1960s Men’s Fashion

Civil rights protests, Vietnam War, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King and President John F. Kennedy are among a few of the highlights of the 1960s. However, the 1960s were not all about sad events. Man first landed on the moon on July 20, 1969.

On matters fashion, the 1960s were a great time for men. The Beatles were formed in Liverpool in 1960. Consequently, many men had no problem being seen walking around looking like the latest members of British band.

It is easy to see why men preferred walking around in denim jackets, blue jeans, and t-shirts. After all, is that not how the legendary British grouped looked? Solid white suits were also a thing courtesy of The Beatles’ John Lennon.

Additionally, James Bond became a cultural and fashion icon of the 1960s. Ian Flemming created James Bond in 1953. Six James Bond films came out in the 1960s, and they were a massive success. Because of that, Bond influenced the 1960s men’s fashion.

The Don Draper Style

It is impossible to talk about the 60s men’s fashion without considering the Don Draper style. Men copied Don Draper. They replicated the style that he had made famous around the world. It is worth noting that Don Draper was not a real person. He was a movie character.

Draper defined how a successful and professional American man should dress. He never wore or preferred Italian, European, or English cuts. Instead, he opted for the classic American style that revolved around the following:

  1. Single-breasted sack jacket full of narrow notch lapels
  2. Two buttons
  3. Single vent located at the back

Don Draper’s style reeked of consistency, elegancy, and professionalism. His dressing style was quite understated too, which most men had no problem with. Coupled with the popular hairstyle of the time (short back, sides, and a side part), this style made men to stand out!

Middle-Class Mainstream

You have probably read that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was one of America’s most stylish First Ladies. While that is true, most people are ignorant of the stylishness that her husband, John F. Kennedy, brought to the fore too.

President Kennedy’s Ivy League style was iconic. The American middle class incorporated it as its official style too. This style was popular with men until mid-60s. Such a style reeked of laidback sophistication. It is quite refreshing if you can pull it through, though!

Examples of key features in this style include:

  • Colored vests
  • Sportcoats with distinct trousers
  • Dress shirts
  • Skinny ties
  • Fedora hats
  • Casual polo shirts
  • Belts
  • Patterned/solid trousers
  • Tennis sweaters
  • Athletic sweatshirts

The British Mod

Americans and the British call themselves cousins. For this reason, it is little wonder that men’s fashion in both cultures were quite similar. For example, the British took the Ivy League style, tweaked it a bit, and made it their own.

They included Italian fashion to this style to make it uniquely theirs. The British were also careful to feature attire that movie stars such as Steve McQueen, the King of Cool, wore. Through all these tweaks, they made the Ivy League special.

Suits and Sportcoats

Suits and sportcoats were popular items in 1960s men’s fashion. Most men would have no problem walking around in dull and lifeless business suits. However, those with a stylish streak took matters to the next level.

Stylish men of the 1960s preferred modernized suits with a hint of lower waistbands. They also went for flat-front trousers and plenty of narrowing lapels. Two-button jackets were more popular than the 3-button versions.

To pull it off, you would need a good dress shirt and matching tie. Preferably, a pinstriped, white shirt would increase your chances of standing out from the crowd. A solid, patterned, or wide-striped necktie would be a great addition too.

In late 60s, men preferred richly colored dress shirts. Small patterned neckties gave the suits and shirts a macho appearance. You have no reason for stopping there, though. Instead, feel free to crown everything up with a pair of flashy gold cufflinks!

Alternatively, consider wearing the suits and sportcoats with casual shirts. When it gets hot, you could get rid of the coat and remain with the shirt underneath. Use this to enhance your golf/country club look.

Lastly, look for men’s sweaters. Overcoats and jackets would also give you a unique 60s men’s look. With a few slip-on shoes, your stylishness would be evident to all, too. Do not forget a good hat, such as Fedora hat, v-dent, or short crown to create a more elegant appearance.

8 Earrings Perfect For Pairing With Flapper Dresses

Fashion is an ever-evolving phenomenon. New trends keep coming with the passage of time and the old ones become outdated. However, there are certain trends that have stood the test of time.

One of these trends is the very famous flapper dress from the 1920s. The 1920s flapper was all the rage back in the day as it screamed glamorous and who doesn’t lover glamour.

Freed from the social and physical restrictions of earlier decades, flapper outfits were casual but sexy. During day, flappers clad in drop-toe dresses with a narrow buckle or a large sash to highlight the tip line instead of the waist. Flat breasts further emphasized the trendy boyish flapper wear.

The night pulled out thigh-length and lengthy fringe, appliques and sequin flapper skirts with rhinestones and feather headbands, making a lively and glamorous flapper ensemble.

Thanks to movies like the ‘The Great Gatsby’ the flapper trend never really went out of fashion as it was just too good to let go. However, no outfit is complete without jewelry and the 20s were all about the bling.

The flapper jewelry of the 1920s was minimalist and plain relative to the earlier decades. It wasn’t appropriate to wear more accessories if the attire or head pieces were already super fancy on their own. The classic 1920s jewelry is a lengthy pearl necklace.

It was carried by women as one thread, several threads of varying shapes, and sometimes flowed down the back instead of the front. A beaded cup necklace or a brief Art Deco type bib necklace are other designs to remember.

Earrings Worn with the 1920s Flapper Dress

The earrings were short drop designs of diamonds and other gems in rather Art Deco colors such as white, black, gold, and sparkling white. The jewels were rectangular circles, rectangles, triangles and straight edge ovals in shape.

Demure was out of fashion and bold was the new trend of the 20s.  The long length of the earrings attracted attention to the face and ears of the female. Studs were worn as though they were large and bright stones, unlike the small ones we carry today.

Following are our top 8 picks for earrings perfect for pairing with flapper dresses.

  • Style Emerald & Silver Crystal Drop Post Earrings

This timeless pair is a massive spike in retro beauty. Two magnificently long silver drop earrings in a beautiful decorative style. Overflowing with aquamarine rhinestone and silver crystal design, it gives a perfect representation of the glamorous 20s.

  • 1920s Style Silver Rhinestone Nouveau Flower Drop Earrings

Stylish and elegant, this pair is the finest detail of your flapper or antique night.  Stunning diamond crystal decorated stud tops with dazzling rhinestones and crystal leaf adornment in lacquered diamond frames prove why the trends from the 20s are so timeless.

  • Deco Style Black Rhinestone Drop Fan Earrings

These sparkling and mysterious set of deco styled drop earrings feature beautiful glittering black and gunmetal gems and crystals that will instantly up the ante on your flapper ensemble. Styled in classic vintage fan styles, these dangling beauties are just what one needs to complete their flapper look.

  • Deco Style Pearl Drop Earrings

This piece is a retro version of glamor. These stunning dangles are elegantly matched with your art nouveau collection. The delicate teardrop of faux platinum pearl falls from a beautiful grace of faux pearl studs and the stunning golden hardware.

  • Green Deco Gemstone Large Drop Earrings

These spectacular dramatic drop earrings display a magnificent collection of green emeralds in the lacquered vintage gold hardware. Safe with the backs of the post, they complete any flapper outfit with some deco luster.

  • Vintage Style Ivory Pearl & Silver Crystal Teardrop Earrings

These are a sparkling display of the 1920s glitz and glamour. Two stunning drop earrings display exquisite white drop pearls hanging under a broad silver tear drop crystal, flanked by silver rhinestones and crafted in polished metal.

  • Deco Style Pearl & Dark Gem Thistle Stud Earrings

These studs showcase vintage glamor with a flare. They are an exquisite set to go with your outfit. The elegant collection of ivory fake pearls sports a spectacular plume of black jewels and lustrous brass tips.

  • Deco Style Silver Rhinestone & Gem Leaf Drop Earrings

Two stunning rhinestone earrings are adorned in an exquisite decorative leaf pattern with a post backrest. Mounted in lustrous brass and decorated with a sparkling crystal-clear diamond, this is an elegant touch to any dapper flapper attire.

Vintage Dresses – Fashion Trends of the ‘60s

Each decade brings with itself a unique set of fashion trends, but the 1960s differed from previous trends with all that they brought. Displaying a combination of fashion trends which were poles apart, the 60s set themselves as a benchmark for differing fashion. In the same way as the Roaring 20s encompassed fashion which spoke volumes for prevailing political times, and female empowerment, the 60s fashion attempted to make similar statements – albeit in a different manner. Older trends were improvised to give it the spark of the 60s, resulting in dresses with a vintage yet modern vibe. These vintage dresses continue to grace costume-parties, and events featuring a ‘blast from the past’.

