Fashion trends are cyclical. One day, people are embracing big hair and bold eyeshadow, and the next, they’re toning them down in favor of minimalism. However, some trends from the past are still fresh in the present. We can thank The Swinging Sixties for some of those timeless favorites. Here are 15 retro fashion trends from the 1960s you might just remember—and still wear today!
1. Trench Coats
Charles Macintosh invented the ever-popular trench coat in the 1820s for the British military, so they’d been around for well over 100 years when they exploded in popularity in the ‘60s. Stars like Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Stefanie Powers, and Mia Farrow participated in the trend. Of course, the trench coat was also popular among men!
2. Turtlenecks
Did you know that turtlenecks date back to medieval times? Believe it or not, they were invented to prevent knights from severe chafing from their chainmail. While news correspondent Noel Coward popularized the garment in the 1920s, beatniks catapulted it to a new stratosphere of popularity forty years later in the ‘60s. Today, turtlenecks are still a staple in many people’s closets.
3. Oversized Sunglasses
Nothing says “mod” quite like a pair of oversized sunglasses! We can thank former first lady and style icon Jackie Kennedy Onassis for turning them into a trendy fashion statement. Interestingly, they might have been less of a fashion statement and more of a stealth technique. Author Gore Vidal suggested that she wear them to observe others while staying hidden. Who knew?
4. Leopard Print
Once again, Jackie Kennedy Onassis may have pioneered yet another popular retro trend, thanks to her famous leopard coat. Elizabeth Taylor and Bob Dylan certainly contributed to its popularity, the latter of whom wrote a song called “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” in 1966.
5. Sequins
Sequins first made their way to American fashion when archaeologists unearthed King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Fascinated by the small gold discs on his clothes, Western designers quickly incorporated sequins into everyday fashion. Diana Ross and the Supremes are often credited for making sequins popular again in the 60s. The singers wore sparkly frocks designed to dazzle under the bright studio lights, and they did exactly that!
6. Crochet
Experts believe that crochet originated from tambour, an ancient Chinese needlework technique similar to modern-day crochet. While popular in Europe in the 1800s, it likely didn’t make its way to America until the Civil War. Dubious origins aside, what isn’t up for debate is the crochet boom of the ‘60s. Crochet was everywhere, made into vests, blankets, dresses, potholders, and even hats. Thanks to social media and YouTube, another crochet boom seems to be happening now!
7. The Babydoll Dress
The babydoll dress was originally a nightgown, created by designer Sylvia Pedler in response to the World War II fabric shortage. In the 1960s, iconic model Twiggy popularized the babydoll dress as daywear. Though they briefly fell out of fashion, the babydoll dress has come back stronger than ever, with many designers and boutiques putting their unique twist on the garment.
8. Mary Jane Shoes
Beloved child star Shirley Temple wore Mary Jane shoes in her 1934 movie Baby Take a Bow, popularizing the footwear among children. Their popularity with adults surged after designer Mary Quant put Twiggy in a pair of Mary Janes, proving their versatility and cross-generational appeal. Flash forward to today, and they’re still as popular as ever!
9. The Peter Pan Collar
As one might guess, this collar was named after the J.M. Barrie character we all know and love. To be even more specific, the Peter Pan collar was christened in honor of actress Maude Adams, who captivated audiences with her performance as Peter Pan in the 1905 Broadway play of the same name. The collar experienced a resurgence in the 1960s, bedecking the necklines of many dresses and blouses in the era. Nowadays, many fashion bloggers consider it a timeless classic.
10. Tie-Dye
Most of us closely associate tie-dye with the 1960s, and for good reason. Hippies during the decade began wearing tie-dye shirts as a symbol of peace, and they quickly became a fashion trend. Intriguingly, it’s been around since the Roaring 20s and is still popular today—proof of its staying power.
11. Mini Skirts
No list of retro fashion trends from the ‘60s would be complete without a shout-out to the mini skirt! British fashion designer Mary Quant might not have invented this iconic skirt, but she certainly helped popularize it. While the shorter hemline was bold and even brazen for its time, Quant never intended to create such a scandal. “I didn’t set out to shock. I wanted to be able to move around, go to work, go out in the evening to somewhere where I could dance half the night away,” the designer explained.
12. Vibrant Colors
When we think about the 1960s, we often picture the vibrant colors that defined the decade. Attention-grabbing shades were often incorporated into the fashion of the ‘60s—from eye-popping reds to lively oranges to electrifying blues. Many people today still gravitate toward the bright hues that made the 1960s one of the most colorful decades in history.
13. Statement Earrings
The funky statement earrings many of us love today can trace their roots back to the 1960s when geometric designs and whimsical floral patterns reigned supreme. And while gold and pearls remained popular, jewelry designs also began experimenting with fun colors and rhinestones.
14. Shift Dresses
When Audrey Hepburn wore a shift dress in 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s, she probably had no idea that she’d inspire one of the most popular fashion trends of the decade. The designer behind the mini skirt also popularized the shift dress with the help of none other than Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Twiggy. Nowadays, some consider the dress a wardrobe staple, perfect for dressing up or down.
15. Go-Go Boots
Believe it or not, go-go boots are still around today—though not in the way you think. Designed by André Courrèges in 1964, the original go-go boots were white, mid-calf, and low-heeled. The term gradually grew to include other boots that came with different heels and in different colors. With that expanded definition, many popular boots still sold in stores today would fall under the go-go umbrella. Go-go boots are often associated with singer Nancy Sinatra and her 1966 mega-hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”
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