Maybe I’m thinking about this a little too soon, but fall fashion is one of my favorite seasons and I already have so many cute outfits planned! Recently fashion trends are just borrowing from past generations, which brings us to the current repeat of 70’s fashion. Sometimes the latest fashion trends, although super cute, aren’t really made for petite adults. Thanks to Madewell, keeping up with style, while staying classy, is made super easy. This outfit is head-to-toe Madewell.
But first let’s talk about 70’s fashion in the 70’s. Fashion then was mostly influenced by music genres. You could tell who fell into what cliche category by how they dressed. But, the 70’s was also a time of fierce, powerful, fashion that was fun and diverse but also very important. People have said 70’s fashion was an important turning point and held steps towards modern day feminism. In 1972 the Equal Rights Amendment was passed, but it took many years and protests to get to that point. Women dressed in ways they were told was inappropriate to help push for the Equal Rights Amendment to be passed.
During these times the top 14 most popular trends, fashion wise, were;
- Platform shoes
- Jumpsuits
- Wrap dresses
- Bell bottoms & bell sleeves
- Crop tops
- Denim on denim
- Fur coats
- Headbands
- Tartan pants and skirts
- See-through shirts
- Striped tops
- Suede
- Flowery dresses
- Floppy hats
What do we love so much about 70’s style that it’s making a comeback? We love copying past styles, but we’re particularly fond of the 70’s because it was a time when fashion also had a mix of the leftover hippie styles from the 60’s. There was a little bit of everything for anyone who had an opinion on fashion. That’s why we love it now, it’s a mix of so many styles- we don’t have to pick just one!
These styles are really cute and fun, but let’s be honest, it’s easier to dress with the latest styles when you’re younger. So here are some tips on how women over 40 can pull off 70’s fashion.
Tips for 40’s Petite Women
1. Appropriate Length
One
of the most important tips is that we need to make sure it’s an appropriate length. Making it an appropriate length doesn’t mean we need to dress like grandma’s, just that we need to be business appropriate, but still look chic.
2. Bell Bottom Pants with Blazers
You
can finally pull out those bell bottom pants that you put in storage, because not only are they in style again but they’re easy to dress up. Pairing bell bottoms with a chic blazer makes any outfit come to life.
3. Pantsuits with Bow Blouses
Wearing
a pantsuit may make you feel serious or old, but when you add a chic bow blouse underneath it will completely change your look. You can make this outfit even more fun by wearing a bow blouse that is a deep yellow, matching the cool fall weather.
4. Denim on Denim
For more casual days you can wear the timeless denim on denim outfit. Since we know michigan weather is constantly changing these outfits are perfect. Wearing a cute and colorful tank top or t-shirt underneath, not only gives you a pop of color, but also gives you the option to take off your jean jacket and enjoy the heat.
5. Platform Shoes
This is especially important for us petite women. Trading out your flats or sandals for these outfits is very important. Even if you’re trading your sandals for platform sandals, that small change will add height and class to your perfect 70’s outfit.
Tips for 20-Something College Girls
1. Tartan Skirts and Pants
Dressing
for fall 70’s fashion is easier for college girls, but these are must-haves that I had to point out. Tartan pants can be paired with a solid color knit sweater and platform shoes. Tartan skirts can also be paired with loose knit sweaters or tight turtle necks.
Skirts can also be worn with stockings when it starts to get a little cooler to add that extra layer of warmth while still looking cute.
2. Denim Jackets
This is a must-have for college girls. Not only does it seem to match literally everything, but it also adds that cute 70’s vibe. Wearing this over nearly every outfit makes you look more put together, which is a simple way to be taken more seriously on campus.
I
absolutely adore brands that help make this shift to 70’s fashion much easier, like Madewell. Not only is Madewell up to date with the newest fashion, but I’m very proud to wear clothes from a company that helps out the community around them. Starting with
their own employees! Madewell provides safe, planet-friendly factories and benefits to make sure their employees are happy and empowered. Their jeans are made from cotton that is grown without pesticides, making it a healthy environment for their workers.
Some of these benefits include paid maternity leave and equal pay and rights for female workers. You have to love a company that empowers women!
