Trend to Try… Modern Retro Style

There is ‘modern retro style’ in my home and wardrobe because I am a child born in the 70’s and my youth was influenced by the 80’s. Think Carly Simon, Fleetwood Mac, timber clogs, oversized sunglasses, fringing, tassels, ric-rac, off the shoulder and MORE! I love it all!!

What I also love is seeing a resurgence of ‘modern retro’ in the Spring/ Summer fashions, it’s enough to make me wanna break out some Bucks Fizz or Boney M tracks and bust a move.

MODERN RETRO STYLE FROCKS

One of my favourite labels Frankie & Dash has ‘modern Retro’ covered, with classic silhouettes and retro prints a girl just needs to add a twirl to these frocks. Oh and they all have ‘snack holes’…AKA pockets!

Orange Mini Kaftan (XS-XXL), Rickrack Trapeze Cave Dress (6-20), Strawberry Trapeze Cave Top (6-20) – all from Frankie & Dash

UBER COOL BOHEMIAN MODERN RETRO STYLE

Prairie style can be uber chic, think less ‘little house on the prairie’ and more ‘Stevie Nicks’ and you are there! Full skirts, maxi dresses, billow sleeves, ruffles and flared jeans…looks like Bohemian Traders have got you covered!

Paradiso Maxi Dress (XXS-4XL), Classic Flare Jean (24-40), Rell Circle Skirt in Black Spot (XXS-4XL) – all from Bohemian Traders

MAKE A SPLASH

Retro inspired swimwear is made for curves. Flattering and fun you can flaunt your curves in a full piece or bikini ,think polka dot, ruffles, halter neck and higher waist pants…Gidget aint the only one who can look cute on the beach!

Plain Black Retro Bikini (10-22), Polkadots Frilled Tankini (14-26), Retro One Piece Swimsuit (10-22) – all by Curvy Swimwear

Nothing says retro like some floral and macrame, right? I could look at this prettiness all summer long, a tassel towel, string bag and elastic waist skirt with sneakers…yes please!!

Woven Marnie Midi Skirt (XXS-XXL), Tort Handle Macrame Bag, Lying Round Towel – all from Cotton On

ACCESSORIZE WITH MODERN RETRO STYLE

Accessories from my past were big, bold and colourful, I am still influenced by the retro style and have quite the collection of sunglasses…it’s my ‘thing’!

Pared Cat Eye Sunglasses in Tort, Quay Australia See Me Smile Sunglasses, Vow London Red Glitter Sunglasses – all from ASOS

Get your ‘summer swish’ on in a little frock, like these ones from Little party Dress. Whether it’s strappy, midi length, print, polka dot or a riot of colour have some fun this season wearing a dress. You can go all out ‘modern retro style’ like me and add a head scarf, pom-pom earrings and sneakers!

Louie Sunflower Print Dress (6-18), Frankie Lilac Polka Dot Dress (6-18), Eddie Watermelon Print Dress (6-18) – all by Little Party Dress 

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

I was ten when my Mother relented and bought me a pair of velour and timber clogs, kinda like a platform thong with velour straps. I felt so grown up and stylish in them and loved the ‘clip clop’ sound the made on hard floors. I’m still mad for wedge heel or leather platform sandal and of course we all know how much I love wearing a sneaker.

Converse All Star Platform (5-11), Siren Reno Wedge Sandals (5-10), Linden2 Blush Metallic Leather (6-10), Flynn denim Leather Espadrille Wedges (36-42), Quinnel Fuchsia Low Heel (4.5-12.5)

One of the quickest ways to solve a bad hair day is with a head scarf, but they are also all kinds of cute. Big on style, an easy way to add some colour or print and readily available pop one in your locks today! If you can’t find a head scarf you love then improvise with a fabric belt, a men’s tie or pop on down to your local fabric store and make one.

Rock N Rose Silk Scarf Headband, Seed Stripe Spot Skinny Scarf, ASOS Wire Spot Print Headband

BETTER THAN YOUR NANAS CURTAINS

Retro curtains from my youth were all about big, bold print. Pattern and colour clashing were also the vibe of the 70’s and homemakers and caravan enthusiasts everywhere went nuts for it! While I like my window treatments more sedate these days I am open to some ‘far out prints in my wardrobe’.

Electric Blue Day Skirt (8-14), Palm Farm Dress (6-14), Mesozoic Garden Sweater (6-14) – all from Gorman

MODERN RETRO HIPPY

One label that can consistently do modern retro style is Spell and the Gypsy Collective. With their hippy, boho vibes blended with a modern Byron beach babe twist they have you covered. Their pieces are feminine and floaty with more than a nod to the songbirds of the seventies, but gee I wish they would extend their size range.

Zephyr Patchwork Saddle Bag, Jasmine Maxi Skirt (XXS-XL), Celestial Shoulder Bag all from Spell & the Gypsy Collective

Got a favourite style or song from times gone by? Share in the comments below.

Til next time,

Jen x

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