Taking the literal approach means wedges. But it’s worth noting that 2011’s 70s-ish wedges were created after the extreme-heel revolution of the last five years and so they tend to be higher than the original incarnations. The key is to choose a height you are comfortable with and stick to it. Chances are that since loads of women have just spent three months in crepe-soled wedge boots, you already know what heights you are prepared to go to. If the shoe height is congruent with your new flares, then all the better. Other 70s accessories should be avoided, except for sunglasses (but not yet). Which means leaving the Taxi Driver-inspired big floppy hats well alone.
£190, Kurt Geiger, kurtgeiger.com Photograph: PR
Rust, tobacco, turmeric. Or since we’re not yet fully committing to the trend, orange, brown and yellow are going to be huge on the high street very soon. And they are meant to be worn together rather than separately, which is a stretch for most of us, who are happily blustering through January in navy blue. M&S is pushing the off-key colour combination, as are the folks at asos.com, who have rather fancifully named the relevant part of their collection “Solaris”. Blame Yves Saint Laurent, who repeatedly used these colours in his Rive Gauche collection in the 70s and who was heavily referenced by designers such as Etro for spring. The good thing about choosing to wear a colour is that it suggests knowledge of the trend but not wholesale allegiance. Besides, yellow looks rather nice with navy blue.
£40, asos.com Photograph: PR
If you are reading this page, then you have some interest in fashion and won’t need us to tell you that the zigzag fashion knit owes its existence to Italian label Missoni. At the New York shows Marc Jacobs had a Missoni moment. Since then, Wallis, Miss Selfridge and Marks & Spencer have also been having Missoni moments. This is the real cheat’s way to get the 70s trend with minimum fuss. It’s wearable, warm and it has a proven track record – wear it now but don’t send it to the charity shop as its day will doubtless come again. Beware though, zigzag dresses can look cheap – tops or jumpers are the way to go here.
£30, Warehouse, warehouse.co.uk Photograph: PR
Flares have made at least two bids for fashion superiority in the last decade. This spring they are back again, riding the crest of the 70s trend. On the Marc Jacobs catwalk flares were obnoxiously coloured and Studio 54ish. Few will have the stomach for this kind of trend commitment. But since flares can be flattering and leg lengthening they are worth investigating. Fluid fabric versions are more elegant, but denim is a toe-dip approach to the trend, which doesn’t demand a wardrobe overhaul or a dramatic change in the temperature. Denim flares now should hug the thigh and then widen gently from above the knee. A sharp kick out at the knee is a bit four-years-ago Wag. Lengthwise, it’s OK to see a bit of toe but the rest of the hem should almost reach the ground, which probably limits your footwear choice somewhat. That’s the deal, I’m afraid.
Flared jeans, £45.95, gap.eu Photograph: PR
