Iconic '60s Fashion Trends We Still Adore Today

Fashion changes from one decade to the next, like flipping pages in a book. Each chapter tells a new story. In the 1960s, things sped up. Old styles didn’t last as long, and the 60s fashion trends became more daring.

This was a decade of opposites, a mix of timeless grace and dauntless creativity. Classic, extravagant looks from the 1950s remained popular; however, bold, rebellious designs from the younger generation took over.

At Ashley Stewart, we craft stylish designs, such as plus-size cocktail dresses inspired by various eras, including the timeless 60s vintage style. If you want to know more about how these iconic looks shaped fashion, let’s dive in!

Fashion in the 1960s wasn’t just about clothes; it was a revolution. Bold, fun, and full of life, it broke all the old rules. From shorter skirts to wild patterns, everything in the 60s attire fashion felt fresh and exciting. Icons like Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn showed the world how to stand out. Even today, their looks inspire designers and fashion lovers.

This decade broke old rules and welcomed new ideas. Young people in big cities (modernists or the mods) started trends that caught everyone’s attention. These styles inspired both top designers and everyday clothing brands.

The miniskirt, culottes, cocktail dresses, and go-go boots were big hits. Some styles, like shiny PVC dresses, were more daring and made a statement. Mary Quant made the miniskirt famous, and Jackie Kennedy's pillbox hat became a must-have.

Bright colors, bold prints, and mixed patterns were everywhere. False eyelashes were also popular, and hairstyles came in all forms and proportions.

Here are some of the most famous trends from the 60s:

The typical daytime outfit often included a big hat over a high bouffant hairstyle. Clothes had deep armholes, wide sleeves, and rounded jackets that tapered at the hem.

For the evening, the slender look became popular. Long-waisted dresses with an overblouse replaced the fitted waistline and full skirt. Dresses with sequins or crystal beads took over from the bouffant dresses.

Designers were inspired by contemporary architecture and sculpture. This led to blouses, bias-cut designs, long, straight tunics, and short skirts. Hats were closely fitted, and makeup (especially red lips) and short hairstyles were common.

New clothing pieces like culottes, divided skirts, black cocktail dresses, and trim trouser skirts became popular for travel, streetwear, and evenings at home.

Skirts got shorter, and many were worn with low-heeled shoes to highlight the legs. Collarless coats and dresses created a long-neck effect, and some dresses featured draped cowl backs for a sleek look.

Plaids were a big favorite, along with abstract and expressionist art prints on silk. Wools were still in style but had to be lightweight and often loosely woven.

Darker colors like grape, plum, wine red, garnet, and olive green ruled the fashion scene in dress categories such as fit-and-flare dresses. Neon bright pink also became a popular color for those who wanted to stand out.

Furs and hats remained popular, including evening turbans made of tulle. They became a fashionable accessory, seen in many high-end stores.

Fashion icons like Brigitte Bardot and Mary Quant added their personal touch to 60s fashion trends. Bardot’s beehive hairstyle and Quant’s geometric prints made huge waves.

Step into retro glamour with confidence! Discover how to adapt timeless looks to your curves in our guide to smart styling.

The 1960s brought about many iconic fashion pieces that changed how people dressed. Here are a few of the most memorable styles:

Tights in bright colors like purple, black, and white became a must-have. They came in different textures, such as fishnet, herringbone, and lace.

The idea behind colored tights was to cover up knees and prevent garter gaps from sheer stockings. Pantyhose were perfect for hiding bumps, bruises, and even uneven skin tone.

Pantsuits caused a lot of buzz in the 1960s. They were made by adapting men’s suits to a women's fit. Some workplaces even banned women from wearing them.

There was a debate about whether pantsuits were empowering or disrespectful to womanhood. Despite this, women flocked to stores to buy them and pair them with attractive women's shirts, making pantsuits a hot topic.

Shift dresses were a casual option for the home, running errands, or the beach. In that era, they were not suitable for the office, especially since they were very short. The length of a woman's dress became a sign of her confidence and liberation.

The jumper dress, invented by Mary Quant, captured the playful, youthful side of fashion. With big bows, round collars, and fun prints like polka dots, these dresses made women look younger and more attractive.

Go-go boots became a classic footwear style in the 1960s. These white boots had low heels and reached right below the knee. Over time, the style grew to include knee-high boots and even boots in different colors and designs. They were the perfect addition to the bold fashion of the era.

A turtleneck is something many different people can enjoy. This sixties fashion for ladies' style became popular in films like the French classic Breathless, where it was seen in knit form. It also became part of Andy Warhol’s iconic look. Turtlenecks exploded in popularity because they were so versatile and became a symbol of cool, simple fashion.

