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Fashion

The ’70s Aesthetic Has Returned, and I’m Leaning Into the Groove

From colored lenses to swirly sets, shearling to bling — four pieces fit for a disco queen.

I AM A norm-core Millennial woman. My uniform can be best described as “shadow-inspired.” Think sensible black Chelsea boots, straight black pants, black tees (replaced by black turtlenecks when the temperature drops). I opt for what’s functional and muted, often buying the same things.

But I have a not-so-secret secret. I want to be a ’70s disco queen. Could it be because the ’70s are having a cultural resurgence right now? Perhaps. Or because my mother, a Studio 54 starlet in her own right, was a real disco queen? Maybe. She wears head-to-toe silk leopard print, sequin, and feathers to this day. Or possibly it’s because amid the anxious unknown of the future, I long for the escapist nostalgia I imagine in times past. Whatever the reason, I went on a hunt for items embodying that warm, wavy ’70s spirit that one could confidently wear on various occasions in 2022.

House of Sunny — Mahogany Paradise Set Shop at House of Sunny

House of Sunny — Mahogany Paradise Set

The pattern of this two-piece reminds me of a melted chocolate swirl. It’s fun; it’s flattering. And while decidedly groovy, its neutral palette keeps it from being over-the-top. The pants nip perfectly at the waist — tailored enough to feel structured, with the most subtle stretch and a bit of give for doing the simple things like sitting or breathing. The flare at the legs has an elongating effect, a cut echoed by the deep-but-not-too-deep cut of the top’s neckline.

I wore this to a cavernous club in an old belle époque mansion behind a parking warehouse in Mexico City. Though everyone was gorgeous in chic, shimmering outfits of all kinds, my set had me feeling like the coolest queen on the dance floor. SHOP NOW

AMAVII — BENJAMIN Sunglasses Shop at AMAVII

AMAVII — BENJAMIN Sunglasses

I stepped out of the elevator into a hotel lobby a few months ago in these, and the woman at the front desk took one look at me and said, “Damn, girl, those sunglasses are fire.” She was not wrong. An homage to the retro, corduroy, and gold-chain-wearing Hollywood directors of yesterday, the BENJAMIN’s tinted lenses will have you seeing the world through rose-colored glasses (I have the Coral Jelly and Yellow Jelly). They’ll color your visual perception so that even the bleakest, most overcast days will be bathed in a warm, happy glow. SHOP NOW


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The Arrivals — Moya V Jacket Shop at The Arrivals

The Arrivals — Moya V Jacket

Every ’70s queen needs a shearling. Though I love a witchy, fibrous sweeping hem and sleeve as much as the next gal, I wanted something a bit more Ramones and a bit less Stevie Nicks (I like my outerwear tough as nails, no matter the era I’m channeling). Enter the Moya V. Lined in a thick, almost bedding-like sheet of shearling under the most buttery layer of leather, this coat has an incredible weight to it. It’s hardy and made for the elements, with leather treated to be water-resistant. That means it can be worn through a bitter NYC snowstorm, then flung off with a thud upon entering a fabulous party. Its solid, sumptuous collar stands up on its own, framing the face with the dark drama of a rock-inspired Lady Dracula. SHOP NOW

Tiffany & Co. / Elsa Peretti — Small Bone Cuff Shop at Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. / Elsa Peretti — Small Bone Cuff

Elsa Peretti: the queen of the ’70s aesthetic. After joining Tiffany’s in 1974, her sculptural, organic designs captivated the world and have remained timeless. Her metals are known for their impossibly fluid and sinewy shapes, taking inspiration from nature. Her iconic Bone Cuff is the ultimate accessory for disco flair. In 18-karat gold, its color is a warm and rich yellow, sensuously curving to complement the shape of the wrist. If the bangle is an iconic staple of ’70s fashion, Peretti’s is its platonic ideal. SHOP NOW

Peace and love, friends. Stay safe, stay groovy.

The Best Bets for a Modern ’70s Vibe

  • House of Sunny — Mahogany Paradise Set

    The Mahogany Paradise pant and top from House of Sunny is a silky, marbled delight. It’s fun; it’s flattering. And while decidedly groovy, its neutral palette keeps it from being over the top.

  • The Arrivals — Moya V Jacket

    Field-tested for temperatures between 0 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, this staple is lined in a thick, almost bedding-like layer of shearling under the most buttery leather.

  • House of Sunny — Mahogany Paradise Set

    The Mahogany Paradise pant and top from House of Sunny is a silky, marbled delight. It’s fun; it’s flattering. And while decidedly groovy, its neutral palette keeps it from being over the top.

  • AMAVII — BENJAMIN Sunglasses

    See the world through rose-colored lenses with joyously retro eyewear. A cool detail: The frames are Japanese aerospace-grade titanium.

  • The Arrivals — Moya V Jacket

    Field-tested for temperatures between 0 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, this staple is lined in a thick, almost bedding-like layer of shearling under the most buttery leather.

  • Tiffany & Co. / Elsa Peretti — Small Bone Cuff

    Designed by the queen of the ’70s aesthetic, this iconic Bone Cuff is pure 18-karat gold and ergonomically shaped to follow the natural curve of the wrist.

Our Contributors

Sophie Mancini Writer

Sophie Mancini is an editor at Departures. Born and raised in New York City, she holds a degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University and has a background as a writer in brand and editorial.

Ahonen & Lamberg Illustrator

Ahonen & Lamberg is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Paris. Founded in 2006 by Finnish designers Anna Ahonen and Katariina Lamberg, the studio concentrates on art direction, creative consultancy, and graphic design.

Departures and American Express do not provide, endorse, or guarantee any of the items, and the sale of such items is governed by the third-party seller’s policies, terms, and conditions.
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