60s fashion essay

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Posted by Karina Reddy | Last updated Aug 18, 2020 | Published on Jul 23, 2019 | 1960-1969 , 20th century , decade overview

Fashion in the 1960s became progressively more casual across all genders and ages. Womenswear followed three broad trends: a continuation of the previous decade’s ladylike elegance, the youthful styles of Mary Quant and the Space Age influence, and the late 1960s “hippie” style. Menswear saw an increasing amount of color and pattern, military influence, and new fashion icons in the form of rock stars. Children’s wear saw less change, but also became more casual and bright in color and pattern.

Fig. 1 - Hubert de Givenchy (French, 1927–2018). Suit , 1960. Wool. New York: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Ar, 2009.300.453a, b. Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Lauren Bacall, 1967. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fig. 2 - Robert Knudsen (American, 1929-1989). President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy attend Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Newport, Rhode Island. , October 8, 1961. Negative; (2.25 x 2.25 in). Boston: White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, KN-C19037. Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston. Source: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Fig. 3 - Cecil Stoughton (American, 1920-2008). First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy tours the island palace of Jag Mandir (also called the “Lake Garden Palace”) on Lake Pichola, during her visit to Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. , March 17, 1962. Negative; (2.25 x 2.25 in). Boston: White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, ST-C117-20-62. Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston. Source: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Fig. 4 - Cristobal Balenciaga (Spanish, 1895–1972). Cocktail dress , 1962. Silk. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1994.147.3. Gift of Rosamond Bernier, 1994. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fig. 5 - Photographer unknown. Swinging London. Teenagers in London's Carnaby Street. , 1969. The National Archives UK. INF 14/147. Source: Flickr

Fig. 6 - Mary Quant (British, Ca. 1934-). Ensemble , ca. 1968. Wool, acetate. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1989.336a–c. Gift of Paula A. Heidelman, 1989. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The cultural phenomenon termed Swinging London began in 1955 but reached its zenith in the early- to mid-1960s. It was a phenomenon that focused on youth, spotlighting music and fashion. It brought us The Beatles and the miniskirt, Twiggy (Fig. 9) and The Who. The designer who led the way in the “youthquake” was Mary Quant who opened her first shop, Bazaar, on the King’s Road in Chelsea, London in 1955. Quant’s simple, colorful designs appealed to teenagers and young people who had more disposable income than any generation before. It differed from the stuffy looks of the older generation and appealed to young women who embraced the child-like styles Quant produced (Fig. 7). Fashion historian James Laver writes of Quant in Costume and Fashion: A Concise History ,

“Rejecting the constraints of seasonal shows, she produced as many as twenty-eight collections during her early years, creating simple, practical, often mix n’match designs which had an element of classlessness perfectly suited to the mood of the sixties” (261-262).

Bazaar was in the new boutique style, a revolutionary new way to shop that differed from the traditional designer atelier and the department store. Besides the accessibility of the clothes in the shop, boutiques also created a frenetic atmosphere, as seen in figure 5. In her book The Lost Art of Dress , Linda Przybyszewski writes, “Boutiques were groovy places where modern music played and young owners and customers collaborated on new looks that came only in small sizes” (202).

One of the most revolutionary designs attributed to Quant was the miniskirt and minidress (Fig. 6). Eschewing the prim below-the-knee skirts of the late 1950s and early 1960s, by the mid-sixties, young women were wearing skirts that fell at the upper thigh. Like the short skirts of the 1920s, the miniskirt shocked but was also a highly popular look for young women. Miniskirts and minidresses were adopted by Parisian designers as Quant and her contemporaries continued to gain popularity.

Fig. 7 - Unknown. Jean Shrimpton and Celia are wearing Mary Quant designs , ca. 1960s. Kristine. Source: Flickr

Fig. 8 - André Courrèges (French, 1923–2016). Boots , 1967-69. Leather. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1977.115.28a, b. Gift of Jane Holzer, 1977. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fig. 9 - Unknown. Twiggy is wearing Pierre Cardin , 1967. Kristine. Source: Flickr

Fig. 10 - Pierre Cardin (French, 1922-). Miniskirt , 1969. Wool, plastic. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1977.412.2. Gift of Glady Whitfield Solomon, 1977. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

While the miniskirt reached its height mid-decade, by the late 1960s, a new style and culture was emerging. Skirts dipped back to mid-calf and by 1969, the full-length maxi-skirt had emerged (Fig. 12). This came with the move towards the “hippie” aesthetic. Elizabeth Wilson writes in Gerta Buxbaum’s Icons of Fashion: The Twentieth Century, “Between 1965 and 1967, the uncluttered, futuristic design of André Courrèges and Mary Quant – featuring short skirts, childish pinafores, and boxy shapes – were superseded by a return to the styles of Art Nouveau, Hollywood, and William Morris” (98). Suede, headbands, kaftans, Afghan coats, beads and other non-Western elements of adornment were embraced as were flowing skirts and secondhand clothing (Laver 267-268). Janis Joplin, seen in figure 13, embraced this style in the late 1960s.

Fig. 11 - André Courrèges (French, 1923-2016). Dress , 1968. Cellulose acetate/styrene-butadiene copolymer, rayon, silk, cotton, metal. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2012.182. Purchase, The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation Inc. Gift, 2012. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fig. 12 - Mr. Eric. Mr. Eric evening gown , 1969. Ink, marker; (9 x 11 in). New York: Bergdorf Goodman Custom Salon Sketches. Source: SPARC Digital

Fig. 13 - Ashley Famous Agency/Albert B. Grossman-management. Publicity photo of Janis Joplin , 1969. Source: Wikimedia

Fashion Icon: Audrey Hepburn

A n enduring icon of the 1950s and ‘60s, movie star Audrey Hepburn embraced the progression of sixties fashion up to the hippie aesthetic of the last part of the decade. Having firmly established herself as a leading lady in 1950s films like Roman Holiday , Sabrina , and Funny Face , Hepburn’s influence continued into the sixties.

In 1961, she starred as Holly Golightly in one of her most iconic films, Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Fig. 14). In this film, like so many others, Hubert de Givenchy designed the costumes, including the iconic black dress from the opening scene (Fig. 17). Hepburn and Givenchy worked together both on- and off-screen to create a simple, but stylish wardrobe that was easily copied by women of all means.

In the early 1960s, Hepburn wore feminine, Jackie Kennedy-esque skirt suits. Like the First Lady, she paired these suits with the requisite accessories: gloves and hat, like the green Givenchy suit worn in Paris When It Sizzles in 1962 (Fig. 18). The clothes she wore in 1963’s Charade would not have looked out of place on Kennedy but also cut a stylish figure as she gallivanted through Paris (Fig. 15). As the decade progressed, so did her fashion. In the mid-sixties, Hepburn began to wear more “Mod” styles with bright colors and minidresses working their way into her wardrobe. In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million , she sported white-rimmed sunglasses à la Space Age styles and a stylish bob hairstyle accented by dark eyeliner to give her the popular doe-eyed look of the period (Fig. 16).

Though she would remain admired for her fashion for the rest of her life, by 1969, when the fashion world had started to turn to Eastern influences and longer skirts, Hepburn married Andrea Dotti in a pink minidress (Fig. 19). Looking happy, she represented the part of the population, including couture designers like Givenchy, who had not yet embraced the new style.

Fig. 14 - Jurow-Shepherd. Breakfast at Tiffany's Promotional Image , 1961. Laura Loveday. Source: Flickr

Fig. 15 - Directed and produced by Stanley Donen; cinematography by Charles Lang. A screenshot from the film Charade , 1963. Source: Wikimedia

Fig. 16 - World Wide Productions. Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, "How to Steal a Million" , 1966. Classic Film. Source: Flickr

Fig. 17 - Jurow-Shepherd. Breakfast at Tiffany's Promotional Image , 1961. Christina Saint Marche. Source: Flickr

Fig. 18 - Bob Willoughby. Audrey Hepburn in a Givenchy suit, "Paris When it Sizzles" , 1962. Laura Loveday. Source: Flickr

Fig. 19 - Unknown. Audrey Hepburn and Dr. Andrea Dotti , 1969. Kate Gabrielle. Source: Flickr

J ust as womenswear became more casual and colorful throughout the 1960s, so too did menswear. While menswear began moving towards a more casual style in the 1950s, the frenetic energy of Swinging London found its way with bright prints and colors for men. As there had not been very much movement in men’s fashion for over a hundred years, the change was striking. The V&A writes,

“Perhaps the most remarkable development in 1960s dress was the dramatic change in menswear. For the past 150 years, clothing for men had been tailor-made, and plain and sombre in appearance. Now, colourful new elements were introduced, such as the collarless jacket, worn with slim-fitting trousers and boots” (History of Fashion 1900-1970).

Where the mid- to late-1950s saw a rise in the popularity of Italian style suits with narrow striped ties, menswear gradually incorporated brighter colors and patterns, and ties began to widen again as the decade progressed. The difference between the conventional suit seen in 1963 (Fig. 20) and those designed by Cardin (Figs. 22-24) and worn by George Harrison (Fig. 21) is striking.

By the mid-1960s, even the suit itself was seeing changes. Brightly striped or patterned suits were worn by bold young men, while even the trousers and jacket did not escape from new styling. The V&A writes,

“As the 1960s gathered pace, the standard template for a man’s suit began to accommodate subtly daring new elements: the collarless jacket (a look popularised by The Beatles in 1963, the year they launched their first album) and slim-fitting trousers, matched with heeled boots rather than shoes” (The Peacock Revolution: 1960s Menswear).

As mentioned, even who  was inspiring men’s style was changing: where movie stars had been the primary style icons since the 1930s, rock stars such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Mick Jagger, among others, became a primary influence on men’s fashion.

Fig. 20 - Unknown. A Stylish Couple in the Rain in London , 1963. Source: Pinterest

Fig. 21 - Unknown. George Harrison in a Granny Takes a Trip Jacket , ca. 1960s. Source: Pinterest

Fig. 22 - Pierre Cardin (French, 1922-). Ensemble , 1960. Wool, plastic, metal. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1977.25.17a–e. Gift of Pierre Cardin, 1977. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fig. 23 - Pierre Cardin (French, 1922-). Ensemble , 1964. Wool, metal, leather. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1977.25.16a–e. Gift of Pierre Cardin, 1977. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fig. 24 - Pierre Cardin (French, 1922-). Ensemble , 1968. Wool, leather. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1977.25.20a–e. Gift of Pierre Cardin, 1977. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fig. 25 - Jim Marshall Photography LLC. Jimi Hendrix during his sound check at the Monterey Pop Festival , 1967. Time. Source: Pinterest

Fig. 26 - Photographer unknown. Mick Jagger , ca. 1960s. Source: Pinterest

From the mid-1960s, men’s fashion was influenced by military elements, with many of the rock influences contributing to its popularity. Mick Jagger (Fig. 26) and Jimi Hendrix (Fig. 25) both sported military jackets during performances, while The Beatles’ 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band  showed the band wearing neon versions of the styles (Buxbaum 100). Partly thanks to this style, army-and-navy surplus clothing stores and secondhand stores became popular in the late 1960s. Like womenswear, menswear also saw an influence from space as Pierre Cardin designed futuristic clothing for men, too. In Swinging Sixties , Jenny Lister writes,

“His ‘Cosmos’ collection of 1966/7 was too extreme to enter the mainstream, but elements of the look such as turtle-neck sweaters, and zipped tunics in bonded jersey, were taken up and worn with more accessible styles” (34).

