The 1960s was a transformative era in fashion, with bold designs, innovative styles and a new sense of freedom. When it comes to 1960s fall and autumn women’s fashion, this decade doesn’t disappoint. As the leaves began to change and the air turned crisp, women embraced the season with vivid hues, cosy fabric and mood style. Together, we’ll explore the most memorable trends of the swinging 60s for cooler weather, blending practicality and style.
Mod coats
One of the standout pieces of 1960s autumn fashion is the mod coat. Designed with a straight, boxy silhouette and often featuring large buttons and lapels, it perfectly captured the mod aesthetic of the era.
Women gravitated towards autumnal shades of burnt orange, mustard yellow and rich red, with wool and tweed being the go-to fabrics for warmth and durability. Whether worn buttoned up or left open, mod coats were the height of fashion for cooler weather.
Shift dresses
For women’s fashion in the fall, the shift dress was a staple of every fashionista’s wardrobe. The A-line cut provided versatility, making it ideal for casual and formal settings. For autumn, shift dresses were often worn layered with turtlenecks or long sleeved shirts underneath, or paired with a cosy cardigan over the top for extra warmth. Popular fall colours included olive green, deep burgundy and earthy browns which dominated shift dresses, often alongside bold geometric patterns or floral designs. Paired with tights and boots, the shift dress was made for embracing the fall season in style.
Turtleneck Sweaters
As a quintessential part of beatnik fashion, turtlenecks were an essential part of 1960s fall fashion. These snug, high-necked sweaters were worn on their own or under dresses and coats. Available in a wide range of colours and knits, turtlenecks offer both warmth and a sleek, stylish look. Women often styled them with skirts or tailored trousers, creating a streamlined silhouette that was practical for colder weather and undeniably fashionable. Statement jewellery, like large hoop earrings or bold necklaces, was often added to complete the look.
Chunky knits
As weather cooled, women turned to textured, knits to keep warm. Chunky sweaters in earthy tones like beige, rust and forest green, became a key component of autumn fashion in the 1960s. These sweaters were oversized, with cable-knit designs that added texture and warmth.
Cardigans, worn either buttoned up or draped over the shoulders, were another popular layering piece, offering comfort and style.
Pleated skirts
Pleated skirts were a key trend for women during autumn in the 1960s. Often featuring classic tartan prints or deep fall hues, these skirts offered movement and comfort without sacrificing style. Women paired pleated skirts with fitted turtlenecks or blouses, creating a balanced silhouette.
Mini skirts
Even with cooler weather , women would still incorporate the iconic mini skirt into their autumn wardrobe. Paired with opaque tights in fall colours, this dairying clothing was extended into later seasons. Many women would pair their mini with knee high boots and coat sweaters.
High waisted trousers and cigarette pants
While skirts and dresses all dominated fashion in the 1960s, teasers were gaining momentum as a comfortable and stylish alternative. Hugh waisted trousers, often tailored with straight leg or slightly flared leg, were ideal for keeping warm during the fall. Cigarette pants, known for their slim and tapered leg, offered a sleek look when paired with footed sweaters. These trousers were usually made from wool blend to keep warm during the autumn and often came in muted autumn tones like charcoal gray, navy and brown.
Knee high boots and ankle boots
No autumn wardrobe in the 1960s was complete without a fabulous pair of boots. Knee high boots in leather or suede, became a fall favourite, especially when paired with mini skirts and shift dresses. These boots available in a variety of colours, from classic black to warm chestnut, were both practical and fashionable for chilly and wet weather. Ankle boots were another popular choice, versatile enough to pair with trousers or skirts, making them a key footwear choice during autumn in the 1960s.
As the leaves fall and the air grows crisp, these 1960s looks will help you step into autumn with confidence, flair, and timeless style.
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