What was the style of the 70s?
Beloved by Dior and beyond, the typically 1970s folk style remains a fashion with eternal appeal and timeless success. Here's how to pair it to create a memorable look
- The new success of folk style
- How to sport the folk style
- When to wear long dresses for a bohemian look
Long live folk: typical 1970s style, why not sport it in the new millennium as well? Flowing cuts, sumptuous fabrics and long hemlines enhance a luxurious and bohemian femininity. It is fashion with past but never obsolete traits, which knows how to renew itself and has the flavor of originality. In 1970 Christian Dior created an entire collection inspired by Russian folk, designed by Danish designer Jorn Langbergh. Even today's stars cannot do without it. Singer Florence Welch has always been a lover of bohemian style. You can choose a total gypsy look, inspired by the creations of the late 1970s by Thea Porter, but also long chiffon dresses with asymmetrical hemline, paisley patchwork pattern or silk muslin. In short, it is impossible to resist the temptations of a trend that never goes out of fashion (even after 50 years).
The new success of folk style
Even women who make basic style their workhorse cannot resist so much enchantment. Folk, when flaunted on dresses and accessories, unleashes all our femininity with its rustling hemlines, wrap-around lengths and iridescent fabrics, but also thanks to its most varied patterns and most original prints. With her unmistakable touch, designer Thea Porter was among the pioneers of London's "bohemian rhapsody" of the 1970s. She breathed new life into transparencies and lengths, remaining a true muse to this day.
Never mind that half a century has already passed: folk style reinvents itself and still achieves new, undisputed success. Designers cannot say no and are always ready to "update" a timeless style. They wink at the typically 1970s folk allure and bring to life an irresistible new look.
It becomes a style with fairy features, almost a princely disguise. The secret? Flaunt it casually and lightly, to feel like a rock muse or a poetess of yesteryear. Stylists today have no doubt: the imperative is to cover legs, knees and ankles. Not only that: arms, back and breasts are covered, so that even the most agé women can always feel comfortable. All this without sacrificing a sensual streak typical of an elegant and sometimes wild style. So here is served a trend that looks familiar but - at the same time - has the flavor of new. Comfortable, fresh, elegant and feisty: this is the fashion that women continue to love.
How to sport the folk style
If you think folk is an outdated trend, you've realized that you need to think again. But if you want to keep up with the times while avoiding looking a little "old-fashioned," here's how to successfully sport your bohemian-toned outfit.
Dig out that embroidered blouse from your closet that you didn't remember you had. To the simpler and more refined ones, usually in white and with lace embroidery, you can alternate with those in crepe de Chine, with embroidered collar, with folk inserts or with ruffles at the waist and buttons. In short, you really are spoiled for choice today.
Besides, there's no denying it, we all have a slightly hippie long dress in our closet: if you don't want to go unnoticed, it's time to wear it again. It is perfect for bringing a memorable outfit to life. Embroidered blouses are also an elegant garment with a folk flavor and eternal appeal. Also promoted are old Indian long dresses and Mongolian vests. So, if you really want to flaunt fashionable looks, simply revitalize garments that you have forgotten for years in your (chaotic) walk-in closet.
The style combinations are many and varied, but easy to create. If you want to make your outfit more casual, you can add a rock and roll vest or a slim leather jacket to the long dress. If you fear the cold, on the other hand, you can wrap yourself in capes or inverted shearlings (absolutely fashionable if you add a faux leather jacket to the fur). For slimmer women, also, why not enhance the waist? To do so, add a belt to your dress with hippie features. Conversely, if you make use of the softness typical of the folk-style long dress to hide the most "at risk" area, forgo the waistband.
Styling combinations are not finished yet. If you prefer to "break up" your outfit, you can wear long, soft, full skirts along with tighter-fitting shirts.
When to wear long dresses for a bohemian look
Long dresses are a much-loved outfit for women, perfect every day to give some vigor to the grayest days but also for the most special occasions. To wear them, you don't have to be a longline silhouette. On the contrary, they hide our imperfections with class. The long sleeves go all the way up to the hands, making women 45 and up who struggle to show their arms happy. The softness of the dress also gracefully covers extra inches of skin. No need for a toned body: women of all ages can wear long folk-style dresses with charm and gracefulness (and success is assured). So goodbye sharp cuts and no more stiff materials: fabrics are pleasant to the touch, between velvet and embroidered silk, and the body looks free and in motion. Not only that: remember that transparencies are allowed. Every woman can show what she wants and should always feel comfortable with what she wears.
Folk style allows you to be just as sensual and elegant in your thirties as you are in your fifties. A long dress with bohemian features is perfect for a casual girl roaming the city streets. Better a more country feel, on the other hand, for the 60-year-old. But it is certain that long dresses look just right on everyone, you just need to choose the right model for yourself. The empire line, for example, best suits women with pronounced breasts.
For a look that is truly complete, how to give up accessories? Bags also reflect the folk style. Choose a shoulder bag with hippie patterns or a bucket bag with bangs, but also a bag with embroidered inserts and eco-friendly fur.
