March 28, 2024

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1969 dresses defined a year of change, adventure, and unforgettable style

Climb into our time machine and let’s set a course for the technicolor dreamscape of 1969!

This was a year when mankind was stepping onto the moon… while back on Earth, style-conscious denizens were stepping into some of the most iconic fashions of the century. We’re talking, of course, about the unforgettable ’69 dresses.

Those were the days when hemlines had recently rocketed upward, much like the Apollo 11, causing scandal, excitement — and, presumably, a run on quality hosiery. The mini dress was no longer just a rebellious statement — it had become a passport to a world of liberation, youth, and boundary-pushing design.

1969 was a year of contrasts, and the groovy fashion mirrored that. Some clung to the flower power aesthetic of flowing maxis, an echo of the Summer of Love that had bloomed two years prior.

Others embraced the Space Age with metallic threads and futuristic silhouettes, while a few brave souls ventured into the world of psychedelic patterns that could have been borrowed from a lava lamp manufacturer’s fever dream.

Retro 60s tie dye short dresses

Fashion in 1969 wasn’t just a dress you donned — it was a statement, a piece of wearable history, a mood, an identity. It was about as subtle as a tie-dyed VW van at a Richard Nixon rally… and that’s a big part of what made it so unforgettable.

Scroll on to join us on this journey back to the wonderland of 1969 dresses! We promise it’ll be a trip (and we don’t mean the kind that involves any illicit substances).

Teen dresses from 1969 - Groovy floral patterns

Just remember, whether you prefer the bold mini or the ethereal maxi, it’s all about strutting with confidence and a dash of audacity. Because in 1969, fashion was anything but understated. But hey, when you’re competing with moon landings, subtlety doesn’t really cut it.

Vintage U-curve jumper dresses for fall of 1969

Everywhere you turn there will be jumpers. They’re the style that’s fashion-right and ready to go for every occasion. The look is ageless, the possibilities endless.

For instance, this jaunty one, shown three ways, with a neckline cut with deep U curving that lets lots of pretty blouse or skinny sweater show. It’s a wrap number that you button just below your midriff. The blouse, in the same pattern, has romantic sleeves and a bow just under your chin. Simplicity pattern 8345.

Vintage 1969 U-curve jumper dresses


Hot dresses for the spring of ’69

Read all about it: Prints make headlines in late-edition fashions — all spelled out in black and white. Take the front-page looks here, for example: From the flowery knit wrap dress to the border-print shift to the soft-shape suit, each one’s a newsmaker. And each could have your byline, because you make them yourself with Vogue Patterns.

Fashion extra: The new black-and-whiteness, we think, is a perfect foil for the swift, sure stroke of one bold accessory color. By Nora O’Leary, Ladies’ Home Journal Patterns Editor.

Hot dresses for the spring of 69

Left: Small, spare dress punched with black and white configuration. Our idea: the zig and zag of her sleeves, achieved by angled pattern placement. Vogue pattern of silk twill by Fisher & Gentile.

Center: Billow of sleeves and a skirt, all done up in two little-old prints (actually, just about the newsiest kind of print around), Vogue 2218. Capezio shoes.

Right: Sleek dress in black and white plus bursts of yellow.


Green and white art deco geometric pattern dress from 1969

Laced-up dress that starts out skinny, ends with a flare, in soft art deco geometrics. 

Green and white art deco geometric pattern dress from 1969


Many kinds of 1960s shirtwaist dresses

The shirtwaist dress, a season-spanner if there ever was one, can be a different dress every time you make it. These three from one Simplicity pattern, prove it! The dress is slightly flared, and has cuffed, full sleeves. Here the similarity ends. You can make it in a print, with contrasting collar and mock tab, in a solid with wide braid trimming the center front and cuffs, or merely trim it prettily with lace.

Many kinds of 1960s shirtwaist dresses (1969)


Long sleeve patterned 60s shirtdresses

Long sleeve patterned 60s shirtdresses

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Peasant-style cream-colored 60s shirtdresses

Peasant-style cream-colored shirtdresses from the 60s


Velvety ribless cotton corduroy jumper dress in burgundy wine, by Seaton Hall.

Velvety ribless cotton corduroy jumper dress


A variety of trendy 1960s dresses for women

A variety of trendy 1960s dresses for women


Stylish 1969 dresses: The iconic shift dress

Longsleeve check pant shift dress with an apron front, and a sleeveless shirt shift with a Bermuida collar and pleating in front (Made by Cos Cob)

Shift dresses from 1969


Vintage patterned minidresses from 1969

Vintage patterned minidresses from 1969


3 styles of 1969 dresses with the same black and white striped pattern

3 styles of dresses with same black and white striped pattern (1969)


Permanent press 1969 dresses for Juniors

In the limelight, flower-printed skimmer white on lime green oxford cloth of Fortrel polyester and cotton. White bib and cuffs propeed with mini-ball buttons. Back zipper.

Getting raves, the wrap dress in chrome yellow ribbed polyester and cotton. Tie sash.

All-time favorite: button-front shirtdress in twill of Fortrel polyester and cotton. Vinyl belt & roll sleeves, available in pastel blue and pastel pink.

Scene-stealing wrap dress in pink and white woven checks of Dacron polyester and cotton. White eyelet embroidered ruffles. Tie sash; inside snap closing.

