Second Hand September made its appearance on the catwalk of the London Fashion Week with fashion's rising star Harris Reed showcasing his unique collection made with Oxfam clothing. 

The '70s are back! An era full of glam, disco, Bowie, Jagger, bell bottoms, bold prints, crochet, dagger collar blouses and so much more. '70s style pieces are full-fledged on again. So, stock up your autumn wardrobe with these five essentials that should not be missed in anyone’s closet this autumn season.

Ph. Julian Myles, Unsplash

'70s kaleidoscopic style is the hottest fashion trend on Instagram, a good source of inspiration to make vintage looks truly yours. Perfect vibes for the upcoming autumn season, these are our 5 essentials for your wardrobe.

Retro aesthetics of the ‘70s are taking over our social media pages, and surely we all know what this era’s fashion stands for, right? You may have a lot of associations but read on to find out how you can also adapt those to contemporary trends.

Penny Lane Coats

A black & white example embellished with silver star and moon stitching, seen on influencer @hannahlouisef.

Showcased on everyone’s Instagram feed at the moment, contemporary brands like House of Sunny and Saks Pott brought about the resurgence of an absolute classic, the Penny Lane coat. Not only do they look fabulous, but also keep you warm and cosy throughout those stormy autumn days about to be faced. Simultaneously, these statement piece coats are spreading huge ‘Almost Famous’ vibes, whose character of Penny Lane is where its name originally stems from.

Formerly better known as Afghan coats, the style was brought into mainstream fashion mainly by celebrities, especially musicians like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix throughout the late '60s and early '70s, which created all the associations it has with Rock n’ Roll nowadays. Available in plain suede or embellished with stitching and embroidery, they add an effortlessly chic twist to even the most basic outfit, a real no-brainer. Penny Lane coats are here to stay!

Funky Prints

London-based influencer @mounakae effortlessly sports a '70s-inspired swirl patterned set. The halter neck top adds to an overall retro atmosphere.

Battle the upcoming gloomy autumn days with ever more vibrant colours and funky prints. They appear in numerous forms and can be incorporated through basically every form of clothing. No matter if it is a top, blouse, trousers, skirt, jacket, or if you do not want to go all the way simply add a colourful headband or scarf. Chevron and flame stitch, argyle, paisley, swirls, zebra, floral and abstract geometric patterns are just a few infamous '70s patterns to be named. All were influenced by folk and psychedelic rock of the era. Matching sets are an easy way to pull off a nice fit without much effort. Bright colours and bold patterns can complement each other or clash in an offbeat way. This season there is no such thing as too radiant or vibrant. Multi-coloured clothes all the way, it is about mixing and matching, so be bold.

Flared Trousers

@hannahlouisef wears a classic denim flare with a middle line seam.

First popularised by Cher and Sonny in the mid-'60s, flared trousers became a staple piece of the era, and are interconnected with the counterculture hippie movement.

They are extremely versatile and can be styled in either '70s Americana style, feminine chic, androgynous with a pantsuit, or in a glam rock/disco manner for those nights out and about. Extra points if they are corduroy or in flower print, for the ultimate retro style. A more classic approach would be a pair of simple blue denim in true Farrah Fawcett manner, worn with a colourful top and white trainers. The choice of fabric is key here, they are available in either denim, cotton, corduroy, or polyester and vary in terms of how wide they flare at the bottom and whether they have an additional split hem. One thing is for certain, every kind of flared trousers will give legs for days since the shape is known to elongate the silhouette.

Platform Boots

@letsgetflashy goes all in with a Bowie-esque approach on colour coordinating platform boots, perfectly fitting her ginger mullet. (Ph. Alexandre Alaux)

The '70s surely were an innovative decade for fashion, as the clothing represented youths newly found carefree mentality and desire to deviate from their parents' generation’s norms regarding outward appearances and attire. The way they dressed was an act of rebellion in itself. Platform boots were mainly popularised by glam rock performers like Elton John, the New York Dolls, and especially David Bowie during his alter ego Ziggy Stardust phase. This made the trend gender-neutral, since Bowie incorporated various queering elements in his stage performances and photoshoots, so a lot of men adopted this element and could be spotted wearing heels.

