The 1960s were a revolutionary era that saw considerable developments in fashion and society. Earrings, as an essential accessory was crucial in establishing the style and attitude of the time.
The shift that shook the fashion business produced a need to ensure that accessories were a statement piece for any social movement that existed. Earrings became a form of identification and a mark of community while also elevating outfits.
In this article, we will explore popular 60s earrings, the fashion movement that inspired them, and the common materials used to make them.
What Earrings were popular in the ’60s
Earrings are an essential item that enhances one’s look and are readily available. The popularity of earrings is due to people’s willingness to get piercings. Here are some popular 60s earrings:
- Hoop Earrings: They come in a variety of sizes, from little and delicate hoops to big and eye-catching ones. Hoop earrings offer a glamorous and fun touch to clothing, and they are frequently worn with both casual and formal attire.
- Dangle Earrings: Also known as dangle earrings, they were popular in the 1960s. These earrings included a decorative element that hung down from the earlobe providing movement and fluidity. Dangle earrings come in various styles, including geometric shapes, beads, pearls, and vibrant gemstones.
- Button Earrings: These earrings were often small and flat or slightly rounded in shape when resting directly on the earlobe. Button earrings were available in a variety of forms, including enamel decorations, floral motifs, and colorful plastic materials.
- Mod-Inspired Earrings: The mod fashion movement had a big influence on 1960s fashion, and earrings from that time period generally reflected that aesthetic. Mod 60s earrings were distinguished by their bold, geometric shapes and brilliant colors. Oversized squares, circles, triangles, and abstract designs are some examples.
- Peace Sign Earrings: These earrings featured the iconic peace symbol, which was frequently connected with the anti-war movement and hippie culture at the time. Peace sign earrings were thought to be a good method to show solidarity and promote peace.
- Clip-On Earrings: This became popular in the 1960s, particularly among ladies who did not have pierced ears or didn’t want to have their ears pierced. Clip-on earrings were a convenient solution that came in a variety of styles such as hoops, dangles, and button designs.
- Natural and Bohemian-Inspired Earrings: As the counterculture movement gained momentum, natural and bohemian-inspired earrings became fashionable. These earrings often incorporated elements like feathers, shells, beads, or natural materials, reflecting the free-spirited and earthy vibes of the era.
5 Popular 1960s Earring Material
Earrings were created from a range of materials to fit the various fashion trends and experiments. Apart from current trends, comfort, and style are essential considerations when choosing materials.
Here are some popular materials for earrings in the 1960s:
- Gold and Silver: They were often crafted into classic designs like studs, hoops, or simple dangles.
- Enamel: Earrings of these materials were popular in the 1960s, especially during the modern fashion era. Earrings with enamel highlights or completely covered in enamel were fashionable, especially in vivid colors like red, blue, or yellow.
- Lucite and Resin: These materials were used to make chunky and light earrings.
- Natural Materials: Feather earrings, shell earrings, and earrings made of wood or bone were popular bohemian and hippie fashion accessories.
- Plastic: Plastic materials for earrings increased dramatically in the 1960s. Plastic earrings were popular because of their low cost, adaptability, and ability to incorporate bright colors. They enabled the development of striking designs such as geometric forms, florals, and abstract patterns.
The 60s earrings were experimental and artistic pieces that inspired a lot of modern earrings. They are quite stylish and timeless which is the greatest appeal.