How to Dress in the 60's Style?
02 Dec 2024
The 1960s were a transformative decade, not only in politics and culture, but also in fashion. This era marked the departure from traditional and conservative styles, ushering in bold experimentation, colorful patterns, and innovative designs. Whether it was the sharp mod look of London, the free-spirited hippie vibes of San Francisco, or the elegant Jackie Kennedy-inspired ensembles, the 60s style catered to diverse tastes.
This guide will provide an in-depth exploration of how to dress in the 1960s style, covering iconic trends, hairstyles, makeup, and even tips on how to incorporate these vintage looks into modern wardrobes. From mod minis to flowing maxi dresses , the 60s offer a timeless appeal that continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
This guide will provide an in-depth exploration of how to dress in the 1960s style, covering iconic trends, hairstyles, makeup, and even tips on how to incorporate these vintage looks into modern wardrobes. From mod minis to flowing maxi dresses , the 60s offer a timeless appeal that continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
The Evolution of 1960s Fashion
1. Early 1960s Elegance
The early 60s were a continuation of the refined fashion of the 1950s. Women's clothing was characterized by tailored silhouettes, pencil skirts, and structured dresses. Think of Jackie Kennedy's iconic look, which featured clean lines, pastel colors, and pillbox hats.
Men's fashion mirrored this sophistication, with slim-fit suits, skinny ties, and polished leather shoes. The focus was on simplicity and grace, often with monochrome palettes or subtle patterns.
2. Mid-1960s Mod Revolution
By the mid-60s, the mod movement, originating in London, began to dominate the fashion scene. This era was all about boldness, youth, and individuality. Mini skirts, designed by Mary Quant, became a symbol of the decade. A-line dresses with geometric patterns, knee-high boots, and colorful tights were essential mod staples.
For men, the mod look introduced tighter trousers, polo shirts, and slim-fit blazers. Accessories like pocket squares and statement sunglasses completed the ensemble.
3. Late 1960s Hippie and Bohemian Styles
The counterculture movement of the late 60s brought a more relaxed and expressive aesthetic. Flowing maxi dresses, fringe jackets, tie-dye shirts, and bell-bottom jeans became popular. Earthy tones and natural fabrics like cotton and hemp reflected the hippie community's connection to nature and rebellion against consumerism.
Both men and women embraced unisex fashion, often incorporating elements such as embroidered tunics, peace sign necklaces, and headbands.
The early 60s were a continuation of the refined fashion of the 1950s. Women's clothing was characterized by tailored silhouettes, pencil skirts, and structured dresses. Think of Jackie Kennedy's iconic look, which featured clean lines, pastel colors, and pillbox hats.
Men's fashion mirrored this sophistication, with slim-fit suits, skinny ties, and polished leather shoes. The focus was on simplicity and grace, often with monochrome palettes or subtle patterns.
2. Mid-1960s Mod Revolution
By the mid-60s, the mod movement, originating in London, began to dominate the fashion scene. This era was all about boldness, youth, and individuality. Mini skirts, designed by Mary Quant, became a symbol of the decade. A-line dresses with geometric patterns, knee-high boots, and colorful tights were essential mod staples.
For men, the mod look introduced tighter trousers, polo shirts, and slim-fit blazers. Accessories like pocket squares and statement sunglasses completed the ensemble.
3. Late 1960s Hippie and Bohemian Styles
The counterculture movement of the late 60s brought a more relaxed and expressive aesthetic. Flowing maxi dresses, fringe jackets, tie-dye shirts, and bell-bottom jeans became popular. Earthy tones and natural fabrics like cotton and hemp reflected the hippie community's connection to nature and rebellion against consumerism.
Both men and women embraced unisex fashion, often incorporating elements such as embroidered tunics, peace sign necklaces, and headbands.
Key Elements of 1960s Fashion
The fashion of the 1960s was a rich tapestry of styles, reflecting the cultural shifts and groundbreaking trends of the era. Each element of the decade's fashion tells a story of rebellion, creativity, and individuality. Let's dive deeper into the iconic features that defined 60's style:
Mini Skirts and Shift Dresses
The mini skirt became the defining symbol of the 60s, pioneered by London-based designer Mary Quant. This bold, thigh-skimming garment challenged societal norms and embodied the youthful rebellion of the decade. Mini skirts often come in vibrant colors or geometric patterns, making them perfect for the high-energy mod look.
