1960s fashion history: The 5 biggest trends that changed the style game from miniskirts to mods

Cosmopolitan

2 days ago

The 1960s birthed a lot of iconic fashion looks. The decade was undoubtedly a revolutionary moment in fashion history, known for major shifts in music, politics, culture, and crucially for us style fiends, how people dressed. I mean, up until this point, knees remained strictly hidden behind maxi hemlines. Thankfully, the 'swinging 60s' gifted us with plenty of innovative style and even more style icons, which we're still obsessing over today.
Big-time '60s icon Mary Quant's name has become synonymous with the miniskirt. Per the Fashion Institute of Technology, the British designer is often credited for inventing one of our fave teeny garments, popularised during the decade. And whether or not this has been officially confirmed, there's no question that Quant and her legion of fellow mods fueled the craze for rising hems. Not only were the knees freed (hallelujah!) but the uprising in youth-driven fashion brought along vibrant colour palettes and playful prints.
The term Youthquake was actually coined in the 60s thanks to stylish new-gen youngsters driving changes in attitudes to fashion (among other things). One of the poster girls of the era was, of course, international supermodel and all-around Brit legend Twiggy. Capturing the zeitgeist in one saucer-eyed, loaded-lashed stare, Twiggy's boyish blond crop and waif frame, dressed in bright mini-dresses, frolicking around London, defined the decade and how every 20-something wanted to dress.
Despite fashion's swerve into young, fun and casj, there was still a continuation of the ladylike elegance of the 1950s and gals who preferred prim and proper attire. Sure, Twiggy and the rebellious London aesthetic had spawned its subculture of people kicking conservatism to the curb, but thanks to much-loved First Lady and mega-icon Jackie Kennedy – a household name after JFK's presidential campaign began in 1960 – and her penchant for boxy Givenchy or Balenciaga tailored two-piece skirt sets, there was still a huge appetite for demure, put-together looks and co-ordinating accessories, natch.
During the mid-60s, the era's fascination with the 'space race' sparked another distinctive fashion moment with the arrival of the 'moon girl' look. Courrèges' Spring/Summer 1964 'Space Age' collection was unveiled during Paris Fashion Week and gave the world astronaut hats and goggles, go-go boots, white and silver PVC, drop-waist mini skirts and A-line dresses. Many designers followed suit, including Paco Rabanne. Vogue dubbed 1964 the year of Courrèges and described the spring collection as, 'clearly dreaming of moon parties.' Um, where can we sign up to become full-time moon girls dancing around in go-go boots at moon parties, please?
Reaching the end of the decade came the beast that is Boho fashion. Hemlines dropped again, but this time in floaty, billowing silhouettes. Think bohemian maxi dresses in wild floral prints, so much suede, and embroidered afghan coats, paving the way for 1970s hippie culture that followed. Janis Joplin, Jane Birkin and Pattie Boyd all represented a bohemian aesthetic that fed into the next decade, and designer duo Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell ruled London's street style scene.
Now, if you're as obsessed with miniskirts and knee-high boots as us, and want to achieve 1960s style the 2025 way, we've rounded up some signature pieces that you can shop now that capture the varied looks of the decade. Plus, you can rummage for the real deal in vintage shops and secondhand markets. Look to current It-girls for how to style, like Clairo, whose on-stage wardrobe repeatedly nods to the '60s, or Bella Hadid, who wears a mini skirt like a true modern-day mod.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer's letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.