How to Dress Like the ’70s Today

Matthew Biehl April 8, 2015

Oil’s cheap. Race riots are in the news. It’s like we’ve really gone and turned back the damn clock. Little wonder, then, that this season’s collections are ‘70s-influenced, too. Luckily, we’re not talking about bell bottoms, Star Trek tunics and an overabundance of polyester (at least, not yet). Instead, this revival’s all about the details: suits with big, Boss Man lapels and relaxed, swaggy cuts, and earthy kitchen vinyl tones like olive and burnt orange. Just trust us on this one.

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Bombs Away

Yu can’t go wrong with a brown suede bomber. You never could. Brown and tan are the safest and most versatile bets when choosing a colour, like this slick jacket from Louis Vuitton.

Get the Look: Brooks Brothers brown suede bomber jacket, $700

Get Earthy

Some of the decade’s choicest colours have made a comeback, including mustard yellow and marsala. To keep from looking like you dressed to match your mother’s kitchen, avoid wearing them all together. Instead, try this cardigan from Hermes with some dark wash denim.

Get the Look: J. Lindeberg lymac true merino cardigan, $185

Rise Up

There’s a limit to our pant rise endorsement, and your navel is that limit. But having your trousers sit at your natural waist line – with a slightly relaxed, straight fit in the leg – is something we can get behind. The best ones this season are by Ermenegildo Zegna Couture.

Get the Look: Club Monaco single-pleat dress trouser, $200

Large and In Charge

If you want to not-so-subtley change things up, try on a suit with a big, fat lapel (peak or notched, we’ll leave that up to you). It’s a very Italian thing, as witnessed by the guys at Canali. Go double breasted on the jacket and people will literally cower in front of you.

Get the Look: Hugo Boss ‘T-Niam’ slim fit coat, $750

Bush Wacking

Roger Moore could pull off a safari jacket – and, well, he’s about it. But these updated versions of the ’70s staple, like this one from Tod’s, are slimmed down and infinitely more wearable than their predecessors. And think of all the things you can carry in those pockets! (Don’t use all the pockets.)

Get the Look: Banana Republic modern safari jacket, $175