Back in Time Today
The swinging sixties marked a time of fashion revolution and self-expression for young women. As girls transitioned into adulthood, certain accessories became essential markers of growing up and fitting in. These treasured items weren’t just fashion statements – they were rites of passage that symbolized the journey from girlhood to womanhood in an era of changing social norms.
1. Pearls: The Timeless Symbol of Ladylike Grace
That first string of pearls—whether genuine or cleverly crafted imitations—transformed any outfit into something special. Girls saved babysitting money for months or received them as milestone gifts from proud grandmothers.
During formal dances, these luminous beads caught the light while girls swayed to The Supremes. For everyday wear, a simple strand elevated even basic sweater sets to sophisticated territory.
Fashion magazines showcased Jackie Kennedy’s perfect pearls, inspiring teenagers to emulate her polished style. By 18, owning pearls signaled readiness for adult responsibilities, even if those responsibilities still seemed distant and mysterious.
2. White Gloves: Prim and Proper Hand Coverings
No proper young lady would dream of attending Sunday service or tea without her pristine white gloves. Mothers taught daughters the art of keeping them spotless—a nearly impossible feat.
Short cotton versions for daytime outings gave way to elegant elbow-length styles for evening affairs. The ritual of smoothing each finger into place became second nature for girls approaching adulthood.
As the decade progressed and youth culture embraced casual freedom, these formal hand coverings gradually disappeared from everyday wear. Yet for early ’60s teens, white gloves remained the non-negotiable finishing touch that announced, “I am a lady.”
3. Compact Mirrors: Portable Confidence Boosters
That satisfying click of a compact mirror opening echoed through school bathrooms nationwide. Girls huddled together, checking lipstick and smoothing flyaway hairs before class.
These pocket-sized essentials came in various designs—from sleek gold-toned cases to whimsical enameled patterns. Many featured the zodiac sign of their proud owner, adding a personal touch to an everyday item.
Beyond practical use, compacts served as conversation starters and friendship builders. Borrowing a friend’s mirror created unspoken bonds between girls navigating the complicated social landscape of teenage years together, one reflection at a time.
4. Structured Handbags: The Grown-Up Carryall
Saying goodbye to childish purses marked a significant milestone. Structured handbags in rich colors announced a girl’s entrance into womanhood with unmistakable clarity.
These sophisticated accessories featured shiny clasps, organized compartments, and sturdy handles. Patent leather versions in black, navy, or red complemented wool suits and church dresses perfectly.
Inside these adult-approved bags lived the essentials: a comb, handkerchief, and perhaps a tube of lipstick (applied discreetly, of course). The weight of responsibility felt different when carried in a proper handbag—heavier, yet somehow thrilling in its newfound maturity.
5. Nylon Stockings: Delicate Necessities
Learning to put on stockings without causing runs required patience and skill most girls hadn’t yet mastered at 18. The whisper-thin nylon would catch on anything—a rough fingernail, a wooden chair, even seemingly smooth surfaces.
The ritual began with sitting on the bed’s edge, carefully rolling each stocking down before slowly guiding it up the leg. Then came the tricky part: attaching each stocking to the garter belt without creating wrinkles.
Girls carried spare pairs for emergencies, knowing a run could appear at the worst possible moment. Despite their fragility and inconvenience, nylons represented sophistication and femininity in a way that made the daily struggle worthwhile.
6. Lockets: Wearable Keepsakes
Heart-shaped or oval, gold or silver—lockets held precious memories close to a girl’s heart. Inside these miniature treasure chests lived tiny photographs of first loves, best friends, or beloved family members.
Sweet Sixteen celebrations often featured the ceremonial gifting of a locket, symbolizing the bridge between childhood and emerging adulthood. The delicate chain would be fastened around the birthday girl’s neck amid tears and camera flashes.
Some lockets contained locks of hair or handwritten notes folded impossibly small. The weight against a collarbone served as a constant reminder of connections that mattered most during years of rapid change and newfound independence.
7. Silk Scarves: Versatile Fashion Statements
Borrowed from movie stars and flight attendants, silk scarves added instant sophistication to any outfit. Girls collected them in various patterns—geometric prints for school days, florals for weekend outings, solid colors for more formal occasions.
Tying techniques became a source of friendly competition. The most popular styles included knotting under the chin (Grace Kelly-style), wrapping around the throat (perfect with turtlenecks), or even using as impromptu headbands during convertible rides.
Scarves absorbed the wearer’s perfume, creating a signature scent cloud that lingered pleasantly. When exchanged between friends or gifted by admirers, these delicate squares carried emotional significance beyond their practical fashion applications.
8. Charm Bracelets: Jingly Wrist Biographies
Each tiny dangling piece told a story only the wearer fully understood. Silver and gold charms commemorated first dates, favorite hobbies, and milestone achievements—creating a musical timeline of adolescence.
Girls begged for new additions on birthdays and holidays. A tiny telephone might represent hours spent gossiping with friends, while a miniature car celebrated getting a driver’s license.
