What I’ve Been Into | The 60s’ Babydoll
In recent years, I’ve noticed a significant decline in people's sense of style. The obsession with wearing basic, Lululemon activewear sets for any and every occasion, the lack of effort in makeup and hair, and the indifference towards dressing up for nice events or restaurants have become increasingly common. I do believe that due to the effects of the worldwide pandemic, this carelessness about looking good has been more widespread than ever. Nevertheless, I've always been obsessed with the opulence of the twentieth century. With icons such as Zsa Zsa Gabor, who would quite literally wear a fur mink coat to the grocery store, or Diahann Carroll, who wouldn't go anywhere without a stitch of makeup and her jewelry - these women epitomized what it meant to be glamorous. Living in an era where going above and beyond in terms of appearance was the norm, and anything less was unacceptable.
This realization and the stark comparison between that era and our current one made me wonder: what happened to women being glamorous? What happened to the avant-garde nature of wearing six-inch stilettos to the farmers market? The extravagance of wearing a fitted midi dress with matching gloves to the park? When did people stop making an effort to look good? In this post, we’re going to dive into the ‘60s’ Babydoll’ fashion aesthetic I’ve been recently obsessed with and tips on how to incorporate a bit of this glamour into your life.
Inspired by my ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’ Pinterest board.
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Section I: The Origin.
The 50s and 60s were a time when women's fashion and femininity were at an all-time high. In previous decades, women didn't have the advantage of fully showcasing their style due to societal norms, but during this period, fashion reached its height. There were a variety of subcultures in terms of women's fashion, whether it was mod, rockabilly, or classic elegance. However, in this post, we’re going to focus on the 60s babydoll style. This look was softer, more seductive, and very much so the definition of that generation's ‘vixen’. The 60s' babydoll style didn't embody the poshness of one of the era's most popular women, Audrey Hepburn. Instead, it leaned more toward Marilyn Monroe's influence, showcasing cleavage and wearing outfits that accentuated the frame.
The name "babydoll" obviously takes inspiration from the babydoll dress, a dress style that’s well-known for its light fabrics, creating a free-flowing silhouette. In my opinion, baby-doll dresses epitomize youthfulness, blending elements of both innocence and sensuality, which perfectly defines the 60s baby doll. She’s all about lace, frills, ruffles, sparkles, pastel eyeshadow colors, and figure-hugging dresses. She embodies a dreamy and ethereal look, reminiscent of icons like Diana Dors, Jayne Mansfield, Sharon Tate, and Diana Ross.
Section II: How to Be Pretty Like Her.
When it Comes to Makeup…
The 1960s is my favorite era for makeup, and I always get excited when I see 60s-inspired looks today. The makeup from this decade was all about enhancement rather than super-heavy coverage. It wasn’t about piling on foundation or contouring excessively, but more about accentuating natural features in a playful, whimsical, and feminine way. Think pastel eyeshadows, Twiggy-inspired long strip lashes, and icy-pink lip shades, along with the various amazing eyeliner looks of the time. For this particular look, I’d focus on vibrant eyeshadows, a touch of blush, and that perfect mauve-pink lip color.
When it comes to hair…
Realistically speaking, when I think of a baby doll, I think of a doll with long, luscious hair. Therefore, the fuller; the better. For hair, think Diana Ross who’s known for her big, full hair and rightfully so, this perfectly assembled the look. Her big, full hair perfectly complemented the dreamy, glamorous style of the 60s babydoll look. I love the fullness of hair from this era—the bump it front bang, the generous use of hairspray, and the time when bombshell curls were actually a thing. To fully embrace this look, it's all about capturing that voluminous, glamorous effect.
Section II: How to Dress Like Her.
Lingerie; but Make It Everydaywear.
Using Zsa Zsa Gabor and Jayne Mansfield as inspiration, the 60s’ babydoll style emphasizes either the bust or the waist in every outfit, but never both to avoid looking overly try-hard. It’s not unusual for her to incorporate lingerie elements into her everyday wardrobe, such as a corset top or even a babydoll dress. I love corsets; especially ones with lace details or bow accents and I can especially see the 60s babydoll wearing this with a frilly skirt. I remember watching an interview with Dita Von Teese, where she emphasized the importance of women wearing lingerie under their clothes—not for anyone else, but for themselves. She explained how it adds an extra touch of femininity and empowerment to their daily routine and I think this is vital, especially when embodying this particular style.
Go All Out With Dresses.
There’s a dress Diahann Carroll wore while presenting at the 1969 Oscars that significantly influenced my love for this fashion aesthetic. The dress was long, with beautiful lace detailing, and remains one of the most captivating dresses I’ve ever seen. She looked like an angel, embodying the angelic aura that defines this style. The details are what make the dress stand out. These elements will elevate your look, whether it's lace fabrics, rhinestone embellishments, luxurious satin, or a floral print. Although short dresses were starting to become trendy, they weren’t yet the predominant style of the era. Therefore, opt for an ankle-length instead.
Three Inches; Nothing More, Nothing Less.
In the 1960s, women weren’t wearing six-inch high heels. For one, that just wasn’t something that was trending at the time and for two, wearing heels past three inches just seemed to be entirely too much during this era. Therefore, as it relates to shoes, kitten heels are your best friend. I know people often refer to kitten heels as old-fashioned or boring, but I really do think a lower-heel can be cute if you know how to style them. Alternatively, a pair of ballet flats will do.
When In Doubt; Opt for a Frilly Blouse.
You’re not going to see the 60s’ bombshell in a regular t-shirt; she’s going to be wearing a balloon-sleeved, extravagant blouse. Blouses are kind of her thing because, even though she might pair them with regular denim jeans (which isn’t the norm—dresses and skirts are preferred), it adds that extra oomph of girliness to her look. The voluminous sleeves and detailed fabrics adds to the appeal of her style, making even the simplest outfits stand out.
Say Yes to Hair Accessories.
Satin headbands, thick bow clips, or a simple pink ribbon tied as a ponytail holder are essential hair accessories for this look. These accessories enhance the daintiness and girlishness of the style, adding a charming touch to any outfit. A well-chosen hair accessory can truly elevate the overall look, making it more polished and complete.
In Conclusion…
I've always been fascinated by vintage fashion, especially the 1960s, so writing this was a real pleasure! I plan to create more fashion how-to guides in the future, so be sure to subscribe to the mailing list to stay updated on new blog posts.
