1970s Mens Fashion Rock and Roll

Nostalgia is a funny affair, it looks dorsum on most decades adoringly, picking out timeless trends and reaffirming only how utterly crap our current setup is. Autonomously from the 1970s, that is, which is typically remembered with cringing, shuddering cloy.

Truth be told, the charge sheet is epic: flares, male perms, chest hair that looked like rug, carpeting that looked like chest hair – by all accounts it was a monstrous orgy of bad sense of taste.

The afterward-furnishings of 1970s style had all the symptoms of a particularly brutal hangover. First regret, then shame, followed by the near insincere phrase in the English language: "never again".

This flavour, however, the decade fashion forgot is getting a long-overdue crack at redemption.

The Rebirth Of 1970s Style

Responsibility for the 1970s revival can be laid at the door of minimalism, which has become the sartorial equivalent of wellness and prophylactic gone mad. Sure, it's comforting knowing that it'southward nearly impossible to terminate up looking similar an utter tool, but to borrow the ultimate meaningless reality TV catchphrase, "You've got to take risks in life etc., etc."

Menswear designers have cottoned on to this collective fatigue and served up a big, unapologetic slice of the seventies this season. At Hermes everything from trousers to trench coats came crafted from cord while Prada's orange, brown and mustard colour palette could have come direct from your nan'south old kitchen wallpaper.

Shy and retiring the 1970s is not, but for those sick of 'clean lines' and 'neutral palettes', it's a welcome render to menswear that isn't on a self-imposed fun ban. Even improve, all of the crap has been cut out, so all that'southward left is a agglomeration of article of clothing highlights. We've sifted through the tat to bring you the key 1970s trends to rock this year. The rest you tin leave to Tom Jones.

Corduroy

If in that location's a fabric more inherently seventies than corduroy, we're yet to hear of it. "Plush, feel-expert fabrics such as corduroy are having a resurgence this winter and can exist worn as a argument in conform form or through casual separates," says Mr Porter manner director Olie Arnold. So, not only is this season's corduroy as bold or discreet as you like, information technology'll make you lot want to affect yourself too.

Corduroy trousers in darker shades are a solid starting point for those who are feeling 1970s shy. "If you're wanting to wear corduroy in a less obvious way, a pair of comfortable string trousers can replace jeans or chinos," continues Arnold. Narrow wales (the proper name for those vertical cords) volition always be more subtle than thicker styles, as well. Add your usual sweatshirt, shirt or T-shirt and y'all're good to get.

Tailoring crafted from corduroy, nevertheless, needs a bit more attention to stop your inner Austin Powers making a break for information technology. "Be sure to accompany the adjust with a more relaxed underpinning such equally a grandad collar shirt or roll neck," Arnold says. Remember Butch Cassidy, non retired geography teacher.

Patterned Knitwear

In what must surely exist this year'southward most unexpected turn of events (at least in menswear, the world is even so pretty batshit) the patterned jumpers you begged your mum not to make yous wear on school flick solar day have become hot property.

Information technology'south all nigh taking that nostalgic feeling of classic knitwear and giving it a mod reworking and much meliorate fit. "There is a homespun, vintage feeling coming through in men's knitwear that'southward led by Prada. Information technology showcased a diversity of 1970s-inspired, thick- and fine-guess intarsia knitwear in multicoloured geometric prints," says Damien Paul, head of menswear at MatchesFashion.

If you want to commit to the 1970s vibe, Paul recommends going all in: "Stick to the theme and team these pieces with corduroy trousers, crisp shirting and brogues to achieve a modernistic accept on a retro wait." Keep the palette coordinated and your pattern should non brand people call up they've taken LSD.

Sorry mum, nosotros were wrong all forth.

Silk Shirts

In their heyday 1970s-mode silk shirts may have sent unwanted sightings of torso shag piles skyrocketing, but the modern man is critically lighter on the ol' chest pubes. Now, without getting besides Boogie Nights about information technology, the menswear earth'south having another crack at this clavicle flashing mode.

Reiss head of menswear design Alex Field explains the appeal: "Dressing upward and standing out are condign cool again. So a silk assuming print shirt can be worn paired with slim-plumbing equipment trousers with little take chances of channelling Tom Selleck."

Information technology should become without saying: if y'all're wearing bold prints, allow them speak for themselves. That means black trousers are you best friend, along with dark coats and jackets. You can afford to go a fleck Harry Styles with your footwear though – think chocolate-brown, tan or sand suede Chelsea boots.

Velvet

Strictly speaking velvet didn't just enjoy a adept run in the 1970s, it managed to musculus its way well into the 1980s, as well. Since then though, most men would draw the line at a blackness velvet blazer, worn just when a work political party admittedly called for information technology.

Tony Cook, menswear editor at luxury fashion e-tailer Farfetch, reckons today, velvet can go even further: "Wearing velvet has classically given guys that extra edge on formalwear, but this flavor there's no need for a blackness tie wearing apparel lawmaking for it to feel appropriate. Designer Haider Ackerman nails a 1970s-inspired look, reworking the lush fabric into contemporary off-duty staples such every bit hoodies."

If you can't be tempted into unfamiliar velvet territory (information technology'south not for everyone) a formal velvet blazer is still a good way to stand up out at party season. More than adventurous guys should still vesture their velvet upwardly top, simply branch out from the blazer. Velvet T-shirts and bombers are the safest options as they won't cause trouble when paired with your usual off-duty staples.

