TARTAN FASHION - THE SWINGING SIXTIES
See below for a collection of vintage images showing the influence of Scottish tartan patterns on the fashionable set in this period.
1960s Fashion prior to the British invasion in 1964 was a continuation of the late 1950s with cool, conservative refined styles that were the essence of the Camelot years of Jackie Kennedy. But with the Beatles came fashion influences not strictly from Paris or Milan but from now from “swinging” London. Mary Quant in London from her boutique store hit upon the winning combinations and created the demand for the mini skirt and "mod" fashion leading right into the beginning of counterculture hippie style based on non-conformity, with bright colors, psychedelic patterns, tie-dye, and pop art motifs.
The Collection
 1960Ladies Home Journal, August 1960
Lavender-greyed purple dress with a tartan cape jacket in shades of purple and tan along with a toque in a matching shade. |  1966Tartan knickerbockers and mod knitwear! Ingénue Magazine, August, 1966 Clearly these stylish ladies are rescuing this hapless man from the tree he climbed. |  1966If you couldn't afford an original Mary Quant in 1966, Butterick provided a swingin' pattern for you to sew. #modintartan Mary Quant was an instrumental figure in the 1960s London-based Mod and youth fashion movements who took credit for the miniskirt and hotpants, and by promoting these and other fun fashions encouraged young people to dress to please themselves and to treat fashion as a game. |
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 1966August 1966 fashions from Seventeen magazine with Colleen Corby. Back to school in shades of pumpkin! These ladies are clearly anticipating the Pumpkin Spice Latté phenomenon. Mix 'n Match in any combination, ladies! |  1967Nina Ricci, 1967 from L'Officiel magazine |  1967Nina Ricci, 1967 from L'Officiel magazine. The layered look in those challenging earth tones. |
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 1967Model Jill Kennington in a tartan maxi dress, 1967 |  19681968 Pleated Plaid Mini Skirt for a “School Girl” Look! Green was not a popular colour in the 1950s, which made it prime for resurgence in the rebellious colour palette of the 1960s. Olive green for autumn, emerald green for classic party dresses, and lime green (mixed with bright yellows/pinks/oranges) for the young and hip. |  1968From the Feb 1, 1968 US Vogue issue, The Best of Spring Fashion, "With a toss of Cape" ... ultimate tartan chic with long braids and leather bracelets ... and knee socks, of course. |
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 1969In 1969 American Airlines introduced new cold-weather uniforms, including a plaid fall-winter ensemble that sported a fur hat! American flight attendants take a break from flying to play tourist in front of the Statue of Liberty. #tartanstewardess Note the classic late sixties model action stances - the bizarre cross between a ballet first and second positions - the better to show off your go-go boots, I suppose. "We know why you fly. We're American Airlines." |
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