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
- Color Block, Long Sleeve, Plaid/Solid, 1960s Style, Concealed Zipper Back, Button Loop Closure, Button Cuffs, Unlined
- Occasion: Easter, Festival, Daily, Party, Casual, Dating, Evening, Shopping
- Regular Fit. Pair with boots for a laid back style
- Classic Vintage Button Design,Sweetheart Neckline,Fashion 3/4 Sleeve Below the Knee Dress, simple novelty design, adds retro fashion feeling that's quite popular with women, suitable for different...
- Ultra form-fitting,extremely comfortable, knee length pencil dress, with a hidden zipper at the back, back slit hem for easy walking
- Fabrics - Comfy Little Stretchy Material, Super Soft, Not See Through. Washing Tips: Hand Wash in low-temperature water, hang to dry. Do not put in dryer.Note: The white color is off white.
- Simple&Elegant Style: High quality cotton audrey Hepburn dress, vintage dresses for women 1950s, cocktail party dress for women&teens, classic and never out of date.
- Features: Peter Pan collar, lapel, short sleeve, high waist, knee-length, zipper on the back. Bring you many compliments!
- Easy to match: Pair with tutu petticoat skirt or single wear. This 1950s dresses for women can be worn all year round.
- Fabric Details: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex; Machine Wash Cold with Like Color
- MODEL SHOW: Regular Fit. Wear in size XS (Height: 5'9", Chest: 31 4/5 inches, Waist: 23 1/5 inches, Hip: 36 3/5 inches, Shoulder Length: 16 1/5 inches, Weight: 124.6 lbs)
- This dress is made up of several design points: 1960s Vintage, Ruffle Neck, Bow Tie, Long Sleeve, Elastic Cuff, A-Line, Concealed Back Zipper, Mini Length.
- Collar, Short Sleeve, Graphic Print, Contrast Binding, Button Closure, Casual Mini Dress
- Soft fabric has some stretch
- Suitable for party, holiday, office, shopping, street, dailywear and so on
- Elegant women's vintage 1950s retro rockabilly cocktail party swing dress with pockets knee length, contrast peter pan collar dress for women shirt collar midi dress . 50's 60's style short sleeve...
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- 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)
- Bold Colorblock: This mini shift dress boasts a striking color block pattern with a retro 60s-inspired twist, super eye-catching. Perfect for club nights, parties, or as a wedding guest...
- Cotton - Linen Comfort: Made from a 70% cotton and 30% linen blend, this sleeveless dress is both comfy and breathable. Great for fall days, beach vacations, or date nights—the soft fabric keeps you...
- Versatile Occasions: With a crew neck and shift silhouette, this dress suits many occasions. Dress it up with heels and jewelry for club/party looks, or down with sandals for a boho beach/vacation...
- Classic 1950s Silhouette: Embrace timeless vintage elegance in this knee-length A-line wedding guest dress. Perfect for weddings, church services, parties, cocktail events, graduations, proms, and...
- Flattering & Secure Neckline: The chic asymmetrical neckline beautifully highlights your collarbone for a touch of feminine allure. Vintage-inspired decorative buttons add nostalgic charm without the...
- Premium Comfort & Fit: Crafted from a premium blend of 65% Polyester, 32% Cotton, and 3% Spandex, this dress offers softness, moderate thickness, and gentle stretch. It's comfortably opaque and...