The pleasant jingling sound announced a girl’s presence before she entered a room. As charm collections grew, so did their sentimental value—these weren’t just accessories but portable memory banks. By 18, a well-curated bracelet served as a three-dimensional autobiography, capturing the essence of becoming oneself.
9. Cat-Eye Sunglasses: Feline Frames for Flirtation
Dramatic upswept corners and sometimes rhinestone embellishments defined these face-transforming accessories. Cat-eye sunglasses weren’t just for sun protection—they were armor against unwanted attention and tools for creating mystique.
Girls practiced lowering these distinctive frames to peer over the top, mimicking movie stars’ signature moves. The dark lenses concealed everything from last night’s tears to this morning’s makeup experiments.
Beach outings and drive-in movies provided perfect showcases for these statement pieces. Even the shyest girls found confidence behind the protective barrier of cat-eye frames, temporarily transforming into sophisticated creatures with secrets worth discovering.
10. Pillbox Hats: Jackie-Inspired Crown Jewels
After Mrs. Kennedy captivated the nation with her impeccable style, pillbox hats became the headwear of choice for fashion-conscious young women. These structured, circular toppers perched atop carefully styled hair, completing church outfits and special occasion ensembles.
Available in wool felt for winter and lighter fabrics for spring, pillbox hats came in a rainbow of colors to match any outfit. Securing them required strategic hatpin placement—a skill mothers taught daughters with practiced precision.
Despite being somewhat impractical (they offered neither sun protection nor warmth), these hats symbolized sophistication and worldliness. Wearing one made an ordinary girl feel connected to Camelot’s elegance, if only for an afternoon.
11. Garter Belts: Secret Support Systems
Hidden beneath skirts and dresses, these functional fashion necessities kept stockings in place before pantyhose became widespread. Learning to wear a garter belt comfortably marked passage into womanhood’s practical realities.
Girls compared notes on which styles pinched least and how to prevent embarrassing mid-day stocking slippage. The elastic bands around thighs created temporary indentations that became badges of feminine endurance.
Department store lingerie sections intimidated first-time shoppers, who whispered measurements to matronly saleswomen. Despite their uncomfortable nature, garter belts represented grown-up femininity—a private reminder that beneath conservative exteriors, ’60s girls were navigating complex new territories of womanhood.
12. Evening Clutch: Nighttime Elegance
For formal dances and dinner dates, the diminutive evening clutch held just enough essentials. These tiny treasures often featured satin coverings, beaded embellishments, or metallic finishes that caught the light.
Inside, a girl might tuck emergency supplies: a lipstick for touch-ups, a handkerchief for unexpected tears, and perhaps a folded note from a secret admirer. The limited space forced careful consideration of true necessities.
Carrying a clutch required mindfulness—it couldn’t be casually dropped or forgotten. Girls practiced graceful handholds in bedroom mirrors, mastering the art of maintaining conversation while keeping their precious cargo secure in one hand.
13. Pearl Earrings: Earlobe Elegance
Getting ears pierced often required parental permission and marked a significant milestone. For those without pierced ears, clip-on pearl earrings pinched terribly but were endured for beauty’s sake.
These lustrous dots of light framed the face perfectly, drawing attention to carefully applied makeup and brightening complexions. Matching one’s pearl necklace with coordinating earrings demonstrated attention to detail and fashion awareness.
Unlike trendy jewelry that changed with seasons, pearl earrings represented timeless investment pieces. Girls received them for graduations or religious ceremonies with the understanding they would last a lifetime. Their classic simplicity made pearl earrings appropriate for virtually any occasion.
14. Hair Rollers: Overnight Beauty Tools
Bedtime beauty routines involved wrapping damp hair around plastic, foam, or metal cylinders secured with bobby pins. Girls slept uncomfortably on these architectural arrangements, sacrificing rest for height and volume.
Roller sizes determined the final look—tiny ones for tight curls, jumbo versions for soft waves. Sharing roller techniques became bonding experiences during sleepovers and dormitory evenings.
Morning removal required careful unwinding to avoid disrupting the created shape. A gentle teasing with rat-tail combs followed by a cloud of hairspray ensured styles lasted through school days or weekend activities. The distinctive smell of setting lotion lingered in bathrooms, announcing a girl’s commitment to fashion.
15. Hope Chest: Future Dreams in a Box
Though not worn, this cedar-lined trunk held a girl’s collection of linens, dishware, and heirlooms intended for future married life. Mothers and daughters shopped together for embroidered pillowcases and monogrammed towels destined for homes not yet imagined.
Each carefully folded item represented expectations and dreams. Girls compared hope chest contents during private conversations, voices lowered to discuss the domestic futures society presented as inevitable.
As the decade progressed, some rebellious young women questioned the tradition’s assumptions. Yet many still found comfort in these tangible preparations, regardless of changing attitudes toward marriage. The hope chest symbolized transition—both embraced and resisted—as girls became women in a decade of profound social transformation.