The fashion set appears to have developed a penchant for vintage denim of late, with the rather boho combination of '70s jeans and Chelsea boots proving particularly popular. But when an outfit has the legs (quite literally) to survive five decades of fashion's many identity crises, I reckon it's earned a little attention.

There's a reason the best-dressed women of the 1970s still occupy a permanent spot on our Pinterest boards. Cher embraced the decade's appetite for excess with her high-waisted flares and rhinestone-adorned leotards, Jane Birkin made a virtue of dressing with apparent disregard for convention, and Stevie Nicks built an entire visual identity around romantic layers, sweeping hemlines and a bewitching sense of style to match her musical catalogue. Not a bad era to be inspired by, really.

It's an era we've been borrowing rather liberally from lately. Suede jackets, billowing bohemian blouses, waistcoats and oversized sunglasses have all found their way back into our wardrobes, which means it was only a matter of time before the decade's most recognisable denim shapes came along for the ride.

Model Bertie wearing a denim jacket and flared trousers in 1971.Evening Standard/Getty Images

When it comes to styling flared jeans, rather than reaching for the towering platform shoes you might associate with the decade, fashion's current styling proposition involves a shoe far more simple: Chelsea boots.

Their close-fitting ankle and elasticated sides make them an excellent companion to flared denim, slipping neatly beneath the hem without interrupting that long, sweeping silhouette. A heeled pair adds a little height, while flat leather styles work beautifully with cropped bootcuts.

Factor in an oversized suede jacket, a cosy roll-neck or a well-loved leather coat, and you've got an autumn outfit that borrows from the '70s without looking like you're heading to a fancy-dress party. Got the outfit sorted? Check out these trending '70s hairstyles to complete the look.

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The '70s certainly weren't shy about making a statement, and neither should you be. Think oversized sunglasses à la Jackie O, exaggerated shoulders and high-waisted flares that practically demand a heeled Chelsea boot. Raid your local charity shop for a fabulous vintage jacket. The bigger the sunglasses, the better.

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Borrow a little inspiration from Diane Keaton's Annie Hall wardrobe, where masculine tailoring and relaxed silhouettes were practically an art form. An oversized blazer, fitted roll-neck and bootcut jeans make a convincing case for getting dressed like it's 1977. Add polished leather Chelsea boots for good measure.

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Before the leather jacket became synonymous with off-duty models, it was practically uniform for the decade's rock stars. Channel a little Debbie Harry with a boxy, worn-in leather jacket, faded flares and black Chelsea boots. Extra points if your jacket looks like it's lived several fabulous lives before yours.

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If there's one thing the '70s understood, it was the appeal of a fabulous coat. Shearling-lined suede jackets became a winter wardrobe favourite, and they're particularly good with flared denim. Look for a vintage-inspired aviator style, add chocolate-brown Chelsea boots and consider your cold-weather wardrobe sorted.

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Stevie Nicks called, and she's delighted. The decade's love affair with billowing sleeves, paisley prints and romantic blouses makes this pairing an obvious winner. Tuck a vintage boho shirt into high-waisted flares, add suede Chelsea boots and finish with a fringed shoulder bag. Fleetwood Mac soundtrack entirely optional.