Living Like a Man in 1967: A Step-by-Step Guide
To live like it’s 1967 as a man, immerse yourself fully in the cultural, fashion, and lifestyle elements distinctive to that year, marked by a rich mix of mod and hippie influences, evolving music scenes, and classic media formats.
1. Clothing Styles
- Suits and Jackets: The 1960s popularized slim-cut suits often in dark colors, with narrow lapels. Popular brands included Italian and British labels. For casual wear, sport coats or mod-style jackets in pastel or muted colors were common.
- Shirts and Ties: Dress shirts were typically solid or subtly patterned (like thin stripes or small checks). Ties were skinny, often in solid colors or minimal patterns.
- Casual Wear: Turtlenecks, polo shirts, button-down shirts with bold prints, and sweaters were popular casual options. Denim jeans were becoming mainstream, often paired with simple leather or canvas shoes.
- Footwear: Loafers, brogues, Chelsea boots, or classic saddle shoes were all in style. Sneakers were becoming more popular but less so than today.
- Hair and Grooming: Styles ranged from neat and trim cuts inspired by the Beatles (mod style) to longer, shaggier looks influenced by the hippie movement later in the decade. Clean-shaven or thin mustaches were typical.
2. Ways of Life
- Social Norms: Traditional roles were common, but social change was underway with movements for civil rights and counterculture rise. Men often held the primary breadwinner role.
- Daily Routine: Emphasized punctuality; many men commuted to work in offices or factories. Leisure included sports, going to diners, and social clubs.
- Transportation: Cars were popular and often large, with classic designs. Public transportation and bicycles were also common.
3. Food & Drinks
- Typical Foods: Classic American fare such as meatloaf, pot roast, casseroles, fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. TV dinners were trendy convenience foods.
- Dining Out: Chain diners and fast-food places like McDonald's (still expanding) were common. Soda fountains and malt shops remained popular for socializing.
- Drinks: Popular alcoholic drinks included whiskey, gin martinis, Manhattans, and beer brands like Budweiser or Schlitz. Coffee was commonly consumed black or with cream.
4. Music
- Genres: Rock & roll, rhythm and blues, Motown, British Invasion bands, folk music, and early psychedelic rock.
- Artists: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Supremes, The Doors (starting late 1967).
- Listening Experience: Music was mainly consumed using vinyl records (LPs and singles), AM/FM radio broadcasts, and occasionally via 8-track tapes in cars.
5. Media Consumption
- Television: Black-and-white TVs were still common, though color sets were emerging. Popular shows included "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Star Trek," and "The Twilight Zone." Viewing was scheduled and communal.
- Print Media: Newspapers, magazines (like Life and Time) were primary sources of news and entertainment.
- Radio: AM was dominant but FM was growing. Listening at home and in cars was typical.
6. Cigarette Brands
- Popular cigarette brands included Marlboro (rising in popularity with Western-themed ads), Camel, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, and Winston.
- Smoking was socially acceptable and common in public places, offices, and bars.
In Summary
To live like it’s 1967, adopt the mod-to-early-hippie wardrobe, enjoy classic American foods and cocktails, listen to the era’s groundbreaking music on vinyl or radio, watch popular TV shows on a black-and-white or early-color set, read print newspapers and magazines, and partake in socially customary smoking habits with brands like Marlboro or Camel. Combine these elements and you’ll authentically embody the life of a man in 1967.