The 1960s witnessed a dynamic and transformative era in fashion, marked by a departure from the conservative styles of the previous decade. The mid-60s saw the rise of the youth-oriented Mod movement, spearheaded by designers like Mary Quant. Mini skirts, characterized by bold geometric patterns and minimalist aesthetics, became iconic symbols of the era. Psychedelic prints, vibrant colours, and Op Art-inspired designs reflected the optimistic spirit of the time.
Brief Overview of 1960s Fashion
- Youthquake and the Rise of the Youth Culture: The 1960s witnessed a significant cultural shift with the rise of the youth culture. The younger generation, often referred to as the “baby boomers,” began to exert a strong influence on various aspects of society, including fashion. The youth culture sought to break away from the traditions of the past and embrace a more liberated and experimental lifestyle.
- Music and the Influence of Pop Culture: The music scene of the 1960s, particularly the emergence of rock and roll and the British Invasion, had a profound impact on fashion. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones influenced clothing styles, with trends such as the Mod look becoming synonymous with the music culture.
- Iconic Fashion Icons: Fashion icons of the 1960s played a crucial role in shaping trends. Models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, along with actresses such as Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot, set the standard for elegance and style. Their distinctive looks and fashion choices were emulated by many.
- Social and Political Movements: The 1960s was a decade of social and political upheaval, with movements such as the Civil Rights Movement, anti-war protests, and the feminist movement gaining momentum. These movements influenced fashion by inspiring a sense of rebellion and a desire for change. The counterculture embraced more casual and unconventional styles as a form of expression against societal norms.
- Space Exploration and Futurism: The fascination with space exploration and the achievements of the space race influenced fashion, giving rise to futuristic and space-age themes. Metallic fabrics, bold shapes, and asymmetrical designs became prevalent as designers looked to the future for inspiration.
- Technological Advances: Advances in technology, particularly in the textile industry, played a role in shaping 1960s fashion. The availability of new fabrics and manufacturing techniques allowed designers to experiment with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and innovative designs.
- Art and Pop Art Movement: The Pop Art movement, characterized by vibrant colors and bold graphics, had a significant impact on fashion. Designers incorporated Pop Art elements into their creations, resulting in clothing with eye-catching patterns and unconventional designs.
- Global Influences: The 1960s was a period of increased global interconnectedness. International travel and cultural exchange influenced fashion, with designers drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and traditions.
Women's Fashion in 60's
- Mini Skirts and Dresses: The iconic mini skirt, introduced by Mary Quant, symbolized a spirit of liberation and rebellion, challenging conventional hemlines.
- Shift Dresses: The unfitted and straight silhouette of shift dresses marked a departure from the structured styles of the previous decade.
- Bold Patterns and Colors: Psychedelic prints and vibrant colors defined the era, influenced by Op Art and creating visually striking designs.
- Go-Go Boots: Knee-high Go-Go boots, often made of patent leather or vinyl, became synonymous with the energetic Mod fashion movement.
- Pant Suits: The late 1960s embraced stylish pant suits, reflecting the influence of the feminist movement and a move towards practical yet chic clothing.
- Bouffant Hairstyles and Beehive Hairdos: Hairstyles featured volume and height, with bouffant and beehive styles capturing the essence of the era.
- Feminine and Youthful Looks: A-line dresses with a narrow top and flared skirt epitomized a playful and feminine silhouette, adorned with ruffles and bows.
- Pillbox Hats: Inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy’s elegance, the pillbox hat added a touch of sophistication to outfits.
- Space-Age Fashion: Reflecting the fascination with space exploration, clothing incorporated metallic fabrics, silver accessories, and sleek designs for a modern touch.
- Makeup Trends: Makeup emphasized dramatic eyes with bold eyeliner and false eyelashes, complemented by pale lips for a distinctive mod-inspired look.
Men's Fashion in 60's
- Slim-Fitting Suits: The early 1960s retained the tailored and well-fitted silhouette of the 1950s, with slim-fitting suits featuring narrow lapels and shorter jacket lengths. This style was popularized by fashion icons like the Beatles.
- Bold Patterns and Colors: As the decade progressed, men’s fashion embraced bolder patterns and brighter colors. Plaids, checks, and bold stripes became popular choices for suits and casual wear.
- Casual Wear and Preppy Style: The preppy style, influenced by Ivy League fashion, gained popularity. Casual wear included chinos, polo shirts, and crew-neck sweaters, reflecting a more relaxed and youthful approach to dressing.
- Turtlenecks and Roll Necks: Turtlenecks and roll neck sweaters were fashionable choices, adding a touch of sophistication to casual and formal looks.
- Collarless Shirts: Collarless shirts, often referred to as “grandad” or “Mandarin” collars, became trendy, especially in casual and mod-inspired fashion.
- Neckties and Accessories: Neckties in the early ’60s were typically narrow and featured bold patterns. Bow ties also made a comeback, influenced by the mod and dandy styles. Accessories like cufflinks and pocket squares were popular to add flair to formal wear.