Due to being considered the era’s disco shoe, the connection to present events seems fitting. Now that clubs have reopened after long months of social distancing, expressing a newfound sense of liberty is once again expressed through head-turning clothes. Online shops frequently advertise new 'going out wear' with phrases and puns referencing a need for customers to prepare for their comeback to the club floors with fitting party outfits, predominantly targeting teens and 20-somethings. Just like the trend was originally about catching attention, the intention remains the same. On a side note, the shoes are particularly petite friendly and can add a good few inches of height, while also keeping your feet dry when stomping through those leaf-covered parks and forests once foliage hits the ground.

Bulky Square-shaped Tinted Sunglasses

@annacascarina stuns in a simple, yet eye-catching black-framed model with yellow/orange-tinted glasses, which harmonizes very well with her floral printed Resume blouse.

A drastic opposition to the previous tiny sunglasses trend, originally stemming from the '90s. Now the motto certainly is 'the bigger the better!'.

Don’t shy away from colourful tinted glasses to give your fit this extra pop of colour. Particularly popular now are blue, yellow, amber, and red-tinted glasses with a tortoiseshell look frame. A perfect companion when having to hide nasty dark under-eye circles or puffy eyes in the morning.

Where To Get The Look?

It is apparent that these trends are interconnected in cultural significance, socio-political influence, and historical context. A feeling of exuberance seems to be around, which is expressed and underlined through fashion.

Though all items are in some form currently available at the established high street fashion houses, we recommend you take a look at your local thrift store or browse online through secondhand apps like Vinted, Depop, and Etsy to find a truly unique and long-lasting piece of clothing with an attached history. Not only is the quality of fabric and construction usually higher, but buying used clothes contributes to more conscious and sustainable consumption, therefore helping to protect our planet and spreading awareness. If these options do not fit size-wise, upcycling in DIY, or bringing it to a local tailor can easily fix any issue and simultaneously make it more distinctive and individual. Fashion cycles have always existed and will continue to do so, however, now with constant online access to fast-fashion retailers they are speeding up more and more. Nevertheless, the aforementioned trends are certainly not fleeting or just adaptable for this season, because true vintage never goes out of style.

Candice Brathwaite, face of Oxford Street and its #BEYONDNOW campaign, arrives in stores with her sustainable capsule collection featuring 30 of the most loved brands from Oxford Street.

Candice Brathwaite’s #BEYONDNOW Edit is now available in stores, an A/W 2021 capsule collection with selected pieces from 30 Oxford Street high street brands. The collaboration inspires a positive approach to shopping and fashion.

Candice Brathwaite’s edit is a 54-piece capsule collection using products from the responsible and conscious collections of 30 Oxford Street brands. The collaborative collection is curated into nine 9 Autumn/Winter looks all available in-store on Oxford Street. Oxford Street BEYOND NOW is the destination’s first sustainable awareness initiative showcasing the positive changes that some of the UK’s most beloved high street brands are making to create a brighter future for our high street and how we shop.

Look 1

Urban Outfitters, BDG Recycled Denim Jacket, 200 Oxford Street, £56
Nike Air Force 1 Crater Flyknit Trainers, 236 Oxford Street, £69.95
Ganni Dress part of Selfridges Planet Earth Collection, 400 Oxford Street, £205
Pandora Brilliance Collection Lab Grown Teardrop Diamond Bracelet, 257/259 Oxford Street, £250

Look 2

John Lewis & Partners Sustainable and Traceable Cashmere Jumper, 300 Oxford Street, £99
Zara Join Life Wrap Skirt, 333 Oxford Street, £29.99
Adidas Vegan Stan Smiths from Schuh, 200 Oxford Street, £75
H.Samuel Diamond Story 18ct White Gold Diamond Ring, 250 Oxford Street, £1,699
Pandora Brilliance Collection Lab Grown Diamond Earrings, 257/259 Oxford Street, £690

Look 3

H&M Conscious Knit Dress Made With Certified Recycled Materials, 174-175 Oxford Street, £34.99
Ganni Recycled Chelsea Boots Part Of Selfridges Planet Earth, 400 Oxford Street, £195
Acne Studios Vally Checked Wool Scarf Part Of Selfridges Planet Earth, £220
Swatch Big Bold BIOCERAMIC Watch, 313 Oxford Street, £108
John Lewis & Partners Matt & Nat Recycled Vegan Cross Body, 300 Oxford Street, £65
H&M Conscious Earrings, 174-175 Oxford Street, £5.99

