The ‘60s was a decade dedicated to breaking fashion norms. While women everywhere rocked bob cuts, mini skirts, brightly-colored box dresses, and go-go boots, men sported mod haircuts and wore Beatles-inspired turtlenecks and floral or polka-dot shirts. This was certainly a far cry from the more restrained styles of previous decades.
While some trends from this era have long been forgotten, there are a few items that simply never go out of style. Modern men’s fashion, in particular, has turned to the ‘60s for inspiration. In this article, we’ll dive into men’s fashion during this period and will fill you in on some 60s pieces that are timeless. Giving yourself a new look doesn’t have to be difficult!
You can never go wrong with a slim fit suit. This is a classic choice that can be worn on most occasions but requires a little bit of planning. In order to pull it off, the suit has to have a skinny silhouette that suits your body type. Suits that are too skinny or too loose are simply unacceptable! While black is the most common color, neutrals like gray or navy blue are perfectly fine as well. You can mix and match your shirts underneath, depending on the occasion and your own personal tastes.
The Beatles were known all over the world during the '60s, not just for their music but also for their impeccable taste in fashion. The Fab Four – as they were often called – sported mop-top haircuts, sleek suits, bulky coats, and brightly-colored shirts and tops, capturing the hearts of women everywhere. It didn’t take long before men all over the world began to rock this style as well.
The hippie counterculture that emerged in the 1960s was all about free love, challenging traditions, and maintaining a carefree outlook on life. This movement also manifested itself in the way people dressed during this time, with the likes of rock icon Jimi Hendrix leading the way.
Although the hippie look continues to live on, today’s more restrained style differs from the groovy and colorful designs that were popular at the time. The hippie men of today are more likely to be seen wearing paisley shirts with dark denim, or oversized shirts and ripped jeans with a straw hat.
The emergence of rock and roll stars who rejected tradition and behavioral norms in the ‘50s led to the eventual rise of one of the most iconic styles in men’s fashion. The simple-yet-edgy biker look, which became prominent in the 1960s, continues to be a popular style for men today. Many of the top brands and designers of the 21st century continue to come up with pieces that are heavily influenced by this style.
The leather jacket is one of the most versatile pieces in men’s fashion, making it an essential component of any man’s wardrobe. Leather jackets aren’t really that difficult to find (they’re everywhere!), so choose the one with the best design and quality in order to stand out. Avoid those that are too shiny, and don’t be afraid to splurge on jackets made with the finest leather.
Once you’ve selected your jacket, you can wear it with dark denim, a neutral-colored shirt, and flat boots for a clean look. Wearing skinny jeans instead of regular-cut one gives the outfit a more modern edge. This look is so easy to pull off and doesn’t take a lot of effort to put together since most of the items are already likely to be in your wardrobe anyway.
Yes, you read that right – the print-on-print style is timeless! However, there are certain tricks you have to know in order to rock this classic combo while also keeping it from looking ridiculous. Prints like paisley and florals can go together, but it is important to make sure the second print is more subtle. If one print is loud and colorful, then the other should be more neutral or used as an accent piece, like a scarf or a tie.
As one of the most iconic decades in fashion, it comes as no surprise that the ‘60s continues to be a source of inspiration for designers around the world. The '60s may be long gone but the vintage styles from that era live on. Don’t hesitate to play around with our suggestions, try different styles, and give your wardrobe the enhancement that it deserves!
Men wore a wide variety of outfits throughout the '60s. While women’s fashion was heavily influenced by the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, men’s fashion drew inspiration from the decade’s most popular musicians like The Beatles and Bob Dylan.