12 Accessories Commonly Owned by Young Women in the 1960s

Sometimes the future of fashion isn’t about what’s new, but about rediscovering the treasures of the past.

Our closets seem to be embarking on a time machine tour, with the target being the swinging ’60s. The demand for vintage accessories is booming in 2025, driven by a desire for sustainable fashion and a touch of nostalgia. According to ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report, the U.S. secondhand apparel market grew 14% in 2024, its strongest growth since 2021, and outpaced the broader retail clothing market by 5 times. What’s leading the charge? Iconic 1960s accessories are flying off the virtual shelves.

So, get ready to dig through your grandma’s dresser. Here are accessories that were standard fare for young women in the 1960s and are currently having a huge resurgence.

Statement Sunglasses

Thanks to style icons like Audrey Hepburn, sunglasses transcended functional sunwear in the ’60s; they became a fashion imperative.

According to ZEISS, Audrey Hepburn’s iconic oversized cat-eye sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s sparked a lasting trend, making oversized bug-eye frames and sleek cat-eye styles ubiquitous. Fast forward to today, and these retro shades are more popular than ever, with sales on major online resale markets surging.

Gloves

Refined gloves, typically white or black, were the epitome of refinement for formal events such as dances. The elegant accessory was inspired by the upper-class elite of those times.

Gloves are, however, experiencing a comeback in formal wear, particularly proms and theme parties, with increased sales on second-hand websites.

Wide-Brim Hats

From the sophisticated pillbox hats adopted by Jackie Kennedy to the bohemian, floppy hats of the hippie movement, headwear was at the forefront of fashion. A truly special hat was the jewel on top of any outfit. Now, they’re back, with vintage hat sales on resale websites on the rise.

According to ownersoasis, vintage hats, unlike their contemporary counterparts, often carry with them the weight of history and nostalgia, making them highly desirable.”

Animal Print Facts

The 1960s were all about daring fashion, and animal prints were a significant part of that fad. Leopard print blazers, crocodile bags, and snakeskin boots were all “must-have” show-stopping accessories.

That fashion gamble still resonates today, with animal prints continuing to dominate the resale market for accessories.

Chunky Bangle Bracelets

Arm parties were popular in the 1960s, with wrists stacked high with bright-colored, thick bangles.

These colorful arm pieces, typically made from enamel or plastic, added a playful touch to an ensemble. As fashion icon Iris Apfel says, “Jewelry is the most transformative thing you can wear

Pearls

For the more conservative and traditional tastes, though, a string of pearls was often the favored adornment. As a simple matter, as a single strand resting lightly on the neckline or as a more elaborate double loop exuding sophistication, pearls have been regarded for decades as the emblem of timeless style.

Pearls’ understated elegance made them an extremely versatile choice, easily suitable for everything from black-tie evening wear to sophisticated daytime fashion.

Long Drop Earrings

The ’60s mod scene was defined by bold, dangling earrings. Atolea Jewelry describes drop earrings as hanging gracefully below the earlobe, creating a chic and elongated look, available in a variety of designs crafted from materials such as gold, silver, and gemstones.

Earrings are the exclamation point of a woman’s wardrobe, and these long drop earrings make that point loud and clear.

Brooches and Pins

Pins and brooches were once a stylish way to add a personal touch to an outfit, from delicate floral patterns to show-stopping mod-style badges.

Vintage brooches are making a comeback due to TikTok’s fashion-driven upcycling and DIY trends.

Headscarves and Bandanas

A tidy silk headscarf tied around the back of the neck or a headband was the height of ’60s fabulous.

According to Vintage Virtue, the 1960s saw women shift to more casual and relaxed hairstyles, with headscarves becoming a popular accessory that added color and personality to these laid-back looks. It was a simple way to add a touch of class to any hairstyle.

Go-Go Boots

Nothing screams ’60s youth culture like a pair of go-go boots. These low-heeled, high-shine boots, typically fire engine white, were the mod revolution’s shoe of choice. Their popularity has never waned.

Mini Handbags

A compact, structured purse was an absolute essential for every social butterfly of the ’60s. If it had sequins or patent leather, it was sure to carry the just-in-case stuff.

Printful confirms that Etsy remains a thriving marketplace in 2025, particularly for handmade, customized, and vintage items, noting a rising trend in customers seeking unique products and personalization.

Colorful tights

Mini skirts were the uniform of the ’60s, and what’s more playful than to feature your legs in brightly colored, printed tights?

They gave an airy and flashy note to any outfit, with light-hearted layering back in fashion.

Conclusion

The ’60s have arrived in a big way. These accessory pieces show that great style is truly timeless. By mixing these vintage pieces with your existing wardrobe staples, you can create a look all your own, one that’s green, unique, and full of personality. So next time you’re thrifting, keep an eye out for these far-out finds. You might just find your new go-to accessory.

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