What is the difference between Mod and Hippie 1960s styles?

Mod style emerged in the early-to-mid '60s, featuring bold geometric patterns, bright colors, short shift dresses, and sleek go-go boots. Hippie style dominated the late '60s, characterized by earthy tones, tie-dye, bell-bottoms, fringe, and a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic.

How can I make a quick DIY 1960s costume?

Pair any colorful t-shirt with flared jeans, add a DIY cardboard peace sign necklace, tie a colorful scarf around your forehead, and wear round sunglasses.

What kind of shoes should I wear for a '60s theme?

White patent-leather knee-high boots are perfect for a Mod look, while flat leather sandals, moccasins, or simple canvas sneakers fit the hippie style.

AI-generated example

1960s

Channel the decade of peace, love, and revolutionary Mod fashion.

The 1960s was a decade of massive cultural shifts, making it a favorite theme for parties and Halloween. This guide focuses on the two most iconic looks of the era: the sleek, geometric Mod go-go dancer and the bohemian, fringe-clad hippie. Both styles rely on bold patterns, signature accessories, and unmistakable retro silhouettes.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $25–75

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40 1960s costume ideas

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What you need for a 1960s costume

Mod shift dress or fringe vest
A brightly colored, geometric A-line shift dress for a Mod look, or a brown faux-suede fringe vest for a hippie style.
DIY: Cut a colorful floral or geometric pattern fabric into a simple sleeveless tunic, or cut long fringes into the hem of an old brown t-shirt.
Amazon
White go-go boots or sandals
Patent leather knee-high white boots for the Mod look, or simple flat leather sandals for the hippie aesthetic.
DIY: Wear plain white canvas sneakers or style existing brown leather sandals.
Amazon
Peace sign necklace or retro earrings
A large pewter or plastic peace sign medallion on a cord, or oversized white plastic daisy drop earrings.
DIY: Cut a peace sign shape out of cardboard, wrap it in aluminum foil, and hang it from a black cord.
Amazon
Round sunglasses
Wire-rimmed round sunglasses with colored lenses (pink, blue, or yellow) or thick white plastic oval frames.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of cheap round sunglasses and paint the frames bright white.
Amazon
Patterned headband or hair ribbon
A wide floral print headband worn across the forehead, or a thick satin ribbon tied around a high ponytail.
DIY: Cut a strip of colorful scrap fabric or a vintage scarf and tie it around your head.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Choose your vibe: go for the structured, colorful Mod look or the relaxed, earthy hippie style.
2
Put on your base garment, either the geometric shift dress or a pair of bell-bottom jeans paired with a tie-dye shirt.
3
Layer on your outerwear, such as a long fringe vest or a colorful cropped double-breasted jacket.
4
Slide into your footwear, matching white knee-high boots with the Mod dress or sandals with the hippie denim.
5
Add your statement jewelry, including the peace medallion, beaded bracelets, or chunky plastic rings.
6
Finish the look by putting on your retro sunglasses and styling your hair with a headband or ribbon.

Makeup & hair

For a Mod look, style hair into a high-volume bouffant or a sleek bob, paired with heavy black winged eyeliner and pale pink lipstick. For a hippie look, leave hair long, parted down the middle, with small face-framing braids and minimal, natural-looking makeup.

1960s for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair a Mod go-go dancer in a bright shift dress with a hippie partner wearing bell-bottoms, a tie-dye shirt, and a fringe vest.
group: Create a '60s squad featuring a mix of British Invasion rock stars in slim suits, Mod fashionistas, and flower power hippies.
kids: Dress kids in miniature tie-dye shirts, denim bell-bottoms, and tiny round sunglasses for an adorable, comfortable retro outfit.
Plus size: A-line shift dresses offer a comfortable, universally flattering retro fit, while flowy tie-dye tunics paired with stretch flare pants provide ease of movement.
pet: Put a tie-dye bandana and a lightweight plastic peace sign charm on your dog's collar.

Tips

Thrift stores are goldmines for authentic 1960s pieces like polyester shirts, vintage belts, and retro dresses.
If wearing go-go boots, choose a pair with a low block heel so you can comfortably walk and dance all night.
For outdoor events, layer a colorful trench coat over a Mod dress or a denim jacket over hippie attire.
Keep props lightweight; a cardboard 'Peace & Love' protest sign makes a great, easy-to-carry photo prop.

1960s costume FAQ

What is the difference between Mod and Hippie 1960s styles?: Mod style emerged in the early-to-mid '60s, featuring bold geometric patterns, bright colors, short shift dresses, and sleek go-go boots. Hippie style dominated the late '60s, characterized by earthy tones, tie-dye, bell-bottoms, fringe, and a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic.
How can I make a quick DIY 1960s costume?: Pair any colorful t-shirt with flared jeans, add a DIY cardboard peace sign necklace, tie a colorful scarf around your forehead, and wear round sunglasses.
What kind of shoes should I wear for a '60s theme?: White patent-leather knee-high boots are perfect for a Mod look, while flat leather sandals, moccasins, or simple canvas sneakers fit the hippie style.

Did you know? The iconic white go-go boots were originally introduced by French fashion designer André Courrèges in 1964 and quickly became a global fashion sensation.