1. Twiggy
Known for her androgynous look and pixie haircut, Twiggy became the face of ’60s fashion. As the first supermodel, her slender frame and wide eyes set the tone for the youth-oriented fashion of the decade. She made her mark as a style icon with her minimalist, almost boyish style, which stood in contrast to the more feminine, hourglass figure that had previously defined beauty standards. Twiggy’s impact extended beyond modeling, influencing haircuts, makeup trends, and even the way women dressed. Her look became synonymous with the Mod movement, defined by bold geometric patterns, mini skirts, and bright colors.
Even today, Twiggy’s influence can be seen in fashion and beauty trends. Her famous lashes and the wide-eyed look continue to be a staple in makeup. Mod fashion has made a comeback in recent years, with many designers incorporating that signature look into their collections. Twiggy also made waves as an actress, television personality, and author, ensuring that her influence on pop culture continues to this day.
2. Jackie Kennedy Onassis
Jackie Kennedy’s elegance and grace made her one of the most iconic fashion figures of the ’60s. She redefined American style with her chic, understated wardrobe choices, favoring designers like Oleg Cassini and Hubert de Givenchy. Jackie’s clean, tailored outfits, often featuring pillbox hats and pearls, embodied a refined simplicity that became the gold standard for First Ladies—and for women everywhere. Her impeccable sense of style and poised demeanor captured the world’s attention, and she quickly became a symbol of grace and sophistication.
Her legacy in fashion endures as modern-day women often turn to Jackie’s signature looks for inspiration, especially when it comes to classic pieces like the trench coat and A-line dresses. Today, her name remains synonymous with timeless elegance, influencing not just fashion but also how women present themselves in the public eye. Her style transcended political boundaries, making her an international style icon long after her time in the White House.
3. Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot was the epitome of French sex appeal in the ’60s, and her laid-back yet sensual style has left an indelible mark on fashion. Known for her voluminous blonde hair, cat-eye makeup, and figure-hugging outfits, she became an international icon of both beauty and fashion. Her famous bikini look from the 1950s, especially the one she wore in And God Created Woman (1956), helped solidify the bikini as a summer staple. But it was her effortlessly chic style in the ’60s—think striped tops, mini skirts, and fitted jackets—that made her a true fashion legend.
Bardot’s influence continues to echo in today’s fashion world, especially in the realm of casual chic. Modern-day muses like Gigi Hadid and Alexa Chung often channel her vibe with pieces like Breton stripes, tailored blazers, and messy, voluminous hair. Her combination of sultry and natural beauty has inspired countless trends in both fashion and beauty, ensuring her spot as a style icon long after her retirement from acting.
4. Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is forever linked with grace, elegance, and timeless style, thanks in part to her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). The little black dress she wore in the film, designed by Hubert de Givenchy, has since become one of the most iconic outfits in fashion history. Hepburn’s slender frame and delicate features made her the perfect canvas for the high fashion of the ’60s. She often wore minimalist, tailored pieces, focusing on clean lines and neutral tones that allowed her natural beauty to shine through.
Her influence endures in the fashion world, with designers still citing Hepburn as a muse for their collections. Today, women continue to emulate her style by incorporating sophisticated accessories like pearls, sunglasses, and ballet flats into their everyday wardrobes. Audrey’s style, characterized by elegance and simplicity, remains the epitome of classic beauty, with an appeal that is as relevant today as it was in the ’60s.
5. Jean Shrimpton
As one of the world’s first supermodels, Jean Shrimpton’s face became synonymous with the Mod movement in the ’60s. Known for her long, willowy frame, large eyes, and soft features, she was often photographed in simple yet striking outfits that exemplified the minimalist style of the era. Shrimpton’s career skyrocketed after her appearance at the 1965 Melbourne Cup, where she wore a daringly short white dress, scandalizing the conservative crowd. This moment cemented her place as a major fashion influence and solidified her status as a trendsetter.
Her legacy continues through the models and influencers of today, who often evoke Shrimpton’s effortless, nonchalant beauty and chic style. Her influence extends into modern streetwear, with high-fashion designers still drawing inspiration from the bold simplicity of her Mod looks. Jean Shrimpton’s ability to combine beauty with simplicity helped pave the way for future generations of models, making her a lasting icon in both the fashion and modeling worlds.
6. Mary Quant
Mary Quant is credited with popularizing the miniskirt, one of the most defining fashion elements of the ’60s. As a designer, she embodied the youthful rebellion of the era, introducing daring cuts and bold prints that challenged traditional norms. Quant’s designs emphasized freedom of expression, and her clothes were a reflection of the era’s cultural shifts. Her creation of the miniskirt revolutionized the way women dressed, encouraging them to embrace shorter hemlines and more playful, fun styles.
Quant’s legacy is still felt today, with miniskirts making regular appearances on runways and in street style. Her influence also extends to the realm of beauty, as she was one of the first to promote bold, graphic makeup looks, including the iconic “Twiggy eye.” Designers and fashion enthusiasts continue to pay tribute to her groundbreaking designs, ensuring that her mark on the fashion industry remains indelible.
7. Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch’s sex appeal and glamorous, bombshell style made her one of the biggest stars of the ’60s and ’70s. Known for her sultry looks and voluminous hair, Welch became a symbol of beauty and confidence. Her role in One Million Years B.C. (1966), where she sported a fur bikini, became one of the most iconic images of the decade, solidifying her place in fashion history. Welch’s daring red carpet looks often featured form-fitting dresses that highlighted her curves and emphasized her bold, feminine style.
Today, Raquel Welch’s influence continues to inspire the fashion world. Her emphasis on femininity and glamour has influenced everything from contemporary beauty standards to the styles worn on red carpets by today’s stars. Her legacy lives on through modern fashion and beauty trends that celebrate confident, sultry femininity, much like Welch herself.
8. Vidal Sassoon
Vidal Sassoon revolutionized the way people approached hair in the ’60s, making him one of the most influential figures in the fashion world. Known for his geometric, precision haircuts, Sassoon redefined hairdressing with sleek, modern styles that reflected the bold, youthful spirit of the era. His famous bob cut, often worn by models like Mary Quant, became an emblem of the decade’s minimalist aesthetic. Sassoon’s focus on simplicity and structure reshaped the beauty industry and empowered women to embrace their natural hair texture with ease.
Sassoon’s legacy lives on today through the ongoing popularity of sleek, geometric haircuts and the continued influence of his innovative hairdressing techniques. His work continues to be cited by modern-day hairstylists, and his namesake brand remains a household name in the beauty industry. The clean lines and sharp cuts that he pioneered in the ’60s remain staples in hair fashion, ensuring that his influence remains relevant to this day.
9. Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway’s timeless beauty and bold sense of style made her one of the most iconic figures of the ’60s and ’70s. Known for her striking features and sophisticated looks, she became the quintessential leading lady in films like Bonnie and Clyde (1967), where her wardrobe played a pivotal role in her character’s rebellious allure. Dunaway’s penchant for sharp, tailored outfits and dramatic accessories made her a standout both on-screen and in public appearances. She embraced the power of simplicity and elegance, often opting for sleek, structured gowns that showcased her refined, high-fashion sensibility.
Even today, Dunaway’s influence remains visible on red carpets and in fashion editorials. Her ability to balance classic elegance with bold modernity continues to inspire designers and style icons alike. The glamorous, high-fashion looks that defined Dunaway’s career remain relevant, and her continued presence in the industry keeps her place in fashion history secure.
10. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand was a multifaceted icon in the ’60s, making her mark in music, film, and fashion. Known for her unique voice and magnetic presence, Streisand’s style was just as groundbreaking. She often broke traditional beauty standards with her bold fashion choices, including her iconic blend of masculine and feminine styles. Her love for high-fashion and couture, coupled with her confident attitude, made her a pioneer in the ’60s fashion scene. Streisand was unapologetically herself, paving the way for future stars to embrace individuality and personal expression.
Today, Streisand’s influence is still seen in the world of fashion, where modern stars often channel her fearless attitude toward blending different styles and embracing unique beauty. Her untraditional approach to fashion—whether in a tuxedo or a dramatic gown—has inspired countless fashion-forward thinkers and continues to make waves in pop culture. Streisand’s impact on fashion, much like her influence on entertainment, remains legendary.
11. Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren’s sultry beauty and sophisticated elegance made her one of the most beloved actresses of the ’60s. Known for her hourglass figure and exotic looks, Loren set the standard for Italian glamour. Her wardrobe choices often featured luxurious fabrics and elegant, form-fitting dresses that highlighted her curves. Loren’s chic, timeless style, combined with her vibrant personality, made her a global icon, influencing not only Italian fashion but also the broader international scene.
Her impact on fashion persists, with designers still drawing from Loren’s glamorous looks for inspiration in red carpet fashion. Loren’s signature dresses and bold accessories continue to influence the fashion world today, especially when it comes to celebrating feminine beauty and power. Her contributions to style have ensured her place in fashion history as one of the most enduring icons of the 20th century.
12. Diana Ross
Diana Ross’s powerful voice wasn’t the only thing that made her a star in the ’60s—her bold, glamorous fashion choices were just as unforgettable. As the lead singer of The Supremes, Ross became synonymous with the glitzy, glamorous side of Motown. Her fabulous gowns, dramatic makeup, and elaborate hairstyles helped define the “Supreme” look, becoming a staple of ’60s fashion. Ross wasn’t just a singer; she was a trendsetter who used her style to make a statement, turning heads at every appearance.
Ross’s influence continues in the music industry and beyond. Modern-day stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna often channel her dramatic fashion sense, with flowing gowns and bold accessories becoming a part of their signature looks. Diana Ross’s unique blend of glamor, drama, and poise has kept her style relevant for decades, ensuring her place in both fashion and music history.
