Our love for Swinging Sixties fashion trends looks knows no bounds. Moon landings and mods, sartorially speaking, is there a better decade?
The ‘Youthquake’ movement, a phrase coined by Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland, blossomed – think Austin Powers in 4D. And when the contraceptive pill became readily available in 1967, this meant one thing: sexual liberation.
“At the dawn of the 1960s, young people’s income was at its highest since the end of the Second World War. Increased economic power fuelled a new sense of identity and the need to express it,” explains the V&A, “The fashion industry quickly responded by creating designs for young people that no longer simply copied ‘grown up’ styles. The Beatniks and the Mods (an abbreviation of ‘Modernists’) were particularly influential early in the decade. As committed to European-style clothes – characterised by high-impact colour and line – as they were to American soul and R&B music, Mods helped focus the tastes of young people everywhere, and inspired the look of bands like The Who, The Small Faces and The Beatles.” Fashion’s cyclical nature means that what goes around comes around, and although the 1960s were more than 50 years ago now, we’re still reaping the style benefits from the It-girls of the day.
Some of the major trendsetters of the decade include actresses, singers and models, laden with je ne sais quoi that set them apart from the rest. Twiggy, with her famous doll-like eyelashes, for one, along with Jean Shrimpton and Dusty Springfield who favoured puffy babydolls and voluminous block fringes.
The Trends:
The 60s were all about bold prints, mod dresses, and mini skirts. Think A-line silhouettes, go-go boots, and lots of shift dresses. Accessories like big sunglasses, headscarves, and statement jewellery were must-haves. The decade was all about mixing fun patterns and bright colours, making every outfit a playful statement of personal style. “The 1960s fell in love with new, man-made materials, with young designers keen to find new angles on established forms. They exploited the potential of modern plastics and synthetic fibres – Perspex, PVC, polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, Spandex, etc. – to create easy-care outfits that were eye-catching and fun,” explains the V&A.
How To Recreate The Look:
Channeling 60s fashion? Go for mod silhouettes like mini skirts, shift dresses, or bell-bottom pants paired with a turtleneck. Add bold accessories like oversized sunglasses, chunky earrings, or knee-high go-go boots.
Don’t forget to experiment with prints—geometric patterns and psychedelic designs were huge. Throw in a headband or scarf to complete your vintage look, and you’re basically ready to time-travel to ‘swinging’ London.
The Colour Codes:
The 60s were a vibrant decade full of bold color choices. Popular hues included bright orange, electric blue, hot pink, and lime green. Black-and-white combos were also trendy in mod fashion, especially in geometric prints.
Psychedelic patterns with were huge towards the late 60s, and earthy tones like browns, olives, and mustard were embraced in the more bohemian, hippie styles seen later on in the decade.
1960s Fashion Trends We Still Love Today:
Mod Mini Skirts
The modern minthusiast (rolls off the tongue, no?) owes much to the late designer Mary Quant. While she never claimed to be its inventor (that honour she always attributed to the London girls who wore them on the streets), she was one of its greatest champions and named the popular style after her beloved Mini Cooper car. As the mini skirt flourished, a shift in the cultural landscape was taking place – women were being allowed more sexual freedom. Its perfection lies in the proportion – with that much flesh on show, there’s a certain threshold of confidence involved. Stepping out with higher hemlines was a radical move and the girls on the street made a major political statement by channelling such an effortless look. The wearer of the mini is spirited, sexy and most importantly, unaffected by British weather.
Shifty Shapes
A departure from the hourglass shape that dominated in the 1950s, the shift dress favoured the straight up-and-down look. Flattering on column body types, the shift is defined by fabric that hangs straight down from the shoulders, offering no waist definition. The style was often sleeveless, and coloured with block, poppy hues.
Beatnik Berets
A favourite amongst Beatniks, in the 1960s the beret was often teamed with a black turtleneck and a love of literature. The rise of French ‘New Wave’ cinema also contributed to its popularity. Styling a beret is not a job for the fainthearted – the slouchy shape has to be carefully positioned on the head so that you look chic and not pantomime. Joni Mitchell would approve.
Patent & PVC
Designers pushed the boundaries with fabric in the 1960s, and Paco Rabanne was one of those who was ahead of the curve. Incorporating metal and plastic into his ensembles, the designer rejected convention; at around the same time, PVC entered the mix. Glossy finishes not only gave fibres man-made water-repellant properties, the wet-look was highly fashionable.
Cool Crochet
Despite its humble origins, this trend is still absolutely everywhere – it’s odd to believe that the craft was originally used as a cheap substitute for traditional lace back in early 19th century Europe. The 1960s saw a huge boom for crochet, and judging by the number of bucket hats, crop tops and slip dresses that are currently on the market today, the trend is going absolutely nowhere. With its design that embraces holes, crochet the perfect technique to wear during the warmer months. A stylish poolside moment would be incomplete without a sleeveless crochet maxi dress layered over a sleek one-piece.
Psychedelic Prints
The psychedelic art movement had a major effect on many areas of pop culture, namely music, literature, philosophy and, of course, clothing. The idea is that bright colours, distorted visuals and kaleidoscopic patterns are strongly reminiscent of the experience created by psychedelic substances. Some major artists of the time include Alex Grey, Rick Griffin and Wes Wilson.
Plenty of today’s fashion brands are still producing collections featuring prints heavily inspired by the movement, including cult brand House of Sunny with its covetable bodycon midi dresses, as well as Emilio Pucci, paying tribute to the brand’s founder who was dubbed the ‘Prince of Prints’ for his esteemed geometrics.
