A few fashion trends from the 1960s have us wondering what we were thinking. From sky-high hairdos to footwear that was anything but practical, let’s reminisce about these 18 memorable fashion nightmares.
Beehive Hairdos
If there’s one hairstyle that screams the 1960s, it’s the beehive. These towering hairdos were both a marvel of hairstyling and a monument to the era’s excess. The sheer amount of hairspray involved in this sky-high look makes it a style best left in the past.
Fringe Vests
Hippie culture embraced the fringe vest as a fashion staple. While it made a bold statement back in the day, nowadays, it’s an item you’d find in a costume shop. Leather fringe vests had tassels galore and were perhaps better suited to cleaning your car than making any style statement.
Hoop Earrings
The bigger, the better—hoop earrings were a go-to accessory. Undoubtedly striking, they were also notorious for getting caught in things, leading to some less-than-ideal situations. Their weight could also stretch the earlobes over time, making them a painful fashion choice for some.
Ponchos
The poncho was a ’60s fashion item that basically said, “I’ve given up on traditional clothing.” The blanket style offered ease and freedom of movement, but on the other hand, it also sacrificed any sense of form or structure, making you look more like a walking tent than a fashion-forward individual.
Psychedelic Prints
Vivid colors and swirling patterns defined the psychedelic prints of the ’60s. It’s true that they captured the spirit of the age and its leanings toward mind-expanding experiences but the effect hasn’t kept pace with trend shifts and today, they come across as a bit of an eyesore.
Go-Go Boots
Go-Go boots stomped their way into fashion history with their shiny vinyl finish and ridiculous impracticality. Although they were a perfect fit for the discotheque, they offered little in terms of comfort or utility. They might have looked fabulous, but try walking in these, and you’d soon regret it.
Mini Skirts
The mini skirt was revolutionary and screamed youthful rebellion. However, its less-than-practical length made even the simplest tasks, like sitting or bending over, potential moments of embarrassment. Plus, the a constant need for vigilance against unexpected gusts of wind.
Plastic Raincoats
Sure, they looked space-age and were the ultimate in waterproof wear, but plastic raincoats were essentially wearable sweat boxes. You’d be kept dry from the rain, but drenched in your own sweat. Quite the paradox of comfort and a genuine fashion nightmare of the ’60s.
Bell Bottoms
Bell bottoms were the epitome of ’60s fashion but carried their own set of problems. The flared bottoms, although stylish, acted like brooms, sweeping up all the dirt and grime from the streets as you walked.
Tie-Dye Everything
From shirts to pants to even socks, tie-dye was the DIY fashion trend that everyone seemed to embrace. The end result, however, was often a mishmash of colors that clashed more than they complemented. It’s hard to pull off without appearing like an art project gone awry.
Mismatched Prints
Why settle for one pattern when you can wear them all, right? The 1960s said yes to mixing florals, plaids, and polka dots in a single ensemble. While adventurous, the final look was often more confusing than chic, overwhelming the eyes and senses.
Turtlenecks
Popular among intellectuals and beatniks alike, turtlenecks were considered high fashion in the ’60s. But the high, tight neckline could often feel like a stylish stranglehold. Add to that the thick, often itchy material, and you have a fashion statement that’s less “cool” and more “claustrophobic.”
Crochet Clothing
Crochet wasn’t just for blankets and tablecloths in the ’60s; it was a full-blown fashion trend. The open-weave design and often scratchy material made it far from practical. Though unique, it was a look better suited for the beach than for battling the elements.
Nehru Jackets
The Nehru jacket offered a touch of the exotic with its mandarin collar, but it was far from practical for everyday wear. It’s a style that’s difficult to pull off without looking like you’re wearing a costume from a historical drama.
Culottes
Culottes were a ’60s attempt to merge skirts with trousers. They offered more freedom of movement than a traditional skirt but often ended up looking like neither here nor there—neither pants nor a skirt.
Peter Pan Collars
These rounded collars were all the rage, appearing on dresses, blouses, and even coats. While cute and whimsical, they often made adult women look like they were dressing for the first day of kindergarten.
Bucket Hats
With Gen Z they’ve made something of a comeback, although bucket hats were originally a ’60s trend. Made from various materials like denim, tweed, and even velvet, they were far from practical. Most offered little in the way of sun protection and were more of a fashion afterthought than a statement.
Saddle Shoes
Saddle shoes were a holdover from earlier decades that found a new life in the ’60s. No doubt they were cute and preppy, but also difficult to keep clean, given their contrasting colors. They were high-maintenance footwear that demanded constant attention to stay looking fresh.
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