1960, Traditional Values was the Key
I often wonder how the changes of the 1960s came about?
We understand some fashion trends of the 1940s. For example, to save cloth during the war, hemlines were knee length and hems had to be no more than 2”. Opulence was foregone in favour of efficiency.
During the 1920s we saw the arrival of pants for women in response to women’s right to vote. The 1960s started with stylish circle skirts and elegant crinoline-lined dresses. Women continued to wear sophisticated hats and gloves routinely. But, by the end of the ‘60s, casual jeans and easygoing fringed jackets were very popular. How did we go from one extreme to another?
The answer lies in the history of the period.
The fashion of 1960 was elegant but conservative. Post WWII family values continued through the start of the 1960s. Despite a greater than five-year span which saw women working outside the home during the war, in 1960 women were encouraged and expected to stay home and care for home and children.
This return to traditional family values resulted in a feminine fashion statement. We see form-fitted bodices with cinched-in waist lines and full skirts with crinolines that were extensions of the 1950s. The pencil skirt was also becoming popular but, again, with the waistline cinched in. The hemline was below the knee for the most part but it was also starting to rise. While pants were worn by women it was mostly at home. American TV hardly ever showed women in pants.
But a few icons like Lucille Ball broke the mould making pants for women more popular. Pants in 1960 were generally high-waisted cigarette pants and pedal pushers and were mostly worn by the young. Jeans were worn as well but were most popular with men and the young.
Styles from the 1950s continued into the early part of the ‘60s and that is how 1960 started. The ulta-feminine fashions of 1960 represent a style that can be used today whenever the feeling of femininity strikes you. And, although a cinched-in waist is not very comfortable (and these days we do value our comfort) buying a dress one size up to allow for waist comfort is a great little trick. Better yet, if it’s a skirt, find out the exact waist measurements you want and buy accordingly.
Feminine full skirts do make you feel ready to dance! So embrace this style for fun. Even add a pair of cosmopolitan long gloves to get the full effect. After all, we are lucky to embrace this fashion and then put it away for another day.
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