The 1960s were a time of bold experimentation in fashion, as people embraced daring styles that reflected the social changes of the era. Some of these trends were unforgettable in their brilliance, while others—let’s be honest—were a bit questionable in hindsight. From groovy patterns to outlandish accessories, the ’60s fashion scene had its fair share of hits and misses. Here are 14 trends from that decade that we all tried but rarely bring up these days.
1. Paper Dresses
For a brief moment in the mid-’60s, paper dresses were all the rage. These disposable garments were made from cellulose material, often printed with bold, psychedelic patterns. The idea of wearing a dress you could simply throw away after one use was a novelty that captured the spirit of the time. They were lightweight, affordable, and a bit of a conversation starter at parties.
However, their impracticality soon became apparent. Paper dresses were prone to tearing, uncomfortable to wear for long periods, and not exactly fire-safe. While they embodied the playful and experimental vibe of the ’60s, their fleeting popularity meant they disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived.
2. Go-Go Helmets
Alongside go-go boots came go-go helmets—plastic, bubble-shaped headwear designed to look futuristic and chic. These helmets often matched bold mini-dresses and gave wearers a space-age vibe. They were inspired by the growing fascination with the Space Race, blending fashion with science fiction.
As much fun as they were to wear, go-go helmets weren’t exactly practical. They were hot, uncomfortable, and made it nearly impossible to hear or carry on a conversation. While they were an intriguing trend of the time, they didn’t stick around long, and it’s probably for the best.
3. Vinyl Clothing
Vinyl dresses, skirts, and jackets were all the rage in the ’60s. Shiny, slick, and undeniably eye-catching, vinyl pieces gave wearers a futuristic, avant-garde look that felt daring and modern. Designers like André Courrèges embraced vinyl in their collections, pushing the boundaries of what fashion could be.
But as striking as vinyl clothing was, it wasn’t exactly comfortable. The material didn’t breathe, making it hot and sticky to wear for extended periods. It also cracked and degraded over time, leaving many wondering why they ever bought it in the first place.
4. Maxi Coats
While mini skirts stole the spotlight, maxi coats were another ’60s trend that gained popularity. These full-length coats often featured bold colors, dramatic lapels, and extravagant fabrics like velvet or faux fur. They were a statement piece, perfect for making a grand entrance.
However, maxi coats could be cumbersome and heavy, making them more of a fashion fantasy than a practical choice for everyday wear. They fell out of favor as the ’70s embraced more laid-back styles, but for a time, they were the epitome of glamour.
5. Paisley Everything
Paisley patterns were everywhere in the ’60s, from shirts and dresses to scarves and even furniture. The intricate, swirling designs often came in bright, clashing colors, capturing the psychedelic spirit of the decade. Hippies in particular embraced paisley, incorporating it into their free-spirited aesthetic.
While paisley still pops up occasionally, its overuse in the ’60s left many people with paisley fatigue. Looking back, some of the color combinations were more eye-watering than eye-catching, making it a trend most people are happy to leave in the past.
6. Oversized Medallion Necklaces
Big, bold medallion necklaces were a staple accessory in the ’60s. Often worn with turtlenecks or shift dresses, these oversized pieces added a touch of drama to any outfit. They came in a variety of styles, from simple metallic designs to colorful enamel creations.
While they made a statement, medallion necklaces could be heavy and clunky, not to mention difficult to pair with other accessories. By the time the ’70s rolled around, their chunky aesthetic felt dated, and they disappeared from jewelry boxes almost overnight.
7. Matchy-Matchy Pantsuits
Matching pantsuits, often made from polyester or brightly patterned fabrics, were a popular choice for women looking to break free from traditional dresses. These suits often included wide-legged pants and a tailored jacket, creating a sleek and modern silhouette.
The problem? The overly coordinated look could sometimes feel stiff or overly formal. While pantsuits were an important step forward in women’s fashion, their ’60s incarnations don’t hold up as well as the more refined versions we see today.
8. Tinted Sunglasses
Sunglasses with pastel-colored lenses in shades like pink, yellow, and lavender were all the rage in the ’60s. They gave wearers a groovy, laid-back vibe and added a pop of color to any outfit. Icons like John Lennon made tinted glasses synonymous with counterculture cool.
Unfortunately, they didn’t offer much in the way of sun protection, and their whimsical look quickly became dated. While tinted glasses have made a minor comeback in recent years, their ’60s versions were more about style than substance.
9. Fringed Vests
Fringed vests were a must-have for anyone embracing the hippie aesthetic. Usually made of suede or leather, these vests added texture and movement to any outfit. They were often paired with bell-bottoms or maxi skirts, creating a carefree, bohemian vibe.
While fringe was fun, it wasn’t always practical. The long strands could get tangled or snagged, and maintaining a suede vest was no easy task. Today, fringed vests are more of a costume piece than a wardrobe staple, but they’ll always be tied to the counterculture movement of the ’60s.
10. Plastic Raincoats
Transparent plastic raincoats became trendy in the ’60s, often featuring bright trims or bold patterns. They were lightweight, water-resistant, and had a futuristic feel that fit the era’s fascination with all things modern.
But as stylish as they looked, plastic raincoats weren’t exactly comfortable. They trapped heat and moisture, turning a rainy day into a sauna. While they were fun for a moment, their impracticality quickly sent them into fashion oblivion.
11. Beaded Headbands
Beaded headbands were a staple accessory for the flower child crowd. Worn across the forehead, they added a touch of whimsy to any outfit. The intricate designs and colorful beads made them a favorite among festival-goers and anyone wanting to channel their inner bohemian.
However, beaded headbands weren’t the most practical accessory. They often slipped out of place or felt too tight, leaving wearers with more of a headache than a fashion statement. They’ve since faded into obscurity, but for a while, they were an essential part of the hippie look.
12. Hot Pants
Hot pants, the ultra-short shorts that left little to the imagination, were a daring trend of the late ’60s. Often made from materials like satin or velvet, they were designed to make a statement and show off the wearer’s legs.
While they were undeniably bold, hot pants weren’t exactly practical or comfortable. They left little room for modesty and weren’t suited for much beyond making an entrance. Though they were a fun flash-in-the-pan trend, hot pants are now more of a punchline than a fashion staple.
13. Patterned Tights
Patterned tights in bold designs like polka dots, stripes, or florals were a popular way to add flair to a mini skirt or shift dress. They allowed women to experiment with their style and inject a bit of fun into their outfits.
But as playful as they were, patterned tights often clashed with other bold ’60s patterns, creating a look that was more chaotic than chic. By the ’70s, the trend had fallen out of favor, leaving patterned tights as a relic of the previous decade.
14. Bouffant Hairdos
No discussion of ’60s fashion would be complete without mentioning bouffant hairdos. Teased to towering heights and sprayed into place with copious amounts of hairspray, these hairstyles were as iconic as they were impractical. Women spent hours perfecting their bouffants, often using foam padding to achieve the desired volume.
While the look was glamorous, it wasn’t exactly easy to maintain. Bouffants were prone to collapse, and the heavy use of hairspray made hair stiff and brittle. Today, they’re more of a vintage curiosity than a practical hairstyle, but they remain a defining feature of ’60s fashion.
The 1960s were a time of fearless fashion, and even the trends that didn’t stand the test of time were part of what made the era so exciting. Looking back, these styles remind us of a period when self-expression and experimentation ruled. Which of these trends do you remember trying?
