Iconic ‘60s Fashion Trends That We Still Love Today
From Diana Ross to the Summer of Love.
The “Swinging Sixties” was a time known for its major shifts in culture, politics, music, and fashion. From the Civil Rights movement to second-wave feminism, as well as some of the world’s most historical events—Neil Armstrong’s first step onto the moon, the Kennedy assassination, the appointment of the first Black Supreme Court Justice—this tumultuous decade had a direct impact on individual expression that was mirrored in the 1960s fashion trends it produced.
The growing popularity of miniskirts and bikinis signified the sexual liberation of empowered women exerting their bodily autonomy, while bold colors and flower power served as a symbol of opposition to the Vietnam War and a revolution against all that was mainstream. With or without a grasp of the cultural magnitude, we still revel in a lot of these styles and trends today. Your favorite fringe jacket, risqué sheer dress, or warmest crochet clothing all at one point made a statement that went beyond fashion, so let this roundup of iconic style moments serve as your grooviest mood board now and forever.
1960
American-born French actress Marpessa Dawn eloquently wears a fit and flare dress. The silhouette was a ’60s staple that will never go out of style.
1960
Jayne Mansfield seen in a fitted pencil skirt and kitten heels, a quintessential 1960s outfit.
1960
The Supremes were the ’60s favorite girl group, pictured here wearing their nod to menswear style—surely an inspiration for all of the cravats and loosely slung neckties we see on the modern runways.
1960
Diahann Carroll struts a pose in a button-down dress worn over billowing trousers.
1960
The ’60s became a time for women to express themselves through clothing, which included wearing pants more regularly (an item once thought to be taboo for ladies).
1960
When designer Mary Quant invented the miniskirt, she likely didn’t foresee its impactful longevity and the popularity it would sustain so many decades later.
1960
Another tweak on menswear, the leather vest.
1961
Dressed up with somewhere to go.
1962
Whenever Jackie Kennedy stepped out, the fashion world took note. Her and Lee Radziwill both impeccably work these headscarves into a casual out-and-about look.
1963
Feeling feline? Elizabeth Taylor shows us how to wear head-to-toe leopard print with the utmost confidence.
1963
We can thank the 1963 movie Beach Party for the popularization of the bikini.
1963
These aren’t your regular skirt suits. Exaggerated necklines and a dropped waist add extra flair on Italy’s Spanish Steps.
1963
Travel in style with a matching cape and trouser set, complete with a pair of leather (or faux leather) gloves.
1964
Paisley print, an exaggerated collar, and an oversized necktie make this ensemble a smart look.
1964
Women of the ’60s were always dressed to the nines for cocktail hour.
1964
Floral shift dresses and headscarves—perfect for a casual day at the beach or pool.
1964
High-waisted swimwear was everywhere throughout the ’60s, and we’re seeing it make a pretty big comeback in modern day (most notably on Taylor Swift).
1964
A lesson in prints and prints done right.
1964
This pic is a throwback to one of Christian Dior’s fall-winter collections in the mid-1960s.
1965
A gloomy day never looked so good in these playful rain jackets.
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