Roll into summer with these retro-inspired fashion trends

As the summer sun settles on Denver, this season’s trends have come alive in remembrance of retro styles. The 1970s are making a comeback, fused with year 2000 nostalgia and contemporary designers.

Festival fashion is an insightful indicator of the styles that will take shape for the upcoming season. Coachella 2022 gave fashionistas a clear direction on what the summer fashion scene would have in store. As The New York Times and Grace observed while surveying the Coachella fashion scene, this year’s festival-goers dressed in on-trend outfits that mixed elements of the 70s and 2000s. This is hardly surprising since vintage trends always reappear in popular fashion.

Here has Charger 303we’ve curated looks based on what trends are set to hit the summer scene. Roller City West nostalgic atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for a retro-inspired fashion editorial. This photo shoot plays with vintage styles while implementing a modern twist.

Catch disco fever

A common point between the fashion of the 70s and that of the year 2000 is that the trends were strongly influenced by music and dance. Both eras favored styles that made a splash on the dance floor while allowing freedom of movement. In 2022, fashion will be shaped by our desire to dance until summer with stylish musical artists like Harry Styles as the soundtrack.

70s silhouettes will be the hallmark of this summer’s trouser trends. High-waisted bottoms still dominate people’s closets, along with straight-leg and wide-leg styles of pants. Bell bottoms and flared pants have made a comeback as statement pieces. Their reputation for disco dancewear tells us that fashion is leaning towards freer styles that take inspiration from the music scene.

Silk scarf tops, denim-on-denim and unexpected cutouts compare this summer’s trends to the Y2K era, which has been gradually integrating into contemporary fashion since the start of last year. In the early 2000s, the most popular fabrics were soft cotton, silk and linen. These fabrics will be the perfect airy materials to offset the hot weather and crowded dance floors this summer.

Denim is a staple of the American aesthetic, especially for Westerners. Luckily for denim lovers, current trends call for a rush of denim in all shapes and shades. Two-piece sets, jumpsuits and denim jackets are the best way to get creative with a classic material.

To shop these looks, check out local brands like Bright pink material, created by a local designer Audra Stachnik, and Hailee Grace, who are raising the bar for designers and retailers with their modern takes on old-school fashion. Items like flamboyant corsets and vintage-style jumpsuits prove that both brands know what Denver fashion designers are looking forward to wearing this summer.

saturated summer

Neons are back in fashion after a long reign of minimalist neutrals in modern fashion. Post-lockdown, shoppers are interested in brighter hues that will bring out their optimism and zest for life outside of quarantine. Cheerfully saturated bright colors and warm, cheerful tones should enliven summer looks.

Candy-colored accessories will be the perfect way to add a pop of color to any outfit. Translucent or opaque, an exhilarating color palette makes accessories the most exciting way to give an outfit an extra oomph. This summer, include a decorative bag or eclectic jewelry to create a more dynamic look. Kitsch has never been so cool, so be sure to embrace your youthful side with designs of stars, hearts and butterflies.

Electric chewing guma local brand created by the designer Mariah Hodges, champions of unique liquid glitter accessories. Hodges rainbow confetti handbags and jewelry are the perfect way to elevate a summer look.

The power of the flowers

Few things evoke the essence of a 70s flower child better than swirling floral prints and colorful crochet knits. The free-spirited mantra of the flower child has not only inspired lifestyles, but also fashion. As we break free from the pandemic, carefree florals and cozy knit materials reflect what we want to experience in 2022.

Vibrant floral patterns grab attention as this season’s must-have print. Combining flowers with a midi dress, skirt or loose blouse can create a flowing, fresh and feminine look.

Meanwhile, colorful crochet knits continue to infiltrate summer fashion, proving that knits aren’t just for cooler seasons. This trend borrows from the 70s obsession with crochet knit vests, halter tops and dresses. This summer, wear a matching knit set for an edgy festival look or a street style moment.

Boogie Shoes

Take a step towards a bolder shoe style this summer as trends point to strappy sandals and high heels. While platforms and strappy heels aren’t necessarily the easiest to dance to, they can liven up the dance floor if they come in electrifying colors. When it comes to footwear, this summer is all about adopting a prismatic palette.

Futuristic platform heels are also back, taking fashion to new heights. This shoe trend can be further enhanced with the addition of dazzling embellishments, such as rhinestones. Footwear trends also take notes from the disco era and the year 2000 by involving shiny and translucent metallic materials.

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Photo shoot credits

Photographed by Roxanna Carrasco

Location provided by Roller City West

Senior Stylist Ashleigh Perri

Clothing and accessories provided by: Dillard’s, Electric chewing gum, Bright pink material and Hailee Grace

Models Mya Valenzuela, Gabriela Melgar, Aislin Stewart and Lynea Donald

Hair by Jasmine mills

Makeup by Mary Willis

fashion editor Abby Schirmacher

fashion editor Isabelle Moses