The Modernized 70's- Plus Size Edition
Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson.
Hello Dear Reader,
As fall encroaches on our summer I am sure you are noticing the magazines and stores beginning to bear a striking resemblance to store fronts, fabrics and prints of the 1970's. Now dear reader, whether you have already lived through the 70's and its fashion extravaganza, or you missed it, this fall seems to be bringing the whole tidal wave back again. So how do you survive it!? Whether you are a fan of suede and fringe, or not, there is ways to inch around the biggest trend of the cooler months, or dive right in.
Personally, my favorite parts of the revival are layered flapper fringed dresses, the color orange, and long flare jean with platforms. Other highlights are long duster coats in various fabric textures and weights, suede for days, itsy ditsy floral print, shift dresses, acid colors with neutrals, and mock turtlenecks. So what may work best for you? I've cultivated some of the highlights of the next season and matched them to some tricky styling points to ease you back into shag carpeting.
Athletic Thighs + Long Flares + Platforms = Legs for Days
For those of us with athletically built legs with larger muscles I have always found flare jeans a great lengthening look when hemmed correctly. With these AMAZING blush colored suede heels and a hem that skids the floor when in heels You legs will look miles long and super shapely. This is a great tip really for any body type, and one of the hottest pant trends for the colder months. It's really is a shame to cover these blush beauty's up, but wit ha such a fun shape and neutral tone this will look great with a flippy skirt or dress, or even with a cropped pant suit.
Botticelli Body + Patterned Jumpsuit = Traffic Stopper
With a fun sleeve and a mini pattern this wrap style jumpsuit really will play up an hourglass figure and showcase it. Still professional enough for the office but fun enough for drinks, this with a colored coat thrown over will be a quick yet jaw-dropping fall and winter piece.
Broad Shoulders + Cropped Wide Leg Pants + Velvet Shoe = Powerful Proportions
As comfy as a pair of pajamas but in a nice thick drape fabric these grown up gaucho's when paired with a swinging pair of velvet Mary Jane's may just be the hit of the office. Throw on a v-neck cream sweater and a subtle bit of gold jewelry and you are ready for your street styling close up. This really is just so fun for playing with proportions. Try a cropped sweater that nips in with a rib knit, or tuck in a refined looking peasant top in jewel tones.
Triangle Shape + Halter Neckline + Strategic Paneling= Goddess
For those inevitable Indian Summer nights this gauzy stunner really can call attention to your beautiful shoulders. Creating some great visual shape with the the nipped in waist definition from the band and the eye trick of the dark versus light paneling. As a quick mention this if from Modcloth's new in house label where EVERY piece goes seamlessly from straight to plus sizes. Loving that inclusiveness!
Not-Busty + Wrap Jacket = Killer Waist Definition
I have to admit, when I first saw this coat, I gasped. I yearn internally for this beautiful piece. The gorgeous light caramel color, the contrast collar and the easy tie belt, it's my dream. I am all about waist definition this fall in my clothing pieces and this seems the perfect practical throw on jacket for the exact purpose. The style possibilities are endless.
Post Mastectomy + Fringe = Dance the Night Away Distraction
Fringe is a hard sell for me at times. I am not into fringe on my jackets or purses, but I am very into string fringe on my dresses! It is probably the secret disco dancer inside of me that wants to do the electric slide and the hustle in a fringed out number like this one. With the sturdy but stretchy scuba knit that lines this piece lady's looking for some camouflage for any reason will find the fabric and fringe glide over and make the look all about your movement. This would also be fabulous with those great velvet Mary Janes at the top of the page!
Masculine + Breezy + Tie neck blouse = Deal Making Ready
If you were a Gilmore Girls fan like me, rocked out to Bridesmaids or laughed til you cried in Spy, we all know Melissa McCarthy can do just about anything. I was so happy to see Nordstrom pick up her debut line of clothing, which will also be carried at Lane Bryant. The pieces are a great mix of easy wear and cool girl detailing. This great tie bow blouse I feel is a magical mix of masculine flourish and school girl bow details. This under a burnt orange or cranberry suit jacket with a patterned pant, say one of the plaid ones we are seeing pop up everywhere; would push this right over the edge into epic. Ghostbuster approved!
Well, I hope this did a bit of decoding of some of the easy to wear pieces and trends of the latest 70's craze. With a bit of searching you can find some 70' silhouettes but with fun updated patterns and materials that keep them from feeling too dated, or overwhelmingly polyester.
Happy Shopping
Jordan
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