Planning a statement look inspired by the ‘60s? Learn how to dress up for special occasions with confidence and flair.

In 1967, the girl of the year was sporting a look that the girl of 2023 would also want to wear. The miniskirt was a bold statement for women’s fashion. It was no longer about modesty; it was about showing off legs and embracing confidence.

The miniskirt became a powerful symbol of the changing times, marking the shift away from old ideals and celebrating the liberation of women’s fashion in the 60s.

The ‘60s were a time when fashion looked to the future, and designers like Courreges were at the forefront of that revolution. Drawing inspiration from space exploration and technological advances, they introduced fabrics such as PVC, nylon, and metallics into the fashion world.

These new materials represented the cutting edge of the time, with their shiny and futuristic look. Fashion during this era became more experimental, and these space-age synthetics paved the way for the bright, bold, and futuristic fashion we see today.

The swing coat was one of the standout pieces of the mid-60s, making its mark in the fashion world. In 1966, designer Courreges introduced a boxy, carefree style that was a direct response to the mature fashion of previous years.

Young people adopted the swing coat, enjoying its loose fit and the fun vibe it brought to fashion. It was a perfect blend of style and rebellion, challenging traditional ideas about women’s fashion.

In 1965, Yves Saint Laurent created a series of shift dresses inspired by the works of artist Piet Mondrian. The bold, block colors and geometric shapes used in these dresses instantly made them iconic. The design was deceptively simple, but there was a lot of technical effort behind it.

The color blocks were created by combining fabrics within the dress in a way that made the seams invisible, resulting in a clean, sharp look. The result was a dress that was both modern and artistic.

Mary Jane ballet flats became an essential part of ‘60s fashion, especially for women looking for comfort. These shoes were practical, with little to no heel, making them perfect for running around town. They were also much more comfortable than traditional heels, allowing women to walk without discomfort.

Ballet flats were often paired with dresses, skirts & t-shirts for women, or pants, providing a casual look that fits perfectly with the youthful, carefree spirit of the era. Despite offering less height, these shoes helped women feel more grounded and confident.

The leopard-print dress was one of the standout patterns of the ‘60s. It was loved by style icons like Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1966, Bob Dylan even wrote a song called Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat, further cementing the pattern’s popularity.

The trend has remained iconic over the years, continuing to appear in modern fashion. Today, you’ll find leopard prints in midi skirts, outerwear, and polo shirts for women, keeping the legacy of the ‘60s alive.

Jumpsuits were initially designed for parachuting, but they quickly found their place in the world of fashion. First introduced in Vogue in 1964, the jumpsuit became a bold, striking fashion statement. It was a full-body outfit that balanced practicality and style.

Whether made of sleek leather for a night out or designed with sporty fabric for daytime wear, the jumpsuit became a go-to for women. It was a symbol of confidence and a more adventurous side of fashion, allowing women to express themselves through bold, comfortable clothing.

Jackie Kennedy was a major fashion icon of the '60s. Her style was simple, clean, and well-fitted.

• She wore collarless dresses and single-button jackets, which looked very elegant.
• Her hats and low-heeled shoes were always perfectly matched.
• Young women copied her style. She became a symbol of grace and fashion.
• Jackie’s prim skirt suits, pillbox hats, and big dark glasses made her popular.

Mary Quant changed fashion in the 1960s. She made bold, fun trends available to everyone. She is credited with creating the miniskirt, hot pants, colored tights, and plastic raincoats.

• Mary Quant moved away from "grown-up" fashion and focused on "youthful" fashion.
• Her dresses were short, with bold, colorful prints called "mod" prints.
• Her style was playful, and she made fashion fun.
• She designed simple, clean-cut shapes that were neat and young-looking.

• Quant’s miniskirts were about 6 to 7 inches above the knee. These miniskirts emphasized a woman’s natural form.
• London girls loved her new, daring look, which became known as the "Chelsea Look."
• The miniskirt was bold and different, and only the young could get away with wearing it.
• Quant used fabrics like cotton, gabardine, and PVC for her designs.
• Many of her outfits featured little white collars for a girly touch.

Twiggy was an English model and actress. Her real name was Lesley Hornby. She made the pixie crop haircut popular, cementing short hair as a must-have.

• Twiggy was known for her bold, thick eyelashes.
• Her boyish style made her stand out.
• Celebrity hairdresser Leonard gave her the famous pixie cut in 1966.
• Her image has been immortalized in famous art, such as Andy Warhol’s screen prints, and even in M&S shopping bags.

Audrey Kathleen Hepburn, a British actress, achieved immense success in Hollywood. She became widely recognized as both a film and fashion icon.

Audrey brought back the little black dress in 1961 with her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She made the dress iconic, showing that simplicity could be stunning.

