The breathtaking transformation of women’s fashion in the 1960s
In the beginning: Polished elegance
The 1960s marked a revolutionary era in women’s fashion, characterized by rapid and diverse stylistic changes. It began with the polished elegance epitomized by icons like Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, emphasizing ladylike grace.
Youthquake: How youth culture influenced fashion
As the decade progressed, fashion underwent a radical transformation, influenced by the vibrant youth culture of London, the free-spirited hippie movement, and the flamboyant styles of rock and roll bands.
Designers such as Mary Quant and Andre Courreges, initially little known, became trendsetters with their mod fashions. Meanwhile, the House of Chanel maintained its prestige throughout, symbolizing the enduring essence of 20th-century fashion.
The decade of freedom & individual expression
The decade witnessed dramatic shifts in hemlines, silhouettes, and the acceptance of pants for women, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards freedom and individual expression in fashion. Scroll on for a peek back into the dynamic world of 1960s women’s fashion trends!
Articles about clothing for her from the 60s
Women's fashion in the 1960s
RETRO REPRINT: Why the sixties was the biggest fashion decade (1969)
From the Courier-Post (Camden, New Jersey) December 23, 1969
Whether the Seventies can bring anything like the fashion explosion of the Sixties is an unanswered question. No other decade has seen so many changes, so many different styles in so short a time.
The decade began with Balenciaga and Givenchy, kings of a fashion that emphasized ladylike elegance. Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn were the mass fashion idols who brought this look to wide public attention.
By 1969, both had been dethroned, and the fashion was being set by unknown kids in London streets, hippies and the weirdly costumed members of rock and roll groups.
Camp had dethroned elegance, but some of the mod fashions came from designers, too, notably Mary Quant of London and Andre Courreges of Paris — both virtually unknown when the decade began.
Chanel rides high
Serenely above the changes, Chanel continues to ride high, the epitome of all that twentieth-century fashion has meant since 1920. Most widely-worn designer of all in 1960, she ended the decade as the heroine of a big Broadway musical about herself, the only designer ever so honored.
The rapid changes of the decade are almost too numerous to mention. A few of the more obvious ones: In 1960, fashions accented nothing of the figure, and knees were covered. By 1969, everything, including the bosom, was showing.
In 1960, pants were being shown only by the then-daring Coureges. By 1969, they were worn in the streets and at the most elegant evening affairs.
In 1960, the hemline seemed firmly anchored at an inch below the knees, but within the decade, it had risen nearly to the hips and plunged again to the ground. For the first time in fashion history, different hemlines were being worn at the same time. This trend is perhaps the only one that can be foreseen as the Seventies open.
VIDEO: “The Ultimate Fashion History: The 1960s”
Shop for the trends of women’s fashion in the 1960s
- Fabric: Comfortable lining on the top. Soft and comfortable, skin-friendly, breathable, lightweight and drapey, great for spring, summer, autumn and winter
- Features: Cap Sleeves, Sweetheart neckline, Hidden back zipper, Empire Waist, Pockets, Tea length
- Sizing: Please carefully read the Size Chart we provided in the pictures. XS(fit US 0), S(fit US 2), M(fit US 4-6), L(fit US 8-10), XL(fit US 12-14), 2XL(fit US 14-16), 3XL(fit US 16-18).
- FEATURES: women dress, bodycon pencil dress; 50s style; cap sleeves; v-neck; back zipper; tweed plaid pattern, slim fit, strechy fabric
- Elegant & Stylish: The slim cutting and suitable length will make you more elegant and stylish. The buttock wrap is the perfect way to show off the curves of your body.
- Occasion: Suit for formal and casual occasions. Perfect for office, evening party, wedding, birthday, church, club, meeting, dating, cocktail, family gathering and outdoor occasions
- Fabric: This vintage dress comes in two styles, one is made from a blend of high quality materials that are comfortable to wear and slightly stretchy, and the other is all-over sequined, which is...
- Features: V-neck, Sleeveless, Concealed back zipper, Easy to wear, Detachable belt tied around the waist to make it more snappable, with pockets, but sequin dress no pockets and belts, Knee length
- NOTICE: Please refer to the picture on the left or the size provided in the product description to choose the right size for you. S(US 2), M(US 4-6), L(US 8-10), XL(US 12-14), 2XL(US 14-16), 3XL(US...
- Material: Classic textured tweed fabric, soft to the touch and lined on the inside
- Feature: Timeless style, short sleeves and crew neck, above knee length for a modern and chic touch, flattering A-line silhouette, regular fit, faux front pockets
- Matching: Dress up with handbag and jewelry for a sophisticated touch. Pair this dress with a blazer and heels for a polished office look
- Casual summer allover printed tunic dresses for women
- Soft and comfortable fabric, fabric has no stretch
- Feature: Allover print, halter, sleeveless, straight hem, short tunic dress, fashionable
- Women's vintage 1950s retro rockabilly polka dot cocktail party swing dress patchwork colorblock V neck 50's 60's style peter pan collar sleeveless Audrey Hepburn dresses high waist button wear to...
- Vintage 1950s cocktail dress 40s, 50s classic polka dot pattern dress, halter strap self-tie design with the sweetheart neckline. Delicate special neck design, the collar style highlights the curves...
- Women 50s 60s style porkwork colorblock rockabilly vintage prom dress collect elastic waist teacher work dress midi semi formal dress, fit and flare cocktail dresses for women. Classical polka dot...
- FEATURES: This cute swing midi dress features Sleeveless, Sweetheart neck, smocked top, A-line silhouette, Concealed zipper at side, Adjustable strap.
- UNIQUE DESIGN: The elastic ribbing in the back and bust, giving so much extra stretch to fit most bust. The A-line shape design perfectly accentuates your waist to show off your curves! Adjustable...
- OCCASION: The sleeveless a line swing dress is suitable for Office, Evening, Dancing, Dating, Wedding Guest Party, Bridal Shower, Homecoming, Club, Cocktail, Casual Outtings, Formal and Daily wear.
- Material: This flower hippie headbands for women made of a plenty of white/yellow sunflower, braided rope and white wooden beads. The hippy flower crown is lightweight and handmade. With simple, sweet...
- Adjustable Size: The Circumference of Flower Wreath is 18.11"-24.11"(46CM-62CM) with Adjustable Sliding Bead; Unique + gorgeous neutral flower crown suitable for long hair, straight hair or curly...
- Stylish Design: This flower hairbands is designed as a bead-shaped adjustment strap, which can be fixed on your head and make it fit perfectly. You can adjust the knot yourself, and the product size...
- Design: Peter pan collar, short sleeve, zipper on the left of the dress. It has pockets on each side, knee length. The fabric feels soft and comfortable.
- Features: Fit and flare dresses for women, floral tunic dress with pockets. Flower print dress for spring-summer. Simple elegant design, many solid basic colors. A necessity for every wardrobe. Can be...
- For any occasion: Work dresses for women business offices. Daily life, wear to work, family reunion, casual, church, brunch, dinner, birthday gifts, travel, funeral, vacation, wedding party, a play,...
- 60s 70s disco hippie costume: 5 pieces, including 70s dress, disco headband, hippie glasses, flower earrings, peace sign necklace.
- 60s 70s hippie disco outfits: 60s 70s hippie disco ball dress, Vintage print design, Crew neck design, Bell long sleeve, 60s 70s hippie disco accessories.
- 60s 70s disco hippie clothes: Made of Polyester and Spandex, Elastic, Soft, Silky, Skin-friendly, Breathable, Wrinkle Resistant, Non-Fading, Non-Shrinking, Non-Pilling.
