Ah, the 1960s—a time of teased hair, social rules, rotary phones, and a whole lot of “feminine expectations.” If you were a teenage girl coming of age in this era, there was an unspoken starter kit of accessories you were expected to have by the time you turned 18.
Some were elegant, some were oddly specific, and some… well, they’re just downright hilarious looking back. Here are 18 iconic accessories women were expected to own in the 1960s—plus a few bonus ones that will make you laugh, cringe, or say, “Yep, my mom had that.”
1. A pair of white gloves
For church, weddings, and any occasion where your hands needed to appear “ladylike and delicate.” An essential item in every young woman’s wardrobe from Sunday school to social gatherings, these gloves were a symbol of grace. Worn with pride, they were more than just fabric; they were the finishing touch to any proper ensemble, whispering elegance in every gesture.
2. A structured handbag
Bonus points if it matched your shoes and had a snap closure that sounded like authority. This handbag was more than a practical item; it was a statement of sophistication. Filled with tissues, lipstick, and perhaps a diary, it was a young woman’s trusted companion, ready for any social adventure.
3. A pearl necklace
Not optional. Required. Worn for everything from graduation to grocery shopping. Pearls were the quintessential sign of maturity and style, gracing the necks of young women transitioning into adulthood. Each pearl carried a sense of tradition, linking generations in a string of elegance.
4. A handkerchief
Folded neatly in your purse, or passed to a boy who’d never return it. (Rude.) This soft square was more than a utility; it was a social tool, speaking volumes of upbringing and care. Embroidered with initials or laced edges, it was both personal and public, a silent witness to countless memories.
5. A dainty wristwatch
The smaller and more gold-toned, the better. Telling time was classy. A wristwatch wasn’t merely a timepiece; it was a symbol of responsibility and refinement. Its gentle tick-tock was the soundtrack to a young woman’s daily life, each glance at its face reflecting grace and diligence.
6. A compact mirror and pressed powder
For keeping that shine-free, flawless ‘60s face in check. Even during math class. This compact was more than a touch-up tool; it was a miniature sanctuary for personal moments, a reflection of both outer and inner beauty, and an emblem of youthful aspiration.
7. Matching earrings and brooch set
Because accessorizing wasn’t just encouraged—it was an art form. These sets were pieces of wearable art, transforming any plain outfit into a masterpiece. They spoke of creativity, attention to detail, and the joy of self-expression, adorning young women with confidence and sparkle.
8. A pillbox hat
Thanks to Jackie O, no respectable 18-year-old was without one in pastel or navy. This hat was more than an accessory; it was a crown of elegance, perched atop a young woman’s head with poise and purpose. Each tilt of its brim was a nod to refined style.
9. Lacy ankle socks and patent leather flats
Worn to dances and family dinners where crossing your ankles was mandatory. These shoes and socks whispered tradition and propriety, completing ensembles with a finishing touch of youthful grace. Each step in them was a dance of decorum and delight.
10. A monogrammed overnight case
Perfect for “going to visit your cousin” (aka your first taste of freedom). This case was more than luggage; it was a silent accomplice in countless adventures, carrying more than clothes and toiletries. It held dreams of independence and whispered promises of the road ahead.
11. A set of hot rollers or pin curls
No blowouts here—your hair had to work for that volume. These rollers were tools of transformation, turning flat hair into a masterpiece of volume and bounce. Each curl was a testament to the intricacies of beauty rituals and the lengths to which young women went for style.
12. A full set of pastel nail polishes
Peach, baby pink, pale blue. Dark colors? Too scandalous. These polishes were tiny bottles of rebellion, allowing for subtle expressions of individuality. Each swipe of the brush was a stroke of creativity, a splash of color in a world of conformity.
13. Cat-eye sunglasses
Because being sun-safe could also be fierce. These glasses weren’t just protection from the sun; they were a bold statement of chic confidence, framing the eyes with a daring flair. Each glance through them was a peek into a world of glamour and intrigue.
14. A scarf for your hair, purse, or neck
One accessory. Ten uses. Fashion math. This scarf was more than fabric; it was a chameleon of style, adapting to any need or whim. Draped, tied, or wrapped, it was a splash of color and creativity in an often monochrome world of expectation.
15. A proper girdle or garter belt
Comfort? Never heard of her. These undergarments were more than support; they were sculptors of silhouette, shaping young women into the ideal forms of femininity. Each adjustment was a tug-of-war between desire for comfort and the demands of societal standards.
16. A set of clip-on earrings
That pinched like the patriarchy. You weren’t grown until you sacrificed your earlobes. These earrings were symbols of maturity, a rite of passage into the world of womanhood. Each wear was a moment of beauty and endurance, a testament to style’s demands.
17. A compact lipstick case
Bonus: with built-in mirror! Reapplying Revlon Fire & Ice? A moment. This case was more than makeup storage; it was a personal ritual, a moment of reflection and renewal in the most public of spaces. Each application was an assertion of identity and allure.
18. A hope chest
Yes, really. Filled with linens, dreams, and society’s expectations. Oof. This chest was more than storage; it was a vault of hopes, a collection of future promises and roles yet to be played. Each item within was a piece of a young woman’s unfolding story.
19. Boudoir cap
A lacy sleep cap to preserve your hairstyle and confuse your crush. This cap was a blend of practicality and mystery, whispering secrets of beauty routines unknown to the outside world. Each use was a step into the realm of feminine allure.
20. Hat pins longer than your forearm
Dual purpose: secure your hat, and possibly defend your honor. These pins were more than accessories; they were tools of both fashion and function, ensuring style stayed in place while providing an unexpected sense of security.
21. Plastic rain bonnet in a pouch
Unfolded like a jellyfish. Guaranteed to ruin your hair and outfit. This bonnet was a paradox of protection and disaster, a necessary evil in the battle against the elements. Each use was a gamble of style and practicality.
22. Button covers
Didn’t like your blouse buttons? Just… cover them with mini hats. They came in gold, faux pearls, and patterns that screamed “grandma glam.” It was fashion over function—and barely hanging on. One wrong move and your whole look could pop… literally.
23. White shoe polish sponge
Scuffed saddle shoes? Social suicide. Buff or bust. These little sponges lived under the bathroom sink like sacred relics. If your shoes weren’t blindingly white, you might as well stay home. And heaven help you if you tracked dirt after church.
24. A glove stretcher
Because gloves shrinking was an actual daily concern. This bizarre little tool looked like a mini torture device—and kind of was. Slide it into your damp gloves, crank it open, and hope for the best. Because in the ’60s, even your hands had to behave.
25. Matching elastic belt for every outfit
Tiny waist, giant buckle. You were cinched or you were nobody. It didn’t matter if it cut off circulation—fashion demanded sacrifice. These belts turned every dress into an hourglass dream. Bonus points if it matched your handbag and your eyeshadow.
26. Lapel pins shaped like poodles, umbrellas, or fruit
Because what says “I’m a woman now” better than a banana pin on your coat? Lapel flair was basically personality jewelry—subtle wasn’t the goal. Strawberries for summer, umbrellas for spring, and poodles… just because. You weren’t truly dressed unless your collar said quirky sophistication.
See also: 35 Ridiculous Etiquette Rules Boomers Were Forced to Follow as Teens