The Mother Tomcat Roller jeans are the inspiration for my 70’s wardrobe capsule. I am so psyched to take you through the process of building your own capsule that will have you looking and feeling gooood!
I never, in a million years, thought I’d be obsessed with 70’s inspired fashion. Music? Absolutely! In fact, all week in preparation for this article, I’ve been listening to my forever-favorite Fleetwood Mac (turn this on, sit back, enjoy).
I grew up in the era of records and 8-track tapes, and I will always remember the Fleetwood Mac Rumors 8-track my mom had. Weirdly, it was also the first CD I ever bought. It is 4-sho my favorite album of all time.
One Dope Pair of Flare Jeans
No 70s wardrobe capsule would be complete without a totally awesome pair of flare jeans. When you find the right ones, you’ll know. A wonderful photography teacher once talked about the feeling you get when you take a really good picture. Same holds true for anything good or exciting in your life (including excellent jeans or the most righteous outfit). For me, it’s a tingly, butterflies-in-the-stomach, practically-shaking-with-giddiness feeling (yes, I’m a little obsessed with clothes). When that happens, I listen.
My exact pair — returning May 2021 (put your name in for notification)
I sized sized down by 1, wearing size 25
I was incredibly lucky to snag this last pair from Bloomingdales. And when I put them on, I just knew. Trust me, you’ll know too. These are soft and stretchy with the perfect raw hem, slightly cropped flare, and they are glorious.
These will go with essentially any top or pair of shoes you want to pair them with! Read how Rachel styled them more casually, and they are equally good dressed up or down.
My exact pair — returning May 2021 (put your name in for notification)
I sized sized down by 1, wearing size 25
Here are a few other alternatives that look like a slam dunk. Which pair makes your heart go pitter patter?
MOTHER Patch Rambler | MOTHER Hustler | MOTHER Tomcat Roller (Rachel has)
Paige Anessa | Veronica Beard Crosbie | MOTHER Doozy
Tops – Show Your Inner Foxy Mama
Your 70s wardrobe capsule should include some dyno-mite tops – the kind that make you feel confident and sexy and say “hey look at me!” I mean, why blend in when you can stand out?!
Melissa Odabash Top | BASH Olga top
*Another white off the shoulder top that Rachel has and loves – Ramy Brook Autumn Top
Camisole (in a gorgeous blue / green sold out)
Of all the 70s styles, I am drawn to a more sexy bohemian look. When I think of 70s colors, I think burnt oranges, earthy tones, lots of green, interesting textures and patterns, and crisp whites. I say show a little skin with either off the shoulder tops (having a serious moment right now) or with tanks or camisoles. My favorite strapless bra works well under all of these!
It’s All In the Accessories
Sunglasses
Tinted sunglasses are back! Think opaque, bulky, square, gold, mirrored aviators – all the glorious sunglasses. This is one of those items I recommend heading to your favorite shop (my favorite is Nordstrom) and just getting their most talented stylist to help you with all the try-ons.
Pro Tip: Take selfies in each pair and then analyze them back-to-back to see which you feel prettiest in. If you have a BFF, send all those selfies to her (as I do to Rachel, ha!) Sunglasses are the glue that pulls this all together, and even more so, you are protecting your most important asset and looking cool as heck while doing it.
Dior UltraDior (gold / dark brown)
Here are some of the other styles that I tried on and loved! I say have fun and try things outside your comfort zone. Not that long ago, I didn’t venture too far outside black plastic frames, and now I’m obsessed with my new sunnies!
One Perfect Bag
Clare V. has currently stolen my heart when it comes to summer bags, and we did an entire article on all our top favorite summer bags. I highly recommend popping over there to read and pick one that you absolutely can’t live without. It will round out your 70s wardrobe capsule in the very best way.
Bag (put name in for waitlist)
Rachel has had her Clare V. Pot de Miel bag (aka honey pot) for going on three summers now. I can’t tell you how many times I contemplated buying it (and even bought and returned it last year when I had decided it wasn’t practical…I was wrong). It fits a lot more than one would expect, and it’s super cute and summery. Such a win!
Here are my other two favorites (that I also purchased during a sweet promotion Clare V. had going last month). Clare V. knows how to design bags that make me swoon!
Shoes – The Chunkier, The Better!
My favorite 70s style shoes have platforms and/or block heels. They are generally going to be nude or brown (but black works too, in the right style) and will be suede or leather or even raffia (cork or wood heels are super cool!)
Here are a few options that I am really loving:
One here or here (we both have in black) | Two | Three
Clogs are also really having a moment. Rachel and I both ordered the Veronica Beard Hannalee clogs to try (they are on their way to us). I ordered the white and Rachel ordered the Fox color – we will report back soon!
One | Two | Three (Rachel has and loves)
Jewelry That Shines Like You Will
We come to the final (and perhaps most fun) piece of our 70s wardrobe capsule – the jewelry pieces that are loud, colorful, and chunky! This is where I think you should really have fun. Jewelry is so personal, and you want to choose pieces that you will wear often and not get bored with.
I’ll admit that I’m pretty simple when it comes to jewelry, and while I’m trying to be more adventurous, I still want it to feel like me. These are some pieces I love (some of which I have recently purchased).
For a bit of colorful fun, I recently got this cute Flower Patch necklace by Roxanne Assoulin. It’s got the perfect beach vibes and also makes white tops pop.
Phew! That’s a lot, I know! I hope you found some inspiration to create your own 70s wardrobe capsule. Fashion is supposed to be fun and about expressing your inner artist. So go be free, be fearless, and most of all, be YOU!
4 thoughts on “A Groovy 70s Wardrobe Capsule…Nothing But Good Vibes”
great article- thank you! I love the 70s as well- and Fleetwood mac! you rocked it all here!
Thanks Lauren! Fleetwood Mac and the 70s are where it’s at, right?!
FYI I bought the 2nd pair of shoes- they are amazing! and soooo comfortable! thank you for the suggestions!
That’s fabulous!! They look so cute, I’m glad they worked out!!