Not since the 1920’s had an era so drastically altered its perception of style and attempted to separate itself entirely from the decades before. Prior to the 1960’s, 50’s fashion was characterized as prim, elegant but proper, with midi dresses and skirts, tea dresses and clothing that denoted what they called ‘proper forms’ of masculinity and femininity in terms of clothing choices. In the sixties it was like the world had woken up from its style slumber, colours became brighter or monochrome, geometric shapes inspired by various art movements like ‘Op Art’ became popular and a convergence of musical and digital media inspired tastes led to social and aesthetic led change, transforming the sixties political, cultural and social landscape. One of the key movements associated with the sixties was the ‘Mod’ trend which was described as ‘young peoples fashion’ by the legendary Mary Quant. Quant is best known for popularizing the mini skirt but she also triggered the augmentation of the monochrome trend, the psychedelic movement as well as other mini-Mod related trends. While Quant did not invent trends, she put them on the map for sixties style lovers and shortened skirt lengths to retaliate against previous fashions that refused to allow women to show their legs. The sixties wasn’t just ‘sexy’ but it was fashion forward, futuristic and fun.
Prior to the sixties, youth culture led fashion was often described as ‘watered down versions’ of adults clothing choices but for the first time the sixties was inspired and created by youth culture. They commercialized ‘pop art’, worked 9-5 jobs so they could parade their ‘fashions after dark and even created trends that had never been seen previously. A common ‘Mod look’ before it waned in popularity in 1965, was a monochromatic or colour-blocked geometric shift with thigh high boots and Vidal Sassoon’s ‘ five point’ hair cut, inspired by models like Twiggy. It was razor sharp and androgynous, yet still laced with a smattering of femininity. The merging of gendered fashion had almost become unisex and both men and women were likely to borrow elements from each others wardrobes. Style had never been so unified and although the 70’s and 80’s were seen as the decades that were ‘infamously androgynous’, it was the sixties that engineered and pre-mediated the androgynous look.
The 1960’s was a definite style powerhouse and even today it is clear that many trends that we see as modern is really just a patchwork of 60’s led styles. For example the popular brand Missoni is inspired by the 60’s mini art movement known as ‘op art’. While op art is often confused with pop art, there is a clear marked difference and that is in both its construction of shape and the materials it uses to cultivate its ‘trend’. Op art is designed to give an illusion of movement by merging conflicting patterns although both art forms are seen as abstract art components. Today Missoni uses the ‘zig zag’ and stripe print that was so popularly used in the 60’s op art movement, although prints are woven instead of printed to mark a difference in periods. But it is not just the op art movement that inspired modern fashion. Arguably Quant’s mini skirt look which was popular with mod subcultures still remains a bold fashion statement today. Note teens and young adults wearing printed mini skirts with knee highs to give an illusion of a ‘longer leg’ while others combine elements of decades past i.e. 90’s and 80’s but weaving into an ultra modern framework, inspired by the sixties.
But it was André Courrèges who became the designer of the decade after creating simple geometric designs-often monochromatic-, while pairing them with white go-go boots and a sharp razor bob to match. Fashion to him was central to the 60’s motto of ‘doing your own thing’, thus creating fashion that was personalized to ‘you’. While Courreges is often associated with ‘space age couture’, simple geometric shifts, cut-outs and mini skirts that we see as popular in modern fashion, is all thanks to his simple 60’s mod designs. Although the latter part of the decade gave way to the psychedelia movement as shown in Austin Powers, it was the first half of the decade that had the biggest impact on the way we view and consume fashion today. Today we are empowered and in most cases have the freedom to wear what we want. 2016 was a hodgepodge of styles, ranging from the 90’s bomber jacket to the 50’s midi skirt but it has always been the sixties that has had the greatest impact on how fashion is constructed in modern style. Thanks to the sixties we wear mini skirts, shift and babydoll dresses, favour monochromatic or colour blocked looks and that is just the tip of the ice berg. Whoever your style tribe, I am almost certain that there is an element of sixties fashion, inspiring your perception of personal style.
Are You A Fan of Sixties Fashion?
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I think the 60’s fashion was pretty cool. I must admit, I think this is one of your best shoots yet Ana. You look fab and that background is awesome x
I think the 60’s really propelled fashion and self expression forward. I loved reading some more about the history behind it all
I love looking at sixties fashion but I wouldn’t know where to start if I were to actually wear anything!
