Costumes for a 1960s Party
The Woodstock festival, free love and hippies might come to mind first when you think of the 1960s, but a party with a 1960s theme doesn't have to be limited to these images. There was a lot more going on from a fashion perspective in the 1960s than just bell bottoms and rose-colored glasses. Short, colorful dresses, wild patterns and high boots and belts over tops, even for guys, were common themes that you can bring back for a '60s-themed party.
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Clothes
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As the decade wore on, dresses got shorter and jackets, pants and shirts got more colorful for both men and women. Look for bright, colorful, even patterned blouses, shirts, coats and dresses for your outfit. Men wore suits with skinny ties, colorful shirts and pants. Toward the end of the decade, bell-bottoms and sandals came in vogue for men, but the early '60s featured tight, short pants for men that showed off their shoes. Women can pair short skirts with tailored coats featuring large buttons and sharp, clean lines.
Accessories
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Belts and sunglasses for men as well as large clip-on earrings for women are perfect accessories for a 1960s outfit. Look for bracelets, earrings and pins or necklaces that match each other and your outfit colors. Men often wore John Lennon-style small, round glasses and sunglasses as well as peace sign necklaces towards the end of the decade. Belts with stylish, large buckles were popular for men and women and can be worn over longer shirts for men or short dresses for women.
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Shoes
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Go-go boots with flat soles and zip-up backs in various colors were popular shoes worn by women in the 1960s. Make them part of your 1960s costume by complementing your outfit with a pair of mid-calf or knee-high boots with flat soles or square platform heels. Really look the part with a pair of white boots as that was the most common color worn. Mary Janes and T-straps were popular, as were flat shoes with square or rounded toes. Men often opted for zip-up boots with pointed toes. The most important thing is to pick a pair of shoes that match your outfit.
Hair and Makeup
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Complete your 1960s costume with a hairstyle that was popular during that decade. Style your hair yourself or buy a wig at a wig store that imitates the style. Women often wore their hair in a flip or teased-up, beehive style. Hats were common and women would often wear them with their hair styled beneath such that one tight curl appeared against either cheek. Men often wore shaggy hair, similar to styles worn by Beatles' stars Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Look at movie character Austin Powers for an idea of how to wear your hair as a guy at a '60s party.
For makeup, use false eyelashes to create a bold look that draws attention to your eyes. Pale, pink lipstick was in vogue as well as bright, shimmery eye shadow. Keep your overall look natural, except for your eyes which you can dress up with lots of shadow and liner.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
