Marc Jacobs spring 2011, Imaxtree.

Liza Minelli, Bianca Jagger and Jerry Hall have all conquered the wide-leg trouser and sleek jumpsuit back in the day.  Now, for spring 2011, designers like Diane von Furstenberg (a former disco queen herself), Marc Jacobs, and Gucci are bringing back the lost era of outlandish partying and style with retro tributes such as flowing maxi dresses, big shoes and even bigger hair. If you’re putting together a scene worthy outfit, here’s what to consider:

Longevity: When dressing with the ’70s in mind, it can be difficult to look like you came from Studio 54 and not a laughable B-movie.  Some versions of the trend, like the highest of high-rise pants, are firm period pieces, so don’t count on them to be in fashion even a season from now.  For example, look out for boot-cut in fall 2011.  But others, like vibrant stripes, are always reinterpreted season to season.

Wearability: These looks range from the challenging (wide belts) to the simple (bold prints).  So no matter what you’re comfortable wearing, there’s always a way to inject a little funk into your daily wardrobe.

Personality: The ’70s was all about glam.  Can any of us forget those images of women in plunging necklines and towering platforms shaking it on the dance floor?  If you need to tone it down for your own style and day-to-day life, try flashes of glitz like gold lamé accents, floppy hats or chunky, piled-on bangles.  Though we see nothing wrong with running errands in a full-on look from Cleopatra Jones. Save vs. Splurge?: Save.  Era dressing is better served in small portions.  To get in on the trend, look for wild accessories at high street prices.  But in the decadence of the ’70s speaks to you, buy clothing that can transition beyond the hype with a little styling.

Save Options:
 
Photo: Courtesy of Forever21. Peacock feather belt, $7.80, Forever21
Photo: Courtesy of Monet. Fleetwood stretch bangle, $38, Monet
Photo: Courtesy of TopShop. Camel felt floppy hat, $50, TopShop
Photo: Courtesy of Boden. 70′s sunnies, $78, Boden
Photo: Courtesy of Revolve Clothing. House of Harlow hexagon drop earrings, $70, Revolve Clothing

Splurge Options:

Photo: Courtesy of Warehouse. Plain 70′s dress, $98, Warehouse
Photo: Courtesy of Nine West. Genevive sandal, $99, Nine West
Photo: Courtesy of Frockaholics. Wayne Cooper drape dress, $395, Frockaholics
Photo: Courtesy of Warehouse. Color block wrap dress, $97, Warehouse
Photo: Courtesy of ASOS. Belted mac, $125.51, ASOS