I’m curious as to how fashion in the 60s shaped men’s fashion looks. I definitely see how it inspires people in women’s fashion today. Love the history here. I’m always a bit of a history geek though.
I absolutely love the 60’s style, I kind of feel sad that a lot of fashion is so dreary these days x
Ana, I LOVE this! There is so much synergy with art and fashion and I love reading about the history. In fact, I chose fashion through the ages as the topic for my end of year speech at school! Stunning photos 😍
Kat x
This is a really cute outfit! I love the bold black and white print. I just found your blog. You are very stylish. Glad to follow you.
I love the 60’s style – it’s amazing how a decade can have so much influence on fashion x
I love 60s fashion, it has definitely influenced modern styles, you look great in this shoot!
I love the vibrant prints and patterns of the 60’s! They seemed to have so much fun with fashion.
Helen x
No one could go wrong with the black and white combo. And I love it. It is smart and cool.
You pull the 60s look off so well!! I love this back drop, amazing!!
I love anything and everything about the sixtes, to the shot shorts to the monochorme outfits. I am loving your outfit and you totally rock this 60s babe style. xx
I vaguely remember the 60s and loved the hairstyles. Not the back combed ones left over from the 50s but the slick, beautifully cut styles. I loved Cathy McGowan on Ready, steady, go! and wanted her clothes and her hair! Sally
An interesting read I really do love the look of the 60s fashion trends. I love your monochrome outfit
Looking lovely sweetie! Swinging 60s is actually my favourite period in fashion with Twiggy, Mods and Carnaby street being the heart of the coolest things in town! Not to mention YSL’s Mondrian collection! <3 You made my day with this post, going to listen to The Jam right now and perhaps watch Quadrophenia afterwards! Xx
I love monochrome. Black is always striking and I am not brave enough to wear white on its own.
I’m always amazed by how much influence fashion can have. Love the 60s style
I love how fun 60s fashion is – it didn’t take itself too seriously! Your skirt is fab <3
Style is just one big circle – everything comes back around! Just look at chokers and flared jeans haha.
Omg that jacket is amazing! I love the whole outfit. I’m a huge fan of 60’s fashion!
Omg that is so funny that you’re doing a modern fashion photoshoot! I am actually taking a class on subcultures and I’m doing my final project on the Mods! If you want, I can use your photos or any quotes you have and put them in the Mod Magazine I’m making. Let me know.
Hi Cassidy that would be lovely thank you 🙂 please email me using the contact form provided xx
You look fab. I love the dress, the jacket.. the ’60s fashion was quite stylish in thos days.
The 60s is iconic when it comes to style and fashion. We still wear their style until today and it’s definitely something that won’t go out of trend easily. I love their color blocking, their striking colors, and the patterns!
I adore 60’s fashion. I think that is my favorite period of time when it comes to clothing. Everything was so cool back then,
I love the mini shift dresses of the sixties, effortless and cool, but also so comfy!
60’s fashion was definitely unique, but I personally prefer the 90’s so much more! Bomber jackets for days!
I love looking back at fashion and seeing how it has evolved and then revamped with a more modern twist. I love the 60s style. I have incorporated some of it in my home as well lol. Great post lovely x
Loved this post! I know that fashion nowadays still have that 60s influence. If I were a fashion designer, I would still look back at those years when people started busting out of the norm and wearing clothes that speak about their personality. Thanks for the trivia about the 60s fashion. I learned something new today. 🙂
I love your dress, I was chatting to my Mum whilst shopping with her the other day about 60’s fashion she saw some shoes and said she used to wear them and we started chatting about 60’s clothes. I would love to have grown up with the 60’s fashion x
I love 60s fashion, always like looking at photos of clothes from the 60s
This is such a quirky outfit! You look fab!
I have always been fascinated with that era. I love the clothes and the music, i feel like i should have been alive then
I love 60’s fashion! Sadly I can’t do miniskirts but they look great on you!
oh yes I am a huge fan of the 60’s and the mini skirt is just a big yes to me – I love the black and white look too and it’s strange how fashion has a funny way of coming back and around again
Yes the 60’s era was so important and inspiring and today’s styles have been so influenced by this decade. It is my 2nd favourite fashion era after the 70’s. I loved the monochromatic inspired looks its brought into the modern era.
My parents were born in the late 60s so I asked them and my grandma before about the attire worn back then and the fashion. Some of it was pretty cool but I don’t know if I could pull it off as well as some do!
