16 Accessories Every Teen Had in the ’60s That Look Strange Today

The 1960s were a time of bold self-expression and teenage rebellion, and accessories were the ultimate way to stand out. Teens piled on plastic bangles, oversized rings, and colorful scarves, mixing patterns and textures with fearless creativity. Hair clips and headbands added flair while psychedelic pins and buttons made statements about music, politics, and pop culture. Sunglasses with strange shapes and bright colors completed the look, signaling confidence and a willingness to experiment. These items were not just decorative; they communicated personality, independence, and attitude. Some of these trends are back in fashion, but many are still clearly tied to the fun and bold style of the 1960s.

1. Giant White Go-Go Boots

Nothing screams the Space Age quite like a pair of gleaming white, patent leather go-go boots. Originally introduced by designer Andre Courreges, these calf-high wonders became a staple for any teen girl hitting the dance floor. While we still wear boots today, the specific “crinkled plastic” look and the flat, square toe of the original 1960s version feel distinctly theatrical. They were designed to be functional for dancing the Twist or the Frug, but in a modern context, they often look more like a costume from a sci-fi B-movie. Back then, however, they were the ultimate symbol of a forward-thinking, liberated youth culture that was ready to blast off into the future.

2. Paper Dresses

Imagine heading to a party in an outfit you could literally throw away afterward. In the mid-sixties, paper dresses were a genuine craze. They started as a marketing gimmick by the Scott Paper Company, but exploded into a high-fashion trend. These garments were usually made of a blend of cellulose and nylon, featuring loud, psychedelic prints or Pop Art designs. To us, the idea of wearing stationery sounds uncomfortable and incredibly flammable, but for a 1960s teen, it was the pinnacle of “disposable” consumer culture. They were cheap, vibrant, and required zero laundry time, making them the ultimate accessory for a generation that valued novelty over longevity.

3. Oversized Plastic Daisy Pins

“Flower Power” was not just a slogan; it was a literal wardrobe requirement. Huge, chunky plastic pins shaped like daisies were pinned onto everything from coat lapels to berets. These were not subtle pieces of jewelry. They were often three or four inches wide, featuring bright neon yellows and stark whites. Today, we might find them a bit “clunky” or juvenile, resembling something you would find in a preschool craft box rather than a fashion boutique. In the sixties, however, they represented a connection to the growing environmental movement and a rejection of the stiff, formal gold brooches worn by the previous generation.

4. The “Souper” Dress Labels

Thanks to Andy Warhol’s massive influence, commercial art became something teens could actually wear. Young people gravitated toward designs that looked like they came straight off a grocery shelf. The most iconic example was the Campbell’s Soup Cans print. It showed up on tote bags, scarves, and even hats, turning ordinary packaging into a bold fashion statement. Wearing a brand so openly today might feel like free advertising, but in the sixties, it carried a layer of irony. It played with ideas about mass production and consumer culture. Everyday objects were suddenly seen as art, and teens loved being in on the joke. It felt clever, modern, and a little rebellious all at once.

5. Vinyl Raincoats in Neon Colors

Before breathable performance fabrics became common, teens faced rainy days wrapped in thick, glossy vinyl coats. These jackets came in bold shades like lemon yellow, electric orange, and hot pink, designed to stand out against gray skies. The shine was part of the appeal. Every step produced a faint squeak, and the material trapped heat underneath, turning a damp afternoon into a humid experience. Comfort was not the priority. Style took center stage, even if the coat felt stiff and heavy after a while. The dramatic wet look became a signature of mid-sixties fashion, giving teens a way to brighten gloomy weather. In a season defined by clouds and drizzle, bold color and high visibility felt like a small act of rebellion.

6. Crochet “Potty” Hats

As the decade moved toward the hippie era, handmade items became trendy. This led to the rise of the crocheted “bucket” or “potty” hat. Often made in multicolored “granny square” patterns, these hats sat high on the head and usually looked a bit like a tea cozy. Today, these are often viewed as a “grandma” craft, but in the late sixties, every cool girl had one tucked into her bag. They represented a shift away from factory-made goods toward something more soulful and personal. Even if they were a bit itchy and didn’t really fit anyone’s head perfectly, they were the ultimate badge of bohemian cool.

7. Fishnet Stockings in Wild Colors

Fishnet stockings had existed for years, but the 1960s gave them a bold and unusual twist. Instead of sticking to classic black, teens wore them in bright shades like white, lavender, and even lime green. They were sometimes layered over solid colored tights to create a textured look that stood out under the short miniskirts that defined the decade. The goal was not subtlety. Teens wanted their outfits to feel playful, colorful, and a little daring. To modern eyes, a pair of bright green fishnets might look like something from a costume shop. Back then, they were simply another way to experiment with patterns and transparency. The style broke old rules and showed that young women wanted to dress in new and bold ways.

