The ’60s saw big changes in fashion. This era dared society to stop following old traditions and start dressing more boldly!
People really stepped out of their comfort zones, clothes became brighter, they experimented with different fabrics, and the silhouettes continue to influence how we dress today.
Here’s a simple guide to 15 of the coolest ’60s fashion trends that are still acceptable to wear today, with an added surprise on how to style them with today’s trends.
1. Mini-Skirts
In the 1960s, mini-skirts became popular with the help of style icons like Twiggy and designer Mary Quant. While these ultra-short skirts shocked many people at the time, they also made many women feel free and confident. Wearing a leg-bearing mini skirt was seen as a bold and youthful choice. Today, the mini skirt remains a favorite, often seen on runways and in street style.
Pair a mini skirt with chunky cardigans, oversized blazers, or sleek knee-high boots for a modern twist. Mixing with basic tops or graphic tees keeps the look balanced and street-smart, while textured fabrics like corduroy or leather keep things current.
2. Go-Go Boots
Known for their shiny white leather and chunky heels, go-go boots were a popular item in the 1960s. These shoes were the perfect way to show off bold styles while looking modern, cool, and comfortable—a win-win if you ask me. They were usually paired with mini dresses and bright patterns, making the boots a symbol of fun and confidence.
Today, go-go boots come in new styles like thicker soles or bright colors. Wear them with mini skirts, sweater dresses, or skinny jeans. Pair them with oversized blazers or bright coats to mix old and new styles for a fresh, modern look.
3. Shift Dresses
Shift dresses have simple, straight shapes with clean lines. They usually don’t have sleeves, have a high neckline, and are easy to wear. This style was modern and fresh in the ’60s and looked good on many body types. They also came in fun prints and bright colors.
Today, shift dresses are still popular because they can be worn for many occasions, like work, casual days, or parties. You can dress them up with bold necklaces, wear them with chunky sneakers, or add a denim jacket for a casual look. Try layering a turtleneck under a shift dress for a retro style in cooler weather.
4. Psychedelic Prints
This trend started in the late 1960s and was inspired by music, art, and the new ideas of the time. Psychedelic prints have bright colors and swirling, fun patterns. They appear on almost any item, like dresses, shirts, and even accessories. These dynamic patterns are popular again, especially at music festivals and in high fashion.
When wearing psychedelic prints, balance the boldness with basic pants, denim jackets, or simple shoes. This lets your statement piece shine and keeps your outfit from looking over the top.
5. Peter Pan Collars
These statement pieces don’t need much of an introduction, as the name says it all, but these rounded collars make dresses and tops look soft and sweet. Thanks to fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, this look became popular and was known for adding a cute, youthful charm, especially to outfits with short skirts or bold styles.
This type of collar is still trendy today. You can style a Peter Pan collar under a cropped sweater or pair a collared blouse with wide-leg pants or a denim skirt. Fun accessories like berets or chunky shoes also look modern and playful.
6. Flared Jeans/Bellbottoms
Flared jeans, or bellbottoms, were a big statement piece for bohemian and hippie styles in the late 1960s. They have an exaggerated leg shape, where the jeans are tight at the tip and get wider from the knee down, making your legs appear longer while giving your outfit a lot of movement. They became popular as a way for people to show they wanted to be different from the mainstream.
Today, flared jeans are a great pick if you want to wear something other than skinny jeans. Pair them with short tops, fitted turtlenecks, or big, cozy sweaters. Finish the look with chunky boots or platform shoes to add height for that cool, retro vibe.
7. Mod Sunglasses
The bold shapes(whether oversized, round, or cat-eye) made mod sunglasses a must-have accessory. They were popular in black, white, or bright colors, and worn by icons like Jackie Kennedy and Edie Sedgwick. These sunglasses give your face a fabulous and glamorous look.
Today, you can find mod sunglasses in many fun colors and even with see-through or decorated frames. To add a touch of vintage style to your outfit, wear them with simple clothes like a little black dress, a suit, or a jumpsuit. This keeps your look classic, while giving it a trendy touch.