Such a gorgeous outfit. I am also a fan of the 60s fashion! 🙂
I just love 60s fashion! I’ve always liked the zigzag look. You look fabulous in this.
I am loving the background here!!!! The 60s were one of my favorite time periods for fashion!
So much fun fashion in the 60’s! I am glad to see it is still inspiring looks today.
I like your outfit definitely. But this time your shoes are my favorite. Keep going girl you’re great!
It’s interesting to hear about how they influenced today’s fashion. I love to wear various types of clothing, babydoll dresses are a must for the summer.
I have always thought I was born in the wrong century. I love the 1960 looks I still rock some of that style today!
In the back of my mind I always wonder what created such a drastic change in fashion from the 50’s to the 60’s. I love the 60’s style though.
All about what André Courrèges thought about fashion in the ’60’s. Love doing your own thing and love the idea of the geometric print. And – I love all of it, of course! haha…
My favorite styles are from the 50’s and 60’s. My mother grew up in the 50’s, and looking at all of her photos, I wished I had all those clothes!
I love the way you write. You make us see not only the clothes part of fashion and I think that’s awesome. It’s always nice to read the story behind the outfit.
I love the black and white print! It’s bold and fun without being too out there and fits your style perfectly.
I love this monochromatic look on you!! So cool! I love pulling from different decades for fashion now because I feel like we just keep bringing back some of the best items!!
It’s amazing how fashion trends cycle over and over again. The 60’s mini skirts, the 70’s platform shoe, love those looks!
60s fashion is so iconic for many reasons. I learned a lot from your post!
I am a huge fan of 60s style clothing. I wore go go boots once I saw Nancy Sinatra wearing them. We wore shift dresses and a flip haircut, with matching bows in our hair. It was a fun time for fashion!
The 60s. Such a great era that I have always admired. I wish I could pull any of it off but I sadly cant. I love looking at it though!
Definitely should give homage to the 60’s for the mini skirts and the monochromes and block colours. Very interesting read
I love the fashion from the 60’s. Been a while since I have been game to wear the style, but maybe I should add some more to my wardrobe?
They were so fashionable then. I have that t shirt you’re wearing. Love the outfit x
Ana you are gorgeous! I love the clutch bag – think I will need to get myself on Esty, I always forget about that site x
I’ve always loved vintage fashion. The 60s were such an interesting decade, which definitely had a lot to do with what was going in the world. I adore the mod look and always get excited when it makes a comeback.
You’re such a clever lady Ana! I absolutely love reading your blog and each article you write is so bloody deep and thoughtful and you can tell that you’ve put so much effort into it! 1960s were damn grate – although I might be more of a 50s girl I dare say. I’m all for that Sylvia Plath fashion! x
Great retrospective! I agree that the 60s were a seminal time for fashion. And it’s true, although I probably don’t realize it I’m sure my daily outfits are inspired by this era, as I love clean cuts and modern lines.
I’ve noticed that over the years 60’s styles still in fashion with modern twists. Just love fashion and the hair-dos too.
60’s style for the win 🙂 Super love it! You nailed it! Stay stylish and gorgeous.
Love 60s fashion!!! Clearly you know your stuff, as this is a well researched piece. Thank you for taking the time to create this one – a great read 🙂 x
Wow I really like this! You rocked this look! Xx
I love when you discuss fashion history! I learn so much about how we evolved to today. This is my Moms era too!
I always thought that somehow 50’s fashion put 60’s in a con of shadow . Personally I like more the 60’s , with block colors and cleaner lines 🙂 love reading you
I think living in the 60s would have been so much fun! I love the fashion and the styles from that time. What an informative blog post!
60’s fashion has always seemed so fun to me. I was always more into the makeup of the 60’s. This is a great post Ana, I love tbe historical and analytical approach.
There’s such a radical shift from the 50s to the 60s in style. I love the use of color and of pop art. You pull it off wonderfully!
There’s a reason Mad Men was so popular! I think most people love the 60’s fashion aesthetic, the politics…not so much!
60″ were great for fashion! Economy was growing and there were lot of new ideas and influences!
Your outfit is amazing, and so the location you chose for this pictures!
These are gorgeous photos! That skirt is beautiful! 60’s fashion was so different, and amazing!
Such a stylish outfit, the sixties has some amazing fashion and I like monochrome too
I’m a huge fan of Orla Kiely who does 60s prints and patterns so well.
