The seventies, with style

[GeorgianMumto5]

OK, so cast your mind back...to Christmas and restless non BBC1. Lady Mary Crawley (actress!) played a seventies mum and she looked lovely. I'd like some clothes in that style. Where do I start? Obviously, she's tall, slim and suchlike and I'm...short' especially in the bandy legs, and with a couple of pounds more than is ideal, but anyway, where would you look? I want retro rather than vintage. (Hoping to avoid too many man-made fibres.)

Thanks.

[BillStickersIsInnocent]

You need Tethersend I think!

I like this look too, high waists, blouses, long hair, clogs and of crochet. I haven't worn flares for years but wear topshop Kristens which are high waisted, plus lace and crochet (often cream or orange).

Can you crochet or know someone who can? There's a lovely book by Debbie Bliss called simply crochet. There are a couple of collars in there, plus a gorgeous dress (which I'm attempting, in orange )

[GeorgianMumto5]

Funny you should ask, Bill: yesterday I learned to do chain stitch. Sadly, that's all I can do, so unless I artfully wrap myself in a long length of yarn, I'm a bit stuffed. Could catch on, though.

Ah, is Tethersend an expert in seventies style? How do I do a call out for her?

TopShop, eh? I haven't been there for...eons. I wonder if they'll let me in? I could say I was shopping for my niece.

[BillStickersIsInnocent]

Well I would have thought the title would entice her over

There's a thread somewhere about clogs - could be a good start? I'll have a search and link.

[noddyholder]

Look at any of the bands of te days gfs.I dress like this in summer sometimes. Bianca jagger Anita palenburg with a bit of Lauren Hutton. Long glossy hair minimal make up and platform sandals skinny flares linen/ silk shirts etc.

[GeorgianMumto5]

Thanks. How about just above shoulder hair? I just had it cut.

Found some La Redoute jeans that look the part - and a skirt that would, if I wasn't so short. Time to get out the sewing machine, I think.

Overall, I think I just fancy a change from, 'middle-aged mum at TU/George of Asda,' and 'seventies' sounds like a good place to start.

[noddyholder]

Heated rollers and a scarf

[missmartha]

Ooooh I still have an original Fiorucci dress from the seventies.

Yes, I know most of you weren't born but it's fabulous. I seriously doubt it still fits, time, child bearing and chocolate plays havoc with the figure. ,

[ujjayi]

Search for midi skirts - ASOS has loads. Laura Bailey often dresses with a nod to the seventies so worth googling her.

I am going through a bit of a seventies phase myself at the moment. Celia Birtwell dresses & blouses are fab - see eBay for a bargain. A-line denim skirts hitting just below the knee with clog sandals, original style Scholls or wedges. Try a scarf in your hair too - worn like a wide alice band. Angel sleeve or bell sleeve blouses worn with straightleg or flared jeans. Fitted blazers. Plaited leather or suede belts. Maxi dresses & skirts. If going for a maxi skirt, try wearing with a fitted but casual blouse.

It's a very romantic look. To be honest, hunting down original items may be more satisfying since most new ranges are awash with polyester anyway.

[bigyellowfish]

I would love a dress like Margo from the good life. Vintage sites seem so expensive and small!

[ujjayi]

BigYellowFish - check out eBay. Alsi Debenhams have just launched a new Ossie Clark range. Alternatively, why not find a vintage pattern and make your own?

[bigyellowfish]

Ossie Clark! Thanks I didn't know that. I am a nightmare with sewing machine or I would make my own, I can't crochet either, it's a lost cause.

[noddyholder]

voila

[missmartha]

That's very Annabel's Party that is.

[tethersend]

Ooh, marking place for when I have no baby on my knee... I heart the seventies

[tethersend]

Ok, so, I am a bit 70s obsessed- most of my wardrobe is from 66-79ish. I wear a LOT of polyester

The look you are going for is a little softer, and one I often wear to work. Staple items I would recommend:

High waisted, flared jeans/trousers
Suede jacket
Tank top- preferably lurex to be worn over a shirt
Neck scarf
Polo neck- I like to match the colour of the skirt I'm wearing and drape a fine chain belt around my waist for definition. Get at least one white/cream one
A line skirts- one in denim
Shirt dress, preferably in chain print or other strong print.
Clogs
Knee high boots with rounded toe, preferably tan
Pendant necklaces to be worn over polo neck
Waistcoats- at least one to match one of the skirts
Decent leather shoulder bag

I would put some flicks in my hair too if it were just above the shoulders- sort of like Debbie Harry/Farrah Fawcett depending on how much of a seventies look you want.

Watch later versions of The Liver Birds and Man About The House for inspiration.

The devil is in the detail with this look, so I would get some neck scarves and pendant necklaces which will instantly seventies-up any outfit.

Will look for some images

[tethersend]

And thanks for my favourite S&B thread ever

[auldspinster]

There's a book called Nouveau Poor from about 1976 that has a fashion and beauty section and a knitting pattern for a jumper and a simple dressmaking pattern for a mary quant long-line tunic. Should be able to get it for pennies on amazon.

[tethersend]

Watch Made in Dagenham on BBC2 at 9 tonight for some more ideas...

[GeorgianMumto5]

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I love the idea of the rollers.

Tethers end, that all sounds great - thank you.

Managed to find a charity shop with some likely pieces in today. No cash on me and it was close to closing time, but I'll be back there on Monday. Will update with my purchases.

[GeorgianMumto5]

I love the idea that instead of updating my look I am backdating it.

[GeorgianMumto5]

I had a seventies dinner party a few years back. My mum lent me her Margot-style green dress. I loved wearing it.

[tethersend]

Oh, and if you are handy with a sewing machine, check out etsy for some great vintage patterns.