French 1960s Dress

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.

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 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.

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.

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.