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Spring fashion brings back ‘70s bell-bottoms, clogs

Published: Thursday, March 3, 2011

Updated: Friday, March 4, 2011 11:03

edge

Ethan Tegethoff

Brantlee Shearmire, graduate student in history, adjusts the tassles on a garment from the ‘70s belonging to the Department of Historic Textiles.

While spring weather is obviously having issues staying full time, the fashions that are going to be popular this season are already appearing. Store racks are bursting with fresh, light looks that couldn't look more appealing after being covered in knits all winter long. During Spring Fashion Week in September, several trends were highlighted in most collections.

First and foremost is the ‘70s glamour look. That's right; bell-bottoms, wide brimmed slouchy hats and billowing sleeves are once again all the rage. While this look might leave you dazed and confused, it's not going to be hard to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Since the skinny jean has become a staple for most women, it's natural that its counterpart — the flare — has become the newest sensation. These pants usually come high waisted and look best when paired with a belt. If you're too anxious to go with a flare, which is so predominant because of the tighter fit along the thigh, any wide legged jean will do the trick.

Cropped capris are going to be the compromise between bell-bottoms and skinny jeans for spring. While this pant is definitely slimmer cut than the wide leg pant, it doesn't mean that they have to be skintight. Try a looser fitting pant for a fresher look, not to mention they are infinitely more comfortable. Also, the 2011 version is just slightly cropped, sitting just above the ankle.

Lightweight blouses with billowing sleeves look best for this particular look. Tuck it in to really get the ‘70s effect. Hues of creams and corals will be a light alternative to the darkness of your wardrobe through fall and winter. Add a touch of lace to show some femininity with your outfit. Lace has evolved over the past several seasons and continues to be a popular component for spring and summer fashions.

To match the length of the bell-bottom, a tall shoe is absolutely required. What's better than the iconic ‘70s clog? This heel is a lot more stable and can be a nice alternative to a wedge that always becomes popular when the weather warms up. Another option is the oxford loafer. New takes on this aging shoe have brought it to the forefront of fashion. Personal favorite: the lattice cut leather design. Worn with a slouchy pair of cropped paints, it's adorable.

While cat-eye spectacles are synonymous with the ‘50s era of poodle skirts and leather jackets, they have been commonly worn with this ‘70s look. While more contemporary designs are going to be easier to find, some of the originals are in vintage stores waiting to be found. If you can't bear to resemble your grandma's senior picture, oversized tortoise shell glasses are always a great option.

Although for older generations these trends have been popular before, it is our turn to take the ‘70s and put our 21st century spin on them. While you don't need to incorporate all these trend elements into your wardrobe to stay style savvy, try out a couple and you might be surprised with how much you like them.

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