Trendsetters of the Era

Many designers were hard at work during the rise of the Swinging Sixties, but perhaps the most important at the time was none other than Mary Quant. Credited with the invention of iconic staples like miniskirts and hotpants, this British creative helped the mod movement spring to life.

Other style icons of the era included actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot, with the former being known for her refined, well-tailored aesthetic (best exemplified in the beloved 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and the latter making waves with the rebellious and free-spirited attitude that defined her wardrobe. These two, along with British model Twiggy, became some of the most well-known symbols of the ‘60s as a whole, which just goes to show how diverse the fashion scene was.

But of course, we can’t talk about this decade without mentioning illustrious First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Jackie’s sense of style was undeniable, from her signature pillbox hats to her knee-length coats and gloves, and this attention to detail was part of what made her so charming to the American people. In a world where avant-garde designs were front and center, Jackie made sure that more sophisticated women’s fashion could never be forgotten.

So now that you’re up to speed on the big names of the Swinging Sixties, it’s time to dive into the trends themselves!

Rebellion Through Color and Style

Between the vibrant mod movement and the rise of earthy hippie culture, color was everywhere once the ‘60s hit their stride. You can channel the spirit of these iconic counterculture scenes with bold, eye-catching prints, seen in pieces like our 1960s Halter Colorblock Floral Sleeveless Jumpsuit, Multicolor 1960s Daisy Lapel Belt Dress, and Orange 1960s Lapel Flowers Patchwork Dress.

One hugely important style development was the resurgence of smocklike shift dresses. Much like in the 1920s, many party dresses had loose-fitting, straight silhouettes, which resulted in a babydoll-like look that hid women’s curves but often showed off their legs. The Orange & Blue 1960s Floral Stand Collar Dress and Orange 1960s Crew Bowknot Sleeveless Dress pay beautiful homage to this style with their simple flared cuts and high necklines, letting their brightly colored fabrics really shine.

If you’re looking to feel the ‘60s vibe without going full-on mod, you can try experimenting with pieces that have elements of both those beloved rebels and what was seen as “proper” at the time. For example, the Rose Red 1960s Satin Solid Pencil Dress boasts a bubbly bubblegum-pink hue but is designed to overall resemble the mainstream pencil dresses of the day. The 1960s Acetate Gingham Plaid Shift Dress, on the other hand, takes a monochrome gingham and transforms it into a shift that’s ready for a night at the jazz club.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to express your rebellious personality through fashion. While vibrant color and straight silhouettes are seen as hallmarks of 1960s counterculture, you can simplify things and still make a big statement. The Black 1960s Solid Pearl Button Suspender Dress is a fantastic example of this with its provocative twisted mesh back and pearl-studded skirt, while the Black 1960s Vertical Stripe Strap Pencil Dress brings its own unique flavor with wide black-and-white stripes that contour to the body. Lastly, we have the Black 1960s Patent Leather Bandeau Corset, which is a surefire way to add some punk vibes to any outfit.

Ladylike Elegance

If there’s one thing that never goes out of fashion throughout all of history, it’s the pursuit of elegance. Many women in the ‘60s didn’t want to rely on bright colors and patterns to stand out, instead opting for more feminine pieces like the Green 1960s Oil Painting Rose Dress or deeper coloring as seen in the Green 1960s Crew Bowknot Sleeveless Dress. While some trends from the 1950s, such as flared swing skirts, remained popular, fitted pencil dresses like the Beige 1960s Polka-Dot Square-Neck Puff Dress and Black 1960s Halter Sunflower Pencil Dress were coming back into fashion at the same time.

The pencil silhouette is wonderfully flattering and can come with many different styles of sleeves and necklines. Some, like the strappy, seductive Black 1960s Solid Velvet Bow Dress and 1960s Solid Velvet V-Neck Strap Dress, are a perfect fit for romantic evenings, while others such as the Black 1960s Butterfly Backless Pencil Dress and Pink 1960s Polka-Dot Mesh Pencil Dress take a more modest approach with covered shoulders and gorgeous fabric detailing.

Depending on the occasion, sometimes it would be more appropriate to pick out something with sleeves that were mid-length or longer, which we saw with much of Jackie Kennedy’s eveningwear and her famous pink skirt suit. The tailored silhouette and boat neckline shared by the Black 1960s Solid Boat-Neck Wrap Dress and the 2-Piece Blue 1960s Belt Top & Back Split Pencil Skirt make them ideal picks for any professional occasions you have on the agenda. By contrast, the glamorous Red 1960s Lace Long-Sleeved Patchwork Dress and Black 1960s Leopard Plush V-Neck Pencil Dress are much more suited for high-fashion events and parties.

But oh, what could feel more elegant than being decked out in plush velvet? If you’re a fan of cocktail parties, you’ll find a best friend in the 1960s Off-Shoulder Leopard Pencil Dress or the Wine Red 1960s Velvet Bodycon Vintage Dress. And if you have plans on a chilly evening, the 2-Piece Wine Red 1960s Velvet Bodycon Dress comes with its own little bolero coat to keep you comfortable and stylish!

Keeping the Swinging Sixties Alive

Whether you prefer the high-class fashions of Hollywood or the out-there innovations of the decade’s rebellious youth, there’s something in store for you in the world of ‘60s-inspired looks. You can start exploring our 1960s collection today to find out whether you vibe the most with the revolutionary mods, the laid-back hippies, or the legendary red carpet stars. With endless possibilities waiting for you, you’re sure to find some new favorites to add to your closet.