8. Crochet Dresses and Tops
What once started as a handmade home craft became a popular high-fashion trend during the ’60s. Designers made dresses and tops in open weaves and intricate designs. This look was a favorite for its boho, carefree vibe, often paired with fringe or floral accessories.
Crochet is still a very popular choice for music and summer festivals. It is also often worn as stylish vacation clothes. Wear a crochet dress over a slip for day-to-night versatility, or pair a crochet top with high-waisted shorts and wedge sandals for a light, modern look.
9. Turtlenecks/Polo Necks
Turtlenecks (also called polo necks) became a statement piece because of their minimalistic look, which was worn by artists, intellectuals, and celebrities alike. Not only does this look provide warmth, but it can also be worn on its own or as a layering piece under other clothes.
Turtlenecks have turned out to be a true staple in today’s trends and have become a wardrobe favorite. Wear them under slip dresses, oversized cardigans, or fitted blazers. For a casual look, try pairing them with dungarees or wide-leg pants. Add a bold necklace to make the outfit look more elegant.
10. Mary Janes
With their round toe and single strap, Mary Janes started as kids’ shoes but became an icon of youthful, feminine styling. These shoes are comfortable and easy to wear, and they bring a playful touch to outfits, whether with a mini dress or a suit. Talk about a versatile look.
Today, you can find Mary Janes with platforms or heels, making them great for almost any occasion. Try pairing Mary Janes with pleated skirts, tailored trousers, or high-waisted jeans. Wear them with colorful or patterned socks for an extra twist for a vintage-inspired style.
11. Bright-Colored Tights
Plain stockings were shoved in the back of the closet during the 1960s and were replaced by bright, colorful tights in shades like yellow, pink, and blue. Designed to complement mini-skirts and short dresses, they added both coverage and a splash of personality, which sounds like a good 2-for-1 deal if you ask me.
In modern fashion, colored tights are a favorite for making outfits more interesting, for example, adding them to monochrome outfits or cold-weather layers. Match them with oversized hoodies, corduroy skirts, or chic boots for a look that stands out without being too much.
12. Trench Coats
Trench coats are classic jackets with a belt around the waist and two rows of buttons. In the ’60s, they were perfect for staying stylish during unpredictable weather, and they were worn over both work clothes and trendy outfits.
Today, trench coats come in many different styles, such as bright colors, shiny materials, or oversized fits. You can style them over wide-leg pants, midi skirts, or jeans. Finish the look with sneakers or chunky boots for a more relaxed, ready-for-town look.
13. Plaid and Checkered Patterns
Plaid and checkered patterns exploded in the ’60s, appearing on mini-skirts, jackets, and shift dresses that resembled school uniforms. These prints gave outfits a fun, preppy look and a bit of rebellious style.
Today, people love to mix plaid skirts with leather jackets, plain white T-shirts, or ankle boots for a mix of old and new vibes. You can add checkered patterns with smaller items like bags or scarves, or wear them with cozy sweaters and bold jackets for a confident and stylish outfit.
14. Statement Drop Earrings
In the ’60s, big, colorful drop earrings were a popular way to finish an outfit. They came in fun shapes and bold designs, making any look more exciting and drawing attention to the face.
Today, you can find these earrings made from materials like resin, pearls, or metal. Wear them with hair pulled back and a simple turtleneck, or let them stand out against plain jumpsuits and dresses to make a stylish statement.
15. Fringed Pieces
Fringe was all about freedom in the late ’60s; it swayed as you walked and showed off a relaxed, bohemian style. Fringe could be on jackets, skirts, or accessories, adding fun and motion to any outfit.
Today, fringe is found on suede jackets, festival bags, and mini-skirts. To wear fringe modernly, pair it with mid-rise jeans, graphic T-shirts, or ankle boots. Keep the rest of your outfit simple so the fringe stands out.
Do you still wear any of these pieces today, and if so, how do you style them?