Holiday Attire Is Embracing the 1960s—Here’s How to Achieve the Style

Holiday Attire Is Embracing the 1960s—Here’s How to Achieve the Style

      Jalil Johnson is an editor in residence at Who What Wear and a writer based in New York, recognized as a fashion expert and media figure. He started his career as a stylist and honed his skills over three years at Saks Fifth Avenue, where he developed a keen eye for trend reporting, emerging talents, and brand narratives. He shares his insights through his newsletter, Consider Yourself Cultured, and has been featured in notable publications such as The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and Vogue, which acknowledged him as one of the “New Faces of Street Style.”

      The holiday season is officially upon us, signaling countless replays of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (or, in my case, Wham's "Last Christmas"), a rush of gift shopping ideas, and an endless succession of parties. Desk gatherings where you discover too much about your colleagues, meals with friends, and any number of events from late November to December are all on the agenda. This signifies one thing: you need a collection of outfits that can adapt to all your plans. For festive attire inspiration, the '60s decade is unmatched.

      As Anna LaPlaca noted earlier this year, there tends to be a decade that comes back into style. The '70s are reemerging partly due to Chemena Kamali's influence at Chloé. The minimalism of the '90s is perpetually relevant, and the allure of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's wardrobe contributes to the trend. (It would not surprise me if interest in her style spikes again with the February airing of American Love Story.) The '60s, with their festive yet wearable looks, merit further attention. This decade is rich in diverse style elements, reflecting cultural shifts. Hemlines rose with the sexual revolution, while the anti-war movement inspired the flower-child aesthetic and the vibe of Woodstock. The space race motivated designers like Pierre Cardin, Paco Rabanne, and André Courrèges to create metallic designs and mod silhouettes that embodied the excitement of the future.

      Here are five stylish ideas that draw directly from the '60s, adding variety and excitement to your holiday ensembles, whether you're sampling a charcuterie board in an office or sharing a kiss under the mistletoe at a friend's place.

      1. **Mod**

      Mod fashion emphasizes crisp, clean lines, A-line shapes, narrow lapels, and sharp tailoring, creating almost architectural silhouettes. Bold, geometric prints define this style. The High Sport set embodies these characteristics perfectly. For added warmth, consider layering a turtleneck underneath while maintaining the overall proportions.

       - High Sport Asher Cotton-Blend Jacquard Tank

       - HIGH SPORT Charlie Cotton-Blend Jacquard Slim-Leg Pants

       - Tibi Featherweight Ribbed Sweater Turtleneck Pullover

       - Violet & Brooks Paige Mini Puff Headband

      2. **Brocade**

      Brocade captures the decade's intrigue with futurism and texture, frequently appearing in cocktail attire woven with gold, silver, and rich jewel tones. While the brocade jacket leans slightly towards the '80s due to its sharper shoulders, pairing it with period-specific items like a shift dress and Mary Janes brings it back into the '60s dialogue.

       - Ronny Kobo Wanda Metallic Floral Brocade Blazer

       - J.Crew Sophia Dress With Velvet Bow

       - ben-amun Byzantine Bezel Necklace

       - tuckernuck Josephine Mini Bag

      3. **Color Blocking**

      When temperatures drop, it's tempting to gravitate towards neutral colors daily. Refresh your wardrobe by experimenting with colors. Rather than diving into vibrant hues, opt for muted tones that make an impression but are easier for winter. Finish the look with oversized Jackie Onassis-inspired sunglasses for an instant touch of sophistication.

       - Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Crew Neck Knit Sweater

       - Róhe Cotton Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants

       - Jenni Kayne Suede Danner Belt

       - Jamie Haller The Penny Loafers

       - KREWE Chloe in Blonde Amaro

      4. **Bold Prints**

      You might have heard the term "Pucci girl summer" this year, but that same invigorating vibe can transition into fall and winter. The key with these lively prints is to anchor them in seasonally suitable fabrics. Corduroy serves as an excellent alternative to denim in colder months, and I've highlighted it previously (here and here). Corduroy pants with a subtle flare nod to the era without veering into costume territory. For warmth, top it with a jacket reminiscent of Kate Hudson's Penny Lane coat from Almost Famous. While the film is set in the '70s, the late '60s were just beginning to embrace that aesthetic, much like Woodstock and Palm Royale.

       - Dl196

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Holiday Attire Is Embracing the 1960s—Here’s How to Achieve the Style

Embrace '60s glamour this holiday season with stylish mini dresses, striking bows, and retro-inspired ensembles that exude sophistication, festivity, and unexpected comfort.