25 Trends That Take Us Immediately Back To The 1960s

Ah, the 1960s — when the world seemed to spin in technicolor and every corner of culture was bursting with change, charm, and just a little bit of chaos.

It was the decade where tie-dye ruled, hair got higher, hemlines got shorter, and ideas got louder. From civil rights marches to Beatles mania, from bell-bottoms to backyard bomb shelters, the ‘60s had a rhythm all its own — and it didn’t care what your parents thought.

It was a time when your TV was in black and white, but your life was anything but. People danced in the streets, questioned everything, and turned their garages into rock band rehearsal spaces. It wasn’t just a decade — it was a movement.

So hop in that flower-powered VW bus, crank up the jukebox, and hold onto your fringe vest — we’re about to explore 25 unforgettable trends that defined the 1960s and still make us smile, sway, and say, “Far out!”

1. Go-Go Boots

Let’s kick things off with Go-Go Boots! White, shiny, and made for dancing, these boots were every girl’s best friend in the 60s.

Picture this: you’re in a cage, under a strobe light, and your feet are rocking out in these iconic boots. It’s like every step you take is a dance move!

My mom used to tell me how she felt like a superhero in hers—ready to take on the world. The higher the boot, the closer to the disco ball, am I right? They were more than just footwear; they were a statement that said, “I am ready to dance the night away and look fabulous doing it.” These boots were made for walking and talking about even decades later.

2. Tie-Dye Everything

Tie-dye everything was the mantra! T-shirts, bandanas, sheets—if it could be dunked in color, it was a canvas of creativity. There’s something magical about swirling colors in a bucket and ending up with a masterpiece.

The process was as liberating as wearing the final product. I recall my uncle talking about how every tie-dye shirt told a story or captured a moment in time. It was the uniform of peace, love, and harmony.

A fun activity on a sunny afternoon, it turned the mundane into extraordinary. In the 60s, if you wore tie-dye, you wore a philosophy—a statement of freedom and self-expression. It was like wearing your personality on your sleeve!

3. Miniskirts

Miniskirts, anyone? Mary Quant gave us legs-for-days fashion and turned heads across the globe with these daring garments. They were more than just skirts; they were a revolution!

My aunt used to say, “The shorter the skirt, the higher the confidence,” and she wasn’t wrong. It was the era when fashion took bold strides, and hemlines took leaps and bounds. Wearing a miniskirt meant you were fearless and fabulous.

These skirts symbolized a break from tradition—a cheeky rebellion against the norm. Whether you were dancing at a club or simply grocery shopping, miniskirts added a dash of sass and a sprinkle of style to any occasion. Truly, they were the ‘mini’ marvels of fashion.

4. Psychedelic Prints

Psychedelic prints! Swirls, neon colors, and trippy patterns—your clothes moved even when you didn’t. Imagine wearing a piece of art that danced and dazzled with every step you took.

These prints were the epitome of the 60s free spirit, capturing the essence of the counterculture movement. I heard tales about how each print felt like a personal trip to a colorful dreamland.

Wearing psychedelic prints was like wearing an explosion of creativity, with patterns that seemed to bend the mind. It was the era where fashion became a canvas, and every outfit was a masterpiece of imagination and rebellion.

5. Peace Signs

Peace signs were everywhere! Jewelry, patches, posters—this symbol was the ultimate sign of the counterculture movement. It spoke the universal language of love and harmony.

My dad often wore a peace sign necklace, a reminder of the movement that defined his youth. To wear it was to wear hope.

The peace sign transcended fashion; it was a bold statement of belief. In a world of chaos, wearing a peace sign meant you were a part of a larger movement striving for change. It was a badge of honor and a beacon of hope all rolled into one iconic emblem.

6. Beehive Hairdos

Beehive hairdos towering to the skies! The motto? The taller, the better. With a can of hairspray in hand, you were ready for anything.

I used to marvel at old photos of my grandmother with her gravity-defying hair. It was a labor of love and layers, cemented with enough hairspray to withstand a windy day.

Beehives were more than just a hairstyle; they were a statement of elegance and flair. Wearing one was like wearing a crown—an everyday queen conquering the world, one teasing comb at a time. Talk about hair-raising style!

7. The British Invasion

Ah, the British Invasion! The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who—music got louder, cooler, and way more shaggy. It was a tidal wave of sound that swept across the world.