To dive into the fashion of the 1960s, it is important to know the variety they upheld. Be it the hippies and beatniks, or the London Mods – each sang a different tune. But all of them together emphasized on the slogan of ‘female empowerment’ – of voicing opinions, being slightly rebellious, and chanting the words ‘bold’ and ‘free’. The fashion helped greatly in taking this notion forward and thus fell into the following categories:

  • The ‘Mods’ Fashion

This trend was inspired by the Modernists of London, thereby shortened to form the ‘Mods’ fashion. Truly modern in its sense, this fashion style exhibited raised hemlines, shortened lengths (read: very short), and differing waists. Whether you wish to opt for a high waist, or prefer the low waist, it was all in fashion. An absolute classic during this time was the knitted sweater vintage dress. With a length right above the knee, and being neither slim-fitted nor loose, the dress worked for all women. Giving a sophisticated yet stylish touch, it was an ensemble which continues to stun in current times too.

The Mods also wore edgier cuts, numerous prints, and bolder colors. The prints ranged from flowery to geometric, offering a design suitable to the likes of everyone. There were paisleys, polka-dots, yellow honeycomb, and a variety of circles. The sweater dress especially consisted of solid colors, and simple detailing on the neck and ends. Many times, there were outlines of pockets to enhance elegance. The vintage dresses were worn in an array of hues, from the sober black to the bright red, and happening yellow – all upholding empowered women for a brighter tomorrow.

  • The Hippie Vibe

As soon as the word ‘hippie’ comes to mind, images of bell bottoms, fringe vests, and hippie bands come to mind. The 1960s hippie style was no different. The people who opted for this were rebels of the society, fighting against existing norms, one vintage dress at a time. The men and women went carefree in their attires, wearing bold prints, and letting their hair grow long and uncontrollable.

The dresses and loose pants had tribal prints, combining a touch of local attire with a rebellious scent. The printed dresses, especially the ‘peasant’ dresses of the time, and even on skirts. Paired with kitten heels and matching headbands, they enhanced the overall vintage yet modern look of the individuals. Innovative footwear was also observed in the 60s; the plastic boots. Whist the sleeves had designs to make a fashion statement – talk about being loose and groovy.   

  • The Beatniks

Upholding a very different fashion style from previous trends, the ensemble of the Beatniks made them stand out from the crowd. These were ‘enlightened’ individuals with interests in arts, music, literature, and poetry. They were special fans of jazz. Whilst these individuals thought differently, they also appeared differently. Vintage dresses of the Beatnik fashion usually are in the color black. Knee-length black dresses were a common favorite, whilst the turtleneck sweater was widely worn too. Many went bare-legged, whilst black cigarette pants were also opted for. For those who paired short black tops with a different colored pant, it was usually accompanied with a beret – giving a sober yet cool vibe.  

These enlightened and educated individuals dressed to make a statement, and black skin-tight clothes helped them achieve just that. With such dresses, they took ownership over their body, and wore clothes according to their likes – upholding freedom of choice.

  • The Innovative Footwear

No fashion trend is complete without trendy footwear, and the 1960s proved that. The vintage dresses and other shirts were stunners, but they needed equally fashionable footwear. Thus came in the Go-Go Boots. The style began in the 60s. and consisted of low-heeled boots which went midway up the calf. Although they could have included multiple colors, the official trending go-go boots were white in color. Later on, with renditions on the earlier style, they were improvised to changes in heel height – making it kitten, or very high. Whilst the boot length was taken to knee-level in many cases. These boots continue to trend today, becoming head-turners wherever they set foot (pun intended).

The fashion of the 1960s was revolutionary. Producing vintage dresses still in trend today, the attire spoke for a cause. It helped understand the importance clothing plays when wishing to make a statement.

1960 Vintage Wedding Dresses

Marriage is one of the most important decisions that an individual makes. Perfect is the word equated for each and ever event. The perfect partner, the perfect wedding ceremony and most of all, the perfect wedding dress is what everyone dreams of. Wedding dress is something that an individual can hold on to and cherish for many years. When the event is missed most people look at the wedding photos or recall memories from the day, however, if you have the perfect look you can already remember it for decades. Choosing the perfect dress requires a lot of research and most of all requires hassle of looking for something that you might like. Bridesmaids become a huge part of this process. To lessen your burden, here are some of the favorite wedding dresses from the iconic 1960s vintage-dressing era, for you to comfortably make your choice because it’s not just a dress, but also an embodiment of your dream that you will remember forever!

