Each decade of the 20th century is prone to being defined by its fashions; and for each of those decades is a cycle of revival inevitable.

Some decades are revived in distinctive fits and starts, like the 80s returning in a burst of irony that made good on its promise; others, like the 60s, linger never too far out of reach. So while tousling up your sexiest bed hair and pulling on your teeniest mini may always be an option there’s no better time than 2011 and 2012 to inject even more of that swinging 60s vibe into your wardrobe.

Read on to find out more. And don’t forget that if you’d like stay updated with all the latest trends and how to wear them, you can subscribe to Fashionising.com’s newsletter or RSS feed.

60s fashion Mod 60s revival dress at Burberry Prorsum AW11

60s fashion: where it’s been seen

The fall 2011 runways, when they fit to a particular decade, strutted mostly down a glamorous 1970s path. The 1930s were also fairly well represented. And then, amidst it all, a few key designers of influence were marching to the ’60s drum.

Burberry Prorsum’s bright block coloured coats and structured short-hemmed dresses hit a swinging London note. Miuccia Prada worked together flapper chic and 60s mod into graphic pleated tunics and Mary-Jane heels. Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Marni also dabbled in the trend.

60s fashion Prada’s AW11 campaign

60s fashion for spring 2012

While the sixties fashion themes took root in fall 2011, don’t think they’ll be dead and buried by spring. Having found their way into numerous editorials already, we then saw the trend filter onto the spring 2012 runways. So expect to see the ’60s continue as a spring 2012 fashion trend.

60s fashion spring 2012 ’60s fashion for spring: Alice & Olivia SS12

1960s fashion looks

For the purpose of inspiring a ’60s look as best fitted to right now, and without getting too pedantic on historical accuracy, we’ll break up the era into three key looks.

karlie kloss 60s trend A ’60s Karlie Kloss in Vogue Japan

’60s mod fashion

Who could forget the long legs and short hems of Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton? Or the iconic designs of Mary Quant? Look to these icons for an update on a mod look, with elements like:

Wide eyes curtained by big false lashes (top and bottom).
Bright block colours.
Graphic prints and colourful abstract geometric patterns.
Short, boyish hairstyles.
Masculine flat shoes like penny loafers.
For fall, swing coats and capes.

60s fashion colour blocking 60s-inspired outerwear at Burberry Prorsum AW11

’60s folk fashion

Softer and sexier than a mod look, a folkish sixties look is free spirited with a Parisian twist. The icons? Look to the likes of Jane Birkin and Francois Hardy for inspiration.

Anything made out of lace, especially structured heavier lace pieces.
Peter-pan collars.
Ultra-short hemlines. Low-slung belts.
Monochrome instead of colour: plenty of white, cream, black.
Effortless sexiness with unfussy hair and winged-out eyeliner.

60s fashion Lace soft sixties-style dress at Valentino, Resort ’12

’60s sex kitten

The opposite of the androgynous mod, the sex kitten is another ’60s era cliche that has come back into play. Think any of the era’s stunning screen stars: Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Ann Margaret, Raquel Welch, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor. Try:

Cuts that draw in the waist, accentuating the bust and hips. It’s all about the curves.
Full circle skirts or slim pencil skirts, or cropped pants with high waists.
Bed hair. Try a softer, modern update on Brigitte Bardot hair, or go all out bouffant. Just make it count.
A sultry pout; long lashes and plenty of eyeliner.

jayson brunsdon ss10/11 Jayson Brunsdon 60s spring dress

1960s elements: in detail

Half up Brigitte Bardot hair

It’s so classically sex kitten that we’d hardly limit it to a 2011 hair trend; but this Brigitte Bardot bouffant hairstyle – half up, half out and as sexy or as sleek as you want to make it – is one that sits perfectly with the year’s fashions. This is a modern, understated take that will suit day or night.

60s beauty: coloured liquid liner

This makeup look is the perfect way to make any outfit pop, be it a simple black shift dress or an ensemble swirling with 60s colour. Use a bright, bold liquid colour to line the eye and a contrasting pop of colour on the lips. Follow the full color eyeliner how-to at that link.

London Look: beauty trend

The icons of British beauty in the ’60s serve as inspiration for the new London Look, served with a modern twist. With a focus on eyes that are wide and full of depth, lips faded into the dewy-skinned background. This look is iconic and ripe for your wearing regardless of seasons. For more details on the London Look and how to achieve it, follow that link.

Cat eye sunglasses

With the warmer weather comes the need to update your sunglasses collection with a new and on-trend style. The best accompaniment to a vintage-inspired look is a shape that screams ’50s/’60s glamour. From the very subtle to the extreme, click to read about the cat eye glasses trend.

Kitten heels

Kitten heels are making a somewhat controversial return, spurred on by the trend of ’50s and ’60s dressing. More comfortable yet less appealing than their higher counterparts, kitten heels can work particularly well when dainty and either retro-inspired or minimalist. In 2011 it’s all about the theming. For Spring, kitten heeled sandals are also an option. For a mod 60s take t-bars are a go. Click to read about the kitten heels shoe trend.

Fur clothing

It’s a fabric that divides people through its controversy, and one that has been a small part of autumn / fall / winter collections in recent years. During autumn (fall) / winter 2011 it all changes and fur clothing plays a large role in many of the collections from the world’s biggest fashion houses. Follow the link to find out how both faux and genuine fur are being worn in fall 2011.