Seven Signs of Spring

Let the vibes from the Age of Aquarius be your guide when you shop for your spring wardrobe this year. There’s a retro inspiration to the clothes you’ll see all reinvented this spring for a whole new generation — and maybe even for a few of us who lived through it all.

Here are seven signs that you’re on the right path:
–Let it flare. The legs have it this season. Whether it’s cropped culottes, washed jeans, flared jumpsuits or high-waisted trousers, the wide-leg pants are striding into the 70s spotlight. They’re perfect to wear with all the chunky platforms. Think a little “Saturday Night Fever” and “Dancing in the Moonlight.

–Go boho with tunics. Whether they’ve got lots of flower power or embroidered and crocheted with Moroccan designs, the “peasant” tops are once again proving that this is the top to top it all off this spring and summer. Wear them in a gauzy explosion of color in loose flowing cotton, or make them work for you at work when they are more like longer shirts, all tailored and belted.

–Skirt the issue. The wrap skirt was a 70s fashion hit, thanks to designer diva Diane Von Furstenberg, and it’s once again twirling around in trendy circles. But skirts this season are also going long and longer. From midi to maxis, there really is something for everyone — unless, of course, you are a Katherine Hepburn, who loved wearing her beloved pants!

–Swing in the trenches. OK, so the trench coat didn’t exactly originate in the 70s, but in new loose and swingy shapes and lightweight colorful suede, it’s the perfect coat/jacket for chilly spring days and nights. Worn over cropped pants and platform shoes, it’s a great segue way into warmer weather.

–Print it. Nothing says 70s like giant paisleys, graphic flowers, sweet ginghams and abstract blocks of color, and, of course, psychedelic rainbow watercolors, patchwork and tie-dyes. What a way to wake up your wardrobe! Add at least one of these new prints to your wardrobe this season and see how much you want to sing. Come on, get hippie!

–The wedge platform. Yes, there are lots of names for the footwear that is strutting its stuff down the runway this spring — call them clogs, mules, wedges or platforms — they come in all heights and in all kinds of designs. From the tall and sublime to the flat and fabulous (that is, comfy Dr. Scholl’s style), these shoes are typical of the 70s, when the wooden heel ruled.

–The fringed handbag. Another classic from the decade when fringe was flying on everything. Whether it’s a hobo satchel or a cross-body leather bag, a handbag trimmed with this bohemian detail will instantly update your wardrobe. And yes, you too can get hippie, even if you’re on the fringe of this fashion trend.

Rock and roll with the vibe of 70s fashion in H&M’s new Coachella collection debuting March 19 at hm.com and 350 stores nationwide.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.
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