Iconic ‘60s Fashion Trends That We Still Love Today

The “Swinging Sixties” was a time known for its major shifts in culture, politics, music, and fashion. From the Civil Rights movement to second-wave feminism, as well as some of the world’s most historical events—Neil Armstrong’s first step onto the moon, the Kennedy assassination, appointment of the first Black Supreme Court Justice—this tumultuous decade had a direct impact on individual expression that was mirrored in the styles and trends it produced.

The growing popularity of miniskirts and bikinis signified the sexual liberation of empowered women exerting their bodily autonomy, while bold colors and flower power served as a symbol of opposition to the Vietnam War and a revolution against all that was mainstream. With or without a grasp of the cultural magnitude, we still revel in a lot of these 1960’s trends today. Your favorite fringe jacket, risqué sheer dress, or warmest crochet sweater all at one point made a statement that went beyond fashion, so let this roundup of iconic style moments serve as your grooviest mood board now and forever.

American-born French actress Marpessa Dawn eloquently wears a fit and flare dress. The silhouette was a ’60s staple that will never go out of style.

Jayne Mansfield seen in a fitted pencil skirt and kitten heels, a quintessential 1960’s outfit.

The Supremes were the sixties’ favorite girl group, pictured here wearing their nod to menswear style—surely an inspiration for all of the cravats and loosely slung neckties we see on the modern runways.

Diahann Carroll struts a pose in a button-down dress worn over billowing trousers.

The ’60s became a time for women to express themselves through clothing, which included wearing pants more regularly (an item once thought to be taboo for ladies).

When designer Mary Quant invented the miniskirt, she likely didn’t foresee its impactful longevity and the popularity it would sustain so many decades later.

Another tweak on menswear, the leather vest.

Dressed up with somewhere to go.

Whenever Jackie Kennedy stepped out, the fashion world took notes. Her and Lee Radziwill both impeccably work these headscarves into a casual ‘out and about’ look.

Feeling feline? Elizabeth Taylor shows us how to wear head-to-toe leopard print with the utmost confidence.

We can thank the 1963 movie Beach Party for the popularization of the bikini.

These aren’t your regular skirt suits. Exaggerated necklines and a dropped waist add extra flair on Italy’s Spanish Steps.

Travel in style with a matching cape and trouser set, complete with a pair of leather (or faux leather) gloves.

Paisley print, an exaggerated collar, and an oversized necktie make this ensemble a smart look.

Women of the ’60s were always dressed to the nines for cocktail hour.

Floral shift dresses and headscarves—perfect for a casual day at the beach or pool.

High-waisted swimwear was everywhere throughout the ’60s, and we’re seeing it make a pretty big comeback in modern day (most notably on Taylor Swift).

A lesson in prints and prints done right.

This pic is a throwback to one of Christian Dior’s fall-winter collections in the mid 1960’s.

A gloomy day never looked so good in these playful rain jackets.

Jean Shrimpton sitting pretty in a great girl-next-door look.

Hats off to The Supremes for being the crème de la crème of girl group style.

Note: the LV monogram is quite literally timeless.

Bright and bold colors, like this slime-green and purple combo, was a fresh take.

Wondering if this bold floral set still exists somewhere, because I think we all need it in 2023.

Forever pretty in pink.

Twiggy handling business like the boss that she is in a menswear-inspired blazer.

Minimalism existed in the ’60s, too.

Mia Farrow in a super sweet Peter Pan collar dress.

Showy collars and big pink energy for the incomparable Sophia Loren.

Lola Falana stepping out in an orange minidress, metallic gold boots, and a pageboy hat.

A casual Audrey Hepburn wearing Bermuda shorts and giant sunnies.

Twiggy makes a case for fringe with the absolute coolest airport style.

Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, demanding respect in an off-the-shoulder dress with dramatic, accented sleeves.

Mad for plaid.

An unexpected, frilly-collared bodysuit.

Nina Simone put a spell on us with this easy knit dress and statement necklace.

We can see clearly now...that we should always be accessorizing with scarves.

Stepping out on the town in a slick, patent coat.

Coordinated style doesn’t get any better than this.

A nod to mod; street style for your vision board.

Revolutionary woman Kathleen Cleaver often donned the statement black turtleneck while she fought for equality.

No one else claimed iconic wedding style (or icon status) the way Yoko Ono and John Lennon did.

Not all superheroes wear capes, but fashionable women of the ’60s sure did.

Bold prints, one shoulder dresses, and cool headbands for the perfect ’60s look.

This decade set the stage for gender fluid fashion.

If I were a working woman in the ’60s, this is exactly the outfit I would choose.

One of the biggest trends out of the late ’60s was crochet, and Tina Turner proved it was a showstopper.

Setting trends in knee-high socks and loafers, a combo that’s become a staple in today’s street style and off-duty looks.

Yves Saint Laurent with his muses Loulou and Betty Catrou. This photo blessed us with endless style pointers, including over-the-knee boots, the lace-up shirtdress, and the right way to pull off a safari jacket.

Models wearing summer dresses made the way they should be—clean and completely effortless.

Cooler than cool with this leather moto jumpsuit.

Clock this look as another ’60s outfit we’d slip into today.

Models sporting the minidress and making headlines with newsprint.

What’s your sign?

Fringe was just as appreciated then as it is now.

This ribbed knit set accessorized with a link chain belt is an ideal WFH outfit.

The ’60s version of Barbie-core.

Cool cut-outs seen on the runway as part of a late ’60s Pierre Cardin collection.

Jane Birkin’s sultry sheer dress making waves à la Emily Ratajkowski.