Fashion forward

Explore Australian fashion trends from the 1960s to 2000
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In the second half of the 20th century, Australian’s looked to global fashion trends for inspiration in what to wear. Our homegrown fashion designers began to gain international recognition, and more Australian designs were exported. The success of Australian designers like Prue Acton, Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa, Alex Perry, and dynamic duo Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson, made Australia a serious player in the global fashion industry. 

In the fourth blog in our series on Australia’s fashion history, delight in fashion trends from the 1960 to 2000.

Women wearing 1960s outfit is assisted with her clothes shopping by a shop attendant
Wolfgang Sievers, Elegant shopping at La Pastorale Frocks, 125 Collins Street, Melbourne, 1965, nla.obj-160360759 

Swinging sixties 

Australia once again turned its eye to British fashion trends in the 1960s. Mod subculture had ridden in on its Vespa scooter and the youths singing Beatles lyrics got on board. For women, Mod-style fashion looked like mini-skirts, shift dresses and bold prints.

Woman wearing mini skirt and 1960s beehive hair with headband
Vic Grimmett, Fashion photography, 1968, trove.nla.gov.au/work/234704732  

International designers, like Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin introduced innovative designs that reflected the youthful and rebellious spirit of the time. Meanwhile, Prue Acton – with her vibrant and youthful designs – became one of the first Australian designers to gain international recognition.

Double-page spread in Australian Women's Weekly of 1960s mens fashion in London
‘Men’s Fashion Revolution’, The Australian Women's Weekly, 26 May 1965, nla.news-article51776846  

Men’s fashion also underwent a transformation, with slim-cut suits and turtlenecks. Military-style jackets were also dusted off. One can’t thank "British Invasion” bands (like The Beatles and The Who) enough for influencing men to adopt the decade’s stylish and modern fashions. Rock and roll culture would continue to influence fashion for many generations to come.

three poeple looking at a female model in hotel room
Wolfgang Sievers, Interior of Hampton Court Hotel, Kings Cross, Sydney, 1965, nla.obj-161826600 

Bohemians and disco 

The 1970s brought disco fever to Australia and fashion followed suit. Sequins and platform shoes were the flavour of the decade for both women and men. Jumpsuits became a popular choice for women, while men wore bell-bottom pants, wide-collar shirts, and leisure suits.

four styles of 1970s platform shoes
Shoe - Biba, Platform, Right, c.1970s, trove.nla.gov.au/work/207515239; Shoe - Ardo, Platform Slingback, Right, c.1970s, trove.nla.gov.au/work/207515250; Shoes - Paragon, 'Parisienne', Lacey, Platform, c.1970s, trove.nla.gov.au/work/207535218; Shoe - Parker Coronal, 'Venito', Platform, Right, c.1970s, trove.nla.gov.au/work/207515237  

This wasn’t the only style in vogue though. The 1970s were a time of liberation and experimentation in fashion. Individuals embraced a wide range of styles and expressed their unique identities through their clothing choices. Bohemian fashion with loose fits and ethic-inspired prints also peaked during this period. Maxi dresses and flared pants were a popular choice for women.

two women in 1970s flared pants look into a shop window
Vic Grimmett, Fashion photography, 1974, trove.nla.gov.au/work/234704737  

Punks and power suits

The 1980s were defined by power dressing and bold statements in fashion. Shoulder pads in women’s power suits were big, and hair styles were even bigger. This was paired with bold colours and dramatic accessories.

navy blue women's power suit with skirt and jacket
Suit - Prue Acton, Navy Polyester, 'Scrunch & Drape', Melbourne Cup, 1988, trove.nla.gov.au/work/207540756  

Men’s fashion in the 1980s was equally bold, with pastel-colored suits and skinny ties. The growing influence of sports and hip-hop culture also began to shape mainstream fashion trends. Tracksuits and sneakers became increasingly popular as casual wear.

Large group of people wear 1980s casual wear waiting to board a bus
John Ward Collection – Buses, 1985, https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/244704657  

The punk movement has well and truly taken hold by the 1980s. Originating in London’s Camden Town, the subculture had a major influence on fashion around the world. Leather jackets, ripped jeans and band t-shirts were popular among young people. Piercings, tattoos and mohawks (or equally wild hair) contributed to making this counter-culture trend iconic.

two side-by side portraits. One of a female punk and and the other of two males.
Georgia Kennedy, Female punk outside the toilet door at the rear of 163 Oxford Street, Leederville, 1983, trove.nla.gov.au/work/245398707; and Georgia Kennedy, Male punks outside the toilet door at the rear of 163 Oxford Street, Leederville, 1983, trove.nla.gov.au/work/245398746. Images courtesy of City of Vincent.  

Nineties grunge 

The 1990s saw a shift towards minimalism and grunge in fashion. Made popular by international bands like Nirvana, grunge fashion reflected the rebellious and anti-establishment spirit of the time. The look was somewhat androgenous with clothing items like flannel shirts, baggy and ripped jeans, oversized t-shirts, and combat boots being worn by both women and men. Slip dresses were also common in women’s fashion. Accessory trends included the choker necklace.

Portrait of Gushi 21 lying on a bed wearing grunge clothing with lots of ear piercings
Angela Lynkushka, Portrait of Gushi 21, 1999, nla.obj-136524358  

The influence of streetwear and hip-hop culture continued to grow, with brands like Nike and Tommy Hilfiger becoming prominent in the fashion world. 

The first blogs began appearing online in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This was the beginning of the internet’s influence on fashion. Browse snapshots of early fashion websites and blogs on Trove

Fashion trends progressed fast in the 20th century with new styles and subcultures appearing every few years. Australian fashion continues to be influenced by global trends, particularly from western countries, like Britain and the United States. However, Aussies do love to put their own unique spin on styles to suit our climate. 

Australian fashion history 

From leading trends and designers to the cultural influences that made them so popular, discover Australia’s fashion history: