The 1960s was an era of fashion revolution, marked by an explosion of color, pattern, and silhouette that broke all the rules of the previous decades. While some trends from the 60s have made their way back into the fashion world, others remain a charming testament to the era’s unique flair. Here are 16 iconic fashion statements from the 60s that might seem outlandish to the modern eye, yet they perfectly encapsulate the spirit of experimentation and freedom of the time.
1. Go-Go Boots
Synonymous with the 60s, white, patent leather go-go boots were a staple for every fashion-forward woman. Rising to mid-calf and worn with mini skirts or dresses, these boots were meant for dancing and defying conventional style norms. Today, while boots remain popular, the specific go-go style with its stark whiteness and height might seem peculiar on city streets.
2. Mod Miniskirts
The miniskirt, introduced by Mary Quant, was a radical departure from the modest fashion of the 50s. Its daring hemlines, often several inches above the knee, shocked the conservative and became a symbol of youth rebellion and female liberation. In today’s varied fashion landscape, the miniskirt remains, but the original mod styles, with their geometric patterns and A-line shapes, carry a distinct 60s vibe that would stand out in the contemporary mix.
3. Psychedelic Prints
Inspired by the counterculture movement and the popularity of psychedelic drugs, clothing in the 60s featured bright, swirling patterns that intended to mimic hallucinogenic experiences. These vibrant prints, while mesmerizing, would seem excessively bold in today’s fashion world, which often favors more subdued patterns and color schemes.
4. Space-Age Metallics
The 60s space race influenced fashion statements in a way that saw metallic fabrics and futuristic designs take center stage. Silver dresses, metallic boots, and accessories that looked borrowed from a space explorer’s wardrobe were all the rage. While metallics pop up in modern fashion, the head-to-toe space-age look would be considered avant-garde by today’s standards.
5. Paper Dresses
Disposable fashion literally took shape in the form of paper dresses. These were cheap, brightly printed sheaths meant to be worn a few times and then discarded. The concept of disposable clothing, while innovative, would likely conflict with today’s growing environmental consciousness and sustainable fashion movements.
6. Beehive Hairdos
The beehive, a towering hairstyle that piled hair as high as possible atop the head, was both a feat of engineering and a fashion statement. Today, such an exaggerated and maintenance-intensive style would seem impractical and overly dramatic for everyday wear.
7. PVC Clothing
Vinyl, or PVC, made its way into mainstream fashion in the 60s, crafted into dresses, coats, and boots. The shiny, plastic-like material was revolutionary at the time but would be considered quite bold and somewhat uncomfortable in today’s fashion scene.
8. Oversized Sunglasses
The 60s saw the rise of oversized, often round sunglasses that covered half the face. Popularized by celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, these large frames provided a mysterious allure. While still in vogue, the extreme sizes and shapes from the 60s would certainly make a statement today.
9. Men’s Nehru Jackets
Inspired by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, this collarless jacket became a surprising menswear trend in the 60s. Though it added a touch of global sophistication to men’s fashion at the time, the Nehru jacket’s distinct look would be considered quite unconventional in the contemporary menswear landscape.
10. Tie-Dye Everything
Tie-dye, a technique adopted from ancient dyeing methods, became a symbol of the free-spirited, peace-loving counterculture of the 60s. While tie-dye has seen a resurgence, the all-over, head-to-toe tie-dye looks from the 60s would seem excessive by today’s more minimalistic or strategically styled standards.
11. Bell-Bottom Pants
Widening from the knee to form a bell-like shape around the feet, bell-bottom pants were a defining look of the late 60s, persisting into the 70s. While flared pants have come back in style, the extreme widths of original bell-bottoms would be quite the statement today.
12. Peacock Revolution Menswear
The “Peacock Revolution” saw men embracing bright colors, flamboyant patterns, and luxurious fabrics, moving away from the drab suits of the past. This bold approach to menswear, while innovative, would contrast sharply with the more subdued, though increasingly diverse, fashion statements of today.
13. Fringe Details
Fringe found its way onto jackets, vests, and skirts, inspired by Native American clothing and the burgeoning hippie movement. While fringe accents remain popular, the heavy, all-over fringe of the 60s would seem unconventional in the sleek and modern fashion context.
14. Babydoll Dresses
Characterized by their high empire waistlines and short lengths, babydoll dresses embodied the youthful innocence and rebellious spirit of the 60s. Today, while the silhouette can be found, the original babydoll style carries with it a whimsy that would be unique amidst the contemporary mix of fashion influences.
15. Caped Coats
Outerwear took a dramatic turn with the introduction of caped coats, offering a superhero-esque vibe to everyday attire. While capes make occasional appearances as fashion statements, the everyday use of caped coats would certainly turn heads in the current era.
16. Matchy-Matchy Sets
The 60s loved coordination, with women often wearing matching sets that included dresses, coats, and hats in the same fabric and pattern. Today’s fashion values mix-and-match versatility, making such coordinated ensembles seem charmingly retro.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Fashion
The 1960s were a time of bold experimentation and breaking free from traditional norms, resulting in fashion statements that, while perhaps outlandish to today’s trendsetters, underscore the era’s spirit of innovation and freedom. These trends remind us that fashion is cyclical, with elements of the past continually reinterpreted for the present. Who knows? We might just see some of these outlandish 60s trends making a comeback, as today’s designers draw inspiration from this iconic decade.
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By: Toi Williams
Title: 16 Fashion Statements from the 60s That Would Seem Outlandish to Today’s Trendsetters
Sourced From: www.dinksfinance.com/2024/03/16-fashion-statements-from-the-60s-that-would-seem-outlandish-to-todays-trendsetters/
Published Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:15:28 +0000