Shift dresses, with their straight silhouettes, complemented the rise of mini skirts. These dresses were versatile and could be dressed up or down, making them a wardrobe staple. Materials such as jerseys, polyester, and even metallic fabrics were commonly used. The structured simplicity of these pieces allowed playful experimentation with accessories such as colorful tights or statement jewelry.
Psychedelic Prints and Patterns
As the counterculture movement gained momentum, psychedelic art inspired swirling abstract prints in bold, eye-catching colors. These patterns symbolized a break from tradition, reflecting the era's fascination with self-expression and experimentation. Dresses, shirts, and even pants featured these intricate designs, often paired with accessories like headscarves or handbags in complementary tones.
Geometric prints were another hallmark of the 60s, especially within the mod fashion scene. Checkerboard patterns, stripes, and circular motifs appeared on everything from dresses to outerwear, creating visually striking outfits that turned heads.
Androgynous Styles and Gender Fluidity
The 1960s blurred traditional gender boundaries in fashion. Women embraced menswear-inspired pieces like tailored trousers, blazers, and button-down shirts, often styled with feminine touches like scarves or chunky jewelry. This androgynous look was revolutionary, signaling a shift towards gender equality and versatility in clothing.
Men, too, began experimenting with softer fabrics, brighter colors, and statement accessories, breaking away from the conservative suits of previous decades. The rise of unisex fashion reflected the growing acceptance of individuality and personal expression.
Statement Accessories
No 1960s outfit was complete without the right accessories. Oversized plastic jewelry, such as bangles, earrings, and necklaces, added a playful touch to mod ensembles. Earrings in bold shapes such as hoops or geometric designs were particularly popular.
Footwear was equally important, with go-go boots leading the way. These knee-high, often white boots were perfect for dancing and complemented the mini skirts and shift dresses of the decade. Mary Jane shoes with low heels and T-straps offered a more classic alternative.
Structured handbags, often boxy and in bold colors, became essential items. For a more casual look, fringe bags gained popularity in the late 60s, aligning with the rise of bohemian and hippie styles.
The Rise of Denim and Casualwear
While much of the 60s fashion scene was about polished and bold statements, denim began to rise as a symbol of counterculture. Bell-bottom jeans, often adorned with embroidery or patchwork, became a favorite among hippies. Paired with tie-dye shirts or peasant blouses, denim encapsulates the relaxed and rebellious spirit of the time.
Outerwear Innovations
Outerwear in the 60s was as diverse as the era itself. Trench coats in pastel colours added a touch of elegance, while leather jackets became synonymous with rebellious youth. For colder months, faux fur coats in vibrant hues were a fashionable choice. Capes and ponchos also emerged as unique alternatives to traditional coats, especially among the bohemian crowd.
Color Palette of the 60s
The 1960s fashion scene celebrated color like never before. Bright yellows, pinks, blues, and greens dominated mod fashion, while earth tones like browns and oranges were staples of hippie and bohemian styles. The contrast between vivid hues and subdued tones mirrored the decade's cultural dichotomy, from structured urban life to free-spirited rural life.
By blending these elements, the 1960s fashion scene became a rich playground for creativity and innovation. Whether through mod sophistication, hippie casualness, or experimental designs, the styles of the era continue to inspire and captivate.
Mini Skirts and Shift Dresses
The mini skirt became the defining symbol of the 60s, pioneered by London-based designer Mary Quant. This bold, thigh-skimming garment challenged societal norms and embodied the youthful rebellion of the decade. Mini skirts often come in vibrant colors or geometric patterns, making them perfect for the high-energy mod look.
Shift dresses, with their straight silhouettes, complemented the rise of mini skirts. These dresses were versatile and could be dressed up or down, making them a wardrobe staple. Materials such as jerseys, polyester, and even metallic fabrics were commonly used. The structured simplicity of these pieces allowed playful experimentation with accessories such as colorful tights or statement jewelry.
Psychedelic Prints and Patterns
As the counterculture movement gained momentum, psychedelic art inspired swirling abstract prints in bold, eye-catching colors. These patterns symbolized a break from tradition, reflecting the era's fascination with self-expression and experimentation. Dresses, shirts, and even pants featured these intricate designs, often paired with accessories like headscarves or handbags in complementary tones.
