I love my iPhone, Facebook, and Netflix, and I've never really been a "retro girl," wishing I could transport myself to a simpler time. But ever since I've learned to master the infamous cat eye, I have a greater appreciation for mod, 1960s-inspired style.
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The reason: '60s style is not only classic, but it's a trend that can work for any season. Mini skirts are forever chic, and retro shift dresses are ultra-flattering on almost any body type. And of course there's nothing like a beehive to give your hair instant volume. Still think this all sounds a little too outdated? Scroll down to see the ways to mod-ify your style.
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You can thank the 1960s for the mini skirt. Before then, hemlines were more demure (knee-length and longer), but the '60s was all about showing some leg -- a notion we can definitely get behind. The key to pulling off a super short skirt is by toning down the rest of your look. Instead of a low cut top, opt for a high-necked blouse, and your heels shouldn't be more than a couple inches high. That way you still look sexy without veering into way-too-skimpy territory.
Also, if you want your mini skirt to have an ultra-'60s vibe, choose a bold color like tangerine. The '60s were not about being super subtle, and so bright shades (especially orange) were very in fashion.
Winged tip eyeliner or the "cat eye" was made famous by 1960s icons like Brigitte Bardot. Decades later it's still going strong and can be seen on stars like Adele and Zooey Deschanel. Celebrity makeup artist Lusine Galadjian tells us how to get a perfect '60s cat eye:
1. First, cover your entire lid with a neutral base color eyeshadow of your choice, using either a brush or your finger.
2. Next, use a liquid liner like, the Lancome Artliner, $29, and start a thin line from the inner corner of your eye all the way across.
3. When you reach the outer corner of your eye, continue the line up and out toward your brow line. The angle can depend on your preference and comfort level.
4. For a dramatic cat eye, retrace your lashline with the liquid liner, making sure to stay very thin at the inner corners and gradually get thicker toward the outer corners, finally ending with a very thin point.
5. Wait a minute for the liner to dry, and then finish by curling your lashes and applying two coats of mascara, like NARS Larger Than Life Mascara, $25.
Like the mini skirt, the mini dress was also popular during the '60s. So what exactly makes a dress babydoll style? Typically it has a super short hemline, a high neckline, and an empire waist. A babydoll dress is ultra-girly, so pair it with a few sophisticated elements like a red lip or nude flats to toughen it up a bit.
To really channel the decade, choose a babydoll dress in a pastel, like light pink or a mint green, to get that retro feel. (Pastels were huge during the '60s.) Just make sure the rest of your accessories are in neutral shades. No one wants to look like an Easter egg.
Bulky, down jackets were not in during the '60s; instead outwear was all about feminine silhouettes and pretty wool coats. Look for a fit-and-flare style coat -- this means it should be more tailored up top and then float away from the body from the waist down.
For a true '60s vibe, go for a coat with a rounded peter pan collar (another major fashion trademark of the decade). And instead of black or gray, choose a cheerful color like sky blue, bright yellow, or rosy pink. After all, a bold winter coat is a great way to stand out in a sea of black jackets.
While nail art wasn't big in the 1960s, you can still give your manicure a retro vibe with multi-colored geometric nails. The checkered pattern was huge in the '60s and is fairly easy to recreate on your nails. Nail expert and Illamasqua Amassador Fleury Rose tells us how to get the look.
1. After applying a base coat, paint nails with two coats of Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Collide, $14.
2. Once dry, dip a nail art striper brush (or a very thin paintbrush) in Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Velocity, $14, and draw a thin vertical line down the center of each nail.
3. Next, draw a thin horizontal line across the center of each nail. You should now have what looks like a cross on each pink nail.
4. Using a thicker nail art brush (or a thicker paintbrush if you don't have any nail art tools), very carefully fill in the top left and bottom right square in Velocity. Take your time and stay in the lines.
5. Allow the design to dry about five minutes (be patient!), then finish with a top coat.
Love these retro looks? Click here to see more mod styles
Now tell us: Which 60's-inspired trend would you try?
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