8. Faux-Fur “Fun” Stoles

Real fur was for moms, while “fun fur” was for teens. These were synthetic, long pile wraps or stoles that often came in colors nature never intended, like bright turquoise or bold checkerboard patterns. They were meant to feel playful and ironic rather than elegant. Today, they can look extremely shaggy, almost like something from a costume box. However, in the mid-sixties, they were a trendy way to add texture and a touch of mod style to a simple outfit. It was one more way teens showed their love for bold and unconventional fashion. In a crowd, a bright piece of fun fur made sure no one blended into the background.

9. Mod Sunglasses (The Bug-Eye)

If your sunglasses didn’t cover half of your face, were you even in the sixties? The “bug-eye” look featured massive circular or oval frames, usually made of thick, white or pastel plastic. These frames were so large they often rested on the cheekbones. While oversized glasses come back in style every few years, the specific “flat” look of 1960s plastic and the lack of metal accents make them look very much like toys. They were designed to mimic the goggles worn by astronauts, making the wearer look like they were ready for a trip to the moon or just a very stylish walk down Carnaby Street.

10. Chiffon Headscarves

To protect perfectly teased bouffant hairstyles or “mop top” cuts, many teen girls wore chiffon headscarves. These scarves were usually tied under the chin or at the back of the neck. They were light, sheer, and often decorated with soft floral prints. The scarf helped keep carefully styled hair in place during breezy days or while riding in a convertible. Today, tying a scarf under the chin might feel old-fashioned to some people. In the sixties, however, it was linked to the glamorous style seen in movies and magazines. Many girls felt instantly polished when they added one to their outfit. It also gave a soft, feminine touch that balanced the sharp lines and bold shapes of popular mod clothing.

11. Huge Metal “Peace” Medallions

By 1968, teen fashion began shifting away from the polished Mod look and toward the relaxed style of the hippie movement. One accessory that captured this change was the large metal peace sign necklace. These were not small or delicate pieces. Many were oversized, heavy, and worn on thick leather cords or chunky chains. Both boys and girls wore them proudly as symbols of their beliefs as well as their style. To modern eyes, the necklaces can look bulky or a little stereotypical. At the time, however, they carried real meaning. Wearing one often signaled support for peace and unity during a tense period in history. For many teens, it was more than jewelry. It was a visible statement about the kind of world they hoped to see.

12. Bonnet-Style Hair Dryers (Portable)

It may not have been something a teen wore out on the street, but almost every girl had one of these at home. The bonnet hair dryer was a motorized box connected to a large plastic hood that inflated over the head. Girls would sit still with rollers in their hair while warm air flowed through the bonnet to dry each curl. The process could take quite a while, and the machine was often loud and bulky. To a modern teen used to fast blow dryers, the setup might look strange or uncomfortable. In the sixties, it was a normal part of getting ready. Many girls relied on it to create the big, dramatic hairstyles that defined the decade. For them, it was simply part of the routine of looking stylish.

13. Velvet Ribbon Chokers

Well before the stretchy tattoo chokers of the 1990s, sixties teens embraced a far simpler look. A strip of black or red velvet ribbon was tied closely around the neck, sometimes finished with a tiny charm at the center. The style borrowed inspiration from Victorian fashion, yet it felt fresh and modern when paired with a short mini dress. It was affordable, easy to make at home, and instantly eye-catching. Today, the velvet ribbon choker might seem slightly dramatic or overly formal to some. In the sixties, it added a polished touch to bold outfits and sharp hairstyles. Its clean line framed the face and gave even the simplest dress a hint of quiet confidence and charm.

14. Woven Macramé Belts

As the decade came to an end, fashion started leaning toward a more natural and handmade look. Macramé, the craft of knotting cord into decorative patterns, became very popular with teens. Many spent hours making their own belts, adding wooden beads or fringe for extra detail. These belts were often wide and thick, and they were worn over long, flowing maxi dresses. To modern eyes, some of them might resemble pieces of home decor rather than clothing. In the late sixties, though, they perfectly matched the growing interest in handmade style and natural materials. Teens enjoyed the creative process and the chance to wear something they made themselves.

15. CND “Ban the Bomb” Patches

Denim jackets and army surplus coats were the perfect canvas for a sixties teen. The most popular addition was the “Ban the Bomb” patch. While the peace sign is still recognized today, the circular patch with the CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) logo was everywhere. Teens hand-sewed them onto their jackets, often a little crooked, which only added to the rebellious vibe. Today, these patches might feel vintage or retro, but in the sixties, they carried real meaning, reflecting fears of nuclear war and a desire for change. It was a small piece of fabric that made a bold statement about the wearer’s values and hopes for the world.

16. Kicky Newsboy Caps

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Often called “Baker Boy” or “Pageboy” hats, these were inspired by British invasion bands like The Beatles. They had a floppy crown and a firm brim, usually made from corduroy or wool. For a sixties teen, wearing one instantly added an arty, intellectual vibe. Today, they can look a bit like a costume for a chimney sweep, but in the mid-sixties, they were pure cool. Teens of any gender wore them to capture that effortless London street style. They were a small accessory with big attitude, proving that fashion could be playful, bold, and inclusive long before those words were commonly used. They were easy to wear and instantly made any outfit look stylish.

• Tags:
• 1960s fashion
• vintage style
• retro accessories
• teenage history
• pop culture