Photos Showing What it Meant to Be Cool in the 1960s
The sixties brought a big cultural shift around the world. Color took over movies and TV like never before, allowing people to enjoy fresh entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. That sparked a revolution in fashion that put colors front and center of everything, and real artists started designing clothes like humanity had not seen before.
Music was undergoing another revolution, with different aesthetics coexisting, and the increasing use of LPs. Bands started to compose their music thinking about albums and concepts from start to finish, bringing a new wave of art that changed everything.
Everything new was cool, but people were reluctant to try new things. Until they saw big names wearing flashy clothes and dancing on TV like there was no tomorrow. It was a time of liberation and experiencing freedom like never before.
So, here are some photos showing what it meant to be cool in the 1960s.
Saigon Lady
She walks the walk.
Prom Date
The hairdo had to be bigger than the head.
Christmas Jumpsuit
It wasn't particularly cool, but it was all in the attitude.
Iranian Girl
Before the Islamic Revolution.
Hippies
They were cool in the ‘60s, but they had to shift their identities in the ’70s.
Hairdo
The bigger, the better.
Cool Grandpa
Ready for the dancefloor.
Girls and their Cars
A photography sub-genre like no other.
Beatniks
Not considered cool in the '60s, but later.
Street Dancing
Can't beat that.
Funny Ladies
Taking a picture took some time and money, so you should appreciate this candid piece.
Portable TV
Nothing cooler than that.
Music Festival
That's where it was at.
Miss Hurst Golden Shifter
Boys wanted her, girls wanted to be her.
Young Heartthrob
Back in the day, it was tough to be cool in school.
Cool Grandma
Bright colors and big glasses, what else could you possibly need?
Ladies' Night
Beer, cigarettes, and gossip. All while looking cool.
Bowling Team
A women's bowling team in the '60s? Cool AF
Motorbike Riders
Riding a bike automatically makes you cool.
Family Photo
If you weren't cool, clothes could help a lot.
