Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Our Editors
60s outfits simply never go out of style. The shift casual, youthful, and experimental styles has immortalised the fashion from that decade. Now, over 60 years later, we’re seeing a resurgence of 1960s style across celebrity red carpets, fashion runways, and music festivals. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, and Gigi Hadid have all channeled the decade’s mod and youthquake aesthetics at several events. Tell me, don’t they look good?
Today’s top designers, including Hedi Slimane at Celine and Miuccia Prada at Miu Miu, are mining the 60s for inspiration, featuring nylon bags, sequined mini dresses, and bold prints.
Now, you don’t need to be rich or famous to dress like this. You can find great 60s-style clothes at thrift stores or online vintage shops. It’s a great way to look chic and cool and help the environment by giving another chance to vintage clothes.
In this guide, we’ll show you all about 60s outfits. We’ll tell you what was popular back then, how to wear it now, and where to find these awesome clothes at reasonable prices. Whether you love old-school stuff or just want to try something new, we’ve got you covered.
So, ready to add some 60s style to your closet? Let’s get started!
What Are 60s Outfits?
Alright, let’s break it down. The 60s were all about rebellion, freedom, and self-expression—and boy, did it show in the clothes! Here’s what made 60s fashion so groovy:
Miniskirts: Mary Quant made legs the star of the show with hemlines that just kept climbing. These daring skirts were a symbol of women’s liberation and youth culture.
Bold Patterns: Think of geometric prints, polka dots, and psychedelic swirls that could make your head spin. The bolder, the better, was the motto of the day.
Bright Colors: The brighter, the better! Orange, yellow, and hot pink were all the rage. Color blocking became a popular trend, with outfits featuring contrasting hues.
Go-go Boots: These knee-high stunners were made for dancing all night long. White was the most popular color, but they came in every shade under the sun.
Bell bottoms: The wider the flare, the cooler you were. Often paired with fringe vests or peasant blouses for that quintessential 60s outfits hippie look.
Tie-dye: The ultimate 60s outfits hippie staple: peace, love, and technicolor dreams. This DIY technique became a symbol of counterculture and individuality.
Shift Dresses: Simple, straight-cut dresses that hung loosely from the shoulders. They were comfortable, chic, and perfect for showing off bold prints.
Space Age Fashion: Inspired by the moon landing, designers like André Courrèges introduced futuristic elements like metallic fabrics and plastic visors.
Mod Style: Popularized by British youth culture, this look featured clean lines, color blocking, and graphic prints.
Bohemian Chic: Flowing maxi dresses, ethnic prints, and natural fabrics characterize this free-spirited style.
Let’s talk about what was happening in the 1960s men’s fashion-wear, and fabric trends.
Iconic 1960s Menswear Trends
The 1960s marked a dramatic shift in men’s fashion, characterized by a move away from conservative styles toward more relaxed and colorful attire. This era saw an explosion of bright prints and patterns, with bold colors and psychedelic designs becoming the norm. Men’s fashion began to embrace a sense of fun and experimentation, reflecting the broader cultural changes of the decade.
One of the key influences on men’s fashion in the 1960s was the rise of rock and roll. Rock stars such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Mick Jagger emerged as the new fashion icons, replacing the previously dominant movie stars. Their distinctive styles set trends that young men eagerly followed, seeking to emulate their idols’ rebellious and dazzling looks.
Military-inspired fashion became another significant trend, with elements like epaulets, brass buttons, and structured coats making their way into everyday wear. This style was partly a reaction to the anti-establishment sentiments of the time, blending rebellion with a touch of historical romanticism.
1960s Textiles and Silhouettes
The 1960s saw the rise of new man-made materials. Designers used modern plastics and synthetic fibers like Perspex, PVC, polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, and Spandex. This allowed them to create easy-care, eye-catching outfits with bold, futuristic designs. The A-line shape was popular as it looked good on many body types and could be dressed up or down. Designers like André Courrèges pushed the boundaries with avant-garde, modern clothes in white and silver.
Whether you’re looking for 1960s vintage pieces or aiming to replicate 60s hippie styles, there’s a wealth of inspiration to draw from this decade. Now, it’s time to show you how to dress for 60’s effortlessly!
How to Dress for 60’s: Styling Tips and Ideas
Creating an authentic 60s look is all about embracing the era’s key trends and adding your personal touch. Here are some practical tips for styling your 60s outfits for ladies, men, boys and girls:
Mini Skirts and Knee-High Boots: Pair a mini skirt with knee-high boots for a classic mod look. Add a turtleneck or a bright, patterned top to complete the ensemble.
Shift Dresses: Opt for a shift dress in bold colors or patterns. Accessorize with statement jewelry and go-go boots for a quintessential 60s vibe.
Hippie Chic: For a more laid-back, bohemian look, choose bell bottoms or flared jeans paired with a peasant blouse or tie-dye top. Add some round sunglasses and a headband for a complete hippie outfit.
Bold Patterns: Don’t shy away from mixing and matching vibrant patterns and colors. Psychedelic prints and geometric shapes are a must for an authentic 60s outfit.
Don’t Forget the 60s Outfits Men: Guys can get in on the action too with slim-fit suits, turtlenecks, and Chelsea boots for a mod look, or loose shirts and bell-bottoms for a hippie vibe.
For the gals, try pairing a mod mini dress with colorful tights and ankle boots for a killer 60s outfits street style look. Add a pair of oversized sunglasses and a beret for extra flair. For a more casual outfit, pair high-waisted jeans with a cropped tee and a denim jacket.
Guys, channel your inner Beatle with a slim-fit suit and Chelsea boots. For a more relaxed look, try pairing flared jeans with a graphic tee and a suede fringe jacket. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color and pattern in your shirts and ties.
