Overview

• Granny's Glasses image by Fotoskat from Fotolia.com
  
  The 1960s was a decade of experimentation and rebellion that ushered in changes in politics, art and virtually every other social arena, including fashion. Many clothing styles were an extension of the decade’s ideas and values. Miniskirts reflected a new freedom for women, while vinyl dresses and jackets were made from a new space-age fabric and embraced by a generation about to see a man walk on the moon. The ‘60s also saw the rise of fashion fads, style crazes that swept across the nation and just as quickly faded.
  
  

Granny Glasses

• Granny glasses, or metal-frame glasses with small rectangular or circular lenses, became part of the ‘60s mod look after several big-name rock stars like Roger McQuinn and John Lennon were photographed wearing them. Granny glasses were generally fitted with regular glass prescription lenses, but some had no glass at all. Granny glasses became the rage around 1965, but the style died out by 1967.
  
  

Nehru Jacket

• During the '60s, young people rejected American materialism and looked toward other cultures for inspiration. Eastern philosophies offered alternatives. A photo of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in a traditional jacket that ran in Vogue magazine triggered a fad in Nehru jackets, a long, single-breasted coat with a mandarin collar. Nehru jackets were the top popular style for about two seasons. However, the fad didn’t just fade; the Nehru jacket backfired and eventually became a symbol of someone trying too hard to be hip.
  
  

Go-Go Boots

• French designer André Courrèges introduced one of the biggest footwear fads of the 1960s when he featured white vinyl mid-calf boots as part of his 1964 collection. Go-go boots generally had a low heel and a zipper on the side or up the back. The boots worked well with miniskirts, which were also growing in popularity. Despite some help from singer Nancy Sinatra and her 1966 No. 1 hit, “These Boots are Made for Walking,” go-go boots were soon overshadowed by sandals and eventually by bare feet.
  
  

Maxi Coats

• Towards the end of the 1960s, designers unveiled the maxi coat, which was soon followed by the less popular maxi dress. Maxi coats, or full-length coats, were worn over miniskirts, offering an alternative to the short styles. Flowing suede coats with sheepskin lining were popular for a few seasons, but the style soon gave way to shorter, more practical lengths.