You can see some of these elements in the green suit from 1960 (Fig. 22) and the space-inspired suit from 1965 (Fig. 24). By 1968, Cardin’s suits had returned to a more conventional look, though the jacket still had a bold pattern (Fig. 24).

Like women’s fashion, menswear turned to Eastern influences and secondhand shopping in the late 1960s. Rejecting the consumerism and synthetic materials of the earlier part of the decade, men began to wear vintage clothes, especially those from the 1930s and 1940s. This meant that men’s suits began to widen again, as they had in the thirties and forties. George Harrison was an early adopter of the style and the boldly patterned suit jacket from boutique shop Granny Takes a Trip he wore in the mid-sixties foreshadows the style to come (Fig. 21). Tie-dye, loose-fitting shirts, and velvet vests were all a part of the men’s hippie aesthetic in the later part of the 1960s while color continued to remain front and center. As the 1960s moved into the 1970s, flared trousers, jeans, and long hair were all widespread men’s styles.

CHILDREN’S WEAR

C hildren’s clothing in the 1960s saw less change than their adult counterparts. While women’s and men’s fashion were changing quickly and radically, children’s fashion changed at a much slower, subtler pace. Both boys’ and girls’ fashion continued along the same lines in the early sixties, but they did wear clothes made from the new synthetic materials which were easier to care for.

Girls continued to wear dresses with defined waists and full skirts at the beginning of the decade, like those seen in the 1962 Good Housekeeping  feature (Fig. 28). Mary-janes, white ankle socks, and peter pan collars all continued to be popular aspects of young girl’s clothing, and girls were sometimes even still required to wear white gloves for special occasions. As the decade progressed, however, girls’ fashion slowly started to become more casual. Bright colors, bold patterns such as plaids and bright florals, and oversized bows became popular, like the fun styles featured in the McCall’s patterns (Fig. 27). New silhouettes such as the A-line, dropped waist, and babydoll began to replace the nipped-in waist of earlier in the decade (Fig. 29). As styles became more casual, it became more acceptable for young girls to wear pedal pushers, shorts, and trousers while playing.

Fig. 27 - McCall's. Girls' dress in Three Versions/McCall's 8627 , 1966. Source: Pinterest

Fig. 28 - Good Housekeeping. Magic in the Air , 1962. Classic Film. Source: Flickr

Fig. 29 - Woman's Day. Playtime Pinafores , June 1966. Classic Film. Source: Flickr

Fig. 30 - Spiegel. Spiegel 1963 boy's suits and sport coats , 1963. Genibee. Source: Flickr

One of the areas where girls did follow the trends of adults was in accessories. Young girls could be seen wearing the same brightly colored and patterned tights that young women wore with their miniskirts. Others might wear the shiny white go-go boots that went along with the Space Age fashions. In some ways, many of the adult styles actually took after young girl’s fashion rather than the other way around.

Boy’s fashion saw the popularity of denim and plaid throughout the decade. In the early 1960s, cuffed jeans and corduroy pants were favorites paired with tucked in polo shirts and athletic jackets or blazers. As the decade progressed, the color and pattern that was seen in men’s clothing began to slowly creep into young boy’s fashion (Fig. 30). Striped and plaid blazers were popular formal options, while turtlenecks, a popular style among men, and brighter colors such as red, yellow, and orange were worn in the mid-sixties. Neither girl’s nor boy’s fashion saw a strong influence from hippie fashion, although some boys began to wear bell-bottom jeans in the later part of the decade.

References:

• Breward, Christopher, David Gilbert and Jenny Lister. Swinging Sixties: Fashion in London and Beyond 1955-1970. London: V&A Publications, 2006. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/552142953 .
• Brown Jones, Bonny. “Fashion for Children in the 1960s.” Our Everyday Life, January 10, 2019. Accessed June 27, 2019. https://oureverydaylife.com/fashion-for-children-in-the-1960s-12487774.html .
• Buxbaum, Gerda. Icons of Fashion: The 20 th Century . Munich: Prestel Verlag, 2005. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/773599428 .
• Ewing, Elizabeth. History of 20 th- Century Fashion . 4th ed. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd, 2001. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/456545252 .
• Moseley, Rachel. “Audrey Hepburn – Everybody’s Dream Girl.” The Observer, March 7, 2004. Accessed June 27, 2019. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/mar/07/highereducation.gender .
• Olivier, Lucy. “Jackie Kennedy – A True Fashion Icon.” The Telegraph , January 6, 2017. Accessed June 24, 2019. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/jackie/true-fashion-icon-jackie-kennedy/ .
• The People History. “Vintage 1960s Children’s Fashion Clothes.” Accessed June 27, 2019. http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1960skidsfashion.html .
• Przybyszewski, Linda. The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish . New York: Basic Books, 2014. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1023179396 .
• Stratford, SJ. “1960s Clothes for Girls.” Love to Know. Accessed June 27, 2019. https://childrens-clothing.lovetoknow.com/1960s-clothing-girls .
• Victoria and Albert Museum. “An Introduction to 1960s Fashion.” Accessed June 24, 2019. https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/an-introduction-to-1960s-fashion .
• Victoria and Albert Museum. “History of Fashion 1900 – 1970.” Accessed June 24, 2019. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/h/history-of-fashion-1900-1970/ .
• Victoria and Albert Museum. “Introduction to 20 th- Century Fashion.” Accessed June 24, 2019. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/i/introduction-to-20th-century-fashion/ .
• Victoria and Albert Museum. “The Peacock Revolution: 1960s Menswear.” Accessed June 24, 2019. https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-peacock-revolution-1960s-menswear .

Historical Context

Wikipedia: 1960-1969.

• 1961 – John F. Kennedy becomes president. His wife, first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, soon becomes a fashion icon. Fur coats are much sought after because they are seen as a status symbol. Movements in the following decades protest vigorously against the wearing of fur.
• 1962 – The Sidney Janis Gallery in New York exhibits works by contemporary American pop artists and the “Nouveau Realisme” movement in a groundbreaking show called the “International Exhibition of the New Realists.”
• 1963 – The Beatles make their first national TV appearance. Their identical haircuts became a popular look among young men on both sides of the Atlantic.
• 1964 – Young designers, including Mary Quant and Andre Courreges, introduce the miniskirt and minidress. Maija Isola designs the iconic Unikko (poppy) print for Finnish fashion firm Marimekko. The first Biba store, the inspiration of designer Barbara Hulanicki, opens in London, selling young, creative styles at budget prices.
• 1965 – Yves Saint Laurent’s Mondrian- inspired color blocks sweeps through the international fashion world. Young fashion designers, including Foale and Tuffin and Mary Quant, go on the British “Youthquake” tours to the US arranged by the Puritan Fashion Corporation and J.C.Penney in New York.
• 1966 – By early 1966 the waistline disappears, and designers like Norman Norell showcase loose-fitting dresses with loose sleeves. Twiggy, the “Face of 66” and one of the world’s first supermodels, shoots to fame. Jewelry designer Paco Rabanne causes a sensation when he launches his linked chain and plastic paillettes and minidresses in Paris.
• 1967 – American fashion designer Geoffrey Beene presents his sequined football jersey evening gowns, following his ball gowns in gray flannel and wool jersey shown the previous year.
• 1968 – The rock musical Hair opens on Broadway and in London’s West End, making Marsha Hunt a star and proclaiming “black is beautiful.”The first Ossie Clark for Radley collection is shown at Chelsea Town Hall.
• 1969 – The Woodstock festival takes place in New York state, and is seen as a defining moment of the “hippie era” and the counterculture of the 1960s. The US lands the first men on the Moon, after space exploration earlier in the decade, which inspires space-age fashion looks.

Timeline Entries

1898-1981 – Ann Lowe

1950-1959 , 1960-1969 , 20th century , BIPOC , designer profile

1927-2001 – Maija Isola

1950-1959 , 1960-1969 , 20th century , designer profile

1963 – Mankiewicz, Cleopatra

1960-1969 , ancient , film analysis

1963 – Visconti, The Leopard

1860-1869 , 1960-1969 , 19th century , film analysis

1963-1969 – André Courrèges, Coat

1960-1969 , 20th century , garment analysis

1964 – Glenville, Becket

1960-1969 , film analysis , Middle Ages

1966-1967 – Ann Lowe, American Beauty Dress

1960-1969 , 20th century , BIPOC , garment analysis

Norell: Dean of American Fashion

1940-1949 , 1950-1959 , 1960-1969 , 20th century , blog

Norell: Flappers Back In Fashion

1920-1929 , 1960-1969 , 20th century , LGBTQ+ , thematic essays

Roaring & Swinging: Shared Fashionable Ideals of Flappers and Mods

1920-1929 , 1960-1969 , 20th century , thematic essays

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About the author.

Karina Reddy

Karina Reddy holds an MA in Fashion Communication from Central Saint Martins. She also studied at Boston University and London College of Fashion. With a BA in history, her research at Central Saint Martins explored how the body was fashioned in the 1920s. A self-proclaimed museum nerd, she has a keen interest in fashion museums and volunteered at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London. She has also worked at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Her blog, Reddy-to-Wear, features articles on fashion and travel, while her writing has been featured on The Fashion Conversation and The Fashion Studies Journal.

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Fashion in the 1960’s Essay

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Introduction

List of references.

Fashion era in the 1960s was the shaping factor for the adolescent group and the leaders of the new fashion. Also during that year the fashion awareness was recorded as one of the most confirmed in the current account. They also led with the new and completely modern fashion styles. The fashion style resulted in many changes to the little girls as well as other young women, the fashion made them loose their sex in those years. Fashion bust with social background that dictated what could be worn at what time and by whom. The fashion has been changing from time to time and because of this no any one fashion that has lasted for long (Thomas, 1960).

In the past clothes were divided into official and informal wear and also different divisions were made among the styles of clothing worn, and there was one for men and other for women. They also saw the quick need of the unisex clothing such as denim jeans which could fit both men and women. This was to substitute the official wear and to give people variety to choose from. In the 1960s mod came as a youthful lifestyle spreading to America, Europe and also Australia. The mod fashion had many different shapes, and color was also a key factor in the era. This is different people wanted different colors for the kind of clothes they wore, so the shape of the cloth and the color they had played a great role in fashion during this period (Pina et al, 1968, p. 25).

The 1960s fashion was all associated with short skirts even though this short skirts were not famous until 1966 and not world wide until 1967. By 1967 they gained high popularity in the society and they were the fashion of every one in the society especially for young women and girls. Though this was fashionable during that time, things have changed, and today they are still fashionable. A mini dress by the name straight shift developed that was fit enough for it went below the knees, this fashion made young people remember the clothes that were worn in the 1920s. A flow of fashions continued as another fashion of pleated skirts come-up known as a hip yoke Basque. This was worn together with short sleeves over the blouses and not exactly like the tops of today. It become famous and replaced the straight shift skirts. This fashion was famous and popular among young ladies, but it did not last for long since fashion keeps on changing and what is popular today tomorrow may no longer be popular. Dancing twists in those days was not left behind as straight skirts with front and back inverted pleats called kick pleat were available (Thomas, 1960).

