Mar 4, 20233 min read

Progression of Style 1965 - 1969

This is Part II of 1960s Style Progression.

As the 1960s continued, the styles went from the tiny waisted dresses with full skirts of the early 60s to mini dresses of the late 60s. I'm starting with 1965 picking up from the last post. Read 1960 - 1964 HERE

1965

'65 starts off with a bang! This Vogue Pattern 6478 can be found in the shop Kinseysue The front of the dress is not that much different from the dresses from 1964. Boatneck, sleeveless a-line dress but, turn around and the back is updated with a narrow tie, bias cut triangles with a center back bow, or a straight slit center back.

1965 was a major transitional year. Hems rose several inches over previous years. and the years of bulky petticoats were gone! Slim or A-line skirts and empire waists were now the norm with most skirts hitting or just above the knee. Take Simplicity 6216 from The Gingham Life for example, The basic design is very simple. Embellishments were what made the dress! From buttons on the bodice, to lace trim, to ruffle cuffs the embellishments were endlessly creative.

1966

This amazing Vogue Pattern, Vogue 1626 was designed by The House of Patou in 1966 and can be found at the shop Sew Betty and Dot. Although the founder had been gone for about thirty years, his legacy continued. This iconic Mid-Century dress showed the world that although Jean Patou had died prematurely at 48 years old in 1936, his sister Madeline and her husband stepped in to run the business. They made good choices when deciding which designers to bring in to the House of Patou.

This demure dress by McCall's, uses color blocking and the rarely absent 1960s bow! It has a beautifully shaped skirt and the French darts make the dress fit perfectly. McCall's 8335 can be found at Redcurlzs on Etsy.

1967

Mini length skirts and dresses were here to stay by 1967. Although they would soon get shorter, the mini was available in many styles for every age group. You can find Simplicity 7493 at The Gingham Life on Etsy.

Along with the Mini Dress, the Pant Dress or Split Skirt, culottes, short jumpsuit, etc. was popular during this time. McCall's 8958 can be made with several different collars including a Nehru Collar. The belted version has a low waist which is back in fashion this Spring. Stop by Redcurlzs to see this and many more items!

1968

One thing is for sure, the 60s didn't lack High Fashion and Glamour. Vogue 7528 is available at Candy Goeller Patterns on Ebay.

The one shoulder design can be made in two styles and two lengths. No matter which you choose, you will turn heads.

Simplicity 7525 is a sassy Princess Seamed Mini Dress with a Trumpet skirt. It can be made in two lengths, Mini or Micro-Mini. A contrasting detachable Peter Pan Collar tops off two of the views, the third view has a lace trimmed neckline. Choose puffed sleeves or long sleeves with detachable cuffs. Available at

The Gingham Life

1969

Butterick 5317, a career dress for the surge of women entering the workforce in 1969. The bra burnings had started in 1968 and women were feeling empowered. Being a secretary or teacher were no longer the only options for women as they pushed their way into higher profile jobs or male dominated skilled labor.

Stylish yet fairly conservative for the time, this pattern is available from Kinseysue

The summer of '69, not just song lyrics. Okay if that means nothing to you, I will confess to being what some people consider old. The song was by Bryan Adams BTW. Back to sewing... Vogue 7544 is still stylish today over 50 years later. With cut-away shoulders, this bracelet halter dress is slim fitting with bust darts for a flattering fit. Stop by Candy Goeller Patterns on Ebay to snag this one!