Reviving Retro Vibes with Women’s Sixties Fashion

Step into the time machine and find yourself rocking retro vibes with women’s sixties fashion. From mod mini dresses to bold prints and statement accessories, the 1960s were all about fun and freedom in fashion. Whether you’re looking to channel your inner Twiggy or simply want to add some groovy pieces to your wardrobe, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover how to revive the spirit of the swinging sixties in your style.

The History and Influence of Women’s Sixties Fashion

The 1960s was an era of change and revolution, and nowhere was this more evident than in the fashion world. From the iconic looks to the cultural movements, there was a transformation in women’s fashion unlike any other decade in history.

The Iconic Looks

The fashion looks of the sixties were defined by bold, bright colors and unique patterns. The mod style, which originated in London, became popular and was characterized by mini skirts, shift dresses, and bold prints. Another popular style was the bohemian look, which was all about flowy maxi dresses, floral prints, and fringe. Women began to experiment with new and daring looks, and fashion became a form of self-expression.

The Cultural Movements

The sixties was a decade of cultural upheaval, and fashion was no exception. The feminist movement played a significant role in fashion during this time, as women began to reject the traditional gender roles and started wearing pants more often. The Civil Rights movement also had an impact on fashion, as African American women began to embrace their cultural heritage and wear traditional African clothing. Finally, the music scene in the sixties had an undeniable impact on fashion, with the rise of rock and roll leading to a more rebellious style.

The Designers

Several designers left their mark on the world of sixties fashion, including the legendary Mary Quant, who created the mini skirt and popularized the mod look. André Courrèges was another influential designer who introduced futuristic designs and the iconic white go-go boots. Yves Saint Laurent emerged with his famous Mondrian dress and launched the iconic Le Smoking suit. Other notable designers of the era include Paco Rabanne, Emilio Pucci, and Ossie Clark.

The Characteristics of Women’s Sixties Fashion

The 60s was a revolutionary decade for fashion, where women’s clothing took a radical turn towards bold colors and psychedelic designs. This era was marked by a rejection of conservative values and a desire for liberation and experimentation in clothing. Below are the defining features of Women’s Sixties Fashion:

Bold Prints and Colors

The 1960s saw a departure from subtle colors and patterns in women’s clothing. Instead, bold and bright hues became a norm in the fashion industry. Geometric patterns, paisley prints, and floral designs dominated the market and were often incorporated into suits, dresses, and tops. The use of these vibrant colors and prints created a playful and whimsical vibe that defined the fashion of the time.

Striking Silhouettes and Hemlines

The sixties was also marked by several new silhouettes in women’s fashion. These silhouettes included mini-skirts, sheath dresses, and A-line dresses. Mini-skirts, in particular, were made famous by British designer Mary Quant and are often touted as a hallmark of this era. These hemlines were considered scandalously short by the conservative standards of the time, making them a symbol of rebellion and freedom.

Accessories to Match

To complete the sixties look, women often wore bold accessories that complemented their outfits. These included chunky jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and headbands. Accessories were often brightly colored and featured geometric shapes that echoed the prints and patterns of their clothing. Handbags also became a fashion statement, with the emergence of the shoulder bag and cross-body styles.

How to Incorporate Sixties Fashion into Modern Wardrobes

The sixties was a time of bold fashion and experimentation. The women’s fashion of that era highlighted the pop art, mod and hippie styles that were a reflection of the changing times. These styles ranged from shift dresses, A-line skirts, psychedelic prints to colorful tights and floppy hats. The style of the sixties is still relevant today, and incorporating it into your modern wardrobe is easy with these practical tips:

Go Vintage Shopping

Vintage shopping is an excellent way to add sixties fashion to your wardrobe. It allows you to find unique pieces that were popular during the sixties. Look for pieces like colorful shift dresses, high-waisted A-line skirts, and bright patterns that were the staple of the sixties. Vintage stores stock a variety of clothing items like bags, shoes, and jewelry that can be mixed and matched with your modern clothing.

• Visit online vintage stores
• Visit your local thrift store

DIY Clothing

DIY clothing is practical and fun, especially when recreating styles inspired by the sixties. You can use a plain mini dress and add hardware or patches to create a mod dress. You can also add rings and other pieces of vintage jewelry onto a shirt or skirt to bring a hippie vibe to your outfit. You do not have to be an expert in sewing to create your sixties-inspired clothing – there are many helpful resources online with step-by-step tutorials.

Dress Up with Accessories

Accessories are a simple way to add touches of the sixties to your modern wardrobe. Sixties fashion was characteristically bold and emphasized statements. Adding statement and bold acceessories is an easy way to achieve that undeniably sixties look. Look for items like oversized sunglasses, headbands, brightly colored solid beads, and tights to add a retro vibe to your modern outfits.

Express your love for the sixties style by adding a bit of retro fashion into your modern wardrobe through vintage shopping, DIY clothing, and dressing up with bold accessories. You can experiment to find what works for you and discover your inner-sixties style today!

The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Sixties Fashion

Women’s sixties fashion is a great way to add a vintage element to your wardrobe. Whether you’re attending a retro-themed party or just enjoying a nostalgia trip, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind when wearing sixties fashion to make sure you look stylish and not costume-y.

