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How to unleash your inner '70s bohemian babe

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Asanda Sizani has carved an inimitable name for herself in South African fashion. Her diverse experience spans across print, advertising and television. As a style journalist, stylist and creative consultant, Sizani has worked for some of the largest fashion magazines and retailers in the country. She has held the position of Fashion Editor at ELLE and previously, Drum magazine. She has written regular columns for Grazia, Juice and recently, an introduction to the Africa chapter in a coffee table book, Global Style Tribes. Sizani is a regular fashion collaborator for Woolworths' WMag and a sought after style consultant. She is a member of the Berlin UP Fashion Committee which creates trade and networking opportunities for African designers in Germany.

When you think '70s fashion, fringing, boho dresses and cut-off denim shorts come to mind. So do style icons such as Bianca Jagger, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. It may not be festival season, but that shouldn’t stop you from embracing an urban kind of festival spirit. '70s boho is a big summer/autumn trend that’s hit the stores in a major way. Crop tops worn with flared denim, tassle details, suede and crochet are in virtually every retail store. Look out for key pieces like a pussy bow dress, flared denim jeans and floppy, wide brim hats. Be inspired by the rich heritage and spicy colour palette. This is an era thats keeps coming back.

To accompany your '70s boho fashion is easy, undone hair. Textured waves or a proud afro suit the free-spirited look. I’ve long ditched the flat iron and embraced my hair’s natural texture. This season, the statement lip is less Hollywood red and more Woodstock.

Try rich lip colour in brick retro reds, orange, burgundy and brown shades for that authentic, yet modern '70s feel. These retro lipstick shades require no effort to look chic.

Don’t shy away from clashing print. Nature inspired textures and pattern suit both day and night dressing. There’s a handmade quality to crochet and anglaise. Accessorise with layers of dainty neckpieces and stacked bracelets. Rings on every finger? Why not.

READ: The only trend to wear this summer: '70s

Must-have pieces for a '70s bohemian look:

-    A cross body bag. This is a worthy investment. Look out for guitar strap handbags or better yet, customise your own. DIY was a big part of the '70s movement.

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-    Mirrored sunglasses. They reflect the sunlight, illuminating and accenting the colours of your outfit.

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-    Denim shorts. A versatile, functional item that adds a playful edge to your look.

-    A chunky heeled ankle boot. Summer picnics and festivals have hoards of revellers, pushing, shoving. A boot is a great shoe option to avoid being trampled on if you are in sandals. This shoe also moves seamlessly into the night without needing a shoe change.

-    A fringed boho bag. What’s not to love about a tassled handbag.

-    A lightweight, easy summer dress that’s ethically made in Africa. Some favourites to look into are Sindiso Kumalo, Lalesso and Lem Lem.

- Fashion Editor favourite, Julia Sarr Jamois in flared denim and her signature hair. Those snakeskin loafers are a lust!

Join in the spirit of adventure and create new summer/autumn memories. The '70s revival reigns supreme.

Images: Getty

Follow Asanda on Instagram @asandasizani

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