7. Beatle Boots: Beatle boots, characterized by a low heel and ankle length, gained popularity and were influenced by the footwear worn by the Beatles.
8. Mod Fashion: The mid-1960s saw the emergence of the Mod fashion movement, characterized by sleek and tailored looks. Slim-cut suits, bold patterns, and ankle-length trousers were hallmarks of the Mod style.
9. Hippie and Bohemian Influences: Towards the end of the decade, the influence of the counterculture and the rise of the hippie movement brought about a more relaxed and bohemian approach to fashion. Flowing shirts, bell-bottom trousers, and psychedelic prints became popular.
10. Military and Safari Influence: Safari jackets and military-inspired clothing, influenced by global travel and adventure, became fashionable. Earthy tones and utility details were prevalent in these styles.
11. Hairstyles: Men’s hairstyles in the early ’60s featured short and well-groomed cuts. However, as the decade progressed, longer hair became fashionable, especially in the latter part of the ’60s with the influence of the counterculture.
Accessories of 60's Fashion
Accessories played a significant role in enhancing and completing the fashionable looks of the 1960s. Here are some key accessories that were popular during this era:
- Hats:
- Pillbox Hats: Inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy, pillbox hats were a fashionable accessory in the early ’60s. These small, brimless hats added a touch of elegance to women’s outfits.
- Newsboy Caps: For men, newsboy caps, also known as flat caps or driving caps, were a stylish choice, especially in casual and mod-inspired looks.
2. Sunglasses: Large, bold sunglasses were in vogue, reflecting the influence of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. Oversized frames and cat-eye shapes were particularly popular.
3. Scarves: Scarves were versatile accessories worn by both men and women. Women often adorned their outfits with colorful, printed scarves, while men sometimes wore scarves with casual and mod-inspired looks.
4. Gloves: Women often paired their dresses with gloves, ranging from short and elegant styles to longer, opera-length gloves. Leather and satin gloves were particularly fashionable.
5. Jewelry:
- Chunky Jewelry: The ’60s saw a trend towards bold and chunky jewellery. Large earrings, statement necklaces, and chunky bracelets were popular choices.
- Pearls: Classic pearl necklaces, influenced by the style of Audrey Hepburn, remained a timeless accessory for women.
6. Handbags:
- Clutch Bags: Clutch bags in various shapes and sizes were popular among women for both daytime and evening wear.
- Box Bags: Structured box bags with clean lines and geometric shapes were fashionable accessories, often carried by women.
- Ties and Bow Ties: Men’s ties in the early ’60s were typically narrow and featured bold patterns, including stripes and geometric designs. Bow ties also made a comeback, especially in mod and dandy styles.
- Belts: Women’s belts were often worn high on the waist and cinched to accentuate the silhouette. Statement belts with bold buckles were a common accessory.
- Go-Go Boots: Knee-high Go-Go boots, made of patent leather or vinyl, were a defining footwear choice for women. They often accompanied mini skirts and dresses.
- Headbands: Headbands, often worn across the forehead, were a popular accessory. They complemented the bohemian and hippie styles of the late ’60s.
- Pocket Squares: Men often added flair to their suits with pocket squares. These small, folded squares of fabric were placed in the chest pocket of a suit jacket.
- Ascots: Ascots, a type of neckwear similar to a cravat, gained popularity among men. They were often worn with more casual, mod-inspired looks.
Hairstyles of Man & Woman in 60's Fashion
Hairstyles in the 1960s underwent a diverse range of trends, reflecting the cultural shifts and fashion influences of the era. Here are some iconic hairstyles for both men and women during the 1960s:
Women’s Hairstyles:
- Bouffant: The early ’60s saw the popularity of the bouffant hairstyle, characterized by voluminous and teased hair, often styled with a raised crown.
- Beehive: The beehive, a distinctive and elegant hairstyle, became a symbol of the mid-1960s. It featured tall, rounded, and well-coiffed hair, resembling the shape of a beehive.
- Pixie Cut: Popularized by fashion icon Audrey Hepburn, the pixie cut became a chic and timeless choice for women. It featured short and cropped hair, emphasizing a more modern and carefree look.
- Flip: The flip hairstyle involved outwardly curled ends, creating a flipped or upturned appearance. It was a playful and youthful style.
- Long and Straight: In the latter part of the decade, the counter-culture movement popularized long, straight hair. Women embraced a more natural and free-flowing look, often influenced by hippie and bohemian styles.
- Headbands and Ribbons: Accessories like headbands and ribbons were commonly used to complement various hairstyles, adding a touch of femininity and flair.
- Mod Bob: The mod bob featured a shorter length, often cut just above the shoulders, and was characterized by its sleek and geometric lines.
- Twiggy’s Crop: Model Twiggy’s signature pixie crop with a boyish charm gained popularity. This ultra-short and angular haircut became an iconic look of the mid-’60s.