This kind of design was perfect during this period since twist was also famous and it allowed ladies to dance twist comfortably. Orlon were straight sweater dresses that were worn belted and the waists nipped. This was a design that came up during those times, and the pencil skirts were not left behind, for they were worn together with the sweaters. They had back to front cardigans which were pushed super flat to make them comfortable (Pina et al, 1968, p. 18). Although before the days of stumble driers, many women had problem of laundering for they had to lay their washed knitted garments in paper tissue and then brown paper, put it to dry under a carpet for two days whereby all those steps gave the knitted garment have a new look. Mass production played a big role in improving the quality of the garment because of laundry problems. Not many people during this time enjoyed and used this fashion since it needed more care and attention as compared to other fashions that had been introduced. Hence the fashion did not last for long it diminished within a very short time. Mary quant came up with short waist skimming mini dresses and skirts that were positioned above the knees in 1966. This never seemed okay, and the people had no option for they were not allowed to propose. From that idea she had came up with another shorter style for her boutique bazaar. This made her extremely renowned for the refreshing fashion that had not taken off when it first emerged and made it the latest thing fashion (Thomas, 1960).

The fashion trend became popular for the reason that it was different and to fit in it you had to be young-looking and isolate with the company that was so contentious mainly between the adults. By that time the quant designs became the top fashion in the market with their materials being the best. Mary Quant also exercised a sharply geometric hairstyle which was one of the illustrious and special cuts of the period by Vidal Sassoon (Banner, 1983, p. 34).

The London TV Saturday night program had a great impact on the fashions for it made the viewers excited on the fashions telecasted on the televisions changing the minds of the viewers. This made them to turn to the shorter length program which established the under twenties and thereafter influenced the mothers too and started wearing the mini skirts. Media also played a great role in encouraging people to adapt to different fashions that were being introduced. This program presented the latest fashion arrivals hence changing the minds of many people towards the fashions. The show it’s over let it go was the characteristic of the 1960’s approach of lets get on with the future. This made the widespread of the style, daily life, modernization and ethics. Fashion mini-skirts became the topic as it represented the era (Shih, 1997, p. 25).

The fashions were categorized according to the part the item was worn i.e. stockings this made the mini actually suitable for it was hard to wear the mini dress and feel comfortable without the stockings and also brought about defense from the essentials and no unattractive sight of stocking ends was seen. Stockings were popular during this time, and they were highly worn with the miniskirts. Though at one point stockings seemed to loose fashion, they are still worn today, and they have become popular with mini dresses. Pinafores and knits was another kind of knitted twin sets which were worn together in order to make the fashion complete. For example, the tartan wool fabrics went together with polo neck jumpers or tie-neck blouses there was another burgundy plum pinafore which also went together with white or mustard blouses. This was also another design the coat dress which was sleeved, and it was not a must to be worn. The style location worldwide photographed by Jackie Kennedy was among the many things that participated in influencing the 1960s fashions. The fashions in the 1960s had a great impact to the extent that up to date no generation that matched it (The people history, 2008).

Although the 1950s were the time when childhood civilization urbanized, the 1960s were the time when young people loosened their influence and a time of serious political action. The 1960s did not only change the country’s political and cultural background, but it had a great impact on the mode of dressing of today. 1960s was also a tremendously mixed time that brought many dissimilar stylistic changes vulnerable to accepted traditions of the time and a starling figure of subcultures. Even though many people thought of 60s fashion as being hippie, it was in fact, much more complex and wide-ranging. The beach themed movies of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello in the start of the decade influenced heavily the 60s fashion (Banner, 1983, p. 34).

The new synthetic yarn improved the performance in wear as they were mixed with natural fiber to bring about a good quality of the fashion. Although a number of it had been made-up years earlier, it was in the 1960s that an enormous manufacturing plants for synthetic fibers sprang up worldwide. This made the other industries start constricting at a shocking rate, especially the Yorkshire woolen industry leading to job losers. In those days the new man started making yarns company in region with inheritance of spinning and knitting and also in areas with the people with the understanding (Pina et al, 1968, p. 15).

Some companies like the DU Pont and ICI were the leading manufacturers of the synthetic fabrics this is because the fiber bases could be used as mass or well yarns dependent on fiber extrusion technique and final concluding. This also brought about separation as the fiber was named after the county it came from or the plant that produced the fiber for instance the Enkalon was Irish and it made nylon while Caylor, an acrylic yarn was prepared in France. In the process, there came other adapted acrylics fiber such as Dynel and Teklan, which were first used to make fake items like the furs and hairs for hairpiece in the sixties (Thomas, 1960).

Fashion-era.com was a site that talked more about the women’s attire and style history and examines the mood of the era. It also talks more about the changes in expertise, liberty, and work, cultural and moral values. Homelife and politics donates a lot to the life style inclination which in turn manipulates the clothes we wear and make any age of society extraordinary in relation to the study of the attire of a time. This site had no liability for any information which could cause loss or for any cost incurred from the use of the information direct or indirectly (The people history, 2008).

In conclusion, fashion over the years has been diversified; this is evidenced by the different kinds of fashion that have been changing over time. No anyone fashion that lasted for long since it was immediately replaced by another different fashion that attracted the attention of many people, especially young people. Also it is clear that what was fashionable some years back at one point was no longer fashionable, but after a certain period of time it becomes fashionable again. Fashion in short keeps on evolving over time.

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A 1960s Fashion History Lesson: Mini Skirts, Mods, and The Birth of Boho

They said the 1960s swung and indeed it did—especially when it comes to fashion. In one corner of ’60s fashion, we had Jackie Kennedy delivering prim and presidential looks in simplistic silhouettes in pastel-pretty colors. In the other corner, we had Mary Quant and her fellow mods who trimmed their hair (into five-point-dos, a la Vidal Sassoon ) and raised their hemlines to miniature proportions—the mini skirt was born! In another corner, we had a group so enamored by the space race that they made futuristic shift dresses fit for the cosmos. And, over in counterculture, peace and love were paramount—and folkloric hippie fashions helped a whole generation dress the part. But that’s just skimming the surface of ’60s fashion!

A whirlwind recap of the decade, below.

Women’s Trends of the 1960s: The Mini Skirt Arrives

Never before in the history of fashion was the knee on show; you may remember that even the infamous flappers of the 1920s concealed their knees. After the lowering of hemlines in 1947 by Christian Dior, skirts steadily rose over the next decade and a half. Though fashion historians pinpoint 1964 as the year we got the mini, there were precursors—for example, Cristóbal Balenciaga’s sack dress from 1957/58.

So did Mary Quant invent the miniskirt as is often said? It’s not as straightforward as a simple yes. But it was a lace dress from the designer in 1964 and Quant’s accessible price points that really caught on; her lower-cost label dubbed Mary Quant’s Ginger Group really helped fuel the short-skirt craze among the youth. Regardless, it took a couple of years before the style, which first just skimmed the flesh above the knee, was widely adopted. By the end of the decade, it was acceptable for styles to reach micro-mini levels. So much leg was on display that sheer stockings had to be swapped for tights!

“Legs are still it—that's the whole story. And what it boils down to is this: you're going to see a real variety of hemlines now, with nothing but good news for legs,” wrote Vogue in the August 15, 1966 issue.

Youth Is the New Black

“The year’s in its youth, the youth in its year. Under 24 and over 90,000,000 strong in the U. S. alone. More dreamers. More doers. Here. Now. Youthquake 1965,” wrote Vogue in its January 1, 1965 issue. The term, coined by Diana Vreeland , encapsulated pop culture’s seismic shift—the couture doyenne of the 1950s was no longer fashion’s favorite; she was replaced with a younger, leg-baring woman who listened to rock n’ roll (The Beatles, The Who!) and spent her limited disposable income on disposable clothes designed for the moment. This meant “fast fashion” clothing like paper dresses made from cellulose and hyper-trendy pieces made from synthetic fabrics.

Twiggy , Jean Shrimpton , and Penelope Tree possessed the spirit of the youthquake more than any other model.

Synthetics Proliferate Fashion

In 1960, The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (“Textile Act”) in the U.S., which required fashion to list its fiber contents as novel fibers, started turning up in ready-to-wear. Perspex, PVC, polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, and Spandex were all celebrated as wondrous developments. The biggest adopters of these new textiles were ready-to-wear labels catering to the youth or households looking for wash-and-wear clothing that needed no ironing. It was the dawn of a new era and the moment was marked in an amusing article in Vogue’s April 15, 1965 issue.

“What’s the Hot Ticket? In theatre talk, the one that gets you into the biggest hit in town. The one we’re thinking of has the same aura of success, but a different purpose. ... It’s tied or sewed onto every dress made in America, and it tells you exactly what the dress is made of—down to the last fibre. Percentages are given, names spelled out; and some names that used to sound like 1984 or Dr. No's laboratory—names like polyester, acrylic, triacetate—now have a familiar, trusted ring. (We may still not know what they mean, actually, but we know how they perform: brilliantly.)...Some fabrics are all natural fibres, some all synthetic; the great majority are mixtures, with a spectrum of strengths and capabilities.”

The Jackie-Look

But not everyone wanted to dress for the youthquake. Women who preferred chignons and couture over Vidal Sassoon helmets and inexpensive ready-to-wear had their own muse: Mrs. Jackie Kenndey. If miniskirts and mary-janes were for the sub-culture, Kennedy was the culture. Many Parisian couture houses, like Balmain , Balenciaga , and newcomer Hubert de Givenchy , were putting out prim looks in boxy but tailored silhouettes. The codes developed during Couture’s Golden Age (1947-1957) were attempted in more streamlined looks but with no less craftsmanship.

Skirt sets, trapeze silhouettes, and an overall primness were championed by designers like Patou , Saint Laurent , Pierre Cardin , and stateside by Norman Norell, Oscar de la Renta for Elizabeth Arden, Chez Ninon, and Oleg Cassini. The latter was appointed Kennedy’s personal designer.

A Pret-a-Porter and Retail Disruption

With the Youthquake came a disruption in the fashion system. More and more designers got on the pret-a-porter train with diffusion labels offered at lower price points. By 1959, Ungaro had licensed his name to a ready-to-wear line and Mary Quant launched her Ginger Group line in 1963. Other designer RTW labels included Jean Muir and John Bates.

Retail-wise, if before, shoppers had a choice between department stores and high couture salons, now RTW designers were front-facing and welcomed shoppers in their singular worlds; a new crop of boutiques across London, New York, and Paris served as HQs for the youth culture. Biba , and its art nouveau-inspired interiors on Abingdon Road in Kensington lured the London Mods. Carnaby Street soon contained a handful of menswear shops offering novel takes on the category compared to Savile Row. Over in New York, Betsy Johnson enlivened the Madison Avenue boutique Paraphernalia with low-cost, high-personality pieces modeled by Edie Sedgwick .

Over in Paris, On September 19, 1966, Yves Saint Laurent opened a ready-to-wear boutique called “Saint Laurent Rive Gauche” and in doing so, became the first couturier with his own majorly successful ready-to-wear line in France.

1960s Beauty Trends

Vidal Sassoon and Bigger-the-Better Eyes As far as beauty goes: the mod look meant short, helmet-like hair—Vidal Sassoon’s asymmetric five-point cut for model Peggy Moffit made waves and so did his cut for Chinese-American actress Nancy Kwan .

“We love the cut Nancy Kwan's just been given by Vidal Sassoon of London. One of the masters of the new school of hair—thought ("hair should comb, should move”), this brilliant young hairdresser has a system—and he’ll tell anyone who asks,” Vogue wrote in its October 15, 1963 issue.

