British Fashion From the Swinging ’60s to the Rocking ’80s

Stylish British actress Joan Collins in the latest '80s fashion: wide lapels, up-to-there shoulder pads and a wide-brim hat.

The paper dress was a '60s fashion sensation because they were bold and cheap. Famous model Peggy Moffitt, left, wears a paper dress made of cellophane and colored paper circles.

Carnaby Street was the Mod fashion center of London. Stripes, bold colors and oversized sunglasses were in!

The Beatles were greatly influenced by the smart Mod suits of the early '60s. Toward the late '60s they popularized bold colors and prints.

Bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Kinks were the soundtrack of the era. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are fashion-forward in blazers, ruffled shirts, and scarves.

A charcoal gray walking coat is paired with checked wool pants and a pink cotton shirt. This mod outfit from 1966 was featured at a show announcing a new boutique.

British model Twiggy took the fashion world by storm. Here she is with her signature pixie haircut and long eyelashes in 1966.

Top British fashion photographers Lord Patrick Lichfield, right, and David Bailey, escort fashion model Penelope Tree at a fashion show in 1968. Check out the bold prints, puffy sleeves and ascot.

whiteheat_photo_fashion_schoolgirl_11_web

The schoolgirl look was a big part of '60 women's fashion. This is designer Rudi Gernreich’s take for her fall collection in 1967. The dress is black and white checked and worn with a matching Breton hat.

From left are '60s icons Christine Keeler, David Bailey, Penelope Tree, and Marianne Faithfull decked out in Swinging London fashion.

The Kinks playing around on a double-decker bus in Mod clothes and mop-top hairstyles.

David Bowie's influence on '70s fashion cannot be overstated. He ushered in the glam rock look that was worn by the youth of London.

Ziggy Stardust era David Bowie onstage in 1973.

Trendsetter and rock god Elton John rocks the platform shoes and a flared suit -- the height of '70s fashion.'

What were the ladies rocking in the '70s? Lots of colorful flower printed clothes, bare midriffs, full skirts and long witches sleeves.

Princess Diana was a British fashion icon in the 1980s. Here she is in '80s trends: big shoulder pads, high-neck collars, pussy-bow ties and feathered hair.

Simon Le Bon, the lead singer of everyone's favorite 80s boy band, Duran Duran. He's looking perfectly eighties in a colorful blazer with rolled-up sleeves.

On the flip side of bright colors and nylon tracksuits was the all-black Goth look seen here on British rock band The Cure.

In the '60s, London was the most fashionable city in the world! Swinging London's most influential fashion icon is Mary Quant. She is credited with creating Mod fashion and inventing the mini-skirt. Quant, right, waves as she poses with models wearing her Mod creations in 1968.

British Fashion From the Swinging ’60s to the Rocking ’80s

Join The Conversation