FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s (2024)

Fashion trends in the 1960s swung wildly from one end of the spectrum to the other.
The early 1960s were marked by box dresses and 1950s fashions. In the mid-1960s, fashion began to take cues from London and the waistline reappeared. But the late sixties had a mind of their own!
There were so many trends that emerged strongly in 60’s which has an influence on us even today!

High fashion

American fashions in the early years of the decade reflected the elegance of the First Lady, Jaqueline kennedy. In addition to tailored skirts, women wore stilletto heelshoes and suits with short boxy jackets, and oversized buttons. Simple, geometric dresses, known as shifts, were also in style. For evening wear, full-skirted evening gowns were worn; these often had a low decolletage and close-fitting waists. For casual wear, capri trouserswere the fashion for women and girls.

The rise of trousers for women

The early 1960s gave birth to drapeline jeans and capri pants. Traditionally, trousers had been viewed by western society as masculine, but by the early 1960s, it had become acceptable for women to wear them everyday.

Space Age fashions

FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s (2)

It was heavily influenced by the Space Race of the Cold War , in addition to popular films and television series Science fiction, paper bags , such as Star Trek , Dan Dare or Lost In Space.
The synthetic fabrics of the 1960s allowed space age fashion designers to design garments with bold shapes and a plastic texture.
The French designer André Courrèges was particularly influential in the development of space age fashion. The “space look” he introduced in the spring of 1964 included trouser suits, goggles, box-shaped dresses with high skirts, and go-go boots. Go-go boots eventually became a staple of go-go girl fashion in the sixties.Other influential space age designers include Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne.

A timeless fashion piece : Miniskirt

FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s (3)

Mary Quant is credited with introducing the miniskirt in 1964, miniskirt changed fashion forever.Mary Quant and André Courrèges both contributed to the invention of miniskirt during the 1960s. Mary Quant, A British designer, was one of the pioneers of the miniskirt during 1960.Miniskirts became popular in London and Paris and the term “ Chelsea Look” was coined.

FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s (4)
FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s (5)

The Mods (short for Modernists) adopted new fads that would be imitated by many young people.
Women had short, clean haircuts and often dressed in similar styles to the male Mods.The look of the Mods was classy.
Shirts were slim, with a necessary button down collar accompanied by slim fitted pants. Levi’s were the only type of jeans worn by Modernists. Mod girls wore very very short miniskirts, tall, brightly colored go-go boots, monochromatic geometric print patterns such as houndstooth, and tight fitted, sleeveless tunics. Flared trousers and bell bottoms appeared in 1964 as an alternative to capri pants, and led the way to the hippie period introduced in the 1960s.
Starting in 1967, youth culture began to change musically and Mod culture shifted to a more laid back hippie or Bohemian style. Hosiery manufacturers of the time like Mary Quant (who founded Pamela Mann Legwear) combined the “Flower Power” style of dress and the Pop Art school of design to create fashion tights that would appeal to a female audience that enjoyed psycedelia.

FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s (6)

The hippie subculture

Ponchos, moccasins, love beads, peace signs, medallion necklaces, chain belts, polka dot-printed fabrics, and long, puffed “bubble” sleeves were popular fashions in the late 1960s. Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, Jesus sandals, and headbands. Women would often go barefoot and some went braless.Women’s shirts often had transparent sleeves. Psychedelic prints, hemp and the look of “Woodstock” emerged during this era.

Looks of the sixties -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvVjdZdKCn4

FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s (2024)

FAQs

FASHION HISTORY : 1960’s? ›

Ponchos, moccasins, love beads, peace signs, medallion necklaces, chain belts, polka dot-printed fabrics, and long, puffed "bubble" sleeves were popular fashions in the late 1960s. Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, Jesus sandals, and headbands.

What influenced the fashion of the 1960s? ›

It was heavily influenced by the Space Race of the Cold War , in addition to popular films and television series Science fiction, paper bags , such as Star Trek , Dan Dare or Lost In Space. The synthetic fabrics of the 1960s allowed space age fashion designers to design garments with bold shapes and a plastic texture.

What was the importance of fashion in the 60s? ›

The 1960s was an important decade for fashion because it was the first time in history that clothing was geared towards the youth market; and featured a wide number of diversified trends. It was a decade that broke many fashion traditions, mirroring social movements during the period.

