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 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.
- Vintage Styling: This cocktail dress features a classic vintage design with cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, side pockets, back zipper closure and empire waist
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- Occasion: This cute Audrey Hepburn swing dress can be used as Cocktail Party dress, Wedding party dress, Theme party dress, Summer vacation dress, Tea party dress, Dinner dress, Evening party dress...
- Features: The 1950s vintage tea party dress features a delicate halter sweetheart neckline, empire waist, detachable belt, a-line silhouette, side zipper closure, lace-up elastic back and knee-length...
- Fabric: Made from a soft and breathable fabric (98% cotton and 2% elastane), this 50s cocktail dress ensures all-day comfort. Available in the size range from S to 3XL, it is designed to meet the...
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- SIZE REFERENCE: S(US 2), M(US 4-6), L(US 8-10), XL(US 12-14), 2XL(US 14-16), 3XL(US16-18). Our size is not consistent with the standard size, please select your size according to the picture on the...
- Audrey Hepburn style 1950s vintage swing dress
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- 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...
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- 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.
- 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
- 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)
