1960s Shift Dresses

Questions About 1960s Shift Dresses

• Who made the shift dress?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025

  No single designer made the shift dress. Instead, the style evolved over time. Many fashion historians credit Coco Chanel's little black dress as an important precursor to the modern-day shift dress and Mary Quant for popularizing the style in the 1960s. Designer Lilly Pulitzer reinvented it with colorful, bold prints, while Yves Saint Laurent elevated it with a color block motif inspired by the painting Composition with Yellow, Red, Black, Blue, and Gray by Piet Mondrian. Explore a diverse assortment of shift dresses on 1stDibs.

• What dresses did they wear in the 1960s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024

  The dresses they wore in the 1960s varied depending on the time of day and the occasion. For everyday wear, many women opted for simply tailored frocks called shift dresses. They often featured bold geometric prints in eye-catching colors. In the evening, women tended to opt for gowns with plunging necklines, fitted waists and flowing full skirts. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage dresses from the 1960s.

• How can I tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  To tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s, first look for a label. You may be able to determine the approximate date of the dress simply by researching the designer using reputable online sources. Also, check the zippers. Dresses from the 1960s will usually have metal or nylon zippers. Ones from the 1970s are more likely to be plastic. You'll find a large selection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

• What was the dress style in the 1960s called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024

  What the dress style was called in the 1960s varied, as there were several types of dresses that were fashionable during the decade. At the start of the 1960s, many women wore swing dresses featuring fitted bodices and full skirts. Collared, button-up belted dresses called shirtwaist dresses were also popular, as were loose-fitting, flowy shift dresses. By the late 1960s, new styles emerged, such as flared, flowing tent dresses, sleeveless jumpers usually styled over sweaters and blouses and drop-waist dresses, which had their waist seams at the hips rather than the natural waist. Find a variety of 1960s dresses and other vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

• Were there watches in the 1960s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  Yes, there were watches in the 1960s. The first recorded wristwatch dates back to 1868, when Patek Philippe, a watchmaker founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, designed a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Shop a collection of vintage watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

• What is a caftan from the 1960s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  A caftan from the 1960s or any other era refers to a long ankle-length variation on a robe or a tunic. Caftans, which are sometimes referred to as kaftans, feature full sleeves and usually have a deep, open neck. While these garments can be made from any fabric, most caftans are made of wool, silk or cotton. Find a selection of caftans from top fashion boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.

• What was worn in the 1960s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Fashion in the 1960s progressed toward a more casual look for men and for women during the decade. For women, the skirt suits of the 1950s prevailed during the early ‘60s and eventually miniskirts came along. Late-1960s fashion included ponchos, peace signs, chain belts, puffed “bubble” sleeves, frayed bell-bottom jeans for men and women, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, sandals, headbands and moccasins.

• What do you call furniture from the 1960s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  Furniture from the 1960s is often called mid-century modern. This style emphasizes the importance of good design that looks attractive and performs its function well. Notable mid-century modern designers include Eero Saarinen, George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Charles and Ray Eames. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of mid-century modern furniture.

• What did men wear in the 1960s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024

  What men wore in the 1960s varied over the course of the decade. At the start of the ’60s, when the Mod style was all the rage, men often sported boxy Italian-style suits with tight-fitting trousers for work and dressier occasions and polo shirts and turtlenecks paired with fitted trousers for casual dress. As the decade progressed, the Peacock Revolution occurred, with menswear becoming flashier with bright colors and bold prints. Fedoras and trilby hats were common in the early ’60s, but by the start of the 1970s, hats for men were much less common, marking a major departure from the style conventions of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. Explore an assortment of 1960s men's apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

• Are go-go boots from the 1960s or 1970s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Go-go boots were fashionable in the late 1960s through the 1970s. A calf-length to knee-length boot became synonymous with 1960s and 1970s fashion and is still highly coveted today by fashion enthusiasts. Shop a wide range of vintage go-go boots on 1stDibs.

• What is a 1940s style dress?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021

  The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.

• What dress was popular in the 1980s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023

  One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

• What are 1920s dresses called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  The iconic dresses from the 1920s are called flapper dresses. This name comes from the term flapper, which was used to describe young women during the period who enjoyed personal fulfillment and independence in American cities, particularly as they gained the right to vote and enjoy other freedoms previously reserved for men. Flappers danced at jazz clubs and upended most societal restrictions placed on women at the time, and fashion statements typically attributed to flappers included short “bob” haircuts, higher hemlines and other then-audacious style choices. Find a selection of flapper dresses on 1stDibs.

• How should I dress for a ’70s party?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024

  There are a few options for how you should dress for a ’70s party. You can go for the hippie look with dramatic bell-bottoms, fringed jackets and vests and embroidered blouses, or try a sporty look by pairing a vintage tee with high-waisted, button-fly flared jeans and clogs or platform shoes. For a straight-from-the-disco aesthetic, look for surplice and halter dresses decked out in sequins. Men can make a 1970s-inspired statement with a leisure suit or bell-bottoms matched with a turtleneck. Aviator sunglasses are great accessories for both men and women. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of 1970s apparel and accessories.

• How did people dress in the 1990s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023

  In the 1990s, people dressed in different ways. Styles included grunge, modern preppy, hip-hop and goth. Some trends of the decade were slip dresses, plaid flannel shirts, long plaid skirts, overalls, combat boots and loose-fitting rolled jeans. Neon colors were popular for a time, as were fabric headbands and fabric-covered ponytail holders. Shop a selection of 90s vintage apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

• Who was the most famous fashion designer in the 1960s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024

  Who the most famous fashion designer of the 1960s was is open to debate. Many designers helped define the looks of the decade, each influencing style in their own way. Among these notable designers were Mary Quant, André Courrèges, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Bonnie Cashin, Hubert de Givenchy, Emilio Pucci, Paco Rabanne and Ossie Clark. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage apparel and accessories from the 1960s.

• What is 1960s-style furniture called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024

  Generally, 1960s-style furniture is called mid-century modern. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Some of the most notable furniture designers of the time include Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Hans J. Wegner. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century modern furniture.

• What dresses were popular in the 90s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  Many different styles of dress were popular in the 1990s, including the slip dress which became very common by the middle of the decade. Tastes and styles varied between regions and among people. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage 1990s dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques.

• What dresses were popular in the 1940s?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

• What were the dresses in the 20s called?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022

  In the 1920s, the flapper dress became a fresh new look for both day and evening wear. This shift dress hung from shoulder to just below the knee with a significant drop waistline. The evening versions of these dresses often featured lace, fringe, beadwork and luxe fabrics like chiffon, velvet and taffeta. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage flapper dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.