Who was a fashion icon in the 60s? ›

Inventive, opinionated and commercially minded, Mary Quant (1930 – 2023) was the most iconic fashion designer of the 1960s. A design and retail pioneer, she popularised super-high hemlines and other irreverent looks that were critical to the development of the 'Swinging Sixties' scene.

What were the fashion trends in 1968? ›

In 1968, the American Dream looked a lot like it did in the 1950s. It was rooted in the suburbs; it was a nuclear family; and it was white. Men wore a uniform of starched white shirts, dark suits and slim ties. For women, a middle-class existence was defined by shift dresses and merciless foundation garments.

What were the 3 big fashion ideas of the 1960s? ›

Broadly categorized, there were three main trends in 1960s womenswear: 1) the lady-like elegance inherited from the previous decade seen on the likes of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, 2) the fun, youthful designs popularized by Swinging London, and 3) the Eastern-influenced hippie styles of the late 1960s.

How did fashion in the 60s impact society? ›

As the decade went on, dress codes, even for the older generation, became increasingly relaxed: tailoring loosened, public figures like Jackie Kennedy began to favour shorter skirts, and fewer people wore accessories like hats and gloves. High-end fashion also embraced the new mood of informality.

How did the 60s influence today? ›

In so many ways it was the Sixties that spawned today's polarization and culture wars, which divide us now the way Vietnam did back then. From civil rights to feminism to gay liberation to the environmental movement to the silent majority, what started in the Sixties has shaped and influenced our country ever since.

What was popular in the 60s? ›

Our Ten Favorite Trends From The 60's
  • Afros. Everyone, young and old, had an afro or at least aspired to grow one. ...
  • Barbie Dolls. The sixties witnessed the birth of the Barbie sensation. ...
  • Bell-bottoms. ...
  • Beatlemania. ...
  • Go-go boots. ...
  • Lava lamps. ...
  • Miniskirts. ...
  • Smiley faces.

What influenced the hippie style? ›

The Hippy's bright colours and patterns are inspired by nature and primitive cultures such as native Americans. A great influence that can be noticed in the Hippy dresses, blouses, trousers and even jewellery is from Africa and Asia.

What was the fashion capital of the 60s? ›

Did You Know… London Was The Fashion Capital in the 60s?

How to dress like the 60s? ›

Hippie style for both men and women included tie dye, bell bottoms, corduroy pants, sheepskin vests, mariner's caps, headband, sandals, and patches with flowers or peace symbols. The other big trend for men was called the Peaco*ck Revolution, which mimicked Edwardian style.

What was the culture of the 1960s? ›

The 1960s was a decade known for vibrant colors, drug use, and free love. In the 1960s, pop culture changed as artistic expression and new styles flourished. The subdued and conservative tone of the 1950s was replaced with loud trends in music, fashion, and film.

What was the fashion in 1967? ›

Flowing Skirts, Velvet Bell-Bottoms, and Exuberant Afros: The Fashion of 1967.

What was the greatest decade for fashion? ›

Truth be told, 1970s fashion is some of the best, and the decade has some of the greatest style icons, too. From Cher and Bianca Jagger to Diana Ross and Grace Jones, the sartorial choices of these legendary stars still hold up today. In fact, they're even better.

What was the fashion in 1969? ›

Hippy fashion was in–especially for the younger crowd. Trends included fringed suede jackets, kaftans, psychedelic prints, and hemp. It was the year of Woodstock, after all. There were still vestiges of the more rigid '60s.

What are 5 trends from the 60s? ›

Our Ten Favorite Trends from the 60s
  • Beatlemania. Before Backstreet Boys. ...
  • Go-go Boots. By the mid 60s, women in dance clubs across America could be spotted rocking these knee-high boots while shimmying to the twist, the swim and the loco-motion.
  • Lava Lamps. ...
  • Black Light. ...
  • Tie Dye Clothing. ...
  • Surfing. ...
  • Troll Dolls. ...
  • Mood Rings.

What shaped the 60s? ›

The Sixties gave birth to a popular culture in film and music that reflected and influenced the decade's social upheavals: the rise of Cold War politics, civil rights movements, student protests, and the Vietnam war all profoundly affected American society and culture.

