how to incorporate 1960s fashion into your wardrobe + queens gambit style inspo

Outfit from graphic will be posted to the blog later this month!

If you know anything about me you know that if I love the fashion of a character in a TV show, I will obsess over it for months and try to find items to match that character’s flair. I recently finished The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, and while some probably paid more attention to the chess playing and addiction-ridden Beth Harmon, I paid attention to her evolving fashion sense and 1960s closet. I love retro fashion- and I would seriously do anything to live back in that time just to dress like they did (albeit I know there are cons to living in those decades as well). I want to push myself this year to wear clothes that are more dressed up than what people wear on college campuses and to do daily errands in because truth be told, we are going to look back on these decades of the 2000s and 2010s and realize we really did not look that cute haha! Now I understand we are in a pandemic, but once life feels a little more normal I think dressing up just a little bit more than usual to do daily tasks is going to be a goal of mine. And one way- incorporating 1960s fashion.

The 1960s represented fashion that broke the norms of the 1950s. Colors got bolder, skirts got shorter, and psychedelic patterns came to the forefront. Today I am not focusing on the hippy trends in the era, but more of the mainstream “mod” style. Think Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot. I highly suggest starting to discover the 1960s style by searching on Pinterest, and then discovering what you like from there.

black turtleneck // white short-sleeve turtleneck // camel mockneck

white turtleneck // red cable knit // turquoise mock neck // bow cardigan // olive sweater

olive waffle knit // black short puff sleeve // gray varsity stripe // white turtleneck // green foldover

One thing that stuck out to me during the Queen’s Gambit were the stunning turtleneck sweaters. They were so simple but truly made a statement to Beth’s character. I wouldn’t say sweaters are necessarily the item of the 1960s, but they are an easy way to incorporate a more retro look into your style. Darker colors became more popular in clothing in the 1960s, such as dark green, navy, and red. Crochet and knit patterns also took over in fabrics and made sweaters an easy way to incorporate intricate patterns.

pink pants // check straight leg // cream straights // green flares

black cropped flares (own and love these!) // gray plaid // black cigarette // cognac corduroy // white flare // black cigarette

This past year I have focused on purchasing more straight-leg and flared leg pants as I find skinny jeans a bit unflattering on me (and fading out of style just a bit). I love vintage straight jeans/pants and flared crops. These epitomize retro fashion because obviously back then skinny fit jeans and pants were not popularized yet and women opted for more wide-leg cuts and trousers. The “culotte” was a popular style in the 60s, and you can easily find those by searching culottes or flared pants.

blue tweed // green circle skirt // midi plaid

green mini // check mini // nude a-line // leather ruffle mini // plaid wrap skirt

black ruffle mini // blue plaid zip-up // gray tweed with pockets // black mini // red belt mini

Women began shortening their hemlines in the 1960s, and they didn’t stop at dresses! One of the most popular items from the 60s is the mini skirt, as well as mod style skirts and dresses. I found some that encompassed a variety of years and styles in that decade. People could not get enough of tweed and plaid, and you could see women wearing bright white tights or stockings with super short patterned skirts. You could also throw a pair of go-go boots on with a mini skirt to achieve the ultimate 1960s mod outfit.

black and white set dress // black flounce // black and white piped // tweed shift

herringbone belted // gray belted // cream flare // green mini // white tweed mini // black and white flare // red bell-sleeve velvet

Dresses were an easy way to dress up in the 60s and show off your style. From fitted mini dresses to flared airlines or more hippy bell-sleeves, there are a ton of options to incorporate 1960s dresses into your closet. The swing dress is a classic 1960s shape that is a bit hard to find just by searching swing dress, but look for mainly fitted A-line (also known as waistless shift) dresses with a little bit of flare at the end. Tank style dresses were also popular with the A-line hem and a headband.

cream bow-neck top // plaid bow-tie // satin cream puff sleeve // white drape sleeve // black pearl rimmed neckline // green shine stripe // black ruffle v-neck // brown two-toned bow blouse // green bow collar // purple bow // herringbone bow // green drape // blue knit

Bright colors and patterns again dominated in shirts. For an everyday look, women wore more muted gem tones but could really brighten up the look come evening time. Bows and intricate necklines added flare to an outfit. And of course, layering with a jacket or coat became the perfect finishing touch. Bell and exaggerated sleeves were also quite popular.

herringbone // light cream/pink // black Peter Pan collar // pink wool

mod plaid // furry cream // all-white // navy trench coat // baby blue with fur collar // fur hood plaid

The bright colors and patterns didn’t stop in the winter time. Bright colored (and even pure white) wool coats were perfect to pair with shift dresses. You could also find plaid and tweed coats and fur-trimmed hoods.

nude ruffle toe heel // white boots with brown bottom // tortoise mule heels

black Mary Jane heels // brown bow flats // black mule heels // white booties

tan flats // black cap-toe heels // black chain loafers // velvet strap flats // black pointed flats

Shoes were simple yet elegant and classic. You would see a lot of loafers, flats, and mini kitten heels. Go-Go boots and white or cream booties also added a mod touch to any outfit. These shoes all embody a classic 1950s/1960s feel.

black sunglasses // tortoiseshell sunglasses // green beret // red beret

green tights // pink pillbox hat // white scarf // white pouf hat // gold earrings // gold disk studs

drop earrings // white knee highs // orange tights // white headband // neck scarf // white circle earrings

multi color earrings // disco silver earrings

Accessories of the Sixties included pouf and pillbox hats, wool berets, large flashy earrings, and colored tights.

coat // boots // hat // top // pants

coat // boots // jeans // beret // sweater

coat one // coat two // loafer one // loafer two

sweater // dress

**this post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission anytime you purchase something through my links. This comes at no cost to you.

xoxo,

Madison

how to incorporate 1960s fashion into your wardrobe + queens gambit style inspo

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