• Audrey also made the top-handle bag and movie star shades famous.
• Everything she wore became a must-have, from costumes to elegant evening wear.

• Audrey’s evening wear often included matching jackets or wraps.
• Later, the long tweed dinner coat appeared in many high-fashion collections inspired by her style.

From playful to rebellious styles, each fashion style of the 60s was unique and reflected the changing times. Here are four of the most iconic looks of the decade.

• Babydoll dresses in 1966 were full and flared, often with cutaway armholes or a halter neck.
• They were made from transparent tulles, lace, or chiffons with matching linings.
• Dresses were often made in solid colors like red or purple and sometimes in wool.
• Black-and-white combinations were used in art dresses, often in the Mondrian style.
• Black patent accessories complemented these dresses. A simple way to get the '60s look was to wear short colored gloves with a cut-out back.

• The hippie style was all about rejecting traditional fashion, and it became a fashion statement in its own right.
• This look featured faded denim jeans, basic t-shirts, and flower-themed decorations.
• Strapless undershirts and denim were major highlights of the style.
• The hippie look used colors like forest green with brown suede and sunshine yellow with denim blue.
• Funny t-shirts for women with graphic designs were often worn to express a free-spirited attitude.

• Mod fashion started in London and spread around the world in the 1960s.
• This style featured bright colors, modern designs, and raised hemlines.
• It was known as the “London Look” and became very popular with the youth.
• To get this look, you could wear a bright, bold-patterned or colored shirt for women, paired with a sleek skirt.

• Beatnik fashion was inspired by the arts, literature, and jazz music.
• The uniform of this style included black turtlenecks, berets, and striped tops.
• It was a casual, creative look worn by young people who embraced the beat generation.
• Western-style shirts for women in classic black could also fit the Beatnik style, with their simple design.

These fashion styles show how the 1960s had a little something for everyone, from the playful dress shirts for women to the hippies' rebellious spirit.

Hairstyles are the first accessory to any outfit. In the 1960s, some of the most famous and trending hairstyles included:

• Beehive Hairdos: These were popular early in the decade, adding height and volume to the hair.
• Short Styles: Fashion icons like Twiggy and Mia Farrow made very short haircuts trendy.
• Long Straight Hair: In the late 1960s, hippies popularized long, straight hair.
• Chin-Length Contour Cut & Pageboy: Both of these styles were also widely worn.
• Pillbox Hats: Jacqueline Kennedy made the pillbox hat fashionable. Her style set trends for the whole decade.
• Big Hair: During the mid and late '60s, women’s hairstyles got bigger, with lots of hairspray. The volume made faces look smaller and more doll-like.

As the decade went on, hair lengths changed. They went from shoulder-length to chin-length, then to cropped styles above the ears.

The 60s outfits and appearances were all about boldness and creativity, from big hairstyles to unique clothes. They fit perfectly with 1960s fashion trends, like the button-down dresses, skirt suits, and the cool street style of the time. The evolution of hair during the decade was just one part of the overall look of 60s fashion.

Colorful 1960s clothing needed equally colorful jewelry. In the early years of the decade, jewelry still favored textured gold, pastel whites, and pearls. These designs matched the style of the 1950s.

• The new youth loved fake plastics, vinyl, and bold colors.
• The jewelry was inspired by Pop Art, with bright, striking designs.
• Geometric shapes appeared on oversized, dangling earrings.
• Large, chunky bangles and stacks of thin bracelets jingled on bare arms.
• Novelty jewelry with fun and comical themes became popular.
• Flowers made from plastic resins came in bright pastels or primary colors.
• These flower designs hung from necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

These bold jewelry styles perfectly matched the playful and colorful styles of 60s fashion women. The influence of fashion during the 60s is evident in the vibrant jewelry choices, which were a key part of 60s women's fashion trends.

The 1960s makeup look focused on bold, dramatic eyes, creating a striking contrast with colorful clothing. The makeup was designed to highlight the eyes while keeping the rest of the face simple.

• Big eyes were the key element of the classic '60s look.
• Paired with pale lips and matte complexions, this look complemented colorful outfits.
• Thick, winged eyeliner was a prominent trend throughout the decade.
• Long, spidery lashes, inspired by Twiggy, were used to make eyes pop.
• Eyeshadow in cool tones like blue was popular.
• Bold cut-crease makeup also became a trendy style for defining the eyes.

The 1960s changed fashion forever. From micro minis to bold space-age designs, every trend reflected freedom and creativity. These styles weren’t just clothes; they told stories of confidence and individuality. The playful energy of the decade continues to inspire modern wardrobes. Fashion is more than trends; it’s a celebration of self-expression that never goes out of style.