Bold Boots
Paired with the classic mini skirt, knee-high boots ruled the 1960s footwear scene alongside go-go boots. Heels were not overly high, certainly not in comparison to some of the vertiginous styles we see today, but they still felt cool and chic. Go-gos were white and mid-calf in height, as defined by top designer of the moment, André Courrèges, and made for the perfect accompaniment to a Space Age ensemble.
Trendy Tie-Dye
This trend was embraced by free-spirited counter-culturalists breaking away from the traditional social mould, and it came to symbolise all things peace-related. The idea of clothing as a form of protest gained traction, and many adopted a DIY approach, getting their hands dirty and creating their own tie-dye designs.
Beautiful Babydolls
The babydoll dress style began its life as a short nightgown, designed by Sylvia Pedlar in 1942 in response to wartime fabric rationing. Versions for children were then created – generally the style is defined by its empire line neckline and flowy skirt which made it easier mothers to change nappies. The cinematic release of Tennessee Williams’ Babydoll, in which actress Carroll Baker wore a short-sleeved frill version, is thought to mark the origin of the dress style’s name. In the 1960s, Twiggy paired hers with her now-iconic eye makeup look and T-bar Mary Janes, and thousands of others followed suit.
Space-Age Chic
Championed by designers such as Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin, André Courrèges, and Thierry Mugler, futuristic dress codes held a mirror up to the 1960s zeitgeist – reflecting the tension of the political climate of the Cold War.
The arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union prompted widespread interest in space, with both sides competing for military and nuclear supremacy. This was a mood encapsulated by the fashion of the time – with geometric silhouettes, clean lines, the use of synthetic materials like PVC and plastic, metallic colourways, heavyweight paillettes and heeled go-go boots coming to visually represent the era.
1960s Inspired Pieces To Shop Now:
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Ruffled Silk-Satin Mini Dress
Chloé
Boho-chic proved to be among 2025’s most triumphant trends – with the ethereal fad effortlessly translating into 2026 dress codes. Chloé played a pivotal role in defining the boho-chic aesthetic, with Chemena Kamali’s work at the house redefining the trend with her nuanced understanding of the brand’s heritage.
One for the luxury lovers, this 100 per cent silk frock by boho-chic powerhouse Chloé is perfect for achieving true Sixties style – playful, feminine and highly romantic. A breezy babydoll dream.
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Sequin Chain-Disc Mini Dress
Rabanne
This Rabanne chain-disc mini dress draws directly from the 1960s fashion scene, particularly the space-age aesthetic that emerged during the decade. The futuristic vibe of the silver-tone metal disks and reflective surfaces channels that bold, modern look that Paco Rabanne himself was known for in the 1960s, especially his use of unconventional materials like plastic and metal in fashion.
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Leopard print was a major trend in the 1960s, especially within the countercultural fashion movements and high-fashion circles. The bold, exotic pattern became synonymous with rebellious glamour and rock ‘n’ roll style during the decade.
Rixo’s statement coat is a retro-inspired, mid-length piece designed with a boxy shape that adds structure while still allowing for ease of movement. The standout feature is its hand-painted Bohemia Leopard print, applied to a soft and warm felt fur, giving the coat a luxurious yet playful look. It features long sleeves, button fastenings down the front, and a back split for added comfort and flexibility.
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Re-Edition Vinyl Boots
Courreges
Inspired by the Sixties-fulled space-fascination of the Cold War climate, these Courreges kicks feature all the key features of the iconic go-go boots – a Sixties staple. The shiny, white patent finish is highly evocative of the era, when patent leather was a key material in accessories and footwear, particularly in the mod and space-age fashion movements. Team yours with a black turtleneck and matching white mini skirt for a thoroughly Sharon Tate-inspired aesthetic.
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Printed Metallic Jersey Polo Shirt
Pucci
Emilio Pucci was known for his bold, colourful patterns that dominated the decade. The swirling, colourful ‘Iride’ pattern is heavily inspired by the psychedelic prints of the 1960s, which were popularised during the rise of counterculture and the free-spirited, artistic movements. A bold, attention-grabbing piece, featuring the iconic technicolor swirls that Pucci is renowned for, this glittering shirt offers both comfort and a sleek, form-fitting silhouette. A dazzling choice.
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The mini skirt was a defining silhouette of the 1960s, introduced by designers like Mary Quant. This skirt’s short length is an iconic nod to that decade’s focus on youthful, daring fashion. Plus, it features all-over sequin appliqué detailing in a futuristic silver hue, which gives it a luxurious and glamorous look. The sequins catch the light, creating a shimmering effect with every movement. Perfect for partying the night away in.
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7/8
Floral prints were a key motif in the late 60s, often reflecting the flower power movement. This DÔEN dress is a delightful homage to the time, featuring a darkly romantic ditsy print, lace detailing, short sleeves, and a flattering longline length. Crafted from ethereal satin, the dress is comfortable yet slinky, giving it a polished look.
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Stretch Denim V-Neck Mini Dress
& Other Stories
A-line shape silhouettes lay at the heart of 1960s mod fashion, which often emphasised clean lines and simple yet bold designs. This cut flatters by skimming the body and creates a youthful, playful vibe, featuring a structured fabric, wide hem and a relaxed A-line shape, which allows it to move freely. We’d style ours with chunky loafers and a stunning pixie cut that would make Twiggy proud.
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