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Conformity and codes -

The start of every decade tends to be a reflection of the one that came before, so the early 60s is one of muted colors and a strict conformity. Long skirts, short clean hair on guys, formal shoes and so on. Now it’s not as authoritative as that, though to high schoolers it certainly felt like it with continual checks on your attire — for ladies its skirt length and for guys its hair length, as it was slightly longer than it was in the 50s but only by a certain degree. Strict and clean cut.

As it starts to get into the decade the rebellion that began in the last really starts to ramp, and teens get a little more bold. Longer hair, sideburns, short skirts- sneakers! Sneakers slowly become more acceptable footwear (Canvas and leather) though strictly for casual or sport related events. Colors themselves become brighter and so do patterns, women have been wearing pants occasionally since the 20s but the acceptability rises, huggable fit pants, capris. Jeans are still work wear or the most casual of casual clothing.

There’s still an etiquette and form to follow but the lines start to shift and be pushed and pulled by testing teenagers. The baby boom meant a whole lot more youth, and especially teenagers- a demographic now loud and listened to… if even a little tiny bit.

While playfulness existed before it’s the saturation that’s noticeable. Youth start shaping clothing right back.

Rock n’ roll rebellion-

Rock and music both play a huge roll in the shift in culture and in fashion. Not only is music a way to express themselves but so is the types of music, often came with imitating artists attitudes and styles (Elvis -> pompadour and leather booms in popularity) Kids wanted to look nothing like their parents, and fashion became a tool of rebellion. Dress codes forced creativity, ways to push and subtlety implement their style while staying within the lines to be safe- the older you got the more freedom to dress. Even in conservative towns teens found ways to express themselves.

It was about individuality, even if often times that just meant finding another group or style to belong to. A different style and belief to conform to.

You still dressed nice, don’t mishear me we aren’t quite talking hippies (as that’s the end of the decade) or punks (of the 70s fashion variety.) But expressing yourself in the current fashion was the way to go in a lot of ways. Trading the long skirt and buffont for a mini skirt and flips (hair) or whatever was popular where you lived (not everyone just became mod the second 1965 hit. There’s so many styles) it’s making it clear you aren’t your parents.

The greasers really stick out as underdressed for their time, in jeans and t-shirts and sneakers or boots. All not your typical clothing and with them— what they could afford or had but also a way to again express themselves. Sticking with the hair of greasers from the 50s , jackets and shirts and Elvis/ rock n’ roll instead of the new group or idol on the scene. Their hair is probably what got them in the most trouble at school, depending on code. They did ‘long’ hair before it was cool.

Body shape and youthfulness-

Body standards changed in the mid 1960s, curvy fuller figures were out for more rail thin, almost boyish appeal that was still distinctly feminine. A incredible focus on youthfulness and low weight. It also saw less emphasis on breasts, in some forms.

Twiggy is the greatest example of the look many tried to imitate:

Teens for the first time were choosing their own makeup too, not just doing what their mother did or movie stars. They were shaped by magazines and models and stars— music acts and the culture of the time. Cat eye -> in the later half of the decade it was the cut crease, big painted lashes and big looking eyes (think Shelly Duval)

Boys would see a particular emphasis on a tan, sideburns and smile, it was more what they wore than a particular body weight to my understanding. Muscle was not mainstream, you just wanted a healthy moderate appeal.

But it’s important to keep in mind that what magazines pushed v. The reality to most people isn’t always one to one, and the slower travel of information. While thin was ‘in’ most were at a healthy lower weight from lifestyle than a standard, or tanning had broadly been thought to be good for health not just because of a magazine. Teens immolated stars and big city or even foreign (British invasion) looks but they picked and chose and made their own! (If trying to follow/copy anyone at all!)

What was worn-

Mentioned above but the decade was largely shaped by both the conservatism and the rebellion to it— and both existing at once in a strange way. You’d dress to the code at a hop but casual events teens had the true freedom and playful, tighter and shorter appeal (even for guys)

For the Outsiders it really is the dead center of the 60s where the long skirt and more formal clothes existed but the mini skirt also became prevalent. Keep in mind one thing does not stop existing because the other! Not to mention affordability a majority of people don’t just drop everything and have an all new in style wardrobe for every slight shift.

Many clothes during this time were also handmade! By all walks of life, changing an old outfit to fit current standards has been around since before even the 1800s. During the 60s buying clothing patterns in the current style hit a particular high. There was clothes off the rack too but if you really wanted to be that individual ™️ you’d get a fabric of your own desire. People sew a lot more, so they patched a lot more- especially lower income.

Hair is an interesting point I’ve touched on it before but it started the decade big and ended the decade big and long but there was a period where straight and long dominated (and in the 70s too, for some). It starts a little long and ends even longer for guys, more emphasis on sideburns and styling it- though just a bit below the collar. Not to say there wasn’t a bunch of “long hairs” of different demographics who faced scrutiny still despite the popularity. Also keep in mind “long” to 1960s standards - especially for guys varied. To some even slightly down the neck constituted “long” when you hear that don’t instantly think late 60s John Lennon as that’s down the line and only a few cases/more hippie than mainstream or even grease.

Curls! Natural hair! There was a big shift towards natural hair in parts of the black community in the mid and late 60s, it started as a statement and then became gradually more accepted , typically in youth statements. By the 70s Fro’s — both black and white were just another common hairstyle.

Flairs and bellbottoms, which seem like a mandatory item of clothing in the 1970s also got their start in the late 60s.

Celebrity -

What’s attractive? Look no further than the teen idol, dreamy eyed hunks or sweet looking gals who song poppy versions of rock numbers or hit the screen with their own work, often love songs.

Something to note here too is celebrities had their own faces. Their own teeth, their own nose— there were procedures sure but people still looked unique, like themselves! This was far from the time of homogeny… even if there was conformity.