SWINGING 60S

From the start to the end of the decade. Womens fashion in the 60s was extreme style and attitude. In the early years, the obvious fashion idol was Jackie Kennedy with her perfectly white pearls and tailored suit dresses. By the middle of the decade, iconic supermodel Twiggy had women freeing their minds and bodies into clothing that didn’t require any extra thought or effort. From modest to “there is no such thing as too short,”

We can also thank the 60s for colored/patterned tights – white, black, purple, fishnet, herringbone or lace. Tights covered up ugly knees and didn’t cause garter gaps like sheer stockings did. Once pantyhose were perfected they were the savior of women’s legs anywhere. They camouflaged hair, bumps, bruises, and wide kneecaps. Even skin tone tights were thick and dark. To go bare legged in the ’60s was still too immodest.

Many of today’s contemporary “modern” clothing is still inspired by mid ’60s fashions. A-line mini skirts, contrast collar shift dresses, textured tights, low heel flats and tall boots, swing coats and floppy hats… The list goes on and they all have roots in the sixties! The current trend for retro sunglasses is also heavily inspired by the 60s.

70S FASHION

There’s a reason the 1970s continues to be one of the most stylish decades of all time. From flares to bell sleeves, shearling coats, and mini skirts, the ‘70s birthed an eclectic mix of style influences that evolved quickly in a 10-year span. Skirts got shorter, boots got taller, and a range of style icons like Jane Birkin and Jean Shrimpton helped spearhead some of the era’s most memorable fashion moments that continue to inspire today. Here are just a few of the most iconic 70s items:

Caftan dresses: These were Grecian inspired and worn with high heels sandals and beads or pearl necklaces. The caftan became a frequent style of hostess dress. Long, tent shapes with an optional empire belt and huge kimono sleeves that came in bold colors and big exotic prints were also worn by many soul and jazz singers.

Prarie blouses or hippie blouses: A popular feminine trend in the early 70s. Some had big pilgrim collars or middy collars, ruffles, bow ties, pintucks, and lace insets. They were romantic in white or pastel solid colors and of course hippie-like in small floral prints.

Jumpsuits: These were viewed as a stretchy adaptation of overalls. During the day the jumpsuit was made of double knit polyester, cotton or denim with a zip or button up front, pant pockets and oversize collar. The denim jumpsuit with a zip up front revived the overall look. Evening jumpsuits slimmed down the look into a stretchy bodysuit with a sleeveless or halterneck top.