Mary Quant sported the look as did Mia Farrow whose pixie was courtesy of Sassoon as well. If not cropped like a bowl, women wore youthful bangs—see Jean Shrimpton—with lots of volume and a flip like a ski slope and the ends.

The cosmetics industry boomed at the time and technology made for mass production of shadows, mascaras, and lipsticks. The eyes became the focal point with softer lipstick hues for greater contrast of lashes and kohl-rimmed eyes.

All Hail Saint Laurent

If the decade belonged to one designer, it was, without a doubt, Yves Saint Laurent . Though his final collection for Dior in 1960 led to his dismissal from the house (Saint Laurent was also drafted into the army for the Algerian War), it was hugely impactful and simply ahead of its time. Nicknamed the Beatnik collection, Saint Laurent looked to the bohemian Left Pank of Paris for inspiration, riffing on biker jackets and artful tunics in a couture construction—essentially, he anticipated culture’s influence on fashion, having the foresight to recognize the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture wasn’t impervious to outsight sources of inspiration. By 1962, and backed by Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent was showing his first collection under his own name.

In a few short years, Saint Laurent would give the world icons of fashion —a word often employed but rarely accurate. First came his primary-colored shift dresses inspired by the geometric work of Piet Mondrian in 1965; Saint Laurent, not one of Swinging London’s designers, seemed to beat them at their own game in doing so. In 1966 came the gender-bending Le Smoking tuxedos for women. And in 1967, he delivered his safari-inspired collection, brilliantly documented with a memorable Richard Avedon snap of Veruschka. And Saint Laurent was only getting started.

Enter: Space Age

Though the United States went to the moon in 1969, it was years before that that space age fashions were launched. The era’s fascination with space exploration was expressed in a new style movement called Atomic and, in the fashion world, a crop of designers let their fancies take flight: André Courrèges , Paco Rabanne , and Pierre Cardin . Gleaming aluminum foil-esque silver vinyl decorated a collection of PVC moon girl fashions for “Courrèges’ Spring/Summer 1964 ‘Space Age’ collection, which also featured ‘astronaut’ hats and goggles and mid-calf-length boots”. In 1966, Cardin released a collection of pinafore dresses that were worn over slinky knots and turtlenecks.

Enter Hippie Culture

By the very end of the decade, heightened disapproval of the War in Vietnam and a call for civil rights birthed a movement rooted in peace and love. On college campuses, students were protesting the war. In Alabama, a series of three marches, the Selma Marches, in 1965 protested the blocking of Black Americans' right to vote. In 1967, thousands of hippies converged in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district to commingle with the like-minded in what’s since been dubbed the Summer of Love . And in 1969, in upstate New York, the unprecedented multi-day Woodstock concert unfolded. Fashion meant bohemian maxi dresses in ditsy florals, loose and billowing silhouettes, and folkloric fashions with Eastern European ties.

The aesthetic was certainly considered a fashion for the sub-culture—though by the mid-1970s, emblems of the look turned up on runways.

Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, André Courrèges, Paco Rabanne, Mary Quant, Barbara Hulanicki, Roberto Capucci,Pierre Balmain, Oleg Cassini, Rudi Gernreich, Norman Norrell, Nettie Rosenstein, Vera Maxwell, Hubert de Givenchy, Emilio Pucci, Claire McCardell, Bonnie Cashin, Pauline Trigère, Hardy Amies, Norman Hartnell, Pierre Cardin

Men’s Trends of the 1960s

Never before did men have more fun with fashion than in the 1960s. For all of the 20th century, men could opt for a suit or something more casual if engaged in sport or leisure. Color, whimsy, and individuality weren’t prized in the sober yet distinguished menswear. At the beginning of the decade, films capturing la dolce vita and the slick-dressed signore in slim suiting (think Marcello Mastroianni) offered a more easygoing way of dressing. Soon men had more options: they could be a mod (short for modernists) and dress in turtlenecks, checked pants, and collarless outwear offered by Pierre Cardin after he trekked to India and fell for the Nehru jacket. Carnaby Street was buzzing and preferred by younger shoppers who wanted to askew the traditions of Savile Row. As the decade hurled forward and musicians like The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Jimmy Hendrix became increasingly bohemian, their fashion reflected the times.

The decade began with an idealistic Camelot Era and, my, how things can change in 10 years! John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963 in Texas and five years later, his brother Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles. Earlier in 1962, Marilyn Monroe tragically passed away and in 1969 came the brutal Tate–LaBianca murders from the Manson Family .

Alongside all these dark spots were bursts of optimism, creativity, ingenuity, and technology. Contraceptives for women were available for the very first time; on August 1963, more than a quarter million people participated in the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. People wanted change and they felt they could affect it by banding together. All this while, there was plenty of entertainment to go around from music from The Beatles to Hollywood ( The Sound of Music! West Side Story! My Fair Lady !). On the big screen, Frederico Fellini was giving up a mambo Italiano of film, and Hitchcock gave us Psycho and The Birds. And artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein helped us redefine (again) what we considered to be art.

Vogue World: Paris will pair select sports— cycling, gymnastics, tennis, taekwondo, fencing, and break dancing, among others-with French fashion from every decade since 1924. The show will showcase French designers, current and past, as well as houses that historically present their collections in Paris.

For front row tickets, email [email protected]

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How the Fashions of the 1960s Reflected Social Change

I n the 1960s, the fashion world turned “topsy-turvy,” as TIME noted in 1967. Nearly every aspect of that revolutionary decade, from the civil-rights movement to the space race, was somehow reflected in the clothing worn by American women.

The book Mod New York: Fashion Takes a Trip , which is being released in coordination with a show of the same name at the Museum of the City of New York (opening Wednesday), takes a look at the influences behind and lasting influence of American fashion in the years between 1960 and 1973. As this sampling of photos shows, fashion’s reach was broad, stretching all the way to the White House.

As the book notes, for a long time before this period, American fashion hadn’t actually been all that American. High fashion, after all, was synonymous with France. But during World War II, when trade and communication with Paris grew more difficult, French designers’ counterparts in New York City stepped up. By 1960, as John and Jacqueline Kennedy — whose personal style was often drawn from French influences — floated into the White House with an aura of American youth, the idea of truly American fashion was not so far-fetched.

As the rate of changing trends accelerated throughout the 1960s, women who cared about clothes threw off old norms about what was proper — just as much of American society broke loose from restrictions of the past. Though Jackie Kennedy broke new ground for American fashion, she made way for a series of looser and more revolutionary looks than she herself presented. Art and youth movements made themselves known in the fashion world. Black models and African-inflected clothing inspired and reflected the pride of the civil-rights movement. Feminism was embodied first in miniskirts, which defied the model femininity of the 1950s, and then with clothing designed for women in careers.

What TIME once called the “mod, mod world of fashion” was, it turned out, a crucial part of the larger mod, mod world of the 1960s.

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1960s Fashion: Styles, Trends, Pictures & History

1960s fashion was bi-polar in just about every way. The early sixties were more reminiscent of the 1950s — conservative and restrained; certainly more classic in style and design.

It’s almost like the 1950s bottled everyone up so much that the late 1960s exploded like an old pressure cooker. Women were showing more skin than ever before.

For the first time in the 19th Century, London, not Paris, was the center of the fashion world. The British Invasion didn’t stop with The Beatles. It swept into all parts of life, especially clothing.

Share your love for 1960s Fashion: Styles, Trends, Pictures & History

Keep reading below for details, covering every year from 1960-1969.

In-Depth 1960s Fashion Profiles

1960s fashion: women & girls », 1960s fashion: men & boys », 1960s dresses & skirts: styles, trends & pictures », twiggy: pictures, bio & model profile », fashion in 1960.

Givenchy suit (1960)

The typical daytime look consisted of a bulbous hat over a high bouffant coiffure, silhouettes with deep armholes an wide sleeves, and a rounded jacket that tapered in at the hem.For evening, the slender look was in. Long-waisted dresses, often with an overblouse, replaced the fitted waistline and full skirt.

Contemporary architecture and sculpture were the most prevalent inspirations for fashion designers in 1960. There were also hints of the twenties and thirties with bloused, bias-cut clothes, long straight overblouse and sashed tunics, short skirts, closely fitting hats and exaggerated makeup (especially red lips) and short hair.

Culottes, divided skirts and trim trouser skirts were introduced for travel, street wear and evenings at home. Bead and sequin embroidered evening clothes sparkled the night away. The long dress of sequins or crystal beads had replaced the bouffant dress.

Skirts got a little bit shorter in 1960. While worn with low-heeled shoes it placed more attention on the leg. Sleeveless daytime shirts placed more emphasis on the arms. Collarless coats, suits and dresses created a long-necked effect. Some dresses had draped cowl backs to intensify the elongated look.

The two- or three-piece suit, mix-and-match, was very popular.

Plaids of all sizes and colors were heavily favored. Abstract and expressionist art were big influences on printed silk designs. Wools were in style, but had to lightweight. Coat and suit woolens were usually loosely woven and sometimes as porous as lace.

Deep, darker colors were the rage in 1960. They especially covered the spectrum between purple, red and green. Colors like like grape, plum, wine red, garnet and olive green. In contrast, neon bright pink was also a very popular color for those looking to make a statement.

Furs and hats maintained their popularity, as did fur and seal coats. Evenings turbans of tulle swirled loosely around the head not only gained high fashion acceptance, but were sold in every hat shop.

Fashion in 1961

Jackie Kennedy (1961)

Oval shaped shoulders and tapered hemlines were being replaced by straighter, wider shoulders, accompanied by a gentle inward curve at the midriff and a flare at the hem.

Many designers created “the look” by designing not just the dresses, but also the hats, shoes and even makeup of their mannequins.

Skirts had risen to the middle of the kneecaps, but by the end of 1961 only the very young continued to wear them short.

The hairdresser was of extreme importance in 1961. Beehive coiffures adorned by the likes of Princess Margaret, Jacqueline Kennedy and Brigette Bardot were imitated by women of all ages.

The bias cut gave a new fit to clothing, while keeping the comfortable softness women had to come to love. The bias skirt added grace and flare, while bias bodices molded the torso without feeling too tight.

The “little nothing” dress was called so for its simplicity. It was almost always sleeveless and slim, with low blousing or in a loose chemise shape recalling the flapper dresses of the 1920s.

The high rounded hat and the low, square-toed shoe were the accessories of choice. The simple pump of calf, alligator, crepe or satin was worn morning and night, and the women of high fashion wore heels of medium height, even with ball gowns.

Fashion in 1962

Audrey Hepburn helped popularize the high-bosomed, sleeveless dress in 1962

Shoulders were widened and the bosom received more attention. The waist was always accompanied by a belt, sash or wide inset bias band.

Costumes dominated evening wear, complete with matching jacket or wrap. Later in the season the long, tweed dinner coat was showcased in several high-fashion collections.

1962 mostly focused on 3 styles:

1.) Sleek and slender 2.) softly bloused with muffled neckline 3.) “natural” outline, which fell in a simple, form-fitting line

Greater choices allowed women to express their individuality.

1930s-style clothing came back in style, sparked by the rising popularity of old movies revived on television.

Clothes created by Hubert de Givenchy of Paris for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s were given the lion’s share of credit for bringing into style the high-bosomed, sleeveless dress.

Irene Sharaff’s Egyptian costumes for Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra inspired dresses and jewelry.

A young designer by the name of Yves Saint Laurent, who had recently left the House of Dior, successfully opened his own establishment.

