Get the look: Bold prints, Chelsea boots and miniskirts of the 1960s

A decade filled with significant social and cultural change, the 1960s brought everything from the Summer of Love and Expo 67 to the introduction of the Divorce Act to Canadians. Slowly, the sartorial elegance of the fifties made way for bolder styles and colourful trends inspired by music, pop art and youth subcultures.

For the Carlson family, the clothing of the era includes warm plaid jackets, knits in decidedly retro colours and fancy '60s winter wear like bonnets and ear muffs. But most intriguing — and very indicative of the decade's enduring fashion influences — are the psychedelic, abstract patterns in their wardrobes, the mod era-appropriate Chelsea boots worn at home, and Alex's youthful plaid mini-dress. 

Here's where to find these essential 1960s pieces for your own wardrobe.  

Out-there prints

Multicoloured, bold patterns reigned during the '60s. Italian fashion brands such as Etro and Pucci became known internationally for their flamboyant signature prints, and the era's eye-popping, trippy designs incorporated everything from polkadots to paisley patterns to bohemian florals. 

Andrea Dress, about $609, Tanya Taylor

Richard Allan X H&M A-Line Dress, $29.99, H&M

Boy Shirt, about $647, La DoubleJ

Staud Rex Velvet Floral Pant, about $320 (on sale for $128), Need Supply

The Mini Skirt

According to fashion lore, English fashion designer Mary Quant created buzz around the miniskirt in 1966. Mod- and art-inspired mini dresses became popular during the decade, too, especially in a minimalist shift-dress silhouette. Try a woven mini dress like Alex's (above), or look for one in a bright colour or vintage-inspired graphic print.  

Button Checkered Pichi, $69.99, Mango

Hutch Jada Shimmer Mini Skirt, about $167, Anthropologie

UO Darren Notched Pelmet Mini Skirt, $64, Urban Outfitters

Chelsea Boots

The Chelsea leather boot — typically ankle-high and close-fitting, with side elastic panels — dates to the mid-19th century, but it also became popular for both men and women during the 1960s thanks to its mod-fashion appeal (it didn't hurt that a similar style was worn by the Beatles, too). For a particularly retro women's pair, look for short-heeled styles in patent leather and featuring a side buckle. 

Eloema Men's Chelsea Ankle Boot, $185, Aldo Shoes

Cambridge Men's Leather Chelsea Boots, $595 (on sale for $230), Reiss

Vagabond Shoemakers Alice Patent Leather Boot, $200, Urban Outfitters

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.