60s Outfit Ideas: How to Rock the Retro Look in 2024
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
I’m always on the lookout for new outfit ideas that are both stylish and unique. Recently, I’ve been drawn to the fashion trends of the 1960s. This era was known for its bold colors, playful patterns, and innovative styles that continue to inspire fashion designers today.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of retro flair to your wardrobe or want to go all out with a full-on 60s look, there are plenty of options to choose from. From mod-inspired mini dresses to flowy boho skirts, there’s a 60s outfit for every occasion.
In this article, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite 60s outfit ideas that are perfect for any style and budget. Whether you’re dressing up for a themed party or simply want to add some vintage charm to your everyday look, these outfits are sure to turn heads and make you feel confident and stylish.
60s Fashion Trends
The fashion of the 1960s was a unique combination of elegance and rebellion. During this era, fashion was influenced by music, art, and politics. The 60s was a time of change, and fashion reflected this with daring new styles and bold colors. Here are some of the most popular trends that defined 60s fashion:
Mod Style
Mod style was one of the most iconic fashion trends of the 60s. This style was all about clean lines, bold colors, and geometric shapes. Mod fashion was influenced by the youth culture of the time and was popularized by fashion icons like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. Mod style was characterized by mini skirts, shift dresses, and bold patterns like polka dots and stripes. The mod look was all about being bold and daring, and it remains a popular style today.
Hippie Look
The hippie look was another popular fashion trend of the 60s. This style was all about being free-spirited and bohemian. The hippie look was characterized by long, flowing dresses, bell-bottoms, and fringe. The hippie look was all about embracing natural materials like cotton and denim, and it was often accessorized with peace signs, flowers, and other symbols of peace and love. The hippie look was a reflection of the counterculture movement of the time, and it remains a popular style today.
Rock and Roll
Rock and roll was a major influence on fashion in the 60s. This style was all about being rebellious and edgy. The rock and roll look was characterized by leather jackets, skinny jeans, and band t-shirts. This style was popularized by musicians like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and it remains a popular style today. The rock and roll look was all about being cool and confident, and it remains an iconic fashion trend of the 60s.
60s Outfit Ideas for Women
Mini Skirt and Go-Go Boots
One of the most iconic looks of the 1960s is the mini skirt and go-go boots combo. This look was popularized by fashion icons like Twiggy and Mary Quant. To achieve this look, pair a short A-line skirt with a pair of knee-high boots. The boots should be snug-fitting and have a block heel. You can also add some fun accessories like a headband or statement earrings.
Shift Dresses
Shift dresses were another popular style in the 60s. They were simple, yet chic and comfortable. Shift dresses were usually made of lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen and had a loose, boxy fit. They often featured bold, geometric prints or bright colors. Pair your shift dress with a pair of flats or low-heeled sandals for a comfortable and stylish look.
Bell Bottom Pants and Blouses
Bell bottom pants were a staple in the 60s fashion scene. They were often paired with flowy blouses or tunics for a bohemian-inspired look. Bell bottom pants are characterized by their wide flared legs that start to widen from the knee down. Pair them with a blouse made of lightweight fabric like silk or chiffon for a comfortable and stylish look.
Overall, 60s fashion was all about self-expression and individuality. Whether you prefer a bold and daring look or something more classic and understated, there’s a 60s outfit idea out there for you. Embrace your inner fashionista and have fun experimenting with different styles and trends from this iconic decade.
60s Outfit Ideas for Men
The 60s was a decade of change and experimentation in fashion. Men’s clothing styles ranged from the classic, tailored look of the Mad Men era to the more casual, laid-back vibe of the hippie movement. Here are a few outfit ideas that capture the essence of 60s style for men.
Mod Style Suits
One of the most iconic looks of the 60s was the mod style suit. These suits were slim-fitting and had narrow lapels. They often featured bold, geometric patterns and bright colors. To complete the look, pair the suit with a skinny tie and a pair of loafers.
If you’re looking for a more subtle take on the mod style suit, opt for a solid color suit in a muted tone, such as gray or navy. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a skinny tie for a classic, yet stylish look.
Denim Jackets and Jeans
Denim was a staple of 60s fashion, and a denim jacket paired with jeans is a classic look that never goes out of style. For a truly 60s-inspired look, opt for a fitted denim jacket with a slim cut. Pair it with a pair of straight-leg jeans in a dark wash.
If you’re looking for a more casual take on the denim look, try pairing a denim shirt with a pair of chinos or khakis. This look is perfect for a weekend brunch or a casual night out.
