As the world spun into the 1960s, fashion followed suit and underwent a major revolution. It was a special decade that will forever be remembered for its eclectic and daring styles, signaling the beginning of a new era in fashion history. In this article, we will explore how fashion in the 60s changed the approach to style in the modern era.
1. Sashaying Into the Swinging ’60s
The ’60s decade was full of stylistic innovations and groundbreaking changes that would define the future of the fashion industry. People started to experiment with bold and daring looks, making the decade one of the most revolutionary era in modern style.
The mini dress became extremely popular among young women, no matter where they were from. Its free-flowing silhouette was synonymous with youth, modernity and liberation. Its daring feel perfectly embodied the decade’s spirit of carefree living and opposition to traditional beauty standards.
- Flower power mini dress
- Psychedelic patterns
- Go-go boots
- Fringed clothing
- Statement jewelry
- Hippie look
Vibrant colors and hypnotizing patterns characterized this era’s fashion. Women transitioned from the traditional suit and skirt look to the far more expressive miniskirt and go-go boots combination, decorated with edgy statement jewelry pieces and topped off with a distinct hairstyle.
The hippie aesthetic was extremely popular among young people of all genders. Its more masculine versions manifested in floral shirts and fringed clothing accessorizing the look. As a result of this fashion explosion, the ’60s became known as one of the most stylish decades of the XX century.
2. A Bold New Look: How Fashion Changed in the ’60s
The ’60s were a period of dramatic social change, and fashion was no exception. The cultural shift pushed fashion to take decisive new directions, resulting in a bolder look for fashion-forward men and women.
Bold Colors: The bright, cheerful colors that defined the decade were a complete departure from the more muted tones of the 50s. Cheery pinks, oranges and purples invaded wardrobes, along with loud floral prints. Men stepped beyond boring tones and added bright-colored slacks and shirts to their closets, usually in geometric designs.
Unisex Fashion: Fashion in the ’60s had a unisex quality, which meant that clothes that were traditionally classified by gender could be worn by both sexes. Women embraced men’s trousers, and clunky shoes and boots were popular for both men and women. Later in the decade, the iconic midi skirt was seen as an ambitious trend, taking women away from their typical mini skirts.
Retro Accessories: Accessories were a major part of ’60s fashion, particularly glasses! The huge, over-sized frames that would become an enduring fashion classic first made an appearance during this decade. Small handbags and hats with feathers and flowers gave a playful touch, as well as oversized flower-power sunshades.
Hairstyles: Hair was a major statement in the ’60s, with women ditching conservative styles for shoulder-length hair or a trendy short bob. The bouffant was famously popularised by Jackie Kennedy, and men were proudly embracing their curls. For the truly daring, braids and even facial hair for men were part of the bold fashion landscape.
3. The Rebirth of Street Style
Street style has been evolving for decades, and we’re now seeing the rebirth of a classic. From retro sneakers and denim shorts to reconstructed vintage pieces – street style is coming alive with nostalgic vibes.
A simple combination of a T-shirt and dark denim and chunky sneakers can add flare to any style. If you’re looking to stand out, add a flashy belt buckle and a bright cap for an effortless ’90s street vibe. Not only is it eye-catching, but it’s also a modern way to wear the classics.
For a more subtle look, try oversized tees with statement graphics or intricate taping. Complement it with some white high-tops and you have a timeless urban style that will never go out of fashion.
Plus, you can’t forget to add accessories! Accessorizing your everyday look is the perfect way to add a touch of personality. Sunglasses, backpacks, oversized beanies and a cool patch will take any look from street style to street chic.
It’s no doubt that street style has been reimagined and we can’t wait to see how it will continue to evolve. So, no matter your look or mood, there’s something for everyone to be inspired by. Here’s a list of street-ready items to level-up your wardrobe:
- Black skinny jeans
- Retro sneakers
- Statement tees
- Statement sunglasses
- Oversized beanies
- Backpacks
- Leather jackets
4. Going Beyond The Mod: Lasting Effects of ’60s Style
The 1960s saw a revolution in fashion. Clothes went from being tailored to being much more eclectic! People began to embrace a new type of style, incorporating colours and patterns that would become iconic to the era. Mod fashion was the name of the game then, and it’s still influencing the way we dress today. Here are just a few of the lasting effects that ’60s style has had on us:
- Versatility: Mod styles are incredibly versatile – you don’t need to dress head-to-toe in ’60s gear to pull off the look. Instead, all you need to do is take a few elements and use them to create your desired outfit.
- Subtlety: The ’60s look was all about being cool and collected. Pieces weren’t flashy and often had subtle details to make them stand out. This allows you to incorporate ’60s pieces into your existing wardrobe seamlessly.
- Femininity: The mod look was much more feminine than traditional ’50s fashion. Delicate details, such as bows, ruffles, and trims, added an air of femininity to the look.
- Patterns: Mod was famous for its use of bold patterns and prints. Pinstripes, polka dots, and floral prints were all part of the mod look and these can still be seen on the runways today.
Though the ’60s have come and gone, the effect that the mod style has had on fashion will last forever. Mod fashion may not be as popular as it once was, but it still has a huge influence on the way we dress today. If you’re looking to add a touch of ’60s style to your wardrobe, you’ll find more than enough options to choose from.
So if you’re looking for a way to bring a little bit of ’60s style to your wardrobe, give mod a try. From casual outfits to dressy looks, you’ll be sure to find something that speaks to you.
The 60s were a time of intense change with fashion as colorful as the people that wore it. From the hippies to the youthquakers, the decade brought with it a wave of liberation and creative expression like no other. The swinging sixties revolution paved the way for bold and daring fashion statements, allowing men and women to express themselves in a way like never before. This newfound freedom in fashion gave rise to a sense of self-expression and individuality that still lives on today.