My mom still talks about her first Beatles concert, where every scream added to the harmony. These bands weren’t just musicians; they were icons who reshaped the cultural landscape.

The British Invasion brought a burst of creativity and rebellion. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the attitude and the haircuts. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be a part of this shaggy-haired phenomenon that rocked the 60s. Truly, they struck a chord that resonates even today.

8. Mood Rings

Mood rings, those magical accessories that read your vibe! Okay, they technically hit in the ’70s, but let’s face it, they had 60s energy written all over them.

I remember getting one as a kid and being mesmerized by its color-changing magic. It was like having a tiny psychic on your finger!

Mood rings were the ultimate conversation starters. “Are you feeling blue? Or is that just your ring?” They were a playful touch of mystery and fun, blending fashion with a hint of the mystical. Who knew jewelry could have so much mood-swinging charm?

9. Love Beads

Love beads, the quintessential accessory for hippies, rebels, and anyone attending a love-in. These beads were a dance of colors and a declaration of peace.

My uncle used to wear them as a badge of freedom, each bead representing a wish for love and unity. They were more than just fashionable; they were a peaceful protest in style.

Love beads were all about embracing simplicity and connection. Wearing them was like wearing a rainbow of hope—a reminder that love is always in fashion. In the 60s, love beads were the threads that wove together a community striving for harmony.

10. Lava Lamps

Lava lamps, the groovy light source that brought psychedelic flair to dorms and dens everywhere! They started bubbling in the late ‘60s and quickly became a staple.

I found one at a garage sale once, and it immediately hypnotized me. Watching the wax blobs rise and fall was strangely soothing and mesmerizing.

Lava lamps were more than just decor; they were a vibe—a groovy beacon of the era’s laid-back energy. They added a splash of color and a touch of magic to any room, turning ordinary nights into kaleidoscopic dreams. Talk about lighting up the mood!

11. The Mod Look

The Mod Look, where sharp lines and bold colors ruled! Geometric dresses and sleek bob haircuts made London the epicenter of cool.

I’ve seen pictures of my aunt in her mod dresses—bold, daring, and oh-so-chic. It was all about clean lines with a touch of attitude.

The Mod Look was about embracing change and style. It was a fashion revolution, with clothes that were as sharp as the wit of those who wore them. Mod wasn’t just a look; it was a lifestyle, and it left a stylish mark on fashion history.

12. Record Players & 45s

Ah, record players and 45s! Drop the needle, hear the crackle, and let the music spin—instant retro vibes.

I remember my dad’s collection of 45s, each one a memory pressed in vinyl. The sound was warm, the music was timeless.

Record players were the heartbeats of homes, the DJs of living rooms. Playing a record wasn’t just about music; it was a ritual—a moment to pause, listen, and enjoy the melodies that defined a generation. It was about connecting with the music in a way only vinyl could deliver.

13. VW Buses

VW Buses, the original boho road trip ride! Covered in peace signs, daisies, and protest slogans, these buses were more than just transport.

I remember a road trip story where the VW bus was both vehicle and home—a moving canvas of adventures and memories.

VW Buses were symbols of freedom and exploration. They carried the spirit of the 60s with every mile—a home on wheels for those who believed in peace, love, and the open road. They weren’t just vehicles; they were companions on the journey of life.

14. Cat-Eye Glasses

Cat-eye glasses, where style met sass! Sharp, stylish, and slightly cheeky—librarian chic at its peak.

My grandmother rocked her cat-eye glasses, and I swear they added a touch of mystery to her every glance.

These glasses weren’t just about vision; they were about visionaries. They framed faces with flair, making every look a statement. Whether reading a book or setting trends, cat-eye glasses were the accessory that saw the world through chic frames. Talk about seeing style clearly!

15. Black Turtlenecks & Berets

Black turtlenecks and berets, the Beatnik uniform! Poetry nights, jazz clubs, and a healthy dose of existential dread—this was the look of the deep thinkers.

I once tried the look for a school play, and suddenly, every question seemed philosophical. It wasn’t just fashion; it was a statement of intellect.

This outfit was about more than style; it was about substance. To wear it was to wear curiosity, to question the world while looking fabulous. It was a uniform for those who dared to think differently and look cool doing it.