After learning about how to dress for 60s and rock those 60s fancy dress or 60s disco outfits, now, let us help you buy 60s outfits street style most sustainably and fashionably.
Where to Buy 60s Outfits?
Finding genuine 60s street-style outfits in 2024 can be a bit hectic. But we’re here to help. Here’s how you can make your 60s-inspired wardrobe more sustainable:
Upcycling and DIY: Get creative by upcycling old clothes into 60s-inspired pieces. This reduces waste and allows for unique, customized fashion.
Thrift Shopping: Frequent local thrift stores and vintage shops to find genuine 1960s clothing. This not only gives new life to old clothes but also supports local businesses
If you want to build your wardrobe from scratch, we’ve got options of that as well. Let’s check them out!
Leading Sustainable Online Stores for 60s Outfits
Incorporating sustainability into your wardrobe not only helps the environment but also promotes ethical fashion practices. Here are 7 fantastic brands keeping the ’60s spirit alive while promoting sustainable fashion
Beyond Retro store has a great selection of real vintage 60s clothes and new items inspired by the era. They focus on sustainable fashion, so you can shop guilt-free. Beyond Retro is known for curating unique, high-quality pieces that capture the spirit of the 60s while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Joanie is a quaint boutique that offers 1960s-style collection of cute dresses and separates featuring Peter Pan collars, A-line skirts, and fun prints. Joanie’s vintage-inspired collection is designed with a modern twist, offering flattering fits and comfortable fabrics that celebrate retro charm while ensuring contemporary wearability.
Top Vintage carries styles that range from mod to hippie, and offer a variety of 60s-inspired outfits for every occasion, including party dresses and casual wear. Top Vintage’s extensive range also includes accessories and footwear that perfectly complement the era’s styles, allowing you to create a complete, authentic look for any event.
Known for quirky, vintage-inspired styles, ModCloth has an exclusive 60s fashion collection in a range of sizes. The brand prides itself on inclusivity, offering a diverse array of garments that cater to all body types. With a focus on high-quality fabrics and attention to detail, ModCloth brings the charm of 60s fashion into the modern wardrobe, making it accessible and fun for all.
You can recreate authentic 60s styles outfits from Unique Vintage, which offers a curated selection of retro-inspired clothing that stays true to the era’s aesthetics while incorporating modern comforts. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that each piece not only looks vintage but also stands the test of time.
Boheme Vintage offers the finest selection curated from over 25 years of dedicated treasure hunting and clothing collection. Featuring items that are true works of art, the collection includes pieces dating back to 1910, offering a rich and diverse range of timeless fashion.
Founded in the mid-’50s, Ragstock Co started as a hub for unique second-hand clothing from around the world. Now with 38 locations across the Midwest and new shops in Austin, Texas, the company offers a curated mix of vintage, recycled, and new affordable fashion trends for both men and women, updated weekly in stores and online.
These brands focus on sustainability while offering amazing 60s clothes, inspired and authentic vintage pieces, so you can look great and feel good about your fashion choices.
Ecowiser recommends buying second-hand 1960s fashion to promote sustainability. It reduces waste, saves resources, and lowers carbon footprints. Buying pre-owned clothes supports circular fashion, encourages thoughtful buying, preserves craftsmanship, and boosts local economies. You can embrace 1960s vintage to counter fast fashion’s negative impact while enjoying timeless style.
Also, read on the sustainability of vintage clothing.
Summing Up!
1960s fashion broke several stereotypes for both men and women. It was liberating! From the sophisticated early 60s to the wild and free late 60s, this decade gave us some of the most iconic looks in fashion history.
As we can see, the spirit of 60s fashion is alive and kicking in today’s trends. But don’t worry – you don’t have to dress head-to-toe in 60s clothes to get the look. The beauty of fashion today is that you can mix and match 1960s eras to create a style that’s all your own. A vintage mini skirt with a modern top, or some bell-bottoms with a contemporary blazer – the possibilities are endless!
Let’s make fashion fun, expressive, and kind to our planet. After all, that’s what the spirit of the 60s was all about – changing the world, one groovy outfit at a time.
Now that we have caught your interest in vintage fashion, we’d like you to take another step and dive into the fashion trends of Victorian dresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to dress up for 60s outfits?
The 60s outfits for ladies casual wear are characterized by bold patterns, vibrant colors, and unique silhouettes. Popular styles include mini skirts, bell bottoms, mod dresses, and go-go boots. Iconic 60s fashion often features geometric prints, psychedelic designs, and a mix of vintage and futuristic elements.
2. Where can I buy 60s outfits?
You can buy 60s outfits street style at various vintage stores, both online and offline. Some popular online stores include Etsy, eBay, and dedicated vintage clothing websites. Thrift stores and specialty vintage boutiques also offer a wide range of 60s fashion items.
3. How can I create a 60s hippie look?
To create a 60s hippie look, focus on natural fabrics, loose-fitting clothes, and bohemian accessories. Key items include tie-dye shirts, fringed vests, bell-bottom jeans, and headbands. Accessorize with peace sign jewelry, round sunglasses, and a laid-back attitude.
4. What are some iconic 60s clothes?
Iconic 60s clothes include mini skirts, shift dresses, bell bottoms, and mod-style dresses. Other popular items are paisley prints, bold geometric patterns, and brightly colored tights. These pieces were often worn by fashion icons like Twiggy and Jackie Kennedy.
5. How can I find 60s vintage clothes?
You can find 60s vintage clothes at thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and online marketplaces. Websites like Etsy, eBay, and specialized vintage stores offer a wide selection of 1960s vintage fashion. Look for authentic pieces with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and unique silhouettes.
