Introduction
Living like it's 1967 means immersing yourself in the culture, fashion, and daily habits of that vibrant year. The late 1960s were marked by dramatic social change, iconic style, and unique entertainment formats. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recreate that era authentically.
1. Clothing Styles for Men
Men's fashion in 1967 reflected both traditional and psychedelic influences. Here’s what to focus on:
- Suits: Slim-cut suits with narrow lapels in colors like charcoal, navy, or earth tones were popular. Ties were skinny and often patterned.
- Shirts: Collared button-down shirts in plain or bold geometric prints. Turtlenecks were also trendy.
- Casual Wear: Polo shirts, knitted sweaters, and Humphrey Bogart style v-necks. Denim jeans grew more popular but still were relatively slim.
- Outerwear: Harrington jackets, pea coats, and suede or leather jackets with fringes or simple cuts.
- Footwear: Loafers, Chelsea boots, and brogues were common.
- Accessories: Aviator sunglasses, narrow hats such as fedoras or Trilbys, and watch styles were typically classic analog with leather or metal bands.
2. Ways of Life
The 1960s life was a mix of traditional family values and the new counterculture movement. What this means practically:
- Socializing: Men often gathered in small groups in homes, bars, or clubs. Polite manners were typical, but discussions about music, politics, and culture were common.
- Work: The 9-to-5 office or factory jobs were common, and many men wore suits or uniforms to work.
- Leisure: Watching TV shows like "The Twilight Zone," reading newspapers, listening to the radio, or going to drive-in theaters were typical pastimes.
- Fitness and hobbies: Outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, or playing catch were common.
3. Food and Drinks
Typical American food in 1967 included classic diner and home-cooked fare:
- Breakfast: Bacon and eggs, toast, grits or oatmeal, and coffee.
- Lunch/Dinner: Meatloaf, pot roast, casseroles, sandwiches, and mashed potatoes.
- Snacks: Potato chips, pretzels, or deviled eggs.
- Drinks: Classic cocktails like the Tom Collins, Old Fashioned, or whiskey sour were popular. Beer brands included Schlitz and Pabst Blue Ribbon, often consumed in cans.
- Non-alcoholic: Cola sodas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, as well as milkshakes and iced tea.
4. Music
1967 was a pivotal year for music, defined by genres like rock, folk, and emerging psychedelic rock. To live authentically:
- Listen to albums such as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by The Beatles, "Are You Experienced" by Jimi Hendrix, and "The Doors" debut album.
- Enjoy artists including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and Janis Joplin.
- Use analog formats such as vinyl records (LPs and singles) and 8-track tapes for music playback.
5. Media Formats
In 1967, the primary media formats were quite different from today:
- Television: Black and white, gradually transitioning to color broadcasts. Popular shows included "The Andy Griffith Show," and "Star Trek" began airing.
- Radio: AM radio was dominant, playing music, news, and talk shows.
- Print Media: Newspapers and magazines were primary sources of news and entertainment—publications like Time, Life, and Newsweek were widely read.
- Film: Movie theaters were a key social outlet, along with drive-in theaters.
6. Cigarette Brands
Cigarette smoking was socially acceptable and common in 1967. Popular brands included:
- Camel: Known for its rich flavor and iconic camel logo.
- Lucky Strike: Famous for their slogan "It's Toasted," which highlighted their production process.
- Winston: Marketed as a smoother cigarette.
- Chesterfield: Another very popular brand at the time.
Smoking was often done socially or after meals, typically without the health concerns widely recognized today.
Summary
To live like it’s 1967, incorporate the classic and emerging fashion trends for men, engage in social and leisure activities of the time, enjoy traditional foods and cocktails, immerse yourself in iconic music via authentic media formats, and adopt the smoking habits alongside cigarette brands of the era. This approach will give you a true experience of life as a man did in 1967.