The Seventies — though I wasn’t even a thought at the time — were awesome. Far out, even. Political scandals, Bohemian Rhapsody, game-changing journalism, and bell bottoms — nearly every bit of the decade rocked. Since I couldn’t be there to experience it the first time around, I’m hoping to channel it this summer, and perhaps beyond, by taking it from my closet to the mean streets of my neighborhood. I think I’ll listen to The Bee Gees to get in the mood and relentlessly Google seventies fashion icons like Farrah Fawcett, Mary Tyler Moore, and Faye Dunaway for inspiration.

I probably wouldn’t try a full-out Farrah feathered blow out, but more power to you if you can pull off a more modern, less … big version of the style. Or maybe a big floppy sun hat is more your thing. I feel more carefree and fun just thinking about it.

The style gods have ruled skinny jeans are (finally) out. While they’re easy to style and perfect for wearing with tall boots in the fall, there’s no reason to limit yourself to them this summer —does anyone in Alabama wear long pants in the summer, anyway?

Flared jeans — or khakis if you’re office-bound — are where it’s at. With the unbearable heat, look for lightweight cotton. Heavy cotton denim is uncomfortably hot. If you’re uncomfortable, it won’t matter how good you look. Until I started researching seventies bell-bottoms and flares, I hadn’t realized how subtle yet important details make all the difference between a genuine-looking garment and a decades-later copy. When flare jeans made a comeback in the nineties, they were tight through the hip and down past the knee, only flaring at about mid calf. The seventies pants were still snug through the hip, but were loose at the knee. It’s a subtle difference, but still noticeable.

Perhaps more easily integrated into the sweltering heat are maxi dresses. I have never found a maxi dress that looks right on me, but that doesn’t stop me from being incredibly jealous of every woman who seems to get it right and makes it work.

Length is important here. Picking a dress that’s too short is equivalent to wearing jeans that are too short. Don’t you hate hearing some smart mouth ask, “Where’s the flood?” Not my fault the pants shrunk in the wash.

Look for something that just skims the floor, especially since the ideal shoe is a flat sandal — gladiators are so chic. For the height conscious, if you can snag a dress that’s just a hair longer and then pair it with a fun wedge, you’re in business.

Again, try to avoid heavy fabrics and opt for something more delicate. There’s no limit to style — they come strapless, with long sleeves, and everything in between. There’s an endless range of colors and patterns.

Can ya dig it?