Although fashions varied throughout the 1960s in France, there were a few designers and some particular styles that define the decade through a historical standpoint. The influence of British mod fashion was apparent in this decade, as mod style swept through the mainstream. Some of the other styles include those of the space age and Left Bank styles. Innovation and politics were the major cultural influences during this decade.

Mod Influence.

During the '60s in Britain the mod trend was everywhere. Trousers, flat shoes and miniskirts defined the feminine mod look while the men were often seen in tailored Italian suits and skinny ties. This style quickly spread across Europe and influenced the fashion in countries such as France.

The left bank look.

Influenced by the student political movement in the area during that time, the Left Bank, or beatnik look, was composed of fitted striped tops and berets. Men wore tailored dark pants and women often wore narrow dark skirts that were longer than the popular mini skirt of the time.

Designers.

Designers such as Andre Courreges, Emilio Pucci and Paco Rabanne were highly touted during the 1960s. Andre Courreges was known for his geometric shapes and introducing outer space-inspired fashions during this decade. Using distinct Art Nouveau-inspired geometric and abstract patterns, Emilio Pucci's often psychedelic designs invoked 1960s pop culture. Paco Rabanne was popular for his use of nontraditional materials, such as cardboard and metal. He, famously, designed the costumes for the 1960s film "Barbarella," starring Jane Fonda.

Brigitte Bardot.

Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress of the 1960s with an unabashed style and sex-kitten persona, caught the world's attention. From her messy bouffant hairdo and cat-eye makeup to her beatnik fashion sense, Brigitte Bardot represents a decade of sexual freedom and bohemian style.

General fashions seen in French New wave cinema

THE FRENCH GANGSTER:

For the French movie tough guy, his style is a reflection of his natural dominance and flair for creative risk-taking. French cinema of the 1950s is rife with examples. One can't help but be impressed by the immaculately cut Camps de Luca suits These are men who would cut a dash no matter how perilous the circumstances.

And it's not just his appearance that concerns the French tough guy. While the hardboiled American gangster is quick to impress that he is too tough to care about the traditional pleasures of home and hearth, by contrast creature comforts are essential to the existence of the Gallic gunman. There is an unforgettable scene in Touchez pas au Grisbi when Gabin’s character and an accomplice, on the run from both the police and underworld rivals, retreat to a hideout for the night. Here Gabin first proceeds to rustle up an appetising dinner of pâté on continental toast with accompanying bottle of wine. Then, when it’s time for bed, he produces an immaculate pair of pyjamas, towel and toothbrush for both himself and his friend! His friend doesn’t find it at all surprising to be treated with such hospitality; the French gangster never stints on these things.

FRENCH NEW WAVE DANDY STYLE:

Vague in the late 1950s heralded the arrival of a clutch of dazzling new female stars including Brigitte Bardot and Jean Serberg. With their cool sexiness and modern way of talking and behaving, they would become the emblems of this audacious new cinema, helping to popularize it around the world. At the same time a group of actors, contemporaries and friends of the directors spearheading the movement, proved that they could be equally as glamourous, without sacrificing their masculinity. These "dandies" had a fresh look and an acting style that embodied the ideological and cinematic goals of the New Wave.

One of the most distinctive examples of this new breed of actor was Jean-Claude Briarly. Relaxed, seductive, and charming, Brialy was the epitome of suave sophisticate, the debonair playboy, the urbane socialite with a dark streak. He personified a certain kind of devil-may-care dandyism associated with an older generation of libertarian writers who fascinated the young New Wave directors.

The French Gangster/Anti-Hero.

Clothes:

• Dark 2-piece suit.
• Classic Trench Coat.
• Silk neck tie.
• Italian Leather shoes.
• Tweed flat cap.
• Black shades.
• Crisp white shirt.

Hair:

• Slick or sleeked back.

Attitude:

• Uncompromising, resolute and steely.

Dandy Style:

Clothes:

• 3-piece suit.
• Skinny tie.
• Polo neck or turtle neck.
• Pinstriped shirt.
• Cuff links.
• Loafers.

Hair:

• Neat and coiffed.

Attitude:

• Witty, sophisticated and urbane.

Women:

Clothes:

• Knee length dresses.
• Bright colours
• Cigarette trousers
• Loafers

Hair:

• Pixie hair

• Cut across fringe
• Plaited

Attitude:

• Strong minded
• In her own