The 1960s left a definite mark on American apparel. This influence began when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy
moved into the White House in 1961 with her husband, President John Kennedy. Her sophisticated sense of style
appealed to many. Fashion designers, department stores, and boutiques could barely satisfy the immense demand for
pillbox hats, two-piece suits, A-line skirts, wraparound sunglasses, and lowheeled pumps.
After the tragic Kennedy assassination in 1963, fashion looked elsewhere for inspiration. The Nehru jacket, named for India’s first Prime Minister, had no lapels and a small stand-up collar. The Beatles promoted this style, which became an instantaneous hit.
What about everyday attire? Enter bell-bottoms. These wide-legged pants, which flared out at the bottom, were modeled after traditional sailor pants. In an effort to distance bell-bottoms from their military origins, ingenious designers widened the bells and added broad belts, a hip-hugging line, fancy cuffs or pleats, and outrageous patterns and fabrics.
Even accessories had a distinctly sixties air. Opticians were besieged by people begging for Ben Franklins—delicate, wire-rimmed glasses whose lenses came in many colors. Long hair parted down the middle completed the look.
Don’t forget mini-skirts. These super-short skirts were denounced as being shameless, unhealthy, and totally ridiculous. But negative opinion didn’t stop fad-conscious teens.
Do these styles seem to be more than just a part of history? That is because some of them have made a comeback and are very much a part of today’s fashions.