What were popular accessories in the 1960s? ›

1960s accessories
  • Hat by Edward Mann. ...
  • Glasses and sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith. ...
  • Jewellery by Wendy Ramshaw and David Watkins. ...
  • Handbag by Sally Jess. ...
  • Tights by Mary Quant.
  • Boots by André Courrèges.

What brand of jeans were popular in the 60s? ›

50 years later, we look back at the Levi's® jean styles that propelled these trends into becoming the classics of today.

What did hippies wear in the 60s? ›

Workshirts, drainpipe trousers, mohair sweaters, tee shirts, and canvas shoes made up a majority of the early hippie wardrobe for both men and women. The Merry Pranksters “tootling” in 1964. Simpler outfits were paired with absurd hats, unusual accessories, or excessive amounts of body paint.

What were the popular brands in the 1960s? ›

Chrysler, U.S Steel, Texaco, Gulf Oil, International Business Machines (IBM) and AT&T Technologies all made the top ten ranking, shifting up and down throughout the decade.

What was the social trend in 1960s? ›

With so many straight-laced teens in the 1950s, it was only natural that there would be a backlash. Welcome to the 1960s! Free love, flower power, hippies, psychedelic drugs, and political mayhem -- these were the trends of a decade that saw upheaval of social mores and cultural behaviors.

What event in the 60s changed everything? ›

The Sixties dominated by the Vietnam War, Civil Rights Protests, the 60s also saw the assassinations of US President John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Cuban Missile Crisis, and finally ended on a good note when the first man is landed on the moon .

What was the biggest thing that happened in the 60s? ›

  • John Kennedy Elected President. U-2 Spy Plane Shot Down Over Russia. ...
  • Berlin Wall Erected. ...
  • James Meredith Registers at University of Mississippi. ...
  • Kennedy Assassinated – Lyndon Johnson President. ...
  • Civil Rights Act. ...
  • First Spacewalks. ...
  • China's Cultural Revolution. ...
  • Thurgood Marshall First African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

What colors were popular in the 60s? ›

Psychedelic colors like orange, pea green, magenta, and sunny yellows help put an exclamation mark on the swinging 1960s. For more hot colors of the 1960s, be sure to check out our Poolside Gossip Color Collection, inspired by Palm Springs' iconic homes of the decade.

What was the slang in the 1960s? ›

Groovy was the “awesome,” “cool” or “dope” of the decade — a versatile term that has since been immortalized in contemporary pop culture (thanks, Austin Powers).

What are 3 characteristics of a hippie? ›

The hippies preached free love, promoted flower power, and cautioned against trusting anyone over thirty. Eschewing money, materialism, and politics, they repudiated the mainstream values of the times. Along the way, these counterculturists created a lasting legacy and inspired long-lasting social changes.

What ended the hippie movement? ›

After the Vietnam War ended in the mid-1970s, the counterculture movement died down. However, the media continued to idolize the hippie scene. Even today, the hippie movement is often missed by those who desire to live in a more “free” society.

What kind of dresses did hippies wear? ›

Hippies tended to dress in extremely loose, comfy clothing. Typically, both men and women acquired long hair that flowed like a river. Due to the high cost of fabric, hippies began to design and colour their own clothing. They frequently wear bell-bottom jeans with ankle fringe and flower patches as their attire.

What kind of shoes did hippies wear? ›

Though hippies made a point of going barefoot, they often wear flat sandals when this isn't practical. After all, no shirt, no shoes, no service. The sandals most often associated with hippies are Birkenstocks. They have cork bottoms and leather upper material.

How much did a dress cost in 1960? ›

According to https://www.in2013dollars.com, these are the cost of each century of dresses. 1920s-$15.49, 1930s-$20, 1940s-$20.36, 1950s-$30.01, 1960s-$34, 1970s-$52.75, 1980s-$66.87, 1990s-$87.27, 2000s-$68.03, 2010s-$76.25, 2020s-$68.31. Through these years, the price of dresses have changed drastically.

