1. Paper Dresses
Believe it or not, paper dresses were sold in department stores as a cheap, disposable fashion. Made of treated cellulose, they came in bold prints and colors, often promoting everything from pop art to political campaigns.
They were marketed as convenient—wear once, toss away. Today, the idea of wearing clothing that could rip with one wrong move sounds impractical at best. Still, in the ’60s, it was considered innovative and modern.
2. Go-Go Boots
Those shiny, knee-high white boots were the ultimate mod statement. Worn with miniskirts and geometric dresses, they became an icon of the swinging ’60s.
At the time, they looked futuristic and glamorous, but walking around in stiff, patent leather was no easy feat. Today, they might feel more like costume than daily wear. Back then, though, they were a must-have.
3. Nehru Jackets
Inspired by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, these high-collared jackets became a fashion sensation. Everyone from rock stars to businessmen tried them on for size.
They were meant to feel exotic and worldly, though today they are rarely seen outside retro costume parties. For a brief moment, though, the Nehru jacket was the epitome of cool. It was a global influence stitched into daily style.
4. Bold Psychedelic Prints
From swirling paisleys to neon florals, psychedelic prints dominated the latter half of the decade. The louder the pattern, the more fashionable it seemed.
What might look like wallpaper today was once a prized shirt or dress for dancing under strobe lights. The trend captured the spirit of freedom and rebellion. For many, it was fashion as self-expression.
5. Vinyl Raincoats
Clear vinyl or brightly colored plastic raincoats were the futuristic answer to dreary weather. They often squeaked, fogged up, and were not exactly comfortable.
Yet in the ’60s, they were marketed as stylish, even space-age. Some even matched them with vinyl boots and hats for a full plastic look. It was impractical, but very “of the moment.”
6. Granny Glasses
Despite the name, these wire-rimmed, round glasses were worn by the young and trendy. Inspired by counterculture icons like John Lennon, they quickly became a symbol of rebellion.
To modern eyes, they might look more costume-like, but back then, they represented a whole way of thinking. They were cheap, quirky, and instantly recognizable. What was once “strange” became shorthand for youth culture.
7. Wide Necklaces and Medallions
Oversized pendants and chunky necklaces were a bold fashion move. Some were spiritual symbols, others simply giant decorative pieces.
They often seemed heavy and impractical, but they were proudly worn over turtlenecks or mod dresses. The bigger the medallion, the better. It was jewelry meant to shout, not whisper.
8. Space-Age Metallics
Silver jumpsuits, shiny dresses, and outfits that looked ready for orbit were the rage during the space race. Designers like André Courrèges leaned into futuristic looks.
While few people were actually heading to the moon, fashion made it seem possible. Walking around in reflective fabric seemed normal for the trendsetters of the day. It was science fiction brought into the closet.
9. Tie-Dye Everything
Brightly swirled tie-dye shirts, dresses, and even pants became a staple of counterculture fashion. They were messy to make but proudly worn once dry.
What looked like a craft project gone wrong was actually a statement of individuality. No two pieces were alike, which was the whole point. Tie-dye made chaos fashionable.
10. Chain Belts
Instead of leather, chain belts dangled from hips over dresses or miniskirts. They clinked and jingled with every step.
They were not very practical, often snagging or sliding out of place. But in the ’60s, they were considered chic accessories. A little flash went a long way.
11. Bell-Bottom Pants
Starting slim at the thigh and flaring dramatically at the ankle, bell-bottoms became a fashion standard. They showed up in denim, polyester, and every color under the sun.
Walking in them sometimes meant tripping over your own hems. Still, the look caught on with both men and women. The exaggerated silhouette was seen as the height of style.
12. Peasant Blouses
Flowy, embroidered blouses inspired by Eastern European folk styles became popular among young women. They paired perfectly with jeans or long skirts.
What seemed “strange” at first was their loose, almost costume-like look compared to tailored clothing of the past. Yet by the late ’60s, they were everywhere. They became a symbol of casual, bohemian living.