The 60’s are often seen as a golden age of fashion. Fueled by turmoil throughout the world and increasing protests of the vietnam war at home, daily norms were rapidly changing. The stuffy, strictly feminine trends of the 1950’s were quickly giving way to a much more progressive style that included short hair, shorter skirts, and bold makeup. Women were also getting out of the house more, getting jobs in banks or as secretaries, leading to more practical pant and shoe options. Things were changing for men too, however, as fashion moved away from requiring a suit for many occasions and allowed for more casual styles.
Conflicting Styles
Mod Style- short for ‘Modernist’, this fashion movement began in the early 60’s in London. Teenagers had grown tired of dressing like their parents, in stuffy and uncomfortable outfits. Therefore, mod was created with clean, youthful lines and attractive wearables. Geometric prints, color-blocking, and funky accessories like oversized sunglasses and statement earrings were popular. Guys weren’t left out. Mod men wore slim suits, turtlenecks, and Chelsea boots, often looking just as polished as the women. The most beloved pieces to come from this movement are the mini skirt and go go boots, a classic combo that reflects the playful, rebellious nature of young people in a time of conflict and change.
Hippie- The hippie movement occupies a slightly later period of the decade than mod, but grew from much of the same rebellious nature. Fueled by large scale protests of the Vietnam war, a corrupt government, and the growing civil rights movement, many young people wanted to look as non-conformist as possible. Hippie fashion was about freedom, peace, and rebellion against the mainstream- to achieve this they wore long, flowy pieces made from natural, often thin fabrics. Western influences like fringe vests and bell bottoms were also carried in, a reminder of the movements’ California desert beginnings. Hair was typically worn long and natural, for both men and women. Afros, braids, and loose waves were all popular. Layered jewelry; often thrifted, vintage, and large, was also a staple of the look.
Classic- Not everyone is born to be a nonconformist and the 60’s were no different. Some women still gravitated towards the classic look, with many elements continued through from the 50’s. This look was feminine, with structured tops and A-line skirts, satin gloves, and practical heels. However exaggerated silhouettes were left behind for a cleaner and more liveable cut. Colors tended to stay on the classic side: pastels, neutrals, black, and navy. The 60’s did bring their own innovations, such as Jackie Kennedy’s famous Chanel skirt suits. Women like Jackie Kennedy represented a new type of style icon—still elegant, but with a more professional, worldly presence.
Female Style Icons
Jacqueline Kennedy- This New York socialite turned First Lady of the United States became one of the most iconic fashion figures of the 20th century. Her timeless style and grace redefined American fashion during the early 1960s and set a standard for elegance that influenced women worldwide. Known for her polished and sophisticated wardrobe, Jackie popularized clean lines, tailored silhouettes, and minimalist elegance. Jackie’s influence extended beyond the White House. She brought European couture sensibilities to American fashion. Her fashion choices helped modernize the image of the First Lady and set a precedent for blending political presence with personal style.
Twiggy- Born Lesley Lawson, Twiggy was the ultimate fashion icon of the 1960s and the face of the Mod movement. Twiggy quickly rose to fame with her distinctive androgynous look, thanks to her short pixie haircut, long lashes, and large eyes. She represented a sharp break from the curvy, glamorous beauty standards of the 1950s, ushering in a new era of youth-driven fashion that celebrated individuality, freedom, and bold self-expression. Twiggy’s influence extended far beyond modeling—she became a cultural symbol of the decade’s radical progress in style and attitude. As one of the first supermodels, Twiggy also changed the fashion industry itself. She proved that models could have lucrative careers as well-known celebrities and not just as nameless faces, much like Heidi Klum and Bella Hadid in more recent years.
Jane Fonda- The daughter of legendary actor Henry Fonda, she began her career in film and quickly became known not only for her acting talent but also for her striking beauty and trendy style. Her style was renowned for balancing Hollywood glamour with the decade’s evolving cultural and fashion movements. But as the ’60s progressed, her fashion became more experimental and reflective of the counterculture spirit. She embraced bold prints, bohemian influences, and more relaxed, youthful pieces. Her evolving style was not just a reflection of trends but also mirrored her growing involvement in activism and her desire to break free from traditional molds.
