The sixties was a decade characterised by a rebellion against the mundane and the fashion of the time reflected the psychedelic lifestyle that many chose. Iconic looks of the sixties include the famous mini-skirt and shift dress. These pieces broke away from the more conservative lines of fifties fashion and were sported by the likes of Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. 

The autumn/winter trends for this year are majorly themed around adapting the classic sixties look with designers such as Gucci and Stella McCartney taking inspiration from the era with patent leather and miniskirts. High street stores have also followed suit with Topshop recently creating a whole feature around the return of the miniskirt and River Island releasing a series of boldly coloured boyfriend coats. Miss Selfridge have notably taken the sixties vibe in a slightly different direction by creating printed a-line dresses with Peter Pan collar. Although the cut and style of the dresses are traditional sixties, the fabrics used are more delicate and the designs more feminine, often depicting oriental prints. 

 

 

One of the most quintessential themes of sixties fashion was seen this year all over the catwalks at Paris, London and New York fashion weeks. Monochrome is so wearable and flattering for every shape and size and, therefore, a very popular choice with designers in the colder months and party season. In the sixties monochrome was used to create very striking geometric prints that contrasted the colourful flower power designs. Designers such as Fendi have reinterpreted this look by adding textured fabrics such as fur and velvet to simple black and white outfits. Monochrome styles can also be found on the high street at the likes of Zara, who famously favour simple but well tailored designs. 

 

Always bear in mind with sixties fashion everything was centred on the cut of the fabric with skirts being tightly fitted and trousers billowing with the sheer volume of fabric. Men and women wanted a look that would define a generation and the use of these classic styles as future inspiration for modern day trends proves how important the looks created in the sixties were.

This season, when you are browsing the latest collections and overlook that sheer blouse or that striking pair of PVC boots because it’s too risky, embrace the history attached to the garment and revive the sixties look.

 

Images from the top

Gucci, Gucci, Fendi, Miss Selfridge

 

Lydia Norris