Men’s Hairstyles:
- Crew Cut: The crew cut, a short and neat hairstyle, remained a classic choice for men. It featured short sides and back with a slightly longer length on top.
- Ivy League Cut: The Ivy League cut, also known as the Princeton or Harvard clip, was a slightly longer version of the crew cut, with a tapered top.
- Mod Cut: Inspired by the mod fashion movement, men’s hairstyles featured shorter sides and a slightly longer top. This style often included bangs or a fringe.
- Surfer Hair: Popularized by the Beach Boys and surf culture, surfer hair featured longer and tousled locks, reflecting a more laid-back and carefree style.
- Beatle Cut: The influence of The Beatles was evident in the adoption of the “Beatle cut,” characterized by longer hair with bangs that fell over the forehead.
- Shaggy Hair: As the counterculture movement gained momentum, some men embraced longer and shaggier hairstyles, reflecting a rejection of traditional grooming norms.
- Side Part: A classic side part, often with a more polished and groomed appearance, remained a timeless choice for men.
- Afro Hairstyle: In the latter part of the ’60s, the Afro hairstyle gained popularity among men of African descent, celebrating natural curls and showcasing a strong cultural and political identity.
Overall, the 1960s offered a diverse range of hairstyles that mirrored the societal changes and fashion trends of the time. Whether it was the polished and refined looks of the early ’60s or the more relaxed and free-spirited styles of the later decade, hair played a crucial role in expressing individuality and embracing the spirit of the era.
Influential Fashion Icons of 60's Fashion
Women’s Fashion Icons:
- Audrey Hepburn: Known for her timeless elegance, Audrey Hepburn’s style epitomized sophistication. Her iconic looks in films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “My Fair Lady” influenced the adoption of classic, feminine silhouettes, including the little black dress.
- Brigitte Bardot: French actress Brigitte Bardot was a sex symbol of the ’60s. Her signature style included tousled hair, winged eyeliner, and figure-hugging dresses, contributing to the development of the glamorous and sultry look.
- Jackie Kennedy Onassis: As the First Lady, Jackie Kennedy’s fashion choices had a profound impact. She popularized the pillbox hat, oversized sunglasses, and tailored suits, setting a standard for sophisticated and elegant attire.
- Twiggy (Lesley Lawson): The face of the Mod movement, Twiggy became a symbol of ’60s youth culture. Her androgynous style featured a boyish haircut, bold eye makeup, and the shift towards shorter hemlines, influencing the fashion of the mid-’60s.
- Marilyn Monroe: Although her career peaked in the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe’s influence extended into the ’60s. Her glamorous and curvaceous style continued to inspire fashion, emphasizing body-hugging silhouettes and feminine allure.
- Mary Quant: British fashion designer Mary Quant was a key figure in the Mod fashion movement. She popularized the miniskirt and other youth-oriented styles that challenged traditional fashion norms.
- Jean Shrimpton: Renowned as one of the world’s first supermodels, Jean Shrimpton’s natural beauty and effortless style made her a fashion icon. She often wore the latest designs by notable designers and photographers.
Men’s Fashion Icons:
- The Beatles: The Beatles, especially during their early years, had a massive impact on men’s fashion. Their collarless suits, shaggy hairstyles, and mod-influenced looks became synonymous with the ’60s youth culture.
- James Bond (Sean Connery): Sean Connery’s portrayal of James Bond in the ’60s films showcased a timeless and sophisticated style. His tailored suits, tuxedos, and accessories contributed to the popularization of classic men’s formalwear.
- Steve McQueen: Actor Steve McQueen was the epitome of cool in the 1960s. His casual yet stylish looks, including turtlenecks, bomber jackets, and classic suits, influenced men’s fashion, emphasizing a laid-back and rugged charm.
- Bob Dylan : Folk icon Bob Dylan’s distinctive style blended casual and bohemian elements. His layered outfits, denim, and unkempt hair contributed to the development of the counterculture look.
- Terence Stamp: English actor Terence Stamp was known for his sharp and mod-inspired fashion choices. His clean-cut looks and tailored suits contributed to the popularization of the mod aesthetic.
- Jean-Paul Belmondo : French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo embodied a sense of nonchalant sophistication. His casual yet refined style, including turtlenecks and tailored jackets, reflected the continental influence on men’s fashion.
Frequently Asked Question
Notable fashion icons of the ’60s included Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Kennedy, Twiggy, The Beatles, and Mary Quant, among others.
The youth culture of the 1960s, driven by the baby boomer generation, influenced fashion with a desire for liberation and experimentation. The Mod and counterculture movements emerged, challenging traditional styles.
Women’s hairstyles included the bouffant, beehive, pixie cut, and long, straight hair. Men’s hairstyles ranged from crew cuts to mod cuts, with influences from music and popular culture.
The Mod fashion movement of the 1960s was characterized by sleek and tailored looks, short hemlines, bold patterns, and a modern, youthful aesthetic. It was influenced by music, art, and a desire for innovation.