Mia Farrow- Best remembered for her role in 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby, Mia Farrow was known for her delicate, ethereal beauty and effortlessly chic fashion sense. She embodied the shift away from the glamour of the 1950s to the youthful aesthetic that came to define the decade. One of Mia Farrow’s most influential traits was her pixie haircut; daring and unconventional for the time, it instantly set a new trend. Farrow’s style resonated with the growing Mod movement and appealed to a generation seeking fashion that was both elegant and accessible. Her influence extended beyond fashion magazines and film and her fashion legacy lives on in the continued popularity of the pixie cut.
Brigitte Bardot- The French actress, singer, and model became an international sensation, known for her beauty and charisma. Her signature fashion included off-the-shoulder tops, gingham prints, high-waisted bikinis, pencil skirts, cropped sweaters, capri pants, and ballet flats—items that became wardrobe staples thanks to her influence. Bardot also helped popularize the bikini in the early 60s, wearing it both on-screen and in her personal life at a time when the look was still considered daring.
Male Style Icons
Steve McQueen- often called “The King of Cool,” Steve McQueen was the ultimate style icon for men of the 1960s. The actor didn’t do anything crazy, he didn’t wear increasingly modern fashions of the day, he proved you could look fashionable and interesting while staying classic. He wore tailored suits, sunglasses, and turtlenecks that gave him a sleek, modern look without ever seeming too polished. He often wore basics: white T-shirts, leather bombers, and perfectly fitted sweaters. Unlike some fashion icons of the ‘60s who followed trends, McQueen set a tone for minimalism and authenticity. His legacy isn’t about one standout outfit—it’s about consistency.
Bob Dylan- Bob Dylan was a style icon for a much less formal kind of man. The singer and folk hero was often seen in slightly oversized denim, whether that was jeans, a jacket, or sometimes both. He also gravitated towards flannel shirts, work boots, and corduroy- another staple of the era. He is known as the voice of a generation, and his scruffy look made him even more appealing to the youth who were rejecting conformity. As the decade progressed and Dylan’s music evolved, so did his style. By the mid-60s, during his electric period, he embraced a more rock-and-roll aesthetic—slim black jeans, polka dot shirts, skinny ties, Chelsea boots, and Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses became his signatures. He would continue to tweak parts of his look and evolve throughout his career, but he proved authenticity would never get old.
The Beatles- It’s hard to go into depth about any of 60’s culture without mentioning The Beatles and fashion is no different. While each of the four members had their own personal style, it would take them a few albums to find signature looks. As a group of teenagers in Liverpool in the 50’s, the boys wore the popular leather jackets and denim look. However, at the start of their career the group took their managers advice and adopted a look more accepted at the time- matching tailored black suits, black boots, and for a little extra glam, their long ‘mop’ haircuts. They were pivotal to introducing the London “mod” look to the rest of the world and cementing it as one of the 60’s most memorable. Their manager proved to be valuable and the band skyrocketed into international fame, allowing them to explore their creativity. By the mid to late 60’s, The Beatles were wearing things like velvet jackets, paisley shirts, and John Lennon’s famous sunglasses, while making Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Safe to say they had found their look.
Mick Jagger- The frontman of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger had the whole world open to him in the 1960’s as one of the most famous people on the planet. In the band’s early days, Jagger wore the slim-cut suits and mod-inspired pieces that were popular in London, similar to the Beatles, but stood out due to his unruly hair. Fitting in was not part of his ultimate plan, however, and by the mid 60’s he was embracing fashion as a method of self expression. Jagger’s style became even more bold and expressive. He wasn’t afraid to play with color, texture, or gender norms. He wore tight velvet pants, frilly shirts, flowing scarves, and eye-catching jackets. Such theatrical and dramatic performance outfits became a staple of rock stars by the 70’s, largely due to the influence of Mick Jagger.