Look 4

River Island Hoodie Made From Organic & Recycled Materials, 473 Oxford Street, £38
River Island New Leaf Mid Rise Jean, £42
Teva Sandals From Schuh With REPREVE® Polyester Yarn By Unified And Recycled Plastic Webbing, 200 Oxford Street, £60
Parley For The Oceans Clean Waves Sunglasses From Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, £200
H&M Conscious Rings, 174-175 Oxford Street £6.99
H&M Conscious Hair Clips, 174-175 Oxford Street, £3.99
Lush Zig Zag Knot Wrap, 175-179 Oxford Street, £4

Look 5

Sandro Dress Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £359
John Lewis Trench Coat Supporting BCI Cotton Farmers, 300 Oxford St, £99
Tezenis Paris Recycled Microfibre Balconette Bra, 266-270 Oxford St, £14.99
VEJA Womens V-10 Logo Embroidered Leather Trainers, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £125
Monica Vinader Earrings, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £140
H&M Ring, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £2.99
H&M Patterned Scarf, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £6.99

Look 6

Mango Printed Cotton Top And Skirt Part Of The Committed Collection. 225-235 Oxford St, Top £19.99 And Skirt £29.99
Urban Outfitters Vintage Leather Blazer, Part Of Urban Renewal Collection, 200 Oxford St, £99
Adidas Gazelle Shoes, Part Of The Adidas Sustainable Collection Available From Schuh, 200 Oxford St, £70
H&M Bag, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £17.99
H&M Necklace, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £3.99
Tezenis Short Ribbed Recycled Cotton Socks, 266 Oxford St, £6.99

Look 7

Whistles Speckled Animal Skirt, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £59
Selfridges ROOP Satin Bag, Part Of Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £75
Selfridges Frame Cashmere Jumper, Part Of Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £350
H&M Earrings, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £12.99
H&M Grey Headband, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £9.99
Converse Khaki Run Star Hike Recycled Hi Trainers, Available From Schuh, 200 Oxford St, £90

Look 8

United Colors Of Benetton Pattern Dress, Made With 100% Sustainable Materials, 89 Oxford St, £59.95
New Balance 998 Remade in Pink, 287-291 Oxford St, £200
Uniqlo Recycled Jacket, 311 Oxford St, £79.90
Swatch Big Bold BIOCERAMIC, 313 Oxford St, £108
H&M Earring Crawler, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £3.99
Timberland Allington Boots With Rebotl ™ Fabric Lining & Recycled PET Laces. From Schuh 200 Oxford St, £120

Look 9

H&M Conscious Ribbed Knit Dress, 174-176 Oxford St, £39.99
H&M Conscious Patterned Scarf, 174-175 Oxford Street £6.99
H&M Conscious Hat, 174-176 Oxford St, £19.99
All Saints Coat, Part Of The Selfridges Project Earth, 400 Oxford St, £379
H&M Conscious Necklace, 174-175 Oxford Street £12.99
Acne Studios Cross Body Bag, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth, 400 Oxford St, £850

You can mix and match the selected pieces or steal a complete look from Candice Brathwaite's BEYOND NOW Edit capsule collection. It makes a small but relevant change in your style and fashion habits.

Find further information about the campaign online or discover more on Oxford Street Instagram page.

Redress Design Award 2021, the world's largest competition on sustainable fashion design, has finally its winner. The news has been announced live-streamed from Hong Kong after a hybrid Grand Final fashion show with real and virtual models.

The journey towards inclusive fashion also passes through 'petites' and their underestimated necessities. Today, petite fashion sees more protagonists like LacunaFit which is ready for a denim-tinted launch.

Oxford Street with fashion author and presenter Candice Brathwaite announces the launch of BEYOND NOW, the first sustainable initiative that sets to make a change in the way we shop our favourite high street brands.

Appreciated for its commitment to social equality and the environment, Radley London (re)states its green production plan and new collections with its latest campaign: 'Earth, we’re by your side'.

As we head into September Actress Sienna Miller has been announced by Oxfam as the headliner for their #SecondHandSeptember campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects fast fashion clothes that are produced in high volume and at relatively low cost to the consumer – have on the planet.

Football sensation Leroy Sané stars in the new Autumn'21 Nike Underwear campaign. The Nike Underwear product line for Autumn 2021 features Nike ReLuxe, made with at least 75% recycled fibres as part of the brand’s ‘Move to Zero’ initiative.

grüum, Manchester-based skincare and haircare brand, launched a new range of sustainable wash bags to help fighting ocean pollution thanks to a toiletry essential.