What was women's fashion like in the 60s?

A characteristic trend for fashionable wardrobe items and accessories is the return of trends that were relevant decades ago. Since 2010, outfits with characteristic features of the style of the 60s have periodically appeared in the fashion collections of famous designers. The interest in fashion of this period is not accidental - it was then that many famous couturiers began their careers and a radical change in clothing style took place. What are the features of the outfits of this period?

Women's fashion trends of the 60s: a little history

The rapidly growing standard of living in the post-war period led to the formation of an economically independent generation and a peak in production and consumption. Back in the 50s, such a phenomenon as youth fashion began to take shape.

Reference. The sixth decade of the 20th century was rich in historical events. In 1961, the first space flight was made in the USSR, two years later President Kennedy was assassinated, in May 1968 students “revolted” in Paris, and in 1969 the first man landed on the Moon.All these events, to one degree or another, influenced the consciousness of young people who were trying to find ways to express themselves.

One of them was fashion, in which very bold moods reigned. Young people wanted to be special, unlike anyone else - this, among other things, was expressed in the desire to wear “their” clothes, the styles of which would differ from the traditional, familiar cut options.

Reference. In the early 60s, the so-called capital of world fashion changed - then London received this status, which began to be called the “swinging city”. This term was coined by Time magazine. It was in this city that youth clothing collections began to be created for the first time.

The concepts created by designers changed the fair sex’s ideas about how, with the help of wardrobe items, one can emphasize one’s attractiveness, femininity and individuality. The most striking “innovators” in the fashion world of those years were Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Emilio Pucci, Cristobal Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne.

Women's fashion trends of the 60s with photos

One of the fashion trends that prompted designers to radically change many wardrobe items was the “concept of body awareness.” Under her influence, a more “revealing” monokini swimsuit, dresses and skirts showing off the leg to the upper thigh, etc. were created.

In 1964, the ban on women wearing trousers was finally lifted, and ensembles with this men's wardrobe item were at the peak of popularity.

During this period, the so-called birth of the unisex style, an ethnic fashion trend, occurred; clothes with characteristic “hunting” colors and styles—safari—and minimalist design and cut appeared.

As for the current prints and decor options of this fashion period, they were:

• pictorial motifs - thanks to the simple cut of the dresses, images on them could be transferred directly from the canvases;
• psychedelic design - bright and bold color combinations;
• lace and frills;
• peas;
• complex geometry or op art (optical art).
  

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The fashion of the 60s can be called the era of artificial materials, which contributed to the even greater development of the minimalist style. It was then that many designers appreciated their practicality and unique texture. To create outfits and accessories, vinyl, materials with lurex threads, nylon, metal or its imitation were used.

Reference. The rapid development of mass production of clothing did not reduce the value of haute couture items. The master's fine handwork was unrivaled.

It is to the 60s that we owe the appearance of short A-line skirts and dresses. The right to be called the first creator of the miniskirt is shared between Mary Quant, who presented her first collection in the “London style” in 1962, and Andre Courrèges, a student of the famous couturier Cristobal Balenciaga. However, whoever created this trend, the mini length became a recognized fashion trend of the 20th century.

Reference. The popularization of short dresses and minimalist skirts was facilitated by the fashion model Twiggy. This is the first supermodel who became an idol and, as they say, a style icon for many fans.

Another trend of the 60s - fluffy midi skirts or dresses with a tight fit.erhombus and flared hem. Such models with a polka dot print were considered especially stylish.

The fashion for using artificial materials also continued to include accessories - plastic jewelry and large glasses with round or cat-eye lenses in wide plastic frames were popular in those years.

Among the shoe models, wedge heels, pointed pumps with small thin heels, loafers and over the knee boots were welcomed.

In the 21st century, the style of the 60s has returned to fashion catwalks more than once. In the collections of famous couturiers, almost every season since 2010 there have been a-line dresses, miniskirts, stylish trouser suits, pointed stilettos, polka dots and geometric patterns.