Vintage Glamour: Stunning Examples of 1960's Whimsical Medieval Revival Fashion

Fashion trends always move in cycles; one decade everyone is obsessed with futuristic minimalism, and the next, we're reaching way, way back to the Middle Ages. The 1960s are mostly associated with mod dressses, go-go boots, and psychedelic prints, but hidden inside the popular trends of that era was a whimsical fascination with medieval revival fashion. Flowing gowns, trumpet sleeves, and emroidered bodices were all the rage for youngsters in certain subcultures of the time.

It wasn't random, either. The cultural explosion of the 60s was fueled by fantasy-loving artists, Tolkien readers, and whimsical bands like The Beatles. The hippie movement thrived by expressing itself through the rebelliousness and fantastical elements of medieval romanticism. Honestly, I wish this era of fashion would make a comeback instead of the early 2000s whiplash being forced upon us right now. I don't want low-rise jeans; I want tops crotcheted to look like chainmail! Who wouldn't want clothes that make you look like you wandered straight out of Rivendell?

01
Pattie and Jenny Boyd for Vogue Magazine (1964)

via @goldswitchblade
Advertisement
I would do anything to bring these bell-sleeved mini dresses back in style, especially in these colors. It feels like these days, clothes are often beige, brown, black or muted colors. Bring back the vibrancy and whimsy!
02
The Fool (1968)

via Linda McCartney
03
The Rolling Stones for Beggar's Banquet (1968)

via mariannerauschecker
04
Seventeen Magazine (1968)

via Poppy Bushell
Advertisement
05
Vogue UK (1970)

via Barry Lategan
06
Marijke Koger of The Fool

via Astral Eyes
07
The Fool

via Rita G
Advertisement
08
Erika Eigen of Sunforest

via Pinterest
09
Freya Hogue of Sunforest

via Pinterest
10

via moodymillie
Advertisement
11
Seventeen Magazine (March 1970)

via jo487
12
Cosmopolitan (1969)

via Chris von Wangenheim