Geometric prints were another hallmark of the 60s, especially within the mod fashion scene. Checkerboard patterns, stripes, and circular motifs appeared on everything from dresses to outerwear, creating visually striking outfits that turned heads.
Androgynous Styles and Gender Fluidity
The 1960s blurred traditional gender boundaries in fashion. Women embraced menswear-inspired pieces like tailored trousers, blazers, and button-down shirts, often styled with feminine touches like scarves or chunky jewelry. This androgynous look was revolutionary, signaling a shift towards gender equality and versatility in clothing.
Men, too, began experimenting with softer fabrics, brighter colors, and statement accessories, breaking away from the conservative suits of previous decades. The rise of unisex fashion reflected the growing acceptance of individuality and personal expression.
Statement Accessories
No 1960s outfit was complete without the right accessories. Oversized plastic jewelry, such as bangles, earrings, and necklaces, added a playful touch to mod ensembles. Earrings in bold shapes such as hoops or geometric designs were particularly popular.
Footwear was equally important, with go-go boots leading the way. These knee-high, often white boots were perfect for dancing and complemented the mini skirts and shift dresses of the decade. Mary Jane shoes with low heels and T-straps offered a more classic alternative.
Structured handbags, often boxy and in bold colors, became essential items. For a more casual look, fringe bags gained popularity in the late 60s, aligning with the rise of bohemian and hippie styles.
The Rise of Denim and Casualwear
While much of the 60s fashion scene was about polished and bold statements, denim began to rise as a symbol of counterculture. Bell-bottom jeans, often adorned with embroidery or patchwork, became a favorite among hippies. Paired with tie-dye shirts or peasant blouses, denim encapsulates the relaxed and rebellious spirit of the time.
Outerwear Innovations
Outerwear in the 60s was as diverse as the era itself. Trench coats in pastel colours added a touch of elegance, while leather jackets became synonymous with rebellious youth. For colder months, faux fur coats in vibrant hues were a fashionable choice. Capes and ponchos also emerged as unique alternatives to traditional coats, especially among the bohemian crowd.
Color Palette of the 60s
The 1960s fashion scene celebrated color like never before. Bright yellows, pinks, blues, and greens dominated mod fashion, while earth tones like browns and oranges were staples of hippie and bohemian styles. The contrast between vivid hues and subdued tones mirrored the decade's cultural dichotomy, from structured urban life to free-spirited rural life.
By blending these elements, the 1960s fashion scene became a rich playground for creativity and innovation. Whether through mod sophistication, hippie casualness, or experimental designs, the styles of the era continue to inspire and captivate.
Hairstyles and Makeup: The Complete Look
Iconic Hairstyles of the 60s
· Beehive: This voluminous updo was a favorite among celebrities and socialites.
· Pixie Cut: Popularized by Twiggy, the pixie cut symbolized youthful energy and modernity.
· Long and Natural: By the late 60s, flowing, natural hair often adorned with flowers or ribbons became synonymous with the hippie movement.
Makeup Trends
· Dramatic Eyes: Women used heavy eyeliner to create a cat-eye effect, often adding false lashes for extra drama.
· Bold Eyeshadows: Pastel blues, greens, and whites were favorites.
· Subtle Lips: Neutral or light pink lip colors balance bold eye makeup.
For men, grooming became more relaxed towards the end of the decade. Long hair and facial hair, such as mustaches and beards, became more acceptable in mainstream culture.
· Beehive: This voluminous updo was a favorite among celebrities and socialites.
· Pixie Cut: Popularized by Twiggy, the pixie cut symbolized youthful energy and modernity.
· Long and Natural: By the late 60s, flowing, natural hair often adorned with flowers or ribbons became synonymous with the hippie movement.
Makeup Trends
· Dramatic Eyes: Women used heavy eyeliner to create a cat-eye effect, often adding false lashes for extra drama.
· Bold Eyeshadows: Pastel blues, greens, and whites were favorites.
· Subtle Lips: Neutral or light pink lip colors balance bold eye makeup.
For men, grooming became more relaxed towards the end of the decade. Long hair and facial hair, such as mustaches and beards, became more acceptable in mainstream culture.
Cultural Influences on 60s Fashion
The Mod Subculture
The mod movement, driven by London's youth, celebrated music, art, and fashion. Bands like The Beatles and The Who influenced this style, which featured sharp tailoring and bold patterns.