The fashion world once again was crazy for Jackie Kennedy. Her gentle, high-bosomed coats and dresses, slender evening dresses, berets, breton hats, her impeccable jewelry and even her sports wear consistently dominated fashion headlines.

Fashion in 1963

Although first shown in 1962, Saint Laurent’s fisherman’s shirt jacket was most popular in 1963.

Any type of artificial look was abandoned quickly. Large amounts of makeup and high heels were too contrived for the fashionable woman of 1963.

Tweeds, mohair, leather and furs were the rage. Boots ranged from ankle to thigh-high.

Vests, kerchiefs, textured cotton stockings, turtlenecks and paisley ascot scarves all came together to create a “sportive look.” The phrase became the motto of 1963 fashion.

Fur-trimmed suits and coats were the most prevalent items in fall fashions. Two preferred furs were lynx and kit fox — long haired furs were back in style. Leopard, however, was the leading fur of all of them.

The most drastic change in men’s fashion in 1963 was the widespread acceptance of pleatless pants. Stripes were seen on sports jackets, sweaters, shirts and ties. The three-button suit was the most popular, but the two-button suit was gaining fast. Men of means liked a soft Italian-style shoe.

Norman Norell and Cristobal Balenciaga were responsible for the reappearance of capes, while Yves Saint Laurent’s fisherman shirtjackets became world-wide fashion. In 1963, we get to see the first Geoffrey Beene collection.

Fashion in 1964

Coco Chanel wearing a hair bow

Dress manufacturers quickly jumped on the bandwagon, creating sheer-topped evening dresses with only the flimsiest layer of flesh-colored net used for a bodice.

The topless bathing suit created all kinds of problems. A woman in Chicago was arrested for wearing it in public. Throughout the summer, comments concerning the controversial design were published around the globe.

“Feminine” was perhaps the most overworked word in 1964’s fashion vernacular. It referred to swinging, knee-high skirts, fitted bodices, ruffles, pleats, a lace revival and the return of the hair bow as the coiffure accessory for women of all ages. “Coco” Chanel was responsible for the hair bow revival.

The cosmetics industry reflected the fragile, feminine look that had come into fashion. Pale lipsticks and nail polish replaced the vivid shades for the sought after natural look. Hair was no longer curly, but merely waved to follow the contour of the head. Eyebrow brushing bangs became the trademark of the young, along with hair bows work front, rear and off-center. Girls with hair too curly besieged hairdressers known for the straightening techniques — a chemical session that cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $40.

Textured stockings were very popular in 1964. Winter also saw the revival of fuller skirts, smaller coiffed heads under close-fitting hats and the return of the ball gown.

For men, the accent was on youthful appearance. Suit colors were lighter and brighter. Suit coats and sport jackets were shorter, with wider lapels. Trousers were often uncuffed. A wider stripe appeared on shirts and striped were popular in sweaters.

Fashion in 1965

Vintage Poor Boy Sweater Ad

A fashion revolution broke out in London, and for the the first time a British fashion invasion stormed NYC.

In the US, Pop Art popped into style. Then along came Op Art, which opened up a whole new world. Women dressed to match Op Art paintings, with their stripes, checks and wavy line prints. Dressed were divided geometrically by intersecting bands and brightened by contrasting blocks of color.

The Mondrian style was a hit.

Rounded toed shoes became more prominent. Straps were evident, heels were open, sides were pared down to add to the look of leggy young elegance. Heels continued in the low to medium height range.

We cant forget about the “Poor Boy Look.” Women continued to wear low hipster pants in combination with the “poor boy” sweater (see picture).

Another fad caught on in the dressing gown space. Cristobal Balenciaga designed a gown with one bare shoulder and it caught on like crazy. Even Jackie O got into the mix.

The Saint Laurent Mondrian dress was a huge hit in 1965.

Fashion in 1966

1966 Mod style

What is mod style?

The mod look required mini skirts and pale colored fishnet or lacy textured hosiery, cut-out low heeled “little girl” shoes, mannish jackets, and ties. Accessories included over-the-shoulder handbags and gaudy jewelry, which ranged from antique pins (like Bakelite pins ) to modern styled geometric earrings.

Young men also went Mod via low slung, wide belted, skinny, fitted pants, to which they added extra-wide, flashy printed ties that contrasted with the wallpaper floral prints of their shirts.

Boots, vests, London caps and narrow Carnaby jackets were also worn by the young men who took part in the rebellion against traditional men’s clothes and conservative ways.

American youth became infatuated with the exotic, off-beat image, using it as a means of differentiating themselves from the adult generation.

Miniskirts were adopted to more conservative styles with the length modified to two inches above the knee. The new short-skirt fashion resulted in mixed emotions everywhere.

Women borrowed suit styles from men. They wore straight legged pant suits, often of what was traditionally men’s fabrics, for daywear.

Pant suits were an acceptable means of fashion and were worn everywhere.

The military look was also popular. Army pockets, brass buttons, epaulets, and trench coat treatments were featured on coats, suits and sportswear.

Paper dresses were introduced in 1966 by designers such as Judy Brewer.

Fashion in 1967

1967 Fashion: Twiggy was a fashion sensation

Women also wore peekaboo fishnets, spidery weaves and lace. Not only did they provide smoothness from hip-to-toe, but they also eliminated the possibility of garter show.

Women also fancied high boots as a fashionable way to cover up their legs. High-rise stretch vinyl and patent leather provided a glove-like fit. They also wore shiny black and brown boots that stretched to the knees.

Youth continued to set the pace for fashion. The belt did not define the waist anymore, instead it created a new “fit and flare” attitude.

In addition to leg, the fashion world fell in love with Twiggy, the skinny 17-year-old British model who burst upon the scene, adorned every magazine cover and brought the age of the mini-mod to the forefront.

Her success was controversial at the time. To some, she was an insult to the female figure, while other lavished her fresh, new look. Her slightly androgynous look blurred the lines between genders.

Another interesting development in 1968: hardware. Accessories consisting of metal squares, nailheads, rattling chains, zippers, brass buttons, clamps were something new. The chain belt was another important accessory.

In men’s fashion, the mood departed somewhat from the mod of Carnaby Street, but the British look was still evident. Turtleneck sweaters were an important trend, eliminating the need for a tie. The more daring sported a turtleneck under dinner jackets for a casual elegance.

Fashion in 1968

1968 Fashion: Newsweek cover: Male Plumage ’68

The catch phrase “do your own thing” was put into practice when women and men decided they no longer had to adhere to what designers put in front of them. People were creating their own styles to match their personalities and mood.

Accessories dominated the outfit, often times overpowering the clothes in importance. The new attitude was a reaction to the mini-dress of recent years, whose lack of fabric alone gave women less fashion real estate to work with.

Western-type shirts were very popular with the younger crowd. Women would tuck them into Dirndl skirts for a fun look.

The midi skirt was the fashion world’s answer to the long skirt that women wore against the designers’ wishes. Unfortunately for the fashion world, the midi skirt never caught on. It ended up being one of the biggest misses in recent fashion history.

The Bonnie and Clyde movie triggered nostalgia for the 1930s. Pinstriped suits and gangster hats were popping up here and there, looking like they walked right off a period movie set.

The most colorful, loud and expressive trends evolved from the outfits scavenged from thrift stores by hippies. Even affluent women adopted the hippie look in lavish fabrics, furs and jewels. It was a nomadic mix of ethnic and legend-inspired garb. Gaucho pants, meditation shirts and, especially, vests.

Some fashion trailblazers wore Pocahontas dresses complete with Native American headbands.

Paris finally had to accept what had happened. Designers could no longer pay the bills designing for the affluent. Saint Laurent led the way with his ready-to-wear collection. Balenciaga shocked the fashion world with his retirement in May.

Pants, celebrated for their versatility, were getting wider legs and softer. Women loved topping them with a color, ethnic-inspired tunic.

Male fashions in 1968 reflected the growing tendency to mix and match a wide variety of materials, styles and accessories. It was an exciting time in men’s fashion.

Tailored suits gave way to a unprecedented array of daring styles. Men wore turtlenecks, Nehru jackets and jeweled pendants. Even bright madras plaids were challenged by the flower-splashed resort blazers and P.J. (Lilly Pulitzer) jeans.

Fashion in 1969

In 1969, fashion stretched, softened and became even more body conscious. A woman wanted to look lean, linear and long.

The sometimes funny, frequently edgy and nearly always mini-skirted girl of recent years grew up. Her fashion image became more feminine, sensuous and sophisticated.

She wore softer, clingier clothes. Sweaters and sweater dresses now hugged every part of her figure, particularly around the ribs, waist and hips.

Above all, she had freedom to chose from an unprecedented variety of hemlines.

Instead of choosing a hemline, designers gave women the choice. Both in Paris and in the United States, couturiers showed maxi-lengths, but were aware of sales enough to keep some styles short. Yves Saint Laurent made waves with his “lowdowns”, while skirts at Courreges barely covered the torso.

No matter the hemline, outfits were often topped with a jacket or long coat.

The long, lean line was the most obvious fashion trend in 1969. “The Skinny Sixties” closed appropriately as women looked for clothes that would give them a tall, slim body. Elongation was accomplished by extended skirts, long, straight-cut pants or, if she had long legs herself, they were accentuated by sheer dark tights.

Slender tunics, skinny long sleeves, low-rise pockets and belts, hip-hiding weskits and body-length cardigans helped fight a top-heavy look. The more fringe the better.

People also loved to wear super-scarves. Oblong in shape, some were 10 feet long, called Isadora Duncans. Long, fringe adorned shawls mimicked pearls. Feather boas, red fox stoles, and mink tails extended the silhouette by descending below the hemline.

Accessories flourished in fantasy, especially with young people. They couldn’t afford diamonds, so they enjoyed linked metals, chainbelts, tassels, snake rings, snake bracelets and arm bracelets.

In addition to new fabrics that did nothing to hide the figure, designers splashed color all over them. Tie dye and ink-splatter had broken into the mainstream.

Patchwork, Persian and Navajo rug motifs were seen everywhere. Intense primary colors turned subtle in the fall. Purple was a hot color in late 1969.

Because women were becoming more traditionally masculine (wearing pants) and men were becoming more traditionally feminine (wearing bronzing gels and moisturizers), the term “unisex” was coined for fashion styles that both men and women could enjoy equally.

1960s Women’s Fashion Pictures

1960s men’s fashion pictures, site navigation.

Iconic ‘60s Fashion Trends That We Still Love Today

From Diana Ross to the Summer of Love.

The “Swinging Sixties” was a time known for its major shifts in culture, politics, music, and fashion. From the Civil Rights movement to second-wave feminism, as well as some of the world’s most historical events—Neil Armstrong’s first step onto the moon, the Kennedy assassination, the appointment of the first Black Supreme Court Justice—this tumultuous decade had a direct impact on individual expression that was mirrored in the 1960s fashion trends it produced.

The growing popularity of miniskirts and bikinis signified the sexual liberation of empowered women exerting their bodily autonomy, while bold colors and flower power served as a symbol of opposition to the Vietnam War and a revolution against all that was mainstream. With or without a grasp of the cultural magnitude, we still revel in a lot of these styles and trends today. Your favorite fringe jacket, risqué sheer dress, or warmest crochet clothing all at one point made a statement that went beyond fashion, so let this roundup of iconic style moments serve as your grooviest mood board now and forever.

American-born French actress Marpessa Dawn eloquently wears a fit and flare dress. The silhouette was a ’60s staple that will never go out of style.

