Chic at 60ish!

I was a little girl in the late 60’s and early 70’s. My mother, Cis Golder, was super-stunning—but very Jackie Kennedy, not at all Bianca Jagger. Ladylike suits, sheath dresses (still love them), and coats with big buttons. That was the look.

NOSTALGIA CHIC: My mom in a beautiful Adolfo patchwork skirt in the early 70’s–this is so of-the-moment, you could wear it tonight!

So imagine my fascination when my older, cool cousin gave me my first Sonny & Cher album and that fabulous face with fringed eyelashes–and fringed jacket–stared at me from the cover. I was enchanted. To this day, “I Got You Babe” is one of my favorite songs—and to this day I love and am intrigued by Cher.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON: Cher’s iconic boho look–fringe & high-waisted jeans; fabulous then, fabulous now

Somehow, I convinced my mom to buy me bell-bottoms and a fringed buckskin jacket. (For those from Philadelphia, remember the jeans store, “The Depot,” in Elkins Park?) I thought I was the coolest thing in Cheltenham. Amazingly, so many years later that is exactly the look for spring and summer. What’s more, I still own a version of that suede fringed jacket!

ON THE FRINGE: My whiskey-colored fringed jacket, not so different from the one I had in the 70’s; from neimanmarcus.com

This is what you’re going to want to wear every summer evening at barbeques and the beach. Easy, flowy, fun. Available at every price point, add jeans (denim or white), sandals or espadrilles, big earrings and bracelets—and you’re dressed.

“IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME!” Elegant & boho at once–my mom in Halston in the 70’s; two of my favorite evening looks for summer from Silvia Tcherassi, at Boyds in Wayne; Chanel’s version of boho at chanel.com

On nights you’re not feeling boho, the opposite side of the bohemian coin is “Swans”/elegant chic, echoing looks from the ultra-popular “Feud: Truman vs The Swans” series. I loved it so much, I may binge it again! Beautiful blouses & pants, flowy skirts, big jewelry. Clean. Stunning. Retro & modern at once. Change your look as you change your mood—getting dressed this summer is a cinch!

RETRO POSH: Naomi Watts as Babe Paley in the 60’s, from “Feud: Truman vs The Swans” on Peacock & Hulu, in her Verdura pearls, now making a comeback, verdura.com; Zendaya in Dior, dior.com–so 60’s, so today

Don’t forget to add your big 60’s jewelry. Again, both posh & boho look right. Brooches & pins. Button earrings are back. On the boho side, big hoop or dangly earrings & ropes & ropes of beads. Colored stones are so of-the-moment—real or faux. Even pearls are back. Feminine, flattering, and very 60’s, an easy way to update last year’s looks in an instant.

“WONDERFUL TONIGHT:“ Fashion taken straight from women who inspired our favorite songs–Michael Kors Collection maxi dress from michaelkors.com; Pattie Boyd, who was married to both Eric Clapton & George Harrison; Linda & Paul McCartney, Paul’s inspiration for so many “silly love songs!“

As summer arrives at last, what a treat to put coats and sweaters away, reaching for beautiful new looks every time we get dressed. Envision Cher, Pattie Boyd, Linda McCartney—women who inspired a generation of rockers. Or envision Jackie Kennedy, Babe Paley & Audrey Hepburn—women who inspired a generation of designers. Change your look as often as you like—just have fun! Another one of my favorite songs is Eric Clapton’s “You Look Wonderful Tonight,” inspired by gorgeously boho-chic Pattie Boyd. Get  dressed, start singing—enjoy each  “boho posh” moment—you will surely look wonderful tonight! I’m taking off for the summer–see you in September~ Ellyn Golder Saft