I loved the style and music of that era. Although i was born in the late 70’s I feel like a part of me has some past connection to the 60’s
I love this outfit, it’s honestly like the perfect outfit for work! 🙂 x
I really love your duster jacket, I need to get my hands on one of those 🙂
Dani x
Well, I’ve certainly always loved what came from the mod fashion movement! LOVE a good mini!
You look amazing. I’m loving that jacket. I love what came from that fashion movement, When taking up fashion merchandising we had to learn all about the different movements of fashion and this one was one of my faves.
Great time for fashion for sure, many of the elements are still current because they were timeless.
The 60’s fashion really suit you. I like your style and dress. Love the way it blends with the background.
It’s great you have gone through the ages of fashion, as it shows you have a great knowledge abs know what you are on about and I like that. I love the first outfit you look fab in that 😊
I have seen pictures of my mom and dad in the 60s and what I noticed is that their clothes are so clean and crisp. The colors were monochrome, their clothes, shoes, bag were all in the same color. Designs were simple and it was usually just to accentuate a plain colored dress. I think it is still the same to day, except the young people just need to starch and iron their clothes more often
I love seeing how fashion trends from previous decades show up in today’s clothes. I tend towards ‘hippy’ clothes….lot of loose and flowy flower child type stuff and I see it everywhere nowadays
Ana I am sooo loving this look. Everything goes very well together and the background complements it very well.
It really is amazing how many fashion trends have their roots in 60s fashion. For me when I think of 60s fashion I always think of a monochromatic dress with white go-go boots, but there are so many different styles that have their birth in 60s fashion x
Interesting read here Ana. Fashion is art.
Admittedly I have no clue about fashion of any Era at all, it has never been my thing, but that feature wall behind you is incredible.
I love 60s fashion! You look great in that outfit esp the gorgeous skirt.
I do love some of the 60’s fashions – there are many timeless pieces from then. You look fabulous! Kaz x
The 60s was the time when my parents were young and so much in love. I’ve seen photos of them when they were in their early 20s! I do believe that the 60s fashion has never waned. Today’s clothes still have hints of them. Sleek, bold designs, A-line cut dresses, frills, lace, and tight fitting pants is still pretty much present in today’s fashion styles.
This is fantastic! I never even thought about how the 60’s was such a turning point for fashion but you’re right, the 50’s was so “Stepford” and prim, It’s always so fun to think back through History at the decades and eras that changed fashion and music and culture and made it what it is today.
Ellie | http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
I love 50’s and 60’s fashion. They have specific cut that really marks the era. Your shoes are gorgeous, and you look beautiful as always.
I love 60s fashion, especially the monochrome looks. It’s great that it’s still influencing fashion now too. As much as I like mini skirts I do love the 50s style dresses, the 3/4 length is still so pretty and feminine.
I love this look, the skirt is really pretty! I’m really into 60s style.
I absolutly loved the 60s style, I’m also loving this outfit you’re wearing. The photos are amazing! xo
Wow, I didn’t know Missoni famous ‘zig zag’ and stripe print was inspired by the 60’s op art movement! What an amazing epoch! And I love your outfit Ana!
I have always been a fan of sixties fashion. My grandmother had some great fashion items in her closet when I was growing up and I loved trying them on.
This is a very interesting insight about the 60s fashion influence. I’m a huge fan of black and white outfits and you look amazing here!
I love the 60s look, however I tend to dress a little earlier, more 40’s and 50’s. I love how you look in these photos and that background is just perfect! You killed it xx
The 60’s is one of my absolutely FAV style periods – shift dresses, bold prints, clean silhouettes. In my opinion it’s one the only eras that is timeless enough to still be worn today, and look completely relevant. x
I love the 60s style! or anything vintage for the matter. It just always looks sl classy and girly. Well written!
I love that today we can combine different styles and mix up what we like from each decade. I am more of a 50s girl, I guess, but who can say “no” to all those geometric patterns and those color block looks of the 60s. I also love shift and babydoll dresses. Well, at the end, there is something to love from each decade, even the 80s, haha. 🙂
I remember seeing a slideshow on the different fashion trends on facebook through the decades and it was fun to see how much things have changed! I like seeing how each decade kept a little bit of fashion trend the last and it was beautiful to see that transformation! I haven’t looked much into 60s fashion but now I’ll have to look!
I love everything about this look. The patterns, especially! Vintage clothes are my favorite!
I love 60’s make-up. They had such bright colors paired with bold patterns and somehow everything still worked and looked so put together. It just goes to show that good fashion is timeless.
that dress is so cute! i’ll have to show my daughter this, as i think she would love it.