That’s
not all that makes Madewell different and community friendly. They have a unique initiative called denim recycling. You can drop off your worn out jeans at any Madewell store and they’re given to organizations, like Habitat for Humanity. These organizations
then use your old jeans for housing insulation! To give a little push to have people bring their jeans in, Madewell will give you $20 off a new pair of jeans you purchase from them with every pair of jeans you drop off.
Madewell
is also involved with the Human Rights Campaign. 50% of retail price from the purchase of their exclusive ‘Rainbow Items’ goes to the Human Rights Campaign. The HRC is America’s largest civil rights organization. They work towards the goal of making sure LGBTQ
people are safe, equal, and free in the communities they live. These aren’t even all of the good that Madewell is involved in. Check out their website here to see what other ‘do-well’ initiatives they’re involved in. (https://www.madewell.com/do-well-initiatives.html#content)
Shopping
70’s fall fashion is going to be very easy when every store is selling that style. Why not buy fashionable outfits
and
know where your money is going? Why not support companies who are giving back to the community instead of just pocketing the money and using factories with unsafe environments for their workers? Be a part of groups that give back, shop Madewell.
Photo Credit: twitter/lettherebelight/Grace Liang
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61 Comments
Jill
This is the cutest outfit! Love the 70’s vibe! I always forget that Madewell has denim recycling! It’s such a great initiative and I love that they give back to the community!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Jill! That is definitely another reason why Madewell is so amazing!
Jennifer
You look so cute!!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Grace Liang
Thank you for being so kind, Jennifer!
mireille
Great suggestions! I love how you made it your own: very cute!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for the support, Mireille! I really appreciate it.
Sheila (of Ephemera)
That’s a really cute outfit – great 70s vibe without looking too costumey. We’re also seeing the 70s as filtered through the 90s, with many of those 70s looks that are now on their 3rd or 4th interpretation. The plaid/short skits from “Clueless”, the sheer tops from Galiano’s late 90s, etc.
I’m happy to hear that Madewell is working towards ethical fashion! Good for you for supporting a brand that does that!
Grace Liang
Thank you for the support, Sheila! I love finding pieces that give off the 70’s vibe without being too costumey!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
You are just too cute! I love that colorful striped top (and perfect fall colors!), the headband and those looser fit jeans. And, your nail color is even pretty!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for your kind words, Carrie! I really appreciate it! 🙂
Shauna
Yes! 70’s fashion is my favorite and you are the cutest in these fun stripes!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Grace Liang
Thank you, Shauna! 70’s fashion is so much fun!
Cheryl Shops
Loving the 70s look on you, Grace!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Grace Liang
Thank you, Cheryl! It was such a fun look!
Ruth
Yes to this post for so many reasons! I love the 70s trends and have worn bell bottoms throughout my life (child of the 80s here) and just love the colors and shapes that the 70s trends bring us!
http://www.ruthyannie.com
Grace Liang
I completely agree, Ruth! Some of the best fashion trends were in the 70’s!
Nancy Chan
I like your striped top!
Grace Liang
Thank you, Nancy! It is one of my favorites!
Missy May
Loving the 70s vibe going on Grace. That tops is wonderful. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for the support, Mavis! 🙂
Shelbee on the Edge
Grace, this outfit is so adorable! I love it on you and I adore these photos. What a great post about the fashion of the 70’s, too. One of my favorite fashion eras because it was so diverse. Which is a reason I love fashion right now, too. We can wear whatever we want and it works because we are in a no rules era when it comes to fashion. Having fun with it is so important. And I love all these facts about Madewell!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Grace Liang
You are so kind, Shelbee! Thank you for your feedback on this post. I also love that we are in a no rules era when it comes to fashion!
Chrissy
You’re adorable. Thank you for sharing such great tips…I love the 70s styles!
Grace Liang
Thank you Chrissy! You’re so sweet! 🙂
brooke
I love Madewell’s vintage vibes and love this outfit so much!! The 70s was such a great time for fashion, I’m glad it’s made a comeback!