What did kids wear in the 60s? ›

1960s Kids' Fashion Clothing including denim jeans and corduroy slacks, tapered trousers and stylish pullovers, Sailor dresses, jumpers and bold plaids with bow accents, Pants-dresses, double-breasted jackets, flared slacks, ruffled shirts and turtlenecks, pleated skirts and button accents ....

What were the popular necklines in the 1960s? ›

Styles skimmed the body and necklines were high in the form of turtle neck, high scoop, bateau or high cowl. Backs were low especially in eveningwear. We see the princess line feature on many styles from the mid 60s and obvious use of fabulous brocades, satins and chiffons.

Is tie dye 60s or 70s? ›

Tie dye was popular in the 1960s as Protest Art, then as Pop Fashion in the 70s. These are the most notable tie dye decades, but tie dye is renewed each decade. Tie dye became popular as an idea; your clothing can be a form of protest. Tie dye became a popular way to protest the Vietnam war and the status quo.

Were denim jackets popular in the 60s? ›

Though popular with many folks, it caught on most quickly with the counterculture youth of the '60s, who donned it in defiance of their parents' button-upped professional wear. As with most “cool” trends, the denim jacket eventually entered the mainstream, becoming a closet staple by the 70s and 80s.

Why is it called Swinging Sixties? ›

The Swinging Sixties was a youth-driven cultural revolution that took place in the United Kingdom during the mid-to-late 1960s, emphasising modernity and fun-loving hedonism, with Swinging London denoted as its centre.

When did the 60s end culturally? ›

On The Road To Rock Excess: Why The '60s Really Ended In 1973 : NPR.

What did people value in the 1960s? ›

Virtually all Americans now agree that the end of legal segre- gation, the achievement of legal equality for women, increased social tolerance for hom*osexuality, concern for the environment, and heightened respect for non-Western cultures are welcome achievements of the 1960s.

Did girls wear jeans in the 60s? ›

For women, the decade also represents a time of dramatic change in fashion. While jeans first gained popularity among women in the 1950s, it wasn't until the 1960s that pants — and denim specifically — became a true staple in women's wardrobes.

When was hippie fashion? ›

The hippie era was one of the most significant fashion eras that have left a permanent mark on the minds of people. The Hippie style was popular in the late 1960s and 1970s because of its ease of use and comfort. It also represented a counterculture movement at the time that sought to make changes in society.

What was the style in 1963? ›

In 1963, the young look swept through the fashion world like a great tsunami. This look included knee-high skirts, sleeveless dresses, lower heels and close-cropped, natural hair. Any type of artificial look was abandoned quickly.

When was the golden age of fashion? ›

The launch of Christian Dior's New Look in 1947 marked the beginning of a momentous decade in fashion history, one that Dior himself called the 'golden age'. Celebrating the end of war and the birth of a new era, it set a standard for dressmaking and high fashion that has rarely been surpassed.

What decade was oversized clothes? ›

Undoubtedly, oversized fashion marked the beginning of a new trend for urban youth during the 1990s.

When was the first fashion trend? ›

The concept of trend started in the 14th century when the upper echelons of society demonstrated their social position and wealth also by how often they could change their looks. The characteristic of fashion trends is that they rise and fall.

What was the fashion in 1965? ›

Ponchos, moccasins, love beads, peace signs, medallion necklaces, chain belts, polka dot-printed fabrics, and long, puffed "bubble" sleeves were popular fashions in the late 1960s. Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, Jesus sandals, and headbands.

What was the fashion in 1964? ›

So what do we understand of fashion in 1964? Dresses were cut simply without accentuating the waist, allowing the details to do the talking. Sweet additions such as bows and collars were popular and fashion designers continued their focus on the youth market.

What was the fashion in the 1970s? ›

Popular styles included bell bottom pants, frayed jeans, midi skirts, maxi dresses, tie-dye, peasant blouses, and ponchos. Some accessories that will help pull together your early '70s Hippie outfits are chokers, headbands, scarves, and jewelry made of wood, stones, feathers, and beads.

What were the main influences on fashion styles in? ›

Fashion trends are influenced by several factors, including cinema, celebrities, climate, creative explorations, innovations, designs, political, economic, social, and technological.

