Psychedelic swirls are the 70s trend the street style set can’t get enough of

70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Credit: Getty Images

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Psychedelic swirls are the 70s trend the street style set can’t get enough of

By Naomi May

4 years ago

1 min read

Swirling, twirling patterns are the retro trend vying for attention in the style sphere, and you’re going to want in.

As we wade through 2022, it may well be that everything feels just that little bit 2020. Which is perhaps no great surprise given that the last two years have been spent in largely the same fashion: indoors and clad in nondescript swaddling, elasticated wares.

But for those ready to fully embrace it, there is joy to be found on the horizon in the form of psychedelic swirls, which have twirled their way onto all manner of clothes of late.

70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Credit: House of Sunny

First proffered by London label House of Sunny in the form of its now-viral pale green Hockney dress, these 70s-inspired swirls are making the case for style statements that don’t compromise on the comfort we’ve all become accustomed to. Think twirl-adorned dresses, jumpers and, indeed, coats to keep the Baltic breeze at bay.

This isn’t a pattern to underestimate; far from it, in fact. For those too frightened of what might become of them with a psychedelic swirled separate, then opt for the retro-inspired pattern in the form of a throw-on-and-go dress. Simply pair with your favourite jeans and cowboy boots, and there’s an on-trend ensemble that’s ready to twirl its way into the world.  


70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Kai Collective Gaia long-sleeved top

What Kai Collective doesn’t know about second skin-style tops, frankly isn’t worth knowing. Pair this jewel-toned number with black high-waisted jeans and a pair of blindingly box-fresh trainers for a seriously cool twirly take on the trend.

Shop Kai Collective Gaia long-sleeved top, £105

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Never Fully Dressed Happy Place midi dress

A wrap dress solves a multitude of styling dilemmas. Pair with knee-high boots for a desk-to-dusk ensemble, and with platform espadrilles for when the weather decides to finally warm up.

Shop Never Fully Dressed Happy Place midi dress, £30

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Kitri Anika malachite print trousers

Kitri’s emerald-toned pair of swirly trousers are perfect for anybody looking to add a touch of sartorial jazz hands to their transitional outfits. Wear with a jumper by day and a fitted T-shirt by night.

Shop Kitri Anika malachite print trousers, £95

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Urban Outfitters Audre psychedelic swirl dress

Easy-peasy slip dresses don’t come any easier than this swirling Urban Outfitters retro-inspired slip dress, which can be worn over a T-shirt to dress it down, or with a micro mule to dress it up.

Shop Urban Outfitters Audre psychedelic swirl dress, £8

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

House of Sunny Land Cruise Hockney dress

House of Sunny’s viral Hockney dress has been reimagined into a long-sleeved knitted iteration of its former self. Choose from lime green or bold blue in the new interpretations of the twirling dress.

Shop House of Sunny Land Cruise Hockney dress, £115

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

The Elder Statesman swirl cashmere jumper

The Elder Statesman makes some of the best knitwear in the game, and this pink and green jumper is proof. Keep it slightly oversized and clash with even slouchier jeans for a decidedly en vogue off-duty look.

Shop The Elder Statesman swirl cashmere jumper at Matches Fashion, £1,985

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Monki patterned faux fur coat

Monki’s green statement-making coat has been spotted on all of the key players in the street style set, and the appeal is clear: it’s bright, bold and seriously cool.

Shop Monki patterned faux fur coat, £95

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

River Island black psychedelic dress

Throw a chunky jumper to make this dress work for daytime, or wear with a minimal mule for evening time, but either way: this swirly dress is a real winner.

Shop River Island black psychedelic dress, £50

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70s fashion trends: psychedelic swirls are everywhere in fashion

Warehouse abstract psychedelic dress

With a floaty silhouette, Warehouse’s abstract psychedelic dress is the perfect entrée to the trend for anybody looking to try it.

Shop Warehouse abstract psychedelic dress, £88

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Images: courtesy of Getty and brands.

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