Steal Their Style - our weekly fashion feature - not only offers an opportunity to provide inspiration to those stuck in a style rut, but also serves as a gallery of trends that can be looked back on in the decades to come. A digital time capsule of weekday wardrobes, trends and styles from the 2020s, if you will.
I love the idea that people will one day look back at the hundreds of photos I've taken of Mancunians and city visitors and marvel at the fashion, feeling nostalgic.
And, so this week, I've done just that myself, digging into the Mirrorpix archives to uncover Steal Their Style's predecessor.
READ MORE: Couple married for 33 years among the most stylish spotted in city centre
Fashion Spy was a Daily Mirror feature that ran in the 1970s, and we've uncovered a series of black and white images taken in Manchester almost exactly 45 years ago.
These rare and stylish photos offer a glimpse in women's fashion at the time, taken on the city streets on January 2, 1978.
In the monochrome photos, the ladies show off their winter-style in big bold coats, heeled boots and more. Oh what I'd give to see these images in colour, mind you.
So, let's take a trip down memory lane and see if any of the everyday trends have stood the test of time, and what was popular in Manchester back in 1978.
Before we get into this woman's fabulous outfit, just take a look at the scenery behind her that gives the year away - the old double decker bus, and a Manchester Evening News sign outside a newsagents which reads: "Moors Murders Dramatic New Disclosures."
The blonde shopper wears a dark roll neck with a patterned knit layered over the top, as well as a cropped jacket in a shiny material with a sherpa lining. She paired the look with slim black trousers and knee high boots, alongside a string of necklaces to accessorise - her hair slicked back into a ponytail out of her face.
We can definitely see this being rocked today in the Northern Quarter, can't you?
Now that's a 70s barnet if ever I've seen one! Loving the shorter do, I have to say. This particular city dweller also appears to have opted for a turtleneck base layer for the colder weather, layering a patterned midi dress on top - you can just see the pattern peeking out of the top of that zip-up fleece.
I'm a huge fan of this lady's long Mac style jacket - something that's very much still on trend - and her presumably leather knee-high boots which look as though they'd be cream or beige, which is also very 'in'.
If you look past this beautiful bystander to the mannequins in the shop window, you might notice some of the prices of the garments - some items for £5, while others are priced at £15 and £25.
The model wears a long typically 70s suede coat with a fluffy lining with dark knee high boots. Under it, she wears a white blouse with a decorative, oversized collar which peeks from under a v-neck knitted jumper. She's styled the whole look with a midi skirt and a large shoulder bag.
Our next stylish shopper appears to be wearing a more patent boot, which by today's standard would be considered a bit 'Balenciaga'. A straight leg jean is tucked tightly into the boots, with a more relaxed outfit up top in the form of a roll neck, quarter zip fleece and a cream shaggy coat.
If the weather was anything like it is this week in 1978, we can certainly see why people were so keen to layer up. The puddles and rainy reflections on the pavement suggest it was.
Vintage and thrift shops are often flooded with brown fur coats such as this, and they're definitely something we're still seeing people wear today. This one is a particularly nice example, and would no doubt be snapped up quickly in if it were spotted in a charity shop in town today.
The fashionista wears a jumper with a chunkier roll neck detail, as well as a midi-length pleated skirt and heeled knee high boots, carrying a large tote-style bag.
What I especially like about this photo is the wider angle in which you can see a few extra people, and how they're dressed, too - including flat caps and rainhoods - the latter being a trend I think will see a fashionable resurgence in 2023.
Another fabulous chunky knitted jumper here, this time with pockets, paired with a shorter, blazer-style coat, clutch bag and chunky rings.
The smartly dressed shopper wears a floral midi skirt with tights and heeled loafer with fringe detailing. A more modern style of this shoe is still widely sold today, proving that there are elements of 70s fashion that remain on-trend throughout the years.
Last but certainly not least is this outfit with the most amazing statement floral quilted jacket, worn fastened and belted over a white shirt, of which you can just see the collar. The wearer added dainty earrings and a crossbody bag, tucking their trousers into their knee high boots, which would probably be considered something of a fashion faux pas today - but no-one wanted the hem of their trousers dragging into puddles, did they?
Which of these looks was your favourite? Have you still got any of your clothes from the 70s? Let us know in the comments below.
READ MORE:
