The 1960s and 1970s were two iconic decades in fashion, each with its own unique styles and trends. Both decades had a lasting influence on today’s fashion and are recognizable in modern-day clothing. However, it can sometimes be challenging to tell the difference between 60s and 70s styles, especially if you’re not familiar with each era. Discover five ways to tell the difference between 60s and 70s fashion in this post.
Dress Silhouette
The silhouette of women’s dresses and skirts is one of the most significant indicators of fashion trends in a particular decade. The 60s were known for their bold and structured silhouettes, with women’s clothing emphasizing a slim waist and A-line skirts.
On the other hand, the 70s saw a shift toward flowy, loose-fitting clothing and emphasized comfort over structure. Additionally, some women’s tops and dresses had plunging necklines which was a stark difference from the high necklines often seen in the 60s.
Men’s Pants
In the 60s, men primarily wore slim-fitting trousers and often paired them with tailored jackets for a sophisticated look. Likewise, trousers were often high-waisted as it created a slimmer silhouette. This style was popularized by the mod subculture and made famous by bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
However, in the 70s, there was a rise in bell-bottom pants, which were flared at the bottom and became a popular choice for men’s fashion. Their popularity is partially due to disco and hippie culture, which favored looser and more relaxed clothing options.
Men’s Shirts
Typically, ‘60s men’s shirts were button-down dress shirts, often with bold patterns or bright colors. During the 60s, many men also wore fitted turtlenecks, especially in the later part of the decade. This style was popularized by actors such as Steve McQueen and James Dean, giving off a cool and rebellious vibe.
Fashion became more casual and laid-back as the 70s rolled in, leading to the rise of the iconic Hawaiian shirt. These colorful, printed shirts became a staple in men’s fashion throughout this time since the shirt styles were perfect for casual and formal occasions.
Colors Patterns
During the 60s, bold graphic prints such as geometric shapes and abstract designs in contrasting colors were popular. The emergence of the 60s iconic mod style furthered this trend as it featured bold, psychedelic prints and patterns. Moreover, colors such as bright orange, yellow, and green were popular options for men’s and women’s apparel.
On the other hand, the 1970s saw a rise in bohemian-inspired fashion, with earthy tones and floral prints prominent. Animal prints, such as leopard or zebra, were also popular during the ‘70s, often seen on men’s shirts and in women’s apparel.
Accessories
Another way to tell the difference between 60s and 70s fashion is through accessories. In the 60s, women often wore statement accessories such as chunky jewelry, bold sunglasses, and headbands, while men wore skinny ties and fedora hats.
By the 1970s, natural materials such as leather and wood were becoming popular fashion accessories; many wore wooden bangles, beaded necklaces, and floppy hats. Fringe details were also popular, especially in jewelry and bags.
Order Retro Clothing
Dorothy Zudora sells vintage clothing for men and women inspired by numerous decades, including the 1960s and 1970s. Our original designs make the perfect addition to your vintage wardrobe.