70s has been the big star for Spring, but lively prints have been pulled from across all decades -an exuberant affront to clean, Generation-Y wardrobes. For those of us who have shaped our style around minimalism, this can be a difficult development to swallow – how best to approach these new must-haves, when your sartorial CV lists experience in variations on the white shirt?
Daunting though it may seem, this new artisanal vibe might be easier to work than you imagine. The british high street has some true hero items to offer which, styled correctly, won’t steer you too far from your comfort zone. Read on.
The Print: Batik Boho
The Hero: Topshop’s Tile Print Kimono
3 1 Phillip Lim white t shirt, £165 / Oasis pencil skirt, £85 / Topshop kimono, £38 / Birkenstock sandals, £65 / Jil Sander leather handbag, £1,190 / Lord Berry lips, £10
Worn with a pencil skirt and sandals, the kimono oozes nostalgic appeal, while it’s open cut allows you to go as conservative as you like underneath. This tile print version from Topshop (£38, topshop.com) hits all the right notes – wear with straight hair and a slick of matte berry lipstick to balance.
The Print: 60s Pop
The Hero: Zara’s Mini Skirt
Zara’s joyful 60s inspired print deserves a look to match, and makes for a real team player with your wardrobe classics. Team a white oxford shirt with a navy sleeveless jacket, knee-high boots and a day-old blow dry, for undone Betty Draper glamour at it’s best.
The Print: 70s Botanicals
The Hero: H&M’s Patterned Blouse
Teamed with of-the-moment denim flares, metallic wedges and naturally wavy hair, H&M’s jungle print creates the ultimate work-to-play blouse. Pare down with nude nails and minimal make up.
Words: Hannah Rogers