Dress
Dress from 60s: Complete Shopping Guide & Styling Tips
Step back in time and embrace the timeless elegance of 60s fashion! Dresses from the 1960s continue to inspire with their bold colors, playful prints, and iconic silhouettes. Whether you’re seeking vintage authenticity or a modern twist, our guide will help you discover the perfect 60s-inspired dress to express your unique style and make a fashion statement today.
Comparison Table: Key 1960s Dress Types and Their Characteristics
| Dress Type | Signature Silhouette | Typical Fabrics | Popular Details | Iconic Wearers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shift Dress | Straight, loose | Cotton, wool, brocade | Buttons, color-blocking | Jackie Kennedy, Jean Shrimpton | All body types, casual & formal |
| Mini Dress | Very short, fitted or A-line | Crepe, jersey, synthetics | Bold prints, high hems | Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot | Petite/leggy, parties, casual |
| A-Line Dress | Fitted at shoulders, flares out | Twill, knits, cotton | Patterns, clean lines | Audrey Hepburn, Jane Birkin | Pear, apple shapes, everyday |
| Mod Dress | Geometric, minimalist | Synthetics, knits | Graphic prints, contrasting trims | Mary Quant | Tall/slender, statement outfits |
| Pencil Dress | Slim, tailored | Wool blends, cotton | Bows, pleats, belts | Joan Holloway (Mad Men) | Curvy/hourglass, office, formal |
| Maxi Dress | Ankle/floor length, loose | Silk, polyester, cotton | Paisleys, florals, beads | Late-60s icons (hippie style) | Bohemian, formal, summer events |
| Babydoll Dress | Empire waist, short | Chiffon, satin, cotton blends | Lace, ruffles, bows | Young pop stars | Youthful styles, parties |
Choosing a 1960s Dress by Body Type
Shift and A-Line Dresses
- Ideal for most figures due to their forgiving, straight cut.
- Apple and rectangular shapes benefit from the lack of waist definition; the fabric skims the body and offers a relaxed, stylish fit.
- Pear-shaped bodies look great in A-line dresses, which highlight the shoulders and glide away from hips and thighs.
Mini and Mod Styles
- Best for petite or willowy figures as shorter hemlines elongate legs and geometric lines create bold structure.
- Those with long legs or looking to accentuate their height will look fantastic in mod minis with high necks and graphic prints.
Pencil Dresses
- Flatter hourglass and curvy shapes by hugging the waist and enhancing natural curves.
- Opt for dresses with stretch fabrics and structured tailoring if you prefer body-conscious looks—a hallmark of Joan Holloway’s chic 60s silhouette.
Maxi and Babydoll Dresses
- Great for taller or plus-size bodies due to the elongated line and relaxed fit.
- Babydoll dresses particularly suit petites who want to add volume and a sense of playful youthfulness.
Choosing by Occasion: From Daytime to After Dark
Casual Wear
- Shift Dresses: The staple of 60s casual chic. Pair with flats or go-go boots for everyday errands or casual meetups.
- Mini and Babydolls: Choose playful mod prints and bold colors for brunch, weekend outings, or informal gatherings.
Office/Professional
- Pencil Dresses: A fitted pencil dress in a solid hue or subtle pattern, paired with a cardigan or cropped jacket, exudes retro office elegance.
- Structured A-Line: For a more conservative workplace, opt for an A-line in neutral tones with minimal embellishment.
Formal & Evening
- Brocade Sheaths or Silk Maxis: Richly textured, metallic, or embroidered dresses deliver 60s glam for galas or cocktail parties.
- Add gloves and pearls for an authentic period look.
- Empire Waist or Boat Necklines: Offer sophisticated alternatives for wedding guests or special dinners, especially when crafted in luxe fabrics or bold jewel tones.
Special/Theme Events
- Go full mod with bold prints, graphic color-blocking, or metallic fabrics for costume parties or 60s-themed gatherings.
- Consider custom tailoring or vintage reproduction if authenticity is important.
Style Tips: Mastering the 1960s Dress Look
Color & Pattern
- Monochrome (Black & White): Echo early 60s French-inspired chic. Layer with pearls and structured bags for an Audrey Hepburn vibe.
- Bright Blocks & Psychedelic Prints: Mid-to-late 60s saw color explosions—choose rainbow brights, paisleys, or bold stripes for standout style.
- Florals and Paisleys: Soft for day, metallic or sequined for night. Both patterns became more adventurous as the decade went on.
Fit & Structure
- Look for high-quality fabric blends with a touch of stretch for modern comfort in vintage-inspired silhouettes.
- Consider custom sizing for the perfect fit, especially when buying reproduction or tailored pieces.
Accessorizing: Completing the Look
| Accessory | How to Style It | Works Best With | 60s Iconic Inspiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Go-Go Boots | White or patent knee-highs | Minis, mod A-line, shift | Nancy Sinatra, Mod models |
| Ballet Flats | Neutral shades with bows | Shift, A-line, floral minis | Jackie Kennedy, Jean Shrimpton |
| Statement Jewelry | Chunky, geometric, pearls | All dress types, especially shift/mod | Twiggy, Edie Sedgwick |
| Hats | Berets, pillboxes | Shift or pencil, formal maxis | Jackie Kennedy |
| Handbags | Structured clutches, patent satchels | Work/party looks | Audrey Hepburn |
| Gloves | Short for day, elbow length for night | Shift, pencil, evening maxis | Brigitte Bardot, society soirees |
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Sizing: Vintage sizes run small—always check sizing charts, compare measurements, and when in doubt, size up or have tailor adjustments made.
