newtro fits!

Story & Pictures by: Charmaine Seow

60s

The 60s were a progressive time when trends in the fashion world became diversified. ‘Swinging London’, a cultural phenomenon, brought a wave of more colourful and casual designs, moving away from the more formal looks the older generation wore. In the later part of the decade, the ‘hippie’ style became a look. 

Though headscarves became a common accessory in the 1920s, the method of tying it at the chin only grew popular in the 1960s. This style was often seen on actresses in movies, including the iconic Audrey Hepburn. 

70s

The 70s gave rise to the era of Disco, and much of the Western fashion industry was heavily inspired by the bell-bottoms and funky clothing Disco-goers wore. Platform shoes, with its chunky look and feel, were the most iconic footwear in this era. As for jewellery, faux pearls were extremely popular, and were worn in layers, long strands, or as a choker. 

In Singapore, the iconic Singapore Airlines Sarong Kebaya donned by female flight attendants inspired the decade’s choice of colours and look of batik prints. 

80s

The 80s brought us eclectic looks with lots of patterns and colours. It was also in this decade that Hip Hop music and culture made its way into mainstream fashion, sparking the rise of ‘streetwear’, which consists of athletic yet baggy silhouettes, coupled with sneakers and snapbacks. 

There was a large emphasis on accessories in this decade, including items like scrunchies, fingerless gloves, leg warmers, funky earrings and more. In general, statement pieces for earrings and rings were preferred.