Beatle Boots and Turtlenecks
The Beatles were one of the most influential bands of the 60s, and their style had a huge impact on fashion. One of their signature looks was a pair of Beatle boots paired with a turtleneck sweater.
To achieve this look, opt for a pair of ankle-high Beatle boots in black or brown leather. Pair them with a slim-fitting turtleneck sweater in a neutral color, such as black or gray. This look is perfect for a night out on the town or a concert.
Overall, the 60s was a decade of experimentation and change in fashion. These outfit ideas capture the essence of 60s style for men, whether you’re looking for a classic, tailored look or a more casual, laid-back vibe.
Accessories for 60s Outfits
Accessories are a crucial part of any outfit, and 60s fashion was no exception. From statement jewelry to funky sunglasses, the right accessories can take your 60s outfit to the next level. Here are some of my favorite accessories for 60s outfits:
Jewelry
Jewelry was a big part of 60s fashion, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Chunky bangles, long necklaces, and statement earrings were all popular during this time period. For a more bohemian look, try adding some beaded jewelry to your outfit. And don’t forget about the iconic peace sign necklace, a must-have for any 60s-inspired outfit.
If you’re looking for something a little more understated, try a simple pendant necklace or a pair of hoop earrings. These classic pieces were just as popular in the 60s as they are today, and they can add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses were another important accessory during the 60s. Oversized frames, cat-eye shapes, and round lenses were all popular styles. If you’re going for a mod look, try a pair of bold, geometric frames. And if you want to channel your inner hippie, try some round, wire-rimmed glasses.
When it comes to color, the bolder the better. Look for sunglasses in bright shades of red, yellow, and blue to add a pop of color to your outfit. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and styles to create a truly unique look.
Hats
Hats were a staple of 60s fashion, and there are plenty of options to choose from. For a mod-inspired look, try a pillbox hat or a beret. These chic styles were popularized by icons like Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn.
If you’re going for a more bohemian vibe, try a floppy hat or a headband. These styles are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your outfit. And if you want to channel your inner flower child, try a flower crown or a tie-dye bandana.
Overall, the right accessories can take your 60s outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re going for a mod-inspired look or a bohemian vibe, there are plenty of options to choose from. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your accessories!
Hair and Makeup
As I put together my 60s outfit, I knew that hair and makeup were just as important as the clothes themselves. Here are some ideas I found to help complete the look.
Bouffant Hairstyles
The bouffant was a popular hairstyle in the 60s, characterized by a high, puffy crown and smooth sides. To achieve this look, I found that backcombing and teasing the hair at the crown and using a lot of hairspray were key. I also experimented with hair accessories like headbands and scarves to add some extra flair.
Winged Eyeliner
Winged eyeliner was a signature look of the 60s, and I found that it was surprisingly easy to achieve. Using a liquid eyeliner with a fine brush, I drew a thin line along my upper lash line, then extended it outwards and upwards at the outer corner of my eye. I also experimented with different wing lengths and thicknesses until I found a look that worked for me.
Bold Lips
Bold, bright lips were another staple of 60s makeup. I found that shades like bright red, hot pink, and coral worked well for this look. To make sure my lipstick stayed in place, I used a lip liner to outline my lips and fill them in before applying the lipstick. I also blotted my lips with a tissue and reapplied the lipstick for extra staying power.
Conclusion
As I’ve explored the fashion trends of the 1960s, I’ve been struck by the sheer variety of styles that were popular during this decade. From the mod looks of Twiggy and Mary Quant to the boho chic of the hippie movement, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found.
One thing that’s clear is that the 1960s were a time of experimentation and self-expression. Whether you were a housewife, a college student, or a rock star, there was a fashion trend that suited your personality and lifestyle.
Some of my favorite 60s outfit ideas include the classic shift dress, paired with knee-high boots and a statement necklace, or a pair of high-waisted flared pants, worn with a tucked-in blouse and some retro sunglasses. I also love the playful prints and bold colors that were so popular during this decade.
Of course, fashion is always evolving, and it’s fascinating to see how some of these 60s trends have made a comeback in recent years. From the resurgence of the mini skirt to the popularity of oversized sunglasses, it’s clear that the 1960s continue to influence our style choices today.
Whether you’re looking to channel your inner mod queen or simply want to add a touch of retro flair to your wardrobe, there’s no shortage of 60s outfit ideas to inspire you. So go ahead and experiment with different styles, mix and match patterns and textures, and most importantly, have fun!
