Step back into the vibrant and transformative era of the 1960s with this nostalgic journey through the decade’s most iconic trends. From the miniskirt revolution to the influence of psychedelic rock, these 18 trends will transport boomers back to a time of cultural revolution and timeless style.
The British Invasion
Impacting youth culture and fashion across America, according to the Grammy Museum, the British Invasion was “led by The Beatles, other British bands and artists such as the Rolling Stones, Donovan, the Dave Clark Five, the Kinks, the Yardbirds, the Searchers, the Animals and many more [that] completely and dramatically affected the course of rock & roll in America.”
Psychedelic Rock
The rise of bands such as Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead, whose music was shaped by hallucinogenic drugs, became the sound of the hippie movement in the 1960s. This created numerous new trends, including psychedelic art and fashion, all inspired by the music.
Mod Fashion
Originally emerging in London and brought across the Atlantic with the likes of The Beatles and The Who, signature styles of mod fashion include parkas, shift dresses, and slim-fitting clothing. Having a huge influence on fashion designers and icons of the time, the V&A says that “Mods helped focus the tastes of young people everywhere.”
Space Age Fashion
Inspired by the space race and making full use of newly readily available materials such as PVC and metallic fabrics, space-age fashion saw designers begin creating new shapes of clothing. The likes of Paco Rabanne and Pierre Cardin were at the forefront of this, allowing young people to think about fashion in a way like never before.
Pop Art
Led by the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, the Pop Art movement saw the use of popular culture and mass media imagery in brightly colored design work. These pieces of art were entirely new and innovative, forever impacting graphic design, advertising, and fashion.
Go-Go Boots
Completely iconic and a symbol of the 1960s, go-go boots were worn by fashion and pop icons of the era. Varying in style, from knee length to ankle length, the boots appealed to hippies, Mods, and space-age fashionistas across the country.
The Mini Skirt
According to The Atlantic, the mini skirt was revolutionary for women’s liberation in fashion, removing the need for “the long skirts, stockings, garters, girdles, and petticoats of the 1950s. As Quant put it, a woman should be able to run to catch a bus.” Popularized by Mary Quant, the mini skirt was a global icon of the 1960s.
The Twist Dance Craze
The craze for ‘The Twist’ was sparked by Chubby Checker and changed the norms of social dancing. No longer a need for a partner or a complicated routine, the twist paved the way for other ’60s dance trends, including the Mashed Potato and the Watusi.
Surf Culture
The rise of The Beach Boys saw a new wave of surf music, films, and fashion, spreading the idea of a laid-back California lifestyle across the country. This went on to influence the popularity of skateboarding and other subcultures.
Muscle Cars
The availability and affordability of new high-performance cars in America influenced pop culture, making an appearance in music and movies of the time. Models such as the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro became synonymous not just with the 1960s but with American culture as a whole.
Tie-Dye Fashion
Originating from ancient dyeing techniques, tie-dye became a symbol of individuality and freedom, popularized by the counterculture and hippie movements of the 1960s. Often seen at festivals and protests, its homespun nature allowed people to create unique garments.
Op Art
Another visual art movement of the 1960s was op art. Known for creating optical illusions, artists such as Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely used geometric forms to create dynamic visuals that influenced fashion, advertising, and interior design.
Lava Lamps
Invented by Edward Craven Walker in 1963, the brightly colored lava lamp was associated with the psychedelic culture and counterculture movements, hugely impacting interior design. Today, these lamps are still an icon of the 1960s and have seen waves of resurgence and popularity throughout the last decades.
Skateboarding
Originally an offshoot of surf culture, skateboarding became a popular activity among America’s youth in the 1960s. According to Britannica, skateboard manufacturers played on the popularity of surfing by promoting skateboarding or ‘sidewalk surfing’ when no waves were available.
Tiki Culture
In a post-war world, the rise of tiki culture became a form of escapism for many, and a fascination started for the exotic visuals and ideas of Polynesian-themed bars, restaurants, and décor. Tiki cocktails became a staple for any mixologist, combining rum with fruits and colorful garnishes.
Drive-In Theaters
A popular family and date activity, drive-in movie theaters offered the public a unique social and cultural experience while watching iconic cinema in the great outdoors. Although their popularity declined toward the end of the decade, their romantic nostalgia has seen a recent resurgence.
The Motown Sound
The 1960s saw a rise in Motown records, with iconic artists including the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder releasing a new sound. Influencing fashion and other cultural movements, Motown music helped to integrate music across racial divides and bring the nation’s youth together.
Color Block Fashion
Another iconic 1960s trend, color blocking saw designers use angular cuts of bold, contrasting colors in garments. Popularized by the likes of Mary Quant, the fashion had an influence on Mod style and ‘60s aesthetics.
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