Jayne Mansfield seen in a fitted pencil skirt and kitten heels, a quintessential 1960s outfit.

The Supremes were the ’60s favorite girl group, pictured here wearing their nod to menswear style—surely an inspiration for all of the cravats and loosely slung neckties we see on the modern runways.

Diahann Carroll struts a pose in a button-down dress worn over billowing trousers.

The ’60s became a time for women to express themselves through clothing, which included wearing pants more regularly (an item once thought to be taboo for ladies).

When designer Mary Quant invented the miniskirt, she likely didn’t foresee its impactful longevity and the popularity it would sustain so many decades later.

Another tweak on menswear, the leather vest.

Dressed up with somewhere to go.

Whenever Jackie Kennedy stepped out, the fashion world took note. Her and Lee Radziwill both impeccably work these headscarves into a casual out-and-about look.

Feeling feline? Elizabeth Taylor shows us how to wear head-to-toe leopard print with the utmost confidence.

We can thank the 1963 movie Beach Party for the popularization of the bikini.

These aren’t your regular skirt suits. Exaggerated necklines and a dropped waist add extra flair on Italy’s Spanish Steps.

Travel in style with a matching cape and trouser set, complete with a pair of leather (or faux leather) gloves.

Paisley print, an exaggerated collar, and an oversized necktie make this ensemble a smart look.

Women of the ’60s were always dressed to the nines for cocktail hour.

Floral shift dresses and headscarves—perfect for a casual day at the beach or pool.

High-waisted swimwear was everywhere throughout the ’60s, and we’re seeing it make a pretty big comeback in modern day (most notably on Taylor Swift).

A lesson in prints and prints done right.

This pic is a throwback to one of Christian Dior’s fall-winter collections in the mid-1960s.

A gloomy day never looked so good in these playful rain jackets.

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Iconic Women’s Fashion Trends of the 1960s

This essay about the fashion trends of the 1960s explores the transformative and diverse styles that defined the decade. It highlights the rise of the mini skirt, popularized by Mary Quant, symbolizing youth and liberation. The mod style, characterized by bold patterns and bright colors, was influenced by the London fashion scene. The essay also discusses the bohemian and hippie styles of the late 1960s, which embraced relaxed and eclectic designs. Additionally, it covers the psychedelic prints and the futuristic space-age look that reflected the era’s fascination with technology and space exploration. The essay concludes by noting the democratization of fashion, making high fashion accessible to a broader audience.

How it works

The 1960s was a game-changer for women’s fashion, shaking off the prim styles of the 1950s. It was all about bold moves and a mix of styles that shouted out the social and cultural shifts happening at the time. Women’s fashion back then was a wild ride, from the cheeky mini skirts to the flowy bohemian maxi dresses, each piece telling its own story of change.

One of the real game-changers was the mini skirt, made famous by British designer Mary Quant.

It was a rebellion in fabric form, a symbol of youth and freedom. Hemlines shot up, baring knees like never before and tossing aside the more conservative skirts of past decades. Young gals everywhere fell for it, a clear sign they were breaking out of the old norms and embracing something fresh and bold.

Right alongside the mini skirt came the mod style, straight outta swinging London. This look was all about sharp shapes, bright colors, and patterns that popped. Dresses in A-line cuts were the rage—they flattered and felt great. And it wasn’t just about the clothes; it was the whole package with big shades, go-go boots, and those snappy short haircuts. Twiggy, the British model, was the face of it all, her boyish look and pixie cut capturing the vibe of the times perfectly.

As the 1960s rolled on, the hippie scene dug its heels in deeper, and fashion followed suit. Bohemian styles started blooming with long, flowing maxi dresses made from natural stuff like cotton and linen. These dresses were all about prints from far-off lands, embroidery, and fringe, all shouting out a love for nature and a taste for freedom. It was the opposite of mod’s structured look, embracing a vibe that said, “Do your own thing.”

Then there were those crazy psychedelic prints and loud colors, fueled by the rise of trippy music and art. Neon swirls and bright blasts of color splashed across dresses, tops, and anything else they could cover. It was a feast for the eyes, matched only by the wild new fabrics like polyester and spandex that made these designs possible.

And let’s not forget the space-age craze that blasted off in the ’60s. Fashionistas like André Courrèges and Pierre Cardin took inspiration from the space race, creating outfits with sleek lines and shiny stuff like metallics and PVC. Imagine cut-outs, helmets for hats, and boots that gleamed like silver—this was fashion reaching for the stars.

But it wasn’t just about high fashion; the 1960s saw everyday folks getting in on the action too. Ready-to-wear clothes became a big deal, making the latest trends affordable and available to everyone. Boutiques and big stores popped up everywhere, spreading the word on what was hot and making sure everyone could get in on the fun.

In the end, the 1960s was a blast of fresh air for women’s fashion. From the mini skirt shaking things up to mod and hippie styles setting their own rules, every outfit was a statement about change and creativity. Fashion wasn’t just about clothes; it was about saying something, about freedom and trying new things. And even now, the spirit of ’60s fashion lives on, still shaping what we wear today and reminding us how powerful style can be.

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Vintage Dancer

1960s Dress Styles | Swing, Shift, Mod, Mini Dresses

1960s Fashion History

Breaking free from the tailored look on the 1950s, the youthquake driven dresses of the sixties loosed up the waistline, shorted the hemline and hit you smack in the face with bright Pop Art colors and Op Art (optical illusion) prints.  1960s dresses had multiple style variations off of one key shape- the shift dress.  From there, a new decade of dress designs began to experiment with waistline placements, sleeve shapes, colors, and patterns.

Follow along as I show you all the 60s dress styles worn by real people in the 1960s (mostly American, but these styles apply to all western dress).

Skip over the history and start shopping for a 1960s dress .

Shop 60s style dresses

1960s Dress Styles

Swing dresses.

The full skirt and tight bodice of the ‘ 50s swing dress continued in the early ’60s, with a slightly above or at the knee hemline and modest high necklines. 60s swing dress colors and patterns were bigger and brighter with high necklines and short cap sleeves or the new-ish 3/4 sleeve. Round collarless necklines, small Peter Pan collars, roll neck collars, and the wide portrait collar were frequently seen on swing dress tops.

1960s dress skirts became less full, requiring only a slip instead of crinoline petticoat as the decade moved on. Big box pleating made some skirts look fuller. Jackie Kennedy was seen wearing a box pleat swing skirt with bow belt, which became very trendy for a few years.

Jackie O – so classy!

By 1965 the swing dress almost disappeared, only to come back again in 1969 with a mini skirt length.

Shirtwaist Dress – Housewife Dress

Most swing dresses in the 1960s were deemed house dresses or housewife dresses, especially in the shirtwaist design. 1960s shirtwaist dresses that buttoned down the front from neck to waist, mid way down the skirt, or all the way to the hemline had been traditional house dresses since the 1920s.  Plaid, checks, gingham, and vertical stripes were very popular patterns. Shirtwaist dresses had classic point collars or the newer round Peter Pan collar.

At some point the “waist” part of shirtwaist was dropped and they simply became know as “shirt dresses.” Shop shirt waist or shirt dresses in vintage styles .

1964 shirtwaist swing and pencil dresses

By the mid 60s the shirtwaist dress was updated into the “step in” shirtwaist dress which was a button down skimmer dress tightened with an optional thin tie belt.

My family in the early 60s (grandma, aunt, mom, grandpa)

Smock Dresses

The smock top skimmer dress with a line above the bust and sometimes “smocking” or shirred details was another late 60s house dress design. These adorable dresses were inspired by nostalgic prairie life/Old West/ frontier days but with the short 60s hemline.  They were mostly seen on women’s house dresses but some designers made them work as party dresses.  They were not very popular however, and the trend quickly faded.

Shift, Sheath, Skimmer, Tent Dresses

The other 50s to 60s dress carry over was the contoured sheath dress, called a pencil or wiggle dress today. Like the 50s version, it was knee-length, modest, and minimalist but gently tailored to the hourglass curve of the body.  Knit fabrics were the best materials to use in the 1960s so that women could have the “wiggle dress” shape without the confines of stiff suiting.

The 1960s two piece sheath dress looked like a fitted jacket with a pencil skirt. It was a very classy! As the sheath dress loosened up into the shift dress the two piece dress followed with a short sleeve shell top and looser pencil skirt.

The 60s shift dress lacked any sort of tailored waistline but did pinch in slightly around the ribs and skimmed over the hips, ending slightly above the knee. Some had belts, most did not. This loose but narrow looking dress was very comfortable and easy to wear. The shift became the primary women’s 1960s dress style.

Skimmer dresses were a cousin of the shift dress. They fit straight on the body with a high neckline and minimal decoration.  The dress “skimmed” the body without touching the skin. They also hovered above the knee. The ruffle front skimmer was very trendy between 1968-1970.

Shift, sheath, and skimmer dresses were used interchangeably in sixties advertising, adding some confusion to dress style names.

The 60s tent dress was the widest fitting loose dress. Later decades called it a babydoll or swing dress (not the same as an early 60s swing dress). Pleats handing from the neckline or shoulders down in a wide A-line gave the dress movement, hence the “swing” name. The wide flare and the bowtie at the neck or bust miniaturized young women, making them look like dolls instead of grown women.

1966 tent dresses

1960s Drop Waist Dresses

The 1960s has some unique waistline treatments that were revivals from earlier decades, primarily the 1920s.

1966 dresses: Skimmer, A-line, Coachman, Shift Dresses

The A-line dress, like the other shapeless 60s dress above, had a relaxed fit up top but a A shaped flared skirt below. It could be one color but often had a different pattern or color top and bottom making it look like a skirt set. Paired with a drop waist it was a 60s “young look” dress.

Other drop waist dresses had pleated skirts to mimic the A-line flare.  They were a favorite with young and mature women, but mature women’s pleated skirt dresses look like those from the 1940s .

Instead of the low drop waist there was also a revival for the high empire waist dress.   The dress top cut of just below the breasts and skimmed over the torso.  Sometimes a drawstring tie made the empire effect – a very cute and charming “girly” detail.

The coachman dress was an updated name for the coat and dress. It could have a sheath or shift dress shape topped with a double row of either decorative or functional vertical buttons.

Jumper or Pinafore Dress

Going with the “little girl” look of the 1960s, the jumper dress or pinafore dress was worn by girls, teens, and some women. There were several neckline treatments from the high and modest shift dress to the V neck sheath dress and the very late 60s deep U shaped jumper dress.  They were a casual winter dress worn over a blouse or turtleneck shirt, usually white or cream, sometimes black.

1960s Summer Dresses

Coulotte dress.

The Coulotte short pant was a trendy style for summer. With a fitted top and extra wide legs, the Coulotte looked like a dress.  They fit more into the “playwear” or summer “sporty” looks rather than dress wear, but the cross-over was noticeable. Many house dresses adopted the comfortable Coulotte as well as summer vacation clothes.

The nautical or sailor theme had been and remains to be a popular summer trend. Red, blue and white stripes with sailboat, nautical flags, anchor motifs, accented by brass buttons, white “sailor” collars, and polka dot neck scarves. They made their way onto all kinds of summer clothing and dresses from casual to classy. Taking a vacation or sailing on a cruise almost required women to purchase these outfits.

Shop vintage sailor / nautical outfits .