- Fabrics: Opt for cotton blends or twill for day, brocade or silk blends for evening. Stretch fabrics offer comfort and flexibility.
- Condition: If shopping authentic vintage, check for wear, fabric integrity, and quality closures/zippers.
- Maintenance: Many vintage fabrics require dry cleaning or gentle hand washing. Read care instructions on reproduction models.
- Versatility: Choose solid colors for maximum mix-and-match potential, or bold prints for statement pieces that stand alone.
- Layering: Add tights, cardigans, or turtlenecks under sleeveless styles for cooler weather or a true-to-era layered look.
- Bespoke Options: Many modern sellers offer custom-made-to-measure—send your measurements for a tailored fit and select your preferred color/fabric.
- Accessories: Upgrade looks instantly with vintage or vintage-inspired accessories—even a simple shift dress feels complete with the right extras.
- Budget: Original 60s dresses can range in price due to rarity and condition—reproduction or custom makes are more accessible and customizable.
- Sustainability: Buying vintage or high-quality reproductions is eco-friendly, supporting sustainable fashion practices.
Technical Comparison Table: Core Features of 1960s Dress Types
| Dress Type | Typical Fabric | Length | Closure Type | Waist Definition | Lining | Neckline Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shift Dress | Cotton, wool | Above knee | Zipper/Back | Low | Sometimes | Boat, round, jewel |
| Mini Dress | Synthetics, crepe | Mid-thigh | Zipper/Back | Varies | Rare | High, round, V |
| A-Line Dress | Twill, cotton | Above knee | Zipper/Back | Medium | Sometimes | Crew, bateau, V |
| Mod/Colorblock | Knits, synthetics | Above knee | Zipper/Back | Low | No | Mock, crew, round |
| Pencil Dress | Cotton, blends | Knee | Zipper/Side | High | Yes | Boat, square, V |
| Maxi Dress | Poly, silk, cotton | Ankle/floor | Zipper/Back | Low or empire | Yes | Scoop, square, V |
| Babydoll Dress | Chiffon, blends | Thigh/knee | Zipper/Back | Empire | Sometimes | Round, scoop, square |
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Conclusion
Dresses from the 1960s represent a vibrant, revolutionary era in fashion, offering a style for every personality, body type, and occasion. Whether you’re seeking Jackie Kennedy’s refined shifts, Twiggy’s mod minis, or the hippie-inspired maxi dresses of the late decade, there’s a 60s style that can refresh your wardrobe with elegant nostalgia and modern flair.
By carefully selecting styles that flatter your figure, choosing fabrics that suit your lifestyle, and accessorizing thoughtfully, you can effortlessly channel a look that is timeless, playful, and perfectly on-trend even today.
FAQ
-
What are the main types of dresses from the 1960s?
The most popular types include shift dresses, A-line dresses, mini dresses, mod/graphic print dresses, pencil (wiggle) dresses, maxi dresses, and babydoll dresses. Each offers a distinct silhouette and style suited for different occasions and body types. -
How do I choose the right 60s dress for my body shape?
Shift and A-line dresses suit most shapes, especially apples and pears. Minis flatter petite and long-legged figures. Pencil dresses highlight curves and hourglass shapes. Maxis work for tall or plus-size frames, and babydolls provide a playful, youthful look for smaller builds. -
Can I wear a 1960s dress to a formal event?
Absolutely! Opt for brocade or silk sheaths, empire-waist maxis, or fitted pencil dresses in luxe fabrics. Add heels, gloves, and statement jewelry for an authentic formal 60s ensemble. -
Are authentic vintage dresses better than modern reproductions?
Each has its pros and cons. Authentic vintages offer unique fabric and history but may be fragile or hard to fit. Modern reproductions provide updated sizing, fabric stretch, and often custom tailoring options for a better fit and durability. -
What are the most iconic colors and patterns from 1960s dresses?
Early 60s emphasized monochrome (black/white) and pastels; mid-to-late 60s embraced bold brights, color-blocking, psychedelic prints, paisleys, and florals. -
How should I accessorize a 1960s dress?
Pair with go-go boots, ballet flats, pillbox hats, statement necklaces, structured handbags, and gloves. For mini dresses, opt for bold jewelry and boots; for shifts or pencil dresses, choose pearls and classic pumps. -
How do I care for a vintage 60s dress?
Follow fabric care instructions—most vintage pieces require gentle hand washing or dry cleaning. Always store in a cool, dry place and keep away from direct sunlight. Repair or reinforce seams and zippers as needed. -
Are 60s dresses comfortable for everyday wear?
Many 1960s silhouettes, like shift and A-line dresses, are famously comfortable and suitable for daily activities. Choose modern reproductions with stretch fabric for added ease. -
Can I find 1960s dresses in plus sizes?
Yes, especially from modern sellers and reproduction lines, which cater to a wide size range. Authentic vintage pieces may be limited in larger sizes, but custom-made options are widely available. -
What’s the price range for a good quality 1960s dress?
Prices vary significantly. Original vintage may start around $50 and rise to $300+ for rare pieces. Quality reproductions and custom orders typically range from $80 to $200, depending on materials and craftsmanship.