The Hippie Counterculture
The hippie movement rejected societal norms, advocating peace, love, and freedom. This ethos was reflected in their clothing, which emphasized comfort, creativity, and individuality.
Hollywood and Icons
Films like Breakfast at Tiffany's and stars like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot brought 60's glamour to the mainstream. Their iconic looks, from sleek black dresses to voluminous hairstyles, remain timeless.
The mod movement, driven by London's youth, celebrated music, art, and fashion. Bands like The Beatles and The Who influenced this style, which featured sharp tailoring and bold patterns.
The Hippie Counterculture
The hippie movement rejected societal norms, advocating peace, love, and freedom. This ethos was reflected in their clothing, which emphasized comfort, creativity, and individuality.
Hollywood and Icons
Films like Breakfast at Tiffany's and stars like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot brought 60's glamour to the mainstream. Their iconic looks, from sleek black dresses to voluminous hairstyles, remain timeless.
How to Style a Complete 1960s Look
Achieving a 1960s-inspired look is about balancing iconic vintage elements with modern style. Whether for a themed event or everyday wear, here's how to embrace the fashion of the era:
Signature Pieces
Start with key items like mini skirts , shift dresses, or tailored trousers. Choose bold patterns such as geometric prints or psychedelic swirls for authenticity. Pair with go-go boots or Mary Jane shoes for footwear that captures the essence of the decade.
Accessories
Complete the look with oversized sunglasses, bold plastic jewelry, and structured handbags. For a softer touch, try a colorful headscarf or a fringe bag.
Hair and Makeup
Recreate 60's hairstyles like sleek mod cuts or voluminous bouffants. Use winged eyeliner, pastel eye shadow, and defined lashes to channel the makeup trends of the era. For a modern twist, tone down the eyeliner or opt for neutral tones.
Mix Retro with Modern
Combine vintage-inspired pieces with contemporary basics. Pair a patterned shift dress with ankle boots or a bold ' 60s-style shirt with modern denim. Adding minimalistic accessories helps balance the retro vibe.
Adapt to Subcultures and Seasons
Explore different subcultures of the 60s such as mod or hippie styles. Layer for cooler weather with turtlenecks under dresses or pair bell-bottoms with knit sweaters. Keep summer looking bright with sleeveless dresses and headscarves.
By blending retro staples with modern sensibilities, you can effortlessly channel the 60s while making the style your own.
Signature Pieces
Start with key items like mini skirts , shift dresses, or tailored trousers. Choose bold patterns such as geometric prints or psychedelic swirls for authenticity. Pair with go-go boots or Mary Jane shoes for footwear that captures the essence of the decade.
Accessories
Complete the look with oversized sunglasses, bold plastic jewelry, and structured handbags. For a softer touch, try a colorful headscarf or a fringe bag.
Hair and Makeup
Recreate 60's hairstyles like sleek mod cuts or voluminous bouffants. Use winged eyeliner, pastel eye shadow, and defined lashes to channel the makeup trends of the era. For a modern twist, tone down the eyeliner or opt for neutral tones.
Mix Retro with Modern
Combine vintage-inspired pieces with contemporary basics. Pair a patterned shift dress with ankle boots or a bold ' 60s-style shirt with modern denim. Adding minimalistic accessories helps balance the retro vibe.
Adapt to Subcultures and Seasons
Explore different subcultures of the 60s such as mod or hippie styles. Layer for cooler weather with turtlenecks under dresses or pair bell-bottoms with knit sweaters. Keep summer looking bright with sleeveless dresses and headscarves.
By blending retro staples with modern sensibilities, you can effortlessly channel the 60s while making the style your own.
Conclusion
The 1960s were a decade of experimentation and self-expression, leaving a lasting legacy in the fashion world. From mod minis to bohemian maxis, the styles of the 60s offer endless inspiration for modern wardrobes.
Whether you're dressing for a themed event or incorporating subtle retro elements into your everyday look, the 60s offer a versatile and timeless palette of ideas. By embracing the decade's bold prints, innovative designs, and cultural significance, you can celebrate this iconic era in your own unique way.
Whether you're dressing for a themed event or incorporating subtle retro elements into your everyday look, the 60s offer a versatile and timeless palette of ideas. By embracing the decade's bold prints, innovative designs, and cultural significance, you can celebrate this iconic era in your own unique way.
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