Permanent press dresses for Juniors from 1969

SEE MORE: Vintage ’60s flat shoes & fashionable low-heel footwear for women


1969 paisley shirtdress in white with red

1960s paisley shirtdress in white with red


Floral pattern trendy vintage 1969 dresses

Floral pattern trendy vintage 1960s dresses


60s knit dresses for fall

Fall fashion loves the knits. They’re a delight to wear, easy To care for, and a joy to sew. Make a batch of bright knit dresses now to wear on that first fall day, and on until Spring.

Pattern 8335: dress with an elastic waist, buttons trimming the raglan sleeve seams. Pattern 8334: turtle neck dress and a great new vest.

60s knit dresses for fall 1969


Retro solid color dresses you could sew yourself

Vintage dress pattern 8338 (left): dress with deep cuffs and billowing sleeves. Pattern 8340 (right): long-sleeved dress with an easy lacing trim, shaped seams. Junior 7-11. Misses’ 10-16.

Retro solid color dresses you could sew yourself (1969)


Sweater minidress in cream and black from 1969

Sweater minidress in cream and black from 1969

SEE MORE: Cozy 60s fashion: 100 swoon-worthy vintage sweaters you could still wear today


Brown jumper dress with a mod geometric patterned shirt

Brown jumper dress with a mod geometric patterned shirt

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Retro 1969 dress in Dalmatian print

Retro 1969 dalmatian print dress


Long white form-fitting retro sweater dresses from 1969

Long white form-fitting retro sweater dresses from 1969


McCall’s patterns for party dresses (1969)

McCall's patterns for party dresses (1969)


Mod floral 1969 dress fashion

Mod floral 60s dress fashion (1969)


1930s-style prints on 1969 dresses

Journal reporters were caught up with the graphic excitement generarated by the guests than they were what was hanging on the walls. Two art lovers in the new-1930s prints with bold contemporary patterns.

On the left, the Art Moderne costume, a low-pleated tank dress and long cardigan in rayon crepe by Anne Klein. About $160. Scarf also Anne Klein. Golo Shoes. On the right, Chinoiserie in crêpe de chine softly expressed in bias-cut blouson dress by Leo Narducci. With matching scarf, about $145. Herbert Levine platform shoes, Mimi di N earrings.

1930s-style prints on 1960s dresses

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Orange and purple 1969 mini dresses

Orange and purple 1969 mini dresses


Patterned 60s retro jersey t-dress (1969)

Patterned 60s retro jersey t-dress (1969)


Sparkling maxi length 1969 dresses

Left: The star-spangled sweatercoat ($74), dazzling down over a twinkle of T ($24), a beam of long skirting ($36). By Patti Cappalli for Addenda, in gold rayon Lurex knit (5-13, 6-14). The silvery chain-mail “ascot” was designed by Sant-Angelo for Whiting & Davis, $30.

Right: Gold glitterknitting swooshed from a T-top to shoetops, doubling into pockets at the hip. $65, by Patti Cappalli for Addenda in rayon Lurex (5-13, 6-14). The ’30s-racy shoes, swanked with gold netting on black: Pappagallo. S23, at Shops for Pappagallo, New York.

Sparkling 1960s long dresses


Pretty belted mod 1969 dress

Pretty belted mod 1960s dress (1969)


Printed cotton percale dresses from Sears (1969)

Printed cotton percale dresses from Sears (1969)


Retro 1960s striped jumper from Sak’s Fifth Avenue (1969)

Fall high jinks begin with our bold jumper and ribby turtleneck. Doubleknit Dacron polyester and wool in grey or wine with white. 

Retro 1960s striped jumper from Sak's Fifth Avenue (1969)

DON’T MISS: The most popular 1970 dresses were a groovy blend of boldness & femininity


Retro print dresses for casual daywear (1969)

Retro print dresses for casual daywear (1969)


Soft negligee style short dress from the 60s (1969)

Soft negligee style short dress from the 60s (1969)


Summery 60s skimmer and shift casual dresses from 1969

Summery 60s skimmer and shift casual dresses from 1969


1960s junior’s party dresses for prom or formal dance (1969)

Dazzle and dance in this misty nylon formal with whirlaway panels. Acetate taffeta lining (except panels). Empire-line front-bodice is white cotton lace. Bowed scoop-neckline. Back zipper. Dry dean.

Shine in this demure dress of white eyelet embroidered cotton batiste over pastel-colored acetate taffeta. Ruffles edge the long skirt, the neckline that V’s in back. Sashed. back-zippered.

1960s junior's party dresses for prom or formal dance (1969)


Summery retro dress styles from 69

Left: Glow a lot and swing in this crepe dress of acetate and rayon. Keyhole neckline; big organza bow of rayon and silk; back zipper. Lined.

Center: Gleam a little in this dreamy lace iced with acetate satin collar, cuffs and button-trimmed tab. Dress is white lace of nylon and acetate lavishly reembroidered with pale blue. Acetate taffeta lining (see-thru sleeves). Back zipper.

Right: Sparkle plenty and catch compliments in this puff-sleeved, daisy-banded dress of white flocked nylon. Acetate taffeta lining (see-thru, elasticized sleeves). Scoop neckline; back zipper.

Summery retro dress styles from 69

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