The 1960s was often called the age of youth. The clothes and trends were low cost, young, witty, and glamourous. Clothing was now being mass produced.The babyboom had caused an unprecedented number of teens and young adults. Therefore it was easy for the young generation to control the fashion. Many middle age parents were able to fulfill their children's desires, so teens were able to express themselves through fashion. Youth wanted change from their parents generation, they wanted to be different. The slogan of the decade was "out with the old, in with the new". Teens were bringing many new, rebellious styles and trends to the decade.
There were no longer any fashion "rules", this created scandalous new styles targeting young women. Clothing also became less gender stereotyped, women wore jeans and men wore longer hair. Trends often came from art work. Geometric shapes and contrasting lines and colors were printed on themed dresses, boots, coats, and hats. Teens and young adults were following the newest stars like the Beatles. The Beatles came into American fashion because they were like no other band America had ever seen. America went crazy over the Beatles therefore they also adapted their fashion trends like a casual suit, turtle neck, and more vibrant colors in mens regular black suits.
Women in the 1960s were focused on getting a "perfect figure". The figure was a narrow body, square shoulders, long legs, and a small bust. This look contrasts the past because the new look was more youthful. The slim look started when the British model named Twiggy was introduced to America. Her wide success was due to the unique, boyish look she brought to the modeling world. Many women believed that a slim body would be key to success. American women everywhere began to diet to get that "Twiggy" look. Twiggy also made the mini skirt popular in the 1960s. This was different from the 1950s skirts which were longer, these mini skirts were more daring and showed more leg. Americans were more accepting of sexier looks because music and film became more explicit with sexual situations.
The Hippies and other ethnic groups influenced and inspired fashions in the 1960s. With more complex travel and wider ranges, it was easier to spread these ethnic cultures fashion around America. These groups inspired The Oriental Look and African/MiddleEastern looks. The Hippies were people who opposed the Vietnam war peacefully. They brought the flowering patterns, peace signs, and long hair in style. The Hippies used non-violence protesting against the Vietnam war by expressing themselves and expressing nature. The Hippies brought the psychedelic patterns, faded denim jackets, beaded accessories, and bellbottom jeans into the fashion industry. Many Americans disagreed with the Vietnam war so the Hippie trend was very popular. Tie dye was one of the most famous trends the Hippies brought to the fashion industry.