Posted on 03/08/2005 12:23:28 PM PST by pissant
1960-1970: Youth predominated the culture of the 1960's. The post World War II Baby Boom had created 70 million teenagers for the sixties, and these youth swayed the fashion, the fads and the politics of the decade. California surfers took to skateboards as a way to stay fit out of season, and by 1963, the fad had spread across the country. Barbie dolls, introduced by Mattel in 1959, became a huge success in the sixties, so much so that rival toy manufacturer Hasbro came up with G.I. Joe, 12 inches tall and the first action figure for boys. Another doll, the troll or Dammit doll (named for it's creator, Joseph Dam) was a good luck symbol for all ages. Slot cars overtook toy trains in popularity.
In fashion, the 1960's began with crew cuts on men and bouffant hairstyles on women. Men's casual shirts were often plaid and buttoned down the front, while knee-length dresses were required wear for women in most public places. By mid-decade though, miniskirts or hot pants, often worn with go-go boots, were revealing legsl bodywear was revealing curves, and women's hair was either very short or long and lanky. Men's hair became longer and wider along with beards and moustaches. Menswear too had a much needed renaissance; bright colors, double-breasted sports jackets, polyester pants suits with Nehru jackets, and turtlenecks were in vogue.
By 1964 the teenage influence caused the hemlines to creep up, and most teenagers were wearing mid-thigh length shifts as daywear. The sweater-dress was also very popular with young girls from 1961 onwards, until the mid-60s when other innovative designs were introduced. 1965 saw the premiere of culotte dresses in op-art or vibrant coloured patters (think Peter Max or Pucci) and these were most popular as evening or party wear; culottes had the freedom of trousers but the look of a full skirt. 1966’s dress was the tent, or "baby doll dress", sometimes in transparent chiffon, worn over a contrasting slip, and often sewn-in.
1966 was the year of the mini-skirt! Widely acknowledged as the brainchild of designer Mary Quant, within a year anybody who had the body to pull it off was wearing a mini, many of whose hemlines were 4-5 inches above the knee in New York and 7-8 inches above the knee in London! Throughout this time skirts were often paired with a matching sweater and matching set of tights for a uniform look. 1965 and 66 also saw the mini-coat, perfectly straight and virtually shapeless; also the pop-inspired dyed furs and PVC designs. By 1967 capes were popular, and were often made with matching deerstalker hats.
In the fall 1967 collections, the paper dress made its debut. Made of paper blended with nylon or other cellulose material, it was intended for everyday wear but was only ever widely used as holiday or lounge wear, due to its tendency to crease and also its, er, flammability.
In ladies' tops or blouses, from 1960 onwards the turtleneck, or polo neck, sweater was common, especially under a collarless jacket, and in 1966 Aran sweaters, with their thick knit, became trendy. Sleeve length was usually ¾ length, with long sleeves often pushed partway up the arms for a ¾ look (think Jackie O style suits and jackets). Sleeveless tops did not become popular until the mid 1960s.
By the end of the decade, men's ties, when worn, were up to 5" wide; most were patterned even when worn with stripes. Women wore peasant skirts or granny dresses and chunky shoes. Unisex dressing was very popular, featuring the bell bottomed jeans, love beads, and embellished t-shirts. Clothing was as likely to be purchased at surplus stores as boutiques. Blacks of both genders wore their hair in an afro; whites of both genders wore their hair either big and frizzy or long and straight.
I saw I Dream Of Jeannie in syndication while growing up in the 1980's. It came on when I got home from school. If I am wide awake in the middle of the night, I see it on TV Land, amongst other shows.
And a lot of the stuff from the movies in the 30s...satin and feathers....
I had a huge OVERSIZED "CHOOSE LIFE" t-shirt.
I don't think I knew what it meant at the time!!!
You're right. She was the one reason to watch Get Smart!
I had the Laura Petrie hairstyle, back in the early 90s when grunge was in.
I never was in sync with fashion. Always ahead of my time ;)
I wish more gals had the Laura Petrie hair today, in lieu of the Meg Ryan mess....
The oversized shirt I remember having was this one that changed colors depending on the temperature. Naturally it was neon green, but if you put your hand on it for about a minute, then lift it off, you would see a dark blue hand print.
Well then you were one of those rich kids with the fancy color-changing shirts!!! LOL
Get Smart was very funny, I think it was Mel Brooks' stuff. But 99 made many a young boy feel funny.
I can't believe I even went through the moussed hair phase too. Of course, back then, my hair had a mind of it's own. LMAO!
I even went through a preppy phase. Picture the character of Alex Keaton on Family Ties. Even then, I was a Young Republican like the character Micheal J. Fox played. Right down to the hairstyle. LMAO!
Bass Weejuns
Villager Dresses and Blouses
John Romaine pocketbooks
Gant shirts with the loop in the back
Tablecloth check shirts, dresses, etc.
Gold Cup socks
I've always wondered if women in the '50's really wore dresses, stockings and heels like June Cleaver when they were down on their knees scrubbing toilets.
Generally I agree, but I still think all the '60s had bad style, hippie or not. Even early '60s women had those awful straight-jacket slab-sided dresses w/big silly buttons, flowers, borders, whatever.
And hair - beehives and puffy bouffants? No thanks. THAT'S the TRUE "big hair"! And I think even men were starting to grow small sideburns which just didn't quite go right w/their otherwise way-too-severe cuts.
They may have been NEAT (as in, not messy), but they were not attractive. IMHO ;-)
Izods with the collar turned up and sockless penny-loafers...
I've got to go with the 1940's overall. Everyone looked so glamorous. But I love alot of the 50's fashions and put them at at close 2nd.
Nope, Lucy wore jeans and a do-rag when she was scrubbing, if I recall....
I had one, too! I remember it being pink, but I don't remember if it started out pink or changed to pink after someone touched it.
After a couple of washings it stopped changing colors.
Izod when they had the alligator and the penny loafers were Bass Weejuns. No socks except when Mom insisted you needed to wear socks to church, then it was Gold cups and probably yellow.
"...satin and feathers...."
Marlene Dietrich stuff....
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