Oh you totally pull off this look! I love 60s fashion, the monochrome is timeless!
Love this look! Suits you <3
The background on these images is so beautiful! I adore 60’s fashion, I think it’s where a lot of my fashion inspiration lies.
My mummy is more a fan of 1950’s fashion, however she likes the Missoni op art patterns and colourways x
I love looking fashion and I love reading about the different fashion era’s its always fun and entertaining. By the way I love your outfit you look stunning 🙂
Mary Quaint is one of the designers of the past I look up to, she managed to shape the look of the 1960s decade, which is one of my (many) favourites. I like to inspire myself in this era (especially now in spring) with a modern twist to the looks: http://quaintrelle-georgiana.blogspot.cz/2017/02/think-pink-ootd.html
60s fashion is amazing but I’m more of a fan of 50s fashion as I love that vintage fitted look.
You make every look, look completely effortless & natural.
You can rock anything & make it look fabulous, absolutely love your choice here darling.
Very in keeping x
I love the 60s fashion. I watch videos on YouTube and I see women wearing knee length A-Line dresses with bell sleeves, beehive hair style, and knee-high boots. The boots never went out of style and is still worn by women nowadays. The bell sleeves are making a come back. I really think the 60s fashion is a great inspiration for designers.
I looove 60s fashion! My grandma saved a good amount of her clothes and it’s so fun going through them. It’s great watching fashion trends circle back around!
You are so fashionable and fabulous, the shots and the backdrop suits your photographs the best!! I love reading about the different fashion era’s. I think the 60’s fashion was awesome.
60s fashion is so amazing. I have often thought I was perhaps born in the wrong era. Between the fashion and the music? I could have been very happy then 🙂
I love 60’s fashion. When I was younger I used to wear a lot of monochrome dresses
I absolutely love 1960’s fashion – and the whole era in general. My first boyfriend referred to me as ’60’s girl’ before he even knew me. The outfit you’re wearing here is just gorgeous.
I love this look and 60’s fashion in general, such exciting prints and colours. xx
Sixties fashion is so fun and I love the patterns and colours. I really think that after 60’s fashion broke the mold it is a style that is still being tweaked with and inspiring fashions decades later.
I love the fashion of the 1960s and you rock the monochrome look so beautifully!
I’m definitely a fan of 60s fashion, particularly the skirts. I just read a really interesting article in last month’s Vanity Fair about the transition from 60s to 70s fashion and what it meant for women.
I love this look on you. It’s amazing how quickly the influence of different decades of fashion come around!
I love 60s fashion! I kept few things from my Grandma’s closet until today!
Oh yes! I wish I was born in 60s! These fashion trends would suit me perfectly.
I’m a 90’s baby but I am always curious about fashion history. As they say, it always repeats and goes back to the trend.
I love the whole 60’s look, the prints and colours were fab x
This is a very informative post and really makes me think. I love the black and white in the photos.
I’ve always since I was a kid watched movies from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. I’m a huge fan of old Hollywood. The 60s was definitely a more defining movement of fashion where it became more creative. I love how you have detailed and explained the history of it. The photos are so gorgeous and the background is amazing!! You’re an inspiring person babe xx
I love the 60s fashion!! Not only that but I feel like the 60s fashion is happening now… and I like it!
Ps. Love the vibe your images send out xx They go well with the article.
The 60’s era music and clothing we’re all on point. Simply fun and jazzy
Fashion has definitely evolved but thinking how the 1960s inspired it is amazing. I love the 60s fashion too!
The ’60’s were indeed a massive impact of women’s fashion and a wonderful time to see change and difference. I love the cuts, the shapes and the use of patterns and colours. My Mother got married in the ’60’s and her dress was a salmon pink, worn with a beautiful jade overcoat. She has kept them, and I’ve loved trying them on. Beautifully cut, and you feel wonderful in them. I love how fashion never disappears and can keep making returns.
60s fashion is definitely my favourite! Love the silhouette, colours, accessories, just everything!
Your outfit is stunning – a perfect modern version of 60s.
Oh my goodness, Ana! I just wanted to say that I think this is my favourite outfit of all the ones you ever photographed yourself wearing on your blog. You look absolutely amazing <3
Louise x
I truly believe fashion from the these years is going to return full time..Fabulous..!
I love the monochrome look!! Also dead in love will everything 1920s its so lovely to see how fashion has chanages and where its been inspired from!