Roll Neck

This ane's not brand new. The coil neck has been edging back into the mainstream in recent seasons and now that nosotros've all had enough time to get to grips with the bones premise – they're a more refined way to continue warm than slinging a scarf on – it's the ideal time to up the ante with 1970s styling.

"As far as I'm concerned the 1970s never went out of style; coil necks have been a staple of my wardrobe for years," says male model and influencer Richard Biedul. "A fine- to medium-gauge roll neck works well as a contrast to a heavily patterned/textured adapt, or if you're off-duty attempt wearing with some high-waisted trousers to fully commit to the 1970s expect."

Chunky roll necks are every bit seventies as they come, and again they work all-time when layered. A cream mesomorphic cablevision knit roll neck worn beneath a shaggy tan shearling coat is maybe the finest example of winter layering yous're likely to come across. Get in in that location quick before everyone else does.

Wider Leg Trousers

Earlier you get all antsy, we're not going to push button you towards flares any time shortly. Breathe. Seventies-inspired wide-leg trousers are less Saturday Night Fever, more than a welcome antidote to Love Island-esque circulation sapping skinnies.

"Add some individuality to your winter wardrobe with the new trouser on the cake: The 1970s wide leg," says stylist Alice McColm from the River Island Style Studio. "Whether your preference is the ultra-wide leg, pleated or peg-leg turn-up variety, this fashion has bandage some serious shade on the once favourable skinny-legged wait, equally fashion does a consummate 180."

Wide-leg trousers may initially seem similar a bold move, but they're actually a walk in the park to style. A elementary crew-neck sweater and trainers are a safe shout, and if you want it requite them some turbocharged 1970s appeal stick on a roll neck jumper, a sherpa-lined denim jacket and some low-top, lace-up sneakers.

Word of alert: curt jackets work better to balance the proportion of broad-leg trousers and minimise chances of hearing that terminally unfunny quip – "Did you infringe your dad's apparel?"

Sportswear

Sick of minimal sports luxe? Done with your ironic 1990s tracksuit pinnacle? No worries, menswear's jogged back a couple of decades for inspiration. That means you lot become another season of habiliment that's got comfort as well as manner nailed.

Buyer Mark Macdonald of cult concept store 18Montrose says, "The cardinal to this await is texture and shape, and one of all-time examples of this is the velour tracksuit. It channels 1970s plushness through the super-soft fabric and side-stripe detailing."

Earlier you tell us that velour is what Katie Toll wears to buy a loaf of bread, the fabric is perfectly clothing as long equally yous wear 1 piece at a time. For inspiration, look at what the Final Shadow Puppets were wearing when they publicised their last album. Macdonald continues: "Velour track pants worn with a beaten upward denim jacket and classic white pumps reimagines the 1970s look in a modernistic way."

Darker colours such as navy, black, burgundy and forest green volition lend velour a masculine edge and will knock those Paris Hilton vibes on the head. If you want to be the ultimate 1970s swot, pair your velour with Stan Smiths – surely the best proof that the decade wasn't a complete style vacuum.

The 1970s Colour Palette

Chocolate-brown and orange are two shades at the bottom the about wanted colour league table – unless that is information technology'south a sunny Saturday afternoon in Essex. Navy, black and grey they ain't, but given half the chance these autumnal colours tin can piece of work surprisingly well in your wardrobe.

"The resurgence of 1970s fashion has cleaved the taboo of wearing orangish and brownish in public," says Topman creative director Gordon Richardson. "Browns and oranges were prevalent during London Mode Week Men'south – it looks like the trend is here to stay."

With the seal of approving sorted, what's the all-time style to habiliment these neglected 1970s shades? For a start, it's safer to steer clear of wearing brown and orange together. Try an orangish knit with an all-black outfit for a modern hit of retro colour. Brown meanwhile is all-time recruited with lighter colours, or applied to tailoring. Attempt layering a cream roll neck beneath a chocolate-brown adjust for advanced 1970s swag.

Suede Jackets

In a further blow for the naysayers, it turns out that the suede jacket is a bonafide 1970s staple. Meaning at to the lowest degree a skilful pct of supposed 1970s style haters are endorsing information technology without even realising it.

"Seventies-inspired jackets look dandy today in-part because of the warm colourways and luxuriously textured fabrics," says menswear designer Oliver Spencer. Concord fire on raiding your dad's wardrobe though. "Though they can be similar in colour and fabric to the 1970s originals, today's silhouettes aren't as extreme as they were back then for a reason – more minimal, streamlined designs work best. Let the color and cloth do the talking."

Suede jackets (bomber or collared) piece of work with everything from denim shirts to plainly T-shirts to chunky knitwear. If you are in-knit to win it, endeavor a medium-gauge roll neck beneath a suede jacket and stop with a pair of tailored trousers.

Wide Lapels

Remember those tiny lapels on blazers circa peak Indiemania? If yous don't, good. If you do, we're hope they're just a retention. Sidestepping the common menswear Goldilocks communication of aiming for but in the centre, blazer lapels this flavor are going wide – and are all the amend for it.

"Wide lapel blazers work well with fine-estimate knits, which soften the overall effect," says Biedul. This balance is crucial to avert looking like you've stocked upwardly on suits at your fancy dress shop. Play things down by keeping accessories to a minimum and comport in mind that a fine-gauge knit, T-shirt or roll neck will let yous pay homage to 1970s tailoring in a way that won't brand spectators shout "Stayin' alive!" from beyond the street.

Share this post