Do Go for Bold Prints and Patterns

Sixties fashion was all about bright colors, bold prints, and eye-catching patterns. Embrace the vibrant spirit of the era by incorporating these elements into your outfits. Consider pairing a bright, geometric-print dress with a pair of black tights and ankle boots for a fun, retro look.

Don’t Overdo It with Accessories

Sixties fashion is known for bold accessories, including oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and funky hats. While these can add a fun element to your outfit, it’s important not to overdo it. Pick one or two statement pieces and keep the rest of your accessories simple to avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume.

Do Emphasize Your Waistline

Sixties fashion was all about emphasizing the feminine silhouette, particularly the waistline. Look for dresses and tops that cinch at the waist or add a belt to accentuate your curves. Avoid oversized, shapeless garments that can make you look like you’re wearing a potato sack.

Don’t Forget About Your Hair and Makeup

To fully embrace the sixties vibe, pay attention to your hair and makeup as well. Consider trying a beehive updo, a bouffant ponytail, or voluminous curls for an authentic look. When it comes to makeup, focus on bold winged eyeliner and bright, bold lips. Just be sure not to go overboard with either your hair or makeup – you don’t want to end up looking like a caricature.

The Best Sixties Fashion Influencers and Icons to Follow

The fashion industry has seen many trends come and go, but sixties fashion continues to inspire and influence people over the years. From high-waisted pants to bold prints, this era’s fashion still sparks joy to millions of people worldwide.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to revive your retro wardrobe, check out these sixties fashion influencers and icons below. You’ll learn from their unique styles and perspectives and get new ideas to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Mary Quant

Mary Quant is one of the most influential fashion designers of the sixties. She’s known for her miniskirts, bold prints, and playful designs that reflect the energetic spirit of the time. Quant’s designs were revolutionary at the time, and they quickly became a must-have for women around the world.

• You can add a touch of Mary Quant’s style to your wardrobe by pairing your miniskirt with chunky boots and bold makeup.

Twiggy

Twiggy is another sixties icon known for her androgynous style and bold fashion choices. She’s often seen wearing mod dresses, oversized sunglasses, and bold geometric prints. Twiggy’s look was so unique and influential that it’s still being referenced in fashion today.

• If you want to channel your inner Twiggy, you can sport bold eyeliner, go for a shorter haircut, and experiment with geometric prints.

Jackie Kennedy

When it comes to sixties fashion, it’s impossible not to mention Jackie Kennedy. Her style is timeless, elegant, and sophisticated, and it still inspires women all over the world. She’s often seen wearing shift dresses, pearls, and oversized sunglasses, and her style is perfect for women who want to achieve a timeless look.

• To add a touch of Jackie Kennedy’s style to your wardrobe, you can stick to classic silhouettes, invest in a good pair of sunglasses and pearls, and wear minimal makeup.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot is another sixties icon known for her bold and sexy style. She’s often seen wearing animal prints, high-waisted pants, and chunky belts. Bardot’s style is perfect for women who want to look effortlessly sexy and confident.

• If you want to channel your inner Brigitte Bardot, you can sport a messy updo, wear high-waisted pants, and experiment with animal prints.

Edie Sedgwick

Edie Sedgwick was known for her daring fashion choices and was often seen wearing black tights, oversized earrings, and bold eyeliner. Her style is perfect for women who want to embrace the rebellious spirit of the sixties and make a statement with their fashion choices.

• If you want to channel your inner Edie Sedgwick, you can sport black tights, wear oversized earrings, and experiment with bold makeup.

The Future of Sixties Fashion

The sixties fashion era remains an evergreen source of inspiration for fashion designers, stylists, and enthusiasts around the world. Its unique, bold, and liberating style still exerts a profound influence on contemporary fashion culture. It’s no surprise that sixties fashion continues to revive and evolve, as many classic sixties fashion staples like miniskirts, bell bottoms, and go-go boots have become timeless fashion statements.

The Enduring Appeal of Sixties Fashion

Sixties fashion still appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds for several reasons. One of its most significant draws is its rebellious spirit – it challenges the traditional conservative values of the past and embraces an era of liberation, free-thinking, and boundary-breaking. Additionally, sixties fashion continues to inspire people to embrace their individuality and challenge conventions.

The Evolution of Sixties Fashion

The evolution of sixties fashion has been fascinating. In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of designers incorporating sixties shapes, silhouettes, and prints into their collections. This has manifested in clothing items like dramatic collars, polka dots, gingham, bold stripes, and bright colors. We can expect to see more of these sixties-inspired looks in the future, but it will be interesting to see how they are reimagined and updated.

• Incorporation of Modern Textures: As with any fashion era, designers will take the best of what they already have, then add something different. In the case of sixties fashion, however, the low-hanging fruit for updating a style is through the use of modern textures. Expect sixties-inspired clothes to be made from new materials like transparent plastic and shiny patent leather.
• More Emphasis on Accessories: Expect to see more sixties-inspired accessories in the future, too. Hexagon-shaped sunglasses with tinted lenses will be making a comeback, and chunky jewelry in bold colors will follow suit. In addition, vintage fans will be thrilled to see the return of retro hairstyles such as beehives and bouffants.

Thanks for Stepping into the Groove with Sixties Fashion

Thanks for reading and we hope you’re feeling inspired to infuse some retro vibes into your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for classic sixties styles or modern takes on the era, there are plenty of options available. Keep checking back for more fashion tips and inspiration!