The sixties gave us the moon landing, The Beatles, and some of the most revolutionary fashion the world has ever seen. Hemlines went up, silhouettes got bolder, and the rules went straight out the window. Now, decades later, those same looks are filling the rails of high street shops and popping up on every major runway. If you’ve been feeling a pull towards something retro lately, your instincts are spot on.
Here’s what’s back and how to wear it.
1960s mini skirts are making a serious comeback
Mary Quant changed everything when she sent women out in skirts that sat well above the knee. It was daring, it was fresh, and it made fashion history. Fast forward to today, and the mini skirt is everywhere once more. From pleated styles in bold colours to A-line cuts in classic neutrals, this is one comeback that feels completely natural.
The trick to wearing it well in 2026 is balance. Pair a structured mini with knee-high boots and a chunky knit for cooler months or style it with a fitted blouse for something a bit more polished. You’re not recreating the sixties; you’re borrowing the best bits and making them your own.
How to wear the 1960s shift dress this season?
The shift dress was the uniform of the sixties working woman, and honestly, it still makes perfect sense. Clean lines, a straight cut that skims the body. Designers like Jacquemus and Miu Miu have brought the silhouette back with modern fabrics and unexpected details, and it’s easy to see why it resonates with women who want to look sharp with minimal effort.
A shift dress in a rich mustard or red works beautifully for autumn. Throw a belted trench over the top, add some pointed flats, and you’ve got an outfit that takes about three minutes to pull together but looks like you spent an hour. That’s the kind of efficiency we can all get behind.
Styling 1960s geometric prints for a modern wardrobe
The sixties were full of geometric prints. Think colour blocks, oversized polka dots, and graphic stripes that turned heads from across the room. This season, those same patterns are showing up on everything from midi dresses to tailored coats.
If you’re new to statement prints, start with one piece and keep the rest of your outfit simple. A geometric print blouse tucked into high-waisted trousers is a great entry point. Once you’ve got your confidence up, try mixing prints or going full head-to-toe pattern. The sixties were never about playing it safe, and neither should you be.
Knee-high boots are better than ever
Knee-high boots were the footwear of choice for sixties style icons, and they’ve made a serious return. This time around, they come in every shade and material you can imagine, from patent leather to suede, in cream, black, burgundy, and beyond.
Knee-high boots look fantastic with a mini skirt or a shift dress, which makes sense given they were designed to complement exactly those silhouettes. But they also work brilliantly with cropped wide-leg trousers or a knitted midi dress. They add a sense of fun to any outfit, and there’s a real confidence that comes with wearing a boot that has that much personality.
1960s colour blocking outfits and tips for modern styling
Before colour blocking became an Instagram aesthetic, sixties designers were already doing it with precision. Pairing two or three solids, contrasting colours in one outfit was a signature move of the decade, and it’s one that translates perfectly to modern wardrobes.
The key is to keep shapes simple when the colours are doing the talking. A blue pencil skirt with a red top, or a green coat thrown over an all-white outfit, can look absolutely stunning. Stick to clean, well-fitting pieces and let the colour do the heavy lifting.
Why 1960s fashion keeps coming back in style?
There’s a reason designers keep returning to this decade for inspiration. The sixties were about freedom, self-expression, and a real break from tradition. Women dressed to please themselves, and that spirit still feels incredibly relevant. When you wear a bold print or a daring hemline, you’re tapping into that same energy.
The best part is that none of these trends require a complete wardrobe overhaul. A single shift dress, a pair of statement boots, or one beautifully printed scarf can shift the entire feel of your look. Fashion from the sixties wasn’t about spending a fortune; it was about attitude. And that, thankfully, is always free.
So next time you spot a geometric print dress online or find yourself drawn to a pair of knee-high boots, go for it. The sixties are calling, and they’ve got excellent taste.