Sun Dresses

At the end of the decade, young women and teens started wearing sleeveless sundresses.  The lack of sleeves wasn’t a new thing to 60s fashion, but the spaghetti straps were. Add to it a built in bra (for B cup sizes) and you have a fun beach-y casual summer dress. For those not quite ready to show off that much cleavage, there were other slip-over lightweight summer dresses in festive prints.

1960s Stripe Knit Dresses

Vertical stripes had been common in all parts of the 1960s but horizontal stripes, especially in bold mod colors and jersey knit fabrics, were the trendiest look for teens and young women with the body to pull them off.  They were casual 60s dresses, comfortable in nearly any weather, and most important to the sixties, FUN!

Hostess Dress

What about long dresses? Were all dresses in the 1960s short?

Yes and no. Almost all women’s dresses were at or above the knee. Women wore tights or tall socks to beat the cold, but fashion was fashion and fashion said no long dresses! There was one exception. The hostess gown.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s , party dresses were split down the center skirt and worn over a pair of capri or long pants becoming a hostess gown. In the late 1960s, a revival of the hostess gown idea happened, combining the long house robe with an ethnic dashiki or caftan inspired tunic dress . Ethnic inspired prints, large florals, geometric patterns, and psychedelic swirls splattered across these unusual gowns. They were considered a novelty and few regular women adopted but in wealthy and famous circles they thing to wear at lavish house parties… or simply to lounge at home in.

Gingham Dresses

Brigitte Bardot wore a pink gingham wedding dress with white lace trim in 1959 . After that, pink gingham was used for all kinds of dresses. Other pastel gingham colors such as purple, blue, yellow, and green were also trendy but not nearly as cute as pink.  White lace or rick rack trim added to the girlishness of the gingham dress.

The trend didn’t phase out either. The gingham dress surged back in the late 60s just as strongly as the early years.

Read more: 1960s Colors and Fabrics in Women’s  Fashion

Mod Dresses

Colors and prints were at first inspired by the pop art and modern art movements , AKA “Mod” culture. Checkerboard, wide stripes, windowpane, circles, honeycomb, zig zags, and Campbell’s soup cans were all placed on short shift dresses with contrasting white trim. Black and white dresses were especially MOD. In fact, any two or three colors placed in square or rectangle color blocks with black or white outlines were distinctly mod, inspired by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian .

Trippy Prints

Psychedelic swirls and prints introduced a trippy edge to clothing that was picked up by the hippies around 1966-1968 . As early as 1963, there were yellow daisy print dresses for women, not just teens.

Being over the top was never too much. Large paisley swirls, neon flower daisies, and tropical beach prints all made an appearance. Bright yellow, orange, hot pink, and lime green were the favorite colors.

60s-70s Flower Power Dress with Daisey Tights. Shop here.

The bright psychedelic colors were great for summer but out of place in the autumn. The solution was the paisley print.

The paisley print in earth tone colors of moss green, brown, mustard yellow, deep blue, and burnt orange were common colors in the cool seasons. They allowed women to dress in the bold patterns they already loved but on a toned-down, office friendly, scale.

Paisley was also worn in summer in light pastels and trippy psychedelics.

Shop 1960s Style Dresses

To complete your look, add a pair of 1960s flat shoes and colorful jewelry . For all you dress makers, look at these 1960s reproduction sewing patterns .

Shop 60s dresses

Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.

Dressing in vintage style clothing for a themed event or personal fashion is our passion. We, Debbie and Oscar Sessions, turned a hobby into this website to make it easy to find vintage inspired clothing for women and men online spanning 1860-1980s. Our fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired and thrifty clothing. Need help? Ask us anytime.

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The Trend Spotter

The Latest Fashion, Style Hairstyles, Beauty, Culture & Products

60s Fashion for Women (How to Get the 1960s Style)

Updated: Mar 02, 2023 | BY Taylah McKee

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  There’s no denying that the ’60s were one of the most impactful eras in fashion. Setting the tone for modern style, the decade revolutionised womenswear with bold colours, striking cuts and a rebelliously youthful attitude. So, it comes as no surprise that 50 years on, key trends from the time continue to influence designers, stylists and fashion-lovers the world over. To channel the era’s unforgettable aesthetic for yourself, take a look at our guide to ’60s fashion for women.

RELATED: 50s Fashion for Women

1960s Women’s Fashion

The swinging sixties were a time where traditions were broken, and self-expression was encouraged. Influenced by the youth of the day, the decade dished up plenty of style inspiration. Moving away from the prim and proper ’50s and into rebellious new times, ’60s fashion was revolutionary. Key fashion styles of the decade included mod, beatnik and hippie looks, all of which captured the artful, fun and free spirit of the time.

Mod Fashion

The mod subculture kicked off in London in the late ’50s before spreading around the world throughout the ’60s. A signature style for the era, the mod “London look” made a lasting impression that continues to influence fashion today. The look, which was creative and bold, was a favourite amongst the youth of the day, who wore modern designs, bright colours, and raised hemlines.

Beatnik Fashion

The beat generation and beatnik fashion continued from the 1950s into the early to mid-1960s. The style was worn by young individuals who were interested in arts, literature, poetry, and music, particularly jazz. Their unofficial uniform consisted of black turtlenecks and trousers, berets, and striped tops amongst other items.

Hippie Fashion

Stemming from the beat movement, the hippie counterculture defined the late ’60s. The group was known for its rebellious attitude toward repressive societies and celebration of freedom, nature and peace. Both hippie men and women let their hair grow long and wild. They wore bell-bottom jeans, fringing, floral prints, peasant blouses and other colourful designs.

60s Outfits

The miniskirt debuted in the ’60s and changed women’s fashion forever. Thanks to its daringly short design, the skirt shocked conservatives by allowing ladies to show off their legs in defiance of conformity. Today, the mini shirt is still an incredibly popular women’s fashion item. To wear one as they did in the ’60s, pair it with sandals in summer and knee-high boots in colder weather.

Shift Dresses

A favourite garment for the mods of the decade, shift dresses were a signature ’60s style. Cut short with an A-line silhouette; these shapeless dresses proved the perfect alternative to the restrictive styles of previous years. Today, thanks to their chic and comfortable design, shift dresses are still popular. Choose one in a bold hue or block colour design for a fun ’60s style.

Bold Prints

Bold and striking prints were an essential element of sixties style and they appeared on a variety of garments. Perfect for turning heads, these loud and proud prints ranged from psychedelic designs to striking florals, tie-dye, bold stripes and colourful checks. To embrace the look today, choose an eye-catching multicolour or black and white print dress, top or matching set.

Coloured Tights

The ’60s love of colour didn’t stop at dresses and tops. It also found its way onto colourful tights. A quirky and youthful addition to outfits, coloured tights were a modern alternative to stockings with suspenders, which weren’t ideal to wear with miniskirts and short dresses. You can channel the look today with a pair in a striking hue, such as purple, orange, red or yellow.

Go-Go Boots

Go-go boots are an iconic ’60s footwear style. Introduced in the middle of the decade, these shoes were traditionally white, low-heeled and finished mid-calf. However, over time, the term has grown to include a variety of similar styles, including knee-high versions, other colours and kitten-heeled designs. Choose your favourite to rock with a mini skirt for a chic throwback outfit.

60s Hairstyles

’60s hairstyles were exciting and iconic. From big bouffant styles and bohemian bangs to long hippie waves and chic pixie cuts , the decade produced many unforgettable looks. Today, several of these bold styles are still seriously popular. So, if you’re looking for a ’60s touch, try rocking curtain bangs like Brigitte Bardot or a Twiggy-esque crop, or add some back-combing to your usual wavy locks.

Makeup in the ’60s was all about big eyes, pale lips and matte complexions. As such, thick, winged eyeliner was a prominent look for the decade. But, that wasn’t the only way ladies of the ’60s made their eyes pop. Long, spidery lashes à la Twiggy, eyeshadow in cool tones like blue, and bold cut crease makeup were all also popular trends. Of course, with so much focus on the eyes, the rest of the face was kept subtle with pale matte foundation, groomed natural brows, and nude lips.

1960s Jewellery

During the ’60s, jewellery trends changed dramatically. At the beginning of the decade, glamour reigned supreme with glitzy, gold designs and feminine pearls. However, as the decade moved forward, and mod fashion caught on, jewellery became all about eye-catching plastic creations. These bold accessories were influenced by pop art and featured striking designs, geometric shapes and bright colours. Key pieces included large earrings, big rings and bangles. Of course, these styles weren’t for everyone, so hippies opted for more simplistic designs, including handcrafted beaded pieces and peace symbol necklaces.

1960s Fashion Icons

The ’60s had a slew of fashion icons, including models, actresses, musicians, and more. One of the most prominent was undoubtedly Twiggy, who became the face of ’60s style and the mod look. Of course, she wasn’t the only one influencing the way women dressed. Model Jean Shrimpton, singer, and actress Jane Birkin, and designer Mary Quant all also had an impact on the English fashion scene. In America, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy lead the way while in France, blonde bombshell, Brigette Bardot ruled.

60’s Fashion for Women FAQs

What did women wear in the 60s.

The 60s was an interesting and transformative decade for fashion. It helped set the tone for modern womenswear, and bold colors and prints were embraced by women of the time. There was a rebellious approach to clothing and a more relaxed aesthetic, with free-spirited hippie looks and fashion styles that included mod and beatnik. Key garments included mini skirts, shift dresses, colored tights, and go-go boots.

How do you dress like the 60s?

If you want to dress like you are in the 60s, then get inspired by the key movements at the time, including mod, beatnik, and hippie. You can also embrace bold colors and interesting prints, including floral, tie-dye, and checks. An example of an outfit would be a simple shift dress, paired with colorful tights, or a mini dress paired with go-go boots. When it comes to hair, there was a variety of choices, from pixie cuts and big bouffant styles to long waves. Makeup focused on the eyes, natural eyebrows, matte complexions, and pale nude lips.

What were some fashion trends in the 1960s?

Some of the trends to emerge from the 1960s included mod and shift dresses, skirts paired with colorful tights, bold patterns, and prints, including tie-dye, go-go boots, and mini skirts. It was a decade that revolutionized womenswear and had a rebellious and youthful attitude.

Taylah McKee

Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.

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32 Glorious Photos of '60s Fashion In Full Swing

The best fashion decade ever, or the best fashion decade ever?

The 1960s is perhaps most well-known for its "flower child" aesthetic towards the end of the decade: bell-bottoms, floral designs, and long, flowy hair. But the decade also featured '60s icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Diana Ross, Cher, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Jane Birkin, among others (not to mention cultural influences like Andy Warhol and the Beatles). It was a decade of great change, in part in reaction to the more buttoned-up '50s style aesthetic.

Many of these photos capture these cutting-edge trends. Some come from magazine shoots and other professional photo sessions from designers; others come directly from the aforementioned icons, whose '60s style was emulated and revered—and remains so today.

Below, 32 photos that prove the '60s was the best fashion decade.

Fancy Swimwear

While the two-piece bathing suit was first invented in the 1940s, we still loved a classic one-piece in the '60s. Add in a little visual flair, like this decorated swim cap and criss-cross low back design of the suit, and you're ready to hit the surf.

Pattern Mixing

This feels very Audrey Hepburn-esque with a little added chaos. This is from a London fashion week in 1965 (back when that type of event was fairly new and fresh), and this kind of surprise and innovation is exactly what made fashion events so exciting—even for casual onlookers.