16. TV Dinners & Space Age Kitchens

TV dinners and space age kitchens—the future was served on a foil tray! These dinners were the epitome of convenience and culinary adventure.

I think back to stories of my family’s first microwave meal—an event as exciting as a moon landing. It was about embracing technology and the promise of modernity.

Space age kitchens were marvels of innovation, promising efficiency with a side of sci-fi charm. They turned every meal into a futuristic feast, where convenience met the cosmos.

17. The Twist

The Twist! Chubby Checker told you to do it, and everyone did—moms, dads, teens, and toddlers! It was the dance that crossed generations.

I remember attempting The Twist at a family gathering, and suddenly, everyone joined in. It wasn’t just a dance; it was a movement.

The Twist was about unity and joy, bringing everyone together on the dance floor. It was simple, fun, and infectious—a dance that twisted its way into hearts and history, leaving everyone asking for more!

18. Painted Flower Power Vans

Painted flower power vans, the mobile canvas of love and peace! If your vehicle didn’t have a mural of a rainbow or sunburst, did it even run on love?

My cousin had one, and each journey felt like a road trip through a moving masterpiece.

These vans were about spreading messages of love, peace, and creativity, every inch a testament to the free spirit of the 60s. They were about painting the road with harmony and capturing the essence of a colorful decade on four wheels.

19. Protest Signs

Protest signs, the voice of a passionate decade! Civil rights, anti-war, women’s rights—the 60s were loud, powerful, and ready to change the world.

My dad always spoke about his first protest, where each sign carried the weight of dreams and demands.

These signs were more than cardboard and ink; they were declarations of hope and demands for justice. A testament to the power of the people, they shouted for change and wrote history with every march. Truly, the pen was mightier than the sword.

20. The Bob Haircut

The bob haircut—short, sharp, and sassy! Vidal Sassoon made scissors feel revolutionary, and hair became a powerful statement.

I’ve seen photos of my mom with her edgy bob, each strand in perfect place, redefining chic.

The bob was about breaking norms and embracing change. It was a hairstyle that spoke volumes with its simplicity, proving that sometimes, less is more. A cut above the rest, it remains a timeless testament to style and empowerment.

21. Turtlenecks & Blazers

Turtlenecks and blazers, the “intellectual rebel” uniform. Think Lennon, Dylan, and the cool kid in every lecture hall.

My uncle wore this combo and swore it made every book feel more profound. It was more than just fashion; it was a mindset.

This attire was about embracing ideas and looking effortlessly cool. It was about blending sophistication with a touch of rebellion—making statements both in classrooms and beyond. Truly, it dressed the thinkers of tomorrow.

22. Fringed Vests & Suede Jackets

Fringed vests and suede jackets, the hippie staples! Bonus points for embroidery and a tambourine.

I remember my aunt’s stories of concerts where fringes danced with every beat, turning rhythm into fashion.

These outfits were about embracing the bohemian spirit, where every fringe sang a song of freedom. It was about layering creativity and comfort, dressing for a world that was as dynamic as its fashion. They weren’t just clothes; they were wearable celebrations of the times.

23. Drive-In Theaters

Drive-in theaters, the original Netflix and chill—but in a car, under the stars, with popcorn.

My parents often reminisced about their drive-in dates, where movies and romance played side by side.

These theaters were more than just screens; they were experiences. They brought communities together, offering a slice of cinematic magic under open skies. A perfect blend of entertainment and ambiance, drive-ins were the star-studded evenings everyone looked forward to.

24. Twiggy Eyes

Twiggy eyes, the iconic stare of the 60s! Big lashes, drawn-on bottom lashes, and mod eye makeup that made your gaze unforgettable.

I tried Twiggy eyes once, and suddenly, every blink felt like a statement. It was artistry on eyelids.

Twiggy eyes were about embracing boldness and redefining beauty standards. They transformed everyday looks into works of art, proving that the eyes could indeed be the windows to the soul and style. Eye-catching, to say the least!

25. The Word “Groovy”

The word “groovy” was everywhere in the 60s! Used for people, music, food, weather, vibes—if it was cool, it was groovy.

I still laugh when I hear my grandpa say it, and it instantly transports me back to stories of his youth.

“Groovy” wasn’t just a word; it was an attitude, a way of viewing the world through a lens of awesomeness. It captured the essence of the 60s—fun, free, and full of life. Everything was groovy, and the world was a better place because of it.