The Soft Rock Trend, as illustrated by Urban Outfitters

Full disclosure: I like soft rock. A lot. It’s a recent obsession, prompted by a resurgence of retro soundtracks and one tantalizing infomercial. ( Time Life Soft Rock Series. Try to catch it if you can. Hell, TiVo it if possible. Ten bucks says you’ll start singing along with the TV before it’s over.)

I like soft rock so much that I actually spent a good chunk of money and time to see Christopher Cross in concert last weekend. (Perhaps you remember his hits: Sailing, Ride Like the Wind and the Authur’s Song? Are you misty-eyed with nostalgia yet? Thought so.) Much like the aforementioned infomercial, his performance was simply amazing, in that super-sentimental, uncomplicated kind of way.

While it can be hard to adequately define the ‘70s musical genre, Cross describes his music as being mid-tempo; neither fast or slow, but some slow, hazy blend of the middle. It was then that I realized there’s a full-on soft rock sartorial movement going on right now.

Think of it this way: When applied to clothing, “mid-tempo” can translate into something that’s neither dressy nor casual. Now think of the number of items in your wardrobe—or in your favorite shop—that are neither formal nor fuss-free?

Still don’t know what I’m talking about?

Take a look at these ensembles:

From left: Lux @ Urbn, Mint @ Shopbop, Kimchi& Blue @ Urbn

Not party dresses exactly, but not schlumpy outfits either right?

Clockwise from top: Moccasin @ Urbn, Pau&Joe @ Shopbop, Frye @ Shopbop, Gladiator @ Urbn

And these shoes? You could wear them to work, maybe, but probably only on CasFris. (A.k.a. Casual Fridays. Sorry, my lame inner Gossip Girl made me do it.)

Bags all from Urban Outfitters

And these lovely little structure-less totes? Can wear them most places, but can’t bring these to grandma’s house or the gym.

From left: Madewell, Charlotte Ronson @ Shopbop, Free People @ Urbn

Chances are you’re quite familiar with the kind of styles above—all of which, might I add, serve as the pitch-perfect answer to the tough-luxe rock’n'roll trend that’s just about to wind down. Channeling a romantic ease and a faint ’70s vibe, these pieces fit into a trend that I’ll now fondly refer to as Soft Rock Style. Catchy isn’t it?

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