Bold Colors

No surprise, but this photo of Pat Evans is from a 1968 photoshoot. (It's not the most wearable, practical garment, is all I'm saying.) But the use of pattern in ever more edgy and innovative ways is also a cool '60s trend that would be taken to the extreme the following decade.

Contrasting Headgear

It's estimated this photo was taken in the early 1960s, which makes sense: the pillbox hat, popularized by Jackie Kennedy, was especially relevant in the years she was First Lady (1961 to 1963). This topper looks to have a bow embellishment in the back and offers contrast to the rest of the outfit as a pop of yellow.

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Color Blocking

This mid-1960s photoshoot shows some of the decade's evolution: more streamlined silhouettes, bolder colors, higher hemlines (not to mention shorter hair). The rise of Twiggy and the "waifish" supermodel would mean that look would be popular for several years.

This look feels like a throwback in the most incredible way. It makes sense, then, that this photo was taken in an antiques shop in the early '60s and features a conservative hairdo as well as a small, delicate gingham pattern on a full-coverage dress.

Patterns would get new life, in new ways, in the '60s. This model is apparently only 14(!) and you can see the youthful daring even with a traditional plaid pattern: continuing the black and red onto the tights in a slightly contrasting print for an unexpected twist.

Houndstooth

One way to make prints and patterns more surprising is to enlarge them, as is the case with this pretty green houndstooth (sometimes referred to as dog-tooth). The rest of the outfits is classic—coat and matching dress underneath—to help the pattern be the star of the show.

'Breakfast at Tiffanys'

By the time this photo was taken in 1964, Breakfast at Tiffany's would have been released around three years ago. This, created by the Fontana Sisters of Rome, shows some of that influence, including the large formal hairdo, glittery jewelry, and long gloves.

Crisp Coat Dresses

I can't help feeling this wouldn't be out of place for a modern royal like Kate Middleton to wear at a formal event. And, in fact, this was pretty close to Queen Elizabeth's style in this decade—showing that royals have influenced fashion for a long time.

Dramatic Capes

This is from Valentino, one of Jackie Kennedy's favorite designers—and you can totally see it. This is apparently from the late '60s, but still channels a more conservative style; we do get some welcome drama, though, in the glamorous cape style, higher hemline, and angled hat.

Plane Style

Twiggy and manager/partner at the time, Justin de Villeneuve, look relaxed and ready to jet-set. While our modern iteration of "airport style" wouldn't be around for a while, getting dressed up to fly in a plane was clearly still a tradition people embraced.

Dressing Like Jackie O

It's hard to overstate how much influence Jackie Kennedy had during the years she was First Lady (and through the whole decade, really). This photo was taken in 1961, at her peak popularity—and you can tell, thanks to the matching bouffants, the conservative but elegant clothing, and the classic black pumps.

Looking like you came off the ski slopes (or in this case, are still on the slopes) isn't necessarily a modern invention, as this photo indicates. Commercial skiing first became popular in the '50s, but the chic, elegant, effortless vibes of ski style were still in their early stages.

Casual Brigitte

Brigitte Bardot was an absolute style icon in the 1960s, and her trademark casual style (including very messy beehive) was a part of that allure. Skinny cigarette-style jeans and a simple black tee felt elevated and styled when she was wearing them.

Futuristic Style

"Mod" (short for modernist) style originated in London in the '60s; for the women, it meant shorter hair, shorter skirts, and more androgynous styling (including boots). It was an important subculture in the '60s and its repercussions can still be felt today.

Taking modernist style to the extreme, this futuristic (and still deeply shiny) look may feel a little over the top now. (It wouldn't be out of place in an Austin Powers movie, no?) But at a 1968 Paris fashion week, this space age style must have been very new and exciting.

Shades of Neon

This, from the early '60s, is quite prescient in terms of how color and patterns would come to define the decade. This is pretty and polished; other, less "frilly" styles would emerge, but this was a good place to start. I could see this being sold as a dress today!

Boat Dressing

In a similar way to dressing for an airplane trip or skiing adventure, formal boatwear was a lot like going to a fancy party (depending on the context, it still can be!). Technically, this is a cruise to Bermuda in the early '60s, and, frankly, these summer dresses are stunning.

Schoolgirl Chic

This, from the late 1960s, is in the middle of the "waifish" model trend. The overall vibe is youthful and streamlined, but the oversized floppy hat (which would become a mainstay in the '70s) and oversized bow help bring in a little delicacy and brightness.

Pretty Pants

This, from the early '60s, is very pattern-heavy in a way that I appreciate. The oversized polka dots are just so whimsical, but it feels like the simplicity of the rest of the outfit and the shiny jewelry and heels keep it away from feeling too "clown-adjacent."

Youthful Stripes

I almost couldn't believe that this was a young Joan Collins (it's a far cry from her later style, but I feel like she looks so trendy here). A simple striped shirt, dark eyeshadow, and a shorter, less voluminous hairstyle gives her a youthful glow with a peek at that trademark charisma.

Animal Print

If you're wondering why these women look so uniform, they're dancers from the Norbert Schmitt Corps de Ballet, apparently, and they're modeling Dior coats. Perfect! No notes! Minus the matching leopard pants, a statement coat like this would absolutely work today.

The mini became indelibly linked with '60s fashion, both as a sign of liberation and move away from '50s fashion, with a dash of social liberation for good measure. No surprise, the style was controversial, but the length could be made more modest thanks to some strategically deployed tights.

Street Style

An icon of the early '60s, supermodel Jean Shrimpton was probably most well-known for her street style photos with David Bailey (a style of photography that wasn't as mainstream—the duo helped popularize it). This corduroy jacket and bellbottom look: perfection.

Business Style

A slightly more button-up version of mod style, these slightly longer hemlines and practical (but deeply stylish) pumps—taken from a 1967 photoshoot—would have been perfect for office work. Honestly, some of these would pass muster today, with some slightly updated hairstyles.

Brigitte in Leather

While Brigitte Bardot's casual style get a lot of attention, her bombshell looks—like this one, where she's just arrived in London for the premiere of one of her films—are equally awesome. Now this, in head-to-toe leather including her hat, is airport style!

Prickly Flowers

This is by Paco Rabanne and is apparently made of vinyl, plastic, and steel (the rosettes are plastic and silver lame, the dress is jersey, and it's all held together with vinyl strips and steel rings). Once again, proof that fashion innovation was going strong in the '60s.

Flower Child

While the floral and paisley prints of the late '60s can look a bit dated today (this photoshoot is from 1966 and was apparently for Glamour ), I would argue it's all about the styling. Getting some contrasting accessories and some fashion sneakers would modernize this in no time.

Sleek Trousers

The thin, paperbag style, cigarette-style pant (tapered but not adhering to the leg) is very professional '60s in a way I appreciate. There's a reason why this pant style is considered a classic and—regardless of ensuing trends—has remained fashionable to modern audiences.

Before she died in 1962, Marilyn Monroe was probably the most influential celebrity we had. Much attention is paid to her skintight gowns and costumes, but I'm more enamored with her casual style: jeans, boots, an Oxford shirt, and her classic red lipstick.

Ah, Jane! It would be cliche to lay all cool '60s style at the feet of a single person, but Jane Birkin is about as influential as they come. Her basket bags, her wispy hair, her casual but still incredibly styled looks: many women consider her a muse today, including myself.

Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with  Cosmopolitan  (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and  Bustle  (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in  New York Times ,  Parents ,  InStyle , Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by  ELLE ,  Harper’s Bazaar ,  Seventeen ,  Good Housekeeping , and  Women’s Health , among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award. 

Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about  how to find the very best petite jeans ,  how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram , and  what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world . Her personal essays have run the gamut from  learning to dress as a queer woman  to  navigating food allergies as a mom . She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on  Instagram . If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.

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From Driving Gloves to Skirt Suits, the Gucci Show Cemented the '60s Style Revival

Over a year into his tenure as creative director, Sabato de Sarno is officially hitting his stride at Gucci. For the past two seasons, the Italian house has been undergoing a complete makeover, making this season's Gucci show one of the hottest tickets in town. In lieu of traditional paper invites, guests received a retro Nordic-style desk calendar indicating the date of the spring/summer 2025 collection, which was presented at the Triennale Milano, an art and design museum. There, models descended from a spiral staircase onto a slick runway painted in the brand's signature burgundy shade .

The designer used the term "casual grandeur" to describe how this collection took its shape, calling out tailoring, lingerie, leather, and '60s silhouettes as his obsessions of the moment, which all culminated in a collection that felt at once retro and modern. De Sarno explored the heritage of the brand through legacy motifs like bamboo and horsebit, which both took on fresh forms through a horsebit print and bamboo-inspired jewelry. From a '60s-style revival to new belts, bags, and shoes, here's everything to know about the Gucci spring 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week.

A-List Attendance

Nobody brings out an impressive A-list crowd like Gucci does, and its latest runway show hardly wavered from its reputation. Season after season, it's reliably been the backdrop to viral celebrity moments, and this season delivered all the same. Dakota Johnson arrived wearing a sheer white dress topped off with a leather jacket and large Gucci shades. Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan leaned into fall's suede trend and opted for a brown suede cape for the occasion. Meanwhile Kirsten Dunst and Jessica Chastain kept things pretty in dainty floral dresses.

WHO: Daisy Edgar-Jones

WHO: Dakota Johnson

WHO: Kirsten Dunst

WHO: Nicola Coughlan

WHO: Jessica Chastain

'60s Renaissance

The last several Gucci collections have nodded to the '60s redux that's happening all across the fashion landscape right now, and the spring season doubled down on the decade's influence, cementing it as the key reference point to know for 2025. It's no secret that Jackie Kennedy is a longstanding muse of the Italian house, including the Jackie 1961 bag named after the late first lady, and this collection was a full-on homage to the core codes of her style. Miniskirt suits, wide-brimmed sun hats, driving gloves, and wraparound sunglasses are all key pieces that contributed to an overall sense of retro glamour. If there were any question about the most influential decade in fashion now, Gucci boldly set the record straight: The '60s are so back.

Gucci Rosso, Continued

De Sarno introduced the Gucci Rosso shade during his debut collection for the Italian house last year, and since then the deep-oxblood hue has become a brand signature to be found across ready-to-wear, bags, and accessories. Spring 2025 marked his sixth runway collection, and the brand-defining color was ever present. It showed up on leather peplum jackets, glossy Jackie shoulder bags, delicate lace dresses, and logo-embossed maxi coats. In addition, this collection continued on several hues from fall 2024, namely olive-green and bright lime shades, and it also featured a pop of tangerine hues, which could indicate where color trends are heading in 2025. Overall, the designer sent a clear message with the color story this season. If you were considering investing in a burgundy item, rest assured the hue will only continue to be relevant far into next season and beyond, as long as Gucci has anything to say about it.

New It Accessories

Whatever Gucci is doing, we're always keeping a close eye on the accessories. This runway debuted a number of key pieces that are just brimming with It-item potential, and we're already hearing buzz about them throughout the industry. First up is the Gucci 73, a brand-new bucket bag shape complete with the horsebit detail on the side. We saw this in black and olive-green iterations and are already filing it away as a future spring It bag. There was also an east-west version of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bags that featured lucite handles and coordinated with the bamboo-style necklaces and bracelets that finished off many of the looks. Then came the skinny boots and retro Jackie O–style sunglasses. Wide-brimmed hats complete with a horsebit print also stole the show. Come spring, we'll be keeping a close eye on these new-season accessories and no doubt shopping accordingly.

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.

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