What movies influenced fashion in the 1960s? ›

The '60s Films That Every Fashion Girl Should Watch
  • La Dolce Vita, 1960. ...
  • Breakfast At Tiffany's, 1961. ...
  • The Graduate, 1967. ...
  • Bonnie & Clyde, 1967. ...
  • Belle du Jour, 1968. ...
  • Blow Up, 1966. ...
  • A Very Private Affair, 1962. ...
  • Cleopatra, 1963.
Jan 27, 2015

What influenced fashion trends? ›

There are certain factors that influence fashion, such as psychological factors, socio-cultural factors, economic factors, environmental factors, etc.

How did Twiggy influence fashion in 1960s? ›

During the 1960s, Twiggy was one of the many who joined a movement that celebrated a more liberated fashion sense than ever before. Bras were switched to light camisoles and garters were changed to stockings. Luckily, with her small frame... it was probably never an issue!

What are the 3 key influences on fashion? ›

Fashion Designing Basics: Factors Influencing Popular Fashion
  • Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric) Deciding the colour, fabric and look for the upcoming season is something that every designer works on. ...
  • Movies & Music. The entertainment world is a major influencer of fashion. ...
  • Fashion Stylist. ...
  • Economy of a Country.
Dec 20, 2017

What are 4 factors that influence clothing? ›

The selection of clothing should be done on the basis of age, season, income, occasion and fashion.

What are the 3 basic reasons that people wear clothes? ›

Well, there are three big reasons why.
  • Firstly, clothes provide us with physical safeguards against climatic conditions, like rain, heat, dust and other factors.
  • Secondly, clothes establish our identities, and social status, and help maintain modesty.
  • Lastly, clothes also protect us from various occupational hazards.
Aug 16, 2022

What were six trends that were popular during the 1960s? ›

Our Ten Favorite Trends from the 60s
  • Beatlemania. Before Backstreet Boys. ...
  • Go-go Boots. By the mid 60s, women in dance clubs across America could be spotted rocking these knee-high boots while shimmying to the twist, the swim and the loco-motion.
  • Lava Lamps. ...
  • Black Light. ...
  • Tie Dye Clothing. ...
  • Surfing. ...
  • Troll Dolls. ...
  • Mood Rings.

What was black fashion like in the 1960s? ›

African American Fashion from the 1960s. African Americans usually wore jeans. Black people wore colorful baggy shirts. They wore suits that were black and white with thin ties.

What movie had the most outfit changes? ›

The record was taken from Taylor by Madonna in 1996, when she played the title role in Evita. Based on the life of Argentine First Lady Eva Peron, Evita saw Madonna change costumes a staggering 85 times.

Who influenced fashion most? ›

The 12 Greatest Fashion Icons of All Time
  • Princess Diana. One of the best-dressed women in history is Diana, Princess of Wales. ...
  • Rihanna. Rihanna remains an influential fashion icon that even international brands recognise. ...
  • Audrey Hepburn. ...
  • Harry Styles. ...
  • Billy Porter. ...
  • Jackie Kennedy. ...
  • David Bowie. ...
  • Cher.
May 4, 2022

What social factors influence fashion? ›

Social factors affecting fashion include cultures, norms, lifestyle, demographics and population changes. For example, a small clothing manufacturer needs to create styles that appeal to those of different cultures, especially if those cultural groups represent large enough segments of its market.

What was the 60s aesthetic? ›

In its rainbow-hued, flower-power aesthetic, the 60s is the birthplace of one of the most enduring counter cultures the world has ever seen – the Hippie Movement. This decade (and subculture) is synonymous with an attitude of youthful, vibrant revolution. The hippies chose to use radical love to change the world.

What were the 1960s beauty trends? ›

1960s makeup overview

By the mid '60s mod and babydoll looks took over makeup trends, which revolved around bold eyes. Pastel eye shadow, black crease shadow, winged eyeliner, and heavy fake lashes with light blush and pastel pink lips were integral to these types of styles.

Who was the stylish first lady during the 1960s? ›

Jacqueline Kennedy (1961-1963)

Simply put, she is the poster girl for timeless first lady fashion and continues to be admired for her elegant ensembles. Her minimal, monochromatic outfits, classic pillbox hats, and Chanel suits were among her most iconic looks when John F.

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