Introduction
Living like it's 1967 involves immersing yourself in the cultural, social, and fashion trends of that iconic year, a period marked by significant social change, the rise of counterculture, and distinctive styles. Here's a detailed guide for men on how to authentically capture the spirit of 1967.
Clothing Styles
- Suits & Casual Wear: Men often wore slim-cut suits with narrow lapels in colors like grey, navy, and brown. Mod style was very popular with tailored jackets and trousers.
- Shirts: Collared dress shirts were common, often in pastel or muted colors. Turtlenecks and patterned shirts also became trendy.
- Pants: Slim or straight-legged pants, often in corduroy or polyester blends, paired with Chelsea boots or loafers.
- Outerwear: Popular jackets included the Harrington jacket, pea coats, and trench coats.
- Accessories: Skinny ties, silk scarves, and sunglasses (like Ray-Ban Wayfarers) were fashionable.
Ways of Life
- Social Norms: Formality was still appreciated; men often dressed up for social outings. However, the youth embraced more freedom and experimentation.
- Hobbies: Many were involved in activities such as dancing (twist, mod dance), attending live music shows, or engaging in emerging social causes.
- Communication: Telephone calls were common, but letters remained a popular way to communicate.
- Transportation: Cars like the Ford Mustang were trendy, and many men rode motorcycles or scooters.
Food & Drinks
- Food: Classic meals included meatloaf, casseroles, deviled eggs, and TV dinners. Fast food was on the rise (McDonald's was expanding).
- Drinks: Popular drinks were whiskey, gin & tonic, martinis, and classic beers like Schlitz and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Coffee and Coca-Cola were also staples.
Music
- Genres: Rock & roll, psychedelic rock, folk, and Motown were dominant.
- Artists: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin were key figures.
- Listening: Music was enjoyed on vinyl records using record players. AM and FM radio stations were primary sources for music discovery.
Media Formats
- Television: Black and white TVs were common, though color TVs were becoming more widespread. Popular shows included variety shows and news broadcasts.
- Print Media: Newspapers and magazines like Life and Time were primary sources of information.
- Radio: AM radio dominated, with FM on the rise, especially for music.
Cigarette Brands
- Popular cigarette brands in 1967 included Marlboro (rising in popularity), Camel, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, and Chesterfield.
- Smoking was socially acceptable and often seen as sophisticated.
Summary
To truly live like a man in 1967, embrace the mod fashion with tailored clothes, enjoy classic American comfort food and drinks, immerse yourself in the revolutionary music scene through vinyl records and radio, consume media via TV and print, and if you choose, smoke popular cigarette brands of the era. This approach captures both the style and cultural atmosphere of one of the most iconic years of the 20th century.