15 Top Fashion Trends From The 1960s That Are Back

We have actress Jane Birkin to thank for the oh so chic basket bag trend. On the streets of Paris and beyond, the style icon often sported the woven bag with her favorite jeans and a t-shirt throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. Now, this simplistic accessory is perfect for your next vacay.

British fashion designer Mary Quant is credited with popularizing the miniskirt in the 1960s, and they’ve remained in-fashion since. Today, this wardrobe staple is worn year-round with pretty much anything.

While Mary Jane loafers have been in and out of style since the 1920s, they became bold with a capital “B” during the swinging sixties, with people wearing them in daring prints and colors. These days, Mary Janes can be worn up with a sundress or down with your comfiest pair of jeans. While they may come in every color under the sun, this shoe is eternally versatile.

Big bold eyewear had a major moment in the 1960s. From aviators to cat-eyewear to teashades, the possibilities were endless. And just like then, statement sunglasses are still all the rage.

Thanks to the influence of style icons such as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, skirt suits were all the rage during this time period. Back then, they came in vibrant hues, but in order to modernize this trend, try to keep the matching set more neutral: think black, white, and camel. But hey, even in 2025 a pop of color never hurt anyone.

Mod Fashion, a youth-driven fashion moment that emerged in the 1960s focused on daring colors, eccentric cuts, and elements of futurism. Today, we see this movement’s inspiration in the form of statement accessories, A-line silhouettes, and unique color combinations in outfits.

Worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, slim capri pants were a staple of the decade. In 2025, this pant style is best sported with flat shoes and a sleek blazer.

There’s perhaps nothing as easy-breezy as a shift dress. Characterized by their straight cut, roomy shoulders and slightly flared hem, the shift dress was swinging off the hips of every fashionable lady in the Swinging Sixties. And these airy summer dresses haven’t gone anywhere six decades later. Wear them with flats, heels, or booties because they quite literally go with anything.

Introduced in the mid 1960s, Go-Go boots shot to popularity after being seen on Go-Go dancers at various events. Indeed, the white, low-heeled boot was quickly recognized as an effortlessly sexy addition to any outfit. And that sentiment surely rings true today.

Worn by the likes of Jackie O and Elizabeth Taylor, leopard print fur–and animal fur altogether–became a symbol of wealth in the decade. Today, leopard print is practically its own neutral, and you can’t go wrong with a pop of it here and there.

We have ‘60s hippie culture to thank for the rise of bohemian fashion, or as we know it, “boho.” Thanks to the movement, comfortable and pattern-forward clothing became mainstream. And while we saw a major boho resurgence in the 2010s, the calming fad is here to stay for generations. Just pair your favorite bottoms with a wide-armed (preferably beaded) top and you’re good to go.

The pencil skirt became a defining garment of the decade, allowing women to exude confidence, professionalism, and of course sex appeal. Today, make any smart casual outfit a little more saucy by pairing it with a tucked in top and heels.

Back in the day, headscarves were a chic accessory that was used as a symbol of modesty and class (and wasn’t too bad at shielding the it-girls of the ‘60s from the prying eyes of the paparazzi, either). Now, these same scarves are as versatile as ever. Tie one around the handle of your purse to liven things up or even around your neck as a refreshed version of the accessory.

Bikini sales skyrocketed in the 1960s due to the popularization of skin-bearing swimwear in films. Clearly, this two-piece garment hasn’t gone anywhere, as we continuously see and wear them by the pool, at the beach, or just sunbathing in the backyard.

Bold color combinations made their way into high fashion during the decade, and thanks to the trend cycle’s ever-changing nature, experimenting with color is officially back in. Pairing vibrant colors like pink with green or blue and yellow is a sure way to zhuzh up your everyday neutral outfits.