Fall Style Staples for a Retro Wardrobe
- Ella Schnoor
- Sep 18, 2020
- 3 min read
Every morning I wake up and I check the weather. For the past month, I’ve watched the weather change from a hot and humid mid-80-degree day to breezy-low-70 degrees and it is EXCITING. Fall is the best season for wearing warm, royal colors that were popular in the fashion styles of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The colors, the funky layers, and the mixing of patterns and textures are what makes retro fashion so appealing to me, and there is no better time than fall to experiment with those elements that match stylistically with the changing of the seasons.
I’ve compiled a list of what I consider to be wardrobe essentials if you are looking to transition your closet to a more retro style this fall. I’ve included links as examples for each piece, however, please realize that whatever you can buy new you can likely find used thrifting or at an online thrift store for much cheaper AND for more sustainable fashion consumption. Plus, true vintage clothes must be thrifted in some way because they aren’t made anymore, but you can still rock a retro style with more modern pieces.
Bell-bottom Jeans
Goodbye are the days of jumping into your tight skinny jeans that hurt to both sit and stand in- bell-bottom jeans have been making a comeback in modern day fashion. Lucky for us, bell-bottoms were a huge trend in the 1970s. I consider these essential in my wardrobe because they are versatile and flattering, plus, fall weather is jean weather! Pair them with any button-up blouse, tee-shirt, sweater, cardigan, jacket... anything. The bigger the bell, the better. My favorite pair are the Just Float On Flare Jeans from Free People. These were an investment, so I've included an alternative link to some from Forever 21 that work just as well.
Boots
For a more ‘70s style, I opt for chunky platform campus boots or a western roper style. For a ‘60s mod look, gogo boots are a lot of fun, and I’ve been seeing the white ones make a comeback as well as suede knee-highs. You can make most boots work for retro fashion but ones with a rounded toe and chunky heel emanate a vintage look more accurately. Pair a dress with over-the-knee socks and calf-length boots for a modern mod look. Light brown leathers, darker brown suedes, and white vinyl are some materials to look out for while shopping.
Collars
Collars can make any outfit look more retro depending on the time period of inspiration. Peter pan collars were popular in the ‘60s while wing-tipped and notched collars give off a ‘70s feel. Button-up collared shirts, both short-sleeved and long-sleeved usually have collars. Collared dresses are also a great option. A fun way to upgrade your collarless dresses is to wear a collared shirt under them- this also adds a layer for warmth. I’ve included a photo of the different types of collars for your reference.
Vests
Speaking of layering, vests are one of my favorite layering pieces. Leather vests, denim vests, and crochet vests were all popular stylistic elements of the 1970s and I’m glad- they add much-needed dimension to outfits. Wear your vests over bell-sleeved dresses for a hippie-inspired look or over a band-tee and bell bottoms if you’re more of a rocker.
Royal Colors, Dainty Floral Prints, & Plaids
One of my favorite things about fall is the color pallet combined with prints. Dark plums, rusty oranges, creams, and darker browns are all part of a royal color scheme and can be seen frequently in both '60s and '70s style, no matter the season. As for prints, dainty florals and color contrasting plaids are fun to work with because they bring color and texture into a look.
Each of these stylistic elements look great on their own but pair them together and you have the retro autumn outfit of your dreams! Stay happy and healthy, and don’t forget to get some of that fresh, fall air- at least you’ll look cool doing it. Peace!
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