FASHION

WHY WE'RE HAVING A 70s SUMMER

By Emma Strawbridge, 30 June 2025

Festival nights that go on until sunrise, picnics with friends where you laugh so much it hurts to smile, beach trips with disposable BBQs, afternoon drinks that slip into the evening, playing card games (literally anywhere), sun-induced naps on a Sunday, Haim’s new album on repeat – that’s my mood all summer. Chilled, fun and dreamy, with a dash of partying. Maybe I’m romanticising because I just rewatched Daisy Jones and the Six, maybe it’s because Daisy Edgar-Jones and her boho bangs are all over my socials, but there’s a 70s feel to summer this year. And fashion is following suit. If you’re feeling the 70s vibe too (or even if you’re not), these are the trends to try that are just as cool now as they were back then.

#1: SATIN SLIP DRESSES

& Other Stories bias cut satin midi dress in pomegranate pink, £97

You probably associate these more with the 90s, but slip dresses were big in the 70s too. A favourite of disco-dancing 20-somethings, satin dresses were (and still are) an easy way to look dressed up without making too much effort. Just swap your LBD for a fruity shade like this to really capture the 70s feel this season.

#2: HALTERNECKS

ASOS DESIGN bead halter neck co-ord top in brown, £28

A halterneck is the ultimate nice top. It’ll always elevate an outfit, whether it’s the tried-and-true formula with jeans or with a white maxi, which will be my choice this summer. It’s just so easy. Invest in one like this with a tie back for extra oomph and add embellishments for the full boho experience.

#3: DENIM

ASOS DESIGN denim fitted mini dress with skinny belt in dark wash, £38

When you think of 70s denim, chances are you’re thinking flares. Thanks for bringing them back, Kendrick Lamar, but I’ll be opting for shorts, dresses and skirts – if the current heatwave is anything to go by. Levi’s, Wrangler and Lee are some of the original 70s favourites, so look to those as your blueprint. And don’t forget the denim jacket – AKA the official jacket of every summer. Plus, Dakota Johnson was recently spotted in one with a cord trim, in case you needed further convincing.

#4: FRINGING

ASOS DESIGN fringe detail embroidered maxi dress in mustard, £100

Admittedly, fringe can sometimes veer on the side of costume, but done right – it’s good. Whether you add a little texture to your summer accessories or choose to make it a real moment like on this ASOS DESIGN dress, anything goes. The earthy tones work really well here, and mixing the fringe with embroidery feels especially 70s.

#5: 70s ACCESSORIES

Sui Ava Angela print scarf in multi, £20

Pictures: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN pack of 4 resin bangles in multi, £18

Accessorising has become a full-on sport lately, and I’ve adopted the seven-point method – where you give your clothing items points, and an outfit should add up to seven. It seriously works, and accessories are an easy way to up your points. Anyway, reach for resin bangles, satin headscarves, disc belts (oh the nostalgia) and cork platforms to finish your looks this summer. Your outfit doesn’t have to scream '70s', but your accessories can.