  • Edwardian Style: Beautiful long sleeved, high neckline satin wedding dress with embroidered lace on the neckline was a popular vintage dress in the 1960s.  The long satin dress fell beyond the feet, making a beautiful and soft train. This was one of the most popular designs as it screamed elegance and romance. Easily paired with a high bun with beautiful hair accessories and light make up, the bride was the talk of the event. The lace often covered the top half or the bodice of the wedding gown making up the sleeves as well. The lace was made up see through net material, with a combination of big and small beautiful flower patterns. This could be seen as one of the most fancy styles as it was different than other plain white dresses.
  • Babydoll: In contrast to the long Edwardian style, Babydoll was shorter, ending at the ankles. This style of vintage wedding dress moved away from the typical cinched waist and figure hugging dresses. Rather it was made to be slightly flowy and loose with a ribbon or belt like accessory near the upper body to create a more sophisticated look. The material for this dress was often made of lace on top of thick plain material. This kind of dress could be easily paired with high or kitten heels and with elaborate headpieces to complete the simple, yet elegant look. Topping it with some bold lips such as red!
  • Mini dress: Even higher than Babydoll, this vintage dress ended near the knees. This became an iconic dress quickly as it was seen as a bold and courageous move, wearing a short wedding dress at time. Since then, people have become more accustomed and accepting, as the media has normalized clothing like these. This dress empowered the woman, as they were now able to show their legs, which previously had not been permitted and considered appropriate inside of churches. These often had a cape-like lace bodice with a short skirt attached and short sleeves.
  • Feathers and Furs: These were seen as alternatives to the stylish lace wedding dresses. Furs and Feathers from different birds and animals was added as decorating accessories on many vintage dresses. Fur and feathers were attached to necklines, making them higher than the usual sweetheart neckline, around the sleeves and on the hem of the dress itself.  Other than fur there was nothing else on the dress itself that was attention grabbing. The furs and feathers could be easily added to any kind of dress. Whether it was short or long, fur/feathers made it more elegant and posh looking. This kind of dressing could be paired with kitten or high- heels on A-line or flowy wedding gowns.
  • A-Line style: A different kind of silhouette had been introduced in the late 1960s, which was more in tuned with the previous era.  The designs moved away from flowy and shapeless to adding an A-line to make the waist not tight but prominent. A-line provided a more cleaner and fresher look with sturdy lines and structured fabric. This was a combination of A-line silhouette and the Edwardian waist. The fabric used for this was mostly simple and plain white, with no lace. This was a dress that was mostly favored by those who were more conservative and wanted to avoid the critiques by the churches.

Wedding is one of the most important decision and sanctity for a person. When anything and everything from the event, the partner and most importantly the dress feels right, than the day becomes more like a dream coming true and less like a nightmare where everything goes wrong. Choosing the perfect wedding dress is a huge part of the process and having the correct information regarding the iconic vintage-dressing era, makes the decision all the while easier!

1920s Vintage Style Wedding Dresses Guide

A vintage themed wedding shows the pure essence of beauty, elegance, and fun. The 1920s themed weddings like Art Deco, Gatsby, Downtown Abbey, or Prohibition-era weddings are always in trend. All you need to do is to find the perfect 1920 dress for your special day, along with the shoes and hair accessories that go with your beautiful dress to make your day even more special. While Gatsby wedding dresses are a symbol of a wedding party celebration, Art Deco wedding dresses define elegance with beaded embroidery. The Roaring Twenties was the decade when fashion made a big innovative turn and art-deco became the most popular style.

When planning a 1920s themed wedding, you’ll surely have beauty and glamour in mind that you must embrace to look and feel your best at your wedding day. It has almost been a hundred years but the vintage glamour is not done dominating the fashion industry, and so our brides are always on the verge to pick the best of the best dress from them. So, here are a few gorgeous ideas for you to design your perfect vintage style wedding dress.

Great Gatsby Glamour

The time of art deco sophistication during the 20s, wedding dresses were seriously glamorous and they are still perfect to take the party away. Gatsby is not just an idea, but a guide to help you create a full bridal wardrobe.

Glitter Bug

The wonderful flapper style wedding dresses got fame in the 20s as they had some fine gorgeous details overall. If you are a sparkle lover, this style is made just for you. Make your wedding dress stand out by pairing it with a sparkling accessory, like a clutch or a head accessory.

The Earl’s Daughter

Only the name is enough to trigger the time of utter elegance in your mind. When it comes to wedding celebrations, this might be the best idea on the table you wouldn’t want to miss. The light ivory silk wedding dresses speak the simplicity of the glamorous era.

Silk Silhouette

The most stunning dress during the Roaring Twenties used to be a sleek silk silhouette skirt that drapes to the ground while fitting the bride naturally on all the right places.

Getting An Idea for Today

If you are still confused to pick the right one, use your mind and some experts’ advise to create a modern dress that gives a glimpse back to the vintage era with all the laces, studs, and shines while embracing the elegance and simplicity.

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