-Brooke
Grace Liang
I completely agree with you, Brooke! I’m so glad 70’s trends are making a comeback! Thank you for your positive feedback. 🙂
Ashley
I’m a sucker for Madewell- best denim ever! And the 70s trend- yes, please!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Grace Liang
Thank you for your support, Ashley! Madewell denim is definitely the best!
Val
The 70s is my favorite fashion era. Feminine and comfortable! Being only 5’2, I struggle findings pieces to fit properly too. Great tips. I love that Madewell cares about humanity, the environment and its employees.
Grace Liang
Thank you! I couldn’t agree with you more, Val! Madewell is such a wonderful brand. 🙂
Helen Hobden
I’m a fan of ’70’s fashion; bell-bottoms and flares are so flattering too!
Great photos – I love your colourful top 🙂
Helen x
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Helen! Bell-bottoms and flares are my favorite!
Lisa
You look darling in this! I love the 70’s fashion. I have some bell bottom jeans in the closet waiting for this come back.
I heard the polyester tiny plaid is coming back too!
Lisa
Grace Liang
Thank you very much, Lisa! I definitely think it’s time to get those bell bottom jeans out of your closet! 🙂
Jessica A Jannenga
I love this outfit on you Grace! The colors and the jeans look so good! Those braided sandals are pretty too! I love the 70s for some of the fashions and music of course!
Its good to learn more about Madewell.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Grace Liang
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Jessica! Thank you for your support!
theresa campbell
You have done a fabulous job with your 70s inspired outfit. The striped top is adorable. And the head band really completes the look.
Jill
Grace, this is such a cute outfit . I remember the 70’s fashion and those bell bottom pants and sky high platform shoes, they made your legs look so long. It was a fun era.
Madewell sounds such a great brand, so good to know of ethical brands.
Grace Liang
Thank you, Jill! 70’s fashion is so fun and flattering! Thank you so much for your support!
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Theresa!
Kathrine Eldridge
Madewell is one of my fave casual brands. Love their cause and this amazing look! Thanks for sharing these tips.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Grace Liang
Thank you, Kathrine! I completely agree with you – Madewell is such a amazing brand!
Radi
I love denim on denim looks! And these stripes are pretty cute.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Grace Liang
You are so kind, Randi! Thank you!
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
You are totally rocking that 70’s inspired outfit. Love it!
Grace Liang
Thank you Cristina! It was such a fun outfit to wear!
Martyna
I love your style! So simple, but eye-catching at the same time.
Have a nice day,
https://matiime.blogspot.com
Grace Liang
Thank you very much, Martyna! You’re so kind!
Gail
Such a cute look on you Grace! I remember all the 70s fashions, that was my teenage years!
Thanks for linking up at #WowOnWednesday.
Grace Liang
Thank you, Gail! It was such a fun fashion era!
Ivana Split
This is such a cute outfit! I really like your jeans and sandals. That striped top is so seventies and the headband is adorable. You look fantastic!
It was really interesting to read this post and how reflections on seventies fashion. There are many aspects of the fashion in seventies that appeal to my style. I love the prints and the earthly colours…The brown tones are so easy to wear.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com
Grace Liang
I really appreciate your feedback, Ivana! I also find 70’s fashion to be so interesting to see and read about!
Allie Mackin
Oh I loved this history lesson on 70s fashion. And so many of the trends then are trending now only with a chic update. Your look from Made Well is super cute!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Grace Liang
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Allie! I have definitely been loving 70s trends lately. 🙂
Rowena @ rolala loves
Fall is a great season for fashion since layering comes back into play again. 70’s fashion isn’t really my aesthetic but it definitely has a fascinating history. And Madewell’s partnership with the Human Rights Campaign is awesome.
Grace Liang
I completely agree with you on Fall fashion, Rowena! Thank you for your feedback, I really appreciate it!
Bambi
Such a cool outfit 🙂 I see some of these trends going back to fashion 😉
Grace Liang
Thank you so much! I’m very happy these trends are making a comeback!
Rena
You look perfect in this 70s look!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Grace Liang
You are so kind, Rena! Thank you!
Janet
Madewell just opened near me and I’m so excited to check them out! I wouldn’t have known anything about them except that I had flagged this post to read later – it was a busy summer! Thanks for sharing.