The swinging ‘60s were a decade of bold trends and theatrical looks. While revolutionary at the time, many of these styles unfortunately now appear extremely outdated to modern-day fashionistas. Click to discover 17 iconic ‘60s fashion statements that once ruled the roost but today are simply vintage memories.
Vinyl Trench Coats
The iconic vinyl trench coats of the ‘60s were characterized by bright colors and clean-lined geometric patterns. They represented the architectural and modern fashion of the ‘60s and were extremely popular at the time. While these coats have begun to make a slight comeback in recent times, they’re still largely considered retro.
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye, symbolic of the hippie movement and protest art, was all the rage in the ‘60s. The bright and colorful clothing represented rebellion and freedom of expression. According to L’Officiel, “Tie-dye became a sensation when the U.S. company Rit decided to advertise its dye products by knocking on artists’ homes in New York City.” Tie-dye has had its moments in modern times, but it’s not as popular anymore and is less associated with protest.
Mop-Top Hairstyles
Mop-top haircuts were extremely stylish in the 1960s, first popularized by the iconic British group The Beatles. The mop top was a French-inspired cut “with mid-lengths sculpted across the forehead in a shaggy fringe,” as stated by Vogue. Otherwise known as the “Arthur,” this hairstyle was once considered retro and playful but is now seen as outdated.
Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester and Nylon
The 1960s witnessed the rise of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, celebrated for their bold colors and affordability. Though still used today, the original vibrant and often gaudy patterns of the ’60s have given way to more subtle, modern applications.
Space Age Trend
The space age trend was all the rage in the 1960s, inspired by the space race, “the period of competition over space exploration between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.,” as stated by History. The trend featured futuristic designs and metallic fabrics. While still influential, the original exaggerated shapes and avant-garde materials are now seen more as a retro fascination than a fashion statement.
Androgynous Fits
The 1960s broke long-standing gender norms with an onslaught of androgynous fashion looks. Women donned pantsuits, and men grew out their hair. While androgyny remains in fashion these days, the original styles from the ’60s, with their specific cuts, fabrics, and forms, now seem archaic.
High Rounded Hats and Square-Toed Shoes
High-rounded hats and square-toed shoes were essential accessories for those living in the 1960s. These items were often paired with “little nothing” dresses, which, as shared by Shruti Khandelwal on Medium, were called so for their simplicity and were “sleeveless and slim, with low blousing or in a loose chemise shape recalling the flapper dresses of the 1920s.” Unfortunately, these accessories are no longer considered fashionable.
The High-Bosomed, Sleeveless Dress
Popularized by Audrey Hepburn, the high-bosomed, sleeveless dress was a 1962 sensation. Its slightly form-fitting silhouette was a real trendsetter. Modern fashion, however, has diversified significantly, and new dress styles have taken center stage, leaving this once-popular style simply a nostalgic look from the past.
The Fisherman’s Shirt-Jacket by Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent’s fisherman’s shirt-jacket, made popular in 1963, signified a shift toward more practical, casual fashion. Its appeal in the ’60s was groundbreaking, but today, it’s largely seen as a vintage trend, overtaken by an array of modern casual wear.
Sequin Dresses
Sequin dresses were often the evening wear of choice in the 1960s, typically adorned with heavy embellishments. Celebrities like Eartha Kitt and Diana Ross made these dresses iconic. The sparkling look is still popular today, but modern evening wear varies more in style, and the original ‘60s version is seen as too extravagant.
Bias Cut Clothing
As shared by Business of Fashion, “Bias cut means to ‘be cut on the grain’. Rather than following the straight line of the weave, the bias cut places the pattern at a 45° angle on the woven fabric.” This style gave a new fit to clothing, allowing people to maintain comfort and softness. Bias skirts and bodices were big trends, but modern fashion favors more varied and fluid cuts.
Color Blocking Looks
This fashion trend was introduced by designers like Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent, characterized by bold and bright shades with simple cuts. The style was seen as a statement of self-expression. While color blocking can still be found in modern fashion, it often involves far more muted or monochromatic colors, and the original bright shades now appear vintage.
See-Through Sheers
Marking a shift from conservative fashion, see-through sheers typically featured nude-colored bodices with a transparent outer layer, a risqué look geared to allow women to show off their bodies. Yves Saint Laurent’s designs were particularly notable at the time. Today, while the sheer look is still popular, designs are often more subtle and varied.
Cut-Out Dresses
The ’60s cut-out dresses, revealing just enough skin to be shocking, became a popular trend at the time. The dresses often featured multiple cut-outs, typically around the waist. Rudi Gernreich and Pierre Cardin were notable designers of this look. Cut-out designs are still featured in today’s modern fashion, but the vintage style of the 1960s dresses is seen as outdated.
Beehive Coiffures
A fashionable hairstyle in the ‘60s, this popular look was sported by famous figures like Jacqueline Kennedy and Ronnie Spector. According to Wikipedia, “The beehive is a hairstyle in which long hair is piled up in a conical shape on the top of the head and slightly backwards pointing.” This style has now been replaced by more natural and relaxed hair trends.
Pop Art and Op Art-Influenced Outfits
The Pop and Op art movements of the 1960s significantly influenced fashion with bold graphic prints and optical illusions, typically featured on t-shirts and dresses. While these elements can still be found in modern designs, today’s fashion typically favors more minimalistic and subtle prints.
Mini Skirts and Go-Go Boots
This combination fashion statement epitomized the youthful and rebellious spirit of the ’60s. The skirt and boots were often worn together for a groovy, striking appearance. Today, while mini skirts maintain their appeal, the original ’60s style, particularly when paired with go-go boots, is seen more as a fun, retro throwback.
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