'60s Fashion Trends to Integrate Into Your Wardrobe

Free-spirited pieces to buy now.

Sara Holzman's avatar
By
published
in Features
1960s fashion
(Image credit: Tyler Joe)

The fashion of the 1960s embodied a new, laid-back sense of freedom. Longer skirts were swapped for minis, while groovy flared jeans took the place of starch-pressed capris. Fashion icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were admired and often emulated, encouraging onlookers to experiment with their own personal styles. Get inspired by these '60s fashion trends—and learn how to channel them in the present day.

The Mini Skirt

Once controversial, the above-the-knee hemline is back in a big way. Peppered with checkered prints and cold weather textures like tweed, the leggy skirt silhouette is best worn for fall with opaque tights and classic ballet flats or with socks and a loafer.

1960s fashion

(Image credit: Keystone)

Shop Them Here

The Striped T-Shirt

The '60s wasn't all psychedelic tie-dyes and paisley prints. The simple Breton striped top was made famous by French cinema star, Jane Seberg in the 1960 film Breathless. Style the effortless tee with jeans and a low-top sneaker or tucked into a flowing maxi skirt with a mule.

1960s fashion

(Image credit: Bob Peterson)

Shop Them Here

The Silk Scarf

A must-have '60s accessory, printed silk scarves can be tied around the neck or worn as a glamorous hair piece. Alternatively, use them to accessorize the handles of your favorite purse.

1960s fashion

(Image credit: Mirrorpix)

Shop Them Here

The Flare Pant

A symbol of rebellion, the '60s gave way to flared denim styles and bold printed pants that were hard to miss. You can still wear a pair of the party pants today, but try something minimal up top like a simple navy blazer or a cozy cable knit.

1960s fashion

(Image credit: Ralph Ackerman)

Shop Them Here

The Signature Handbag

With their structured silhouettes and top handle design, the It bags of the '60s have re-emerged as some of 2021's most coveted bag styles. Invest in one of these today.

1960s fashion

(Image credit: Keystone-France)

Shop Them Here

Sara Holzman
Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she has worked in various roles to ensure the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation around fashion's ever-evolving landscape. A Missouri School of Journalism graduate, she previously held fashion posts at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and covered style and travel for Equinox’s Furthermore blog. Over a decade in the industry, she’s guided shoots with top photographers and stylists from concept to cover. Based in NYC, Sara spends off-duty hours running, browsing the farmer's market, making a roast chicken, and hanging with her husband, dog, and cat. Find her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.