10 Dress Code Rules from the 60s That Sound Ridiculous Now
Ah, the 1960s—a decade where fashion and societal norms clashed in curious ways!
Marked by cultural revolutions and a shift in personal expression, the ‘60s also brought some rather strange dress code rules, once considered the height of propriety.
Today, we look back at these guidelines with raised eyebrows or a laugh. From absurd color restrictions to strict skirt and trouser rules, the ‘60s had its own take on fashion etiquette.
1. Hat Etiquette
In the 1960s, hats were more than just an accessory. Women were expected to wear hats on every occasion, whether it was grocery shopping or attending a wedding.
The etiquette surrounding hats was so strict that not wearing one could be considered punishable.
Some of the most renowned fashion brands that produced hats during that period included Christian Dior, Balenciaga, and Chanel. Would you bring back this rule?
2. White Gloves Requirement
Elegant gatherings of the 60s often required women to wear white gloves. These gloves symbolized elegance and refinement, and not wearing them could lead to social embarrassment.
Today, gloves are mostly worn only for formal events or in cold weather, if worn at all.
White gloves or a fresh French manicure – which one is the question now?
3. No Pants for Women
Today, when women can freely wear pants, it’s hard to imagine a time when wearing them was taboo.
In the 60s, rules dictated that women should exclusively wear dresses. Pants were considered inappropriate for the fairer gender.
Can you imagine never being able to wear Levi’s jeans and pair them with white Converse sneakers? What a missed chance?
4. Strict Suit Standards for Men
In the 60s, men’s fashion was defined by the suit. Regardless of the occasion, a well-tailored suit was the chosen “uniform.” Casual wear didn’t exist.
With the new approach to fashion, the suit from the 60s has become an object of respect.
It’s safe to say that the business world now “breathes easier.”
5. No Open-Toed Shoes
The 1960s had a peculiar aversion to sandals and open-toed shoes. Women were not allowed to show their toes.
The rule ceased to apply by the end of the 1970s.
Thank you Christian Louboutin, we can now wear luxurious stilettos and enjoy them without any rules.
6. Hair Length Regulations for Men
The length of men’s hair was a highly debated topic in the 60s, with strict rules enforcing short and neat hairstyles.
Any longer hair was considered rebellious or untidy. Today, men’s hairstyles vary from long locks to modern short cuts.
Long live freedom!
7. Mandatory Stockings
The dress code of the 60s insisted that women wear stockings to maintain a polished appearance.
Bare legs were considered a fashion faux pas, especially in professional settings.
The mandatory wearing of stockings has faded over time, leaving us free to dress in ways that reflect our personal taste without fear of judgment.
8. Matching Accessories
Do you also coordinate your jewelry based on the occasion or according to the rules? If you had lived in the 60s, you wouldn’t have had a choice.
Coordinating every accessory was a fashion rule in the 60s. From hats to handbags, everything had to match perfectly. The matching rule often led to uniformity, stifling individual style.
This transformation shows how fashion has evolved from rigid standards to a playground of self-expression.
9. Formal Dress for Air Travel
Imagine flying from New York to San Francisco in your favorite evening dress. Come on, are you kidding? Have you heard of comfort?
Flying in the 60s was a glamorous experience, and dressing formally was part of the experience.
Passengers wore their best clothes, as if they were attending a significant event.
10. Strict Office Dress Codes
The office dress code of the 60s demanded a formal look at all times, with women in dresses or skirts and men in suits.
Today, the workplace embraces a more relaxed dress code, reflecting a shift in corporate culture.
How times have changed! People today work from home in their pajamas! And thank you 60s. It was nice knowing you.