This Look At 1960s Nostalgia Will Transport You Right Back To Your Favorite Era

The swinging 1960s were a huge turning point in American history.

That's why it's so easy to feel nostalgic for the good old days — we put a man on the moon and indulged in our wilder side with the "hippie revolution," all while enjoying the rebellious tunes of the Mamas and The Papas.

America saw the rise of one its most charismatic leaders, John F. Kennedy, and then banded together to heal after his passing. The way we ate, dressed, lived, and worked shifted with industrial and cultural revolutions.

Dinner could now be prepared in 10 minutes or less with a microwave. The rise of rock 'n' roll gave way to one of the most iconic musical acts of the modern era: The Beatles.

After WWI, the Greatest Generation gave birth to the Baby Boomers — and they've been influencing American life and culture ever since.

Scroll through below for a look back at the products, music, and culture that defined one of the most pivotal decades in American history: the 1960s.

How well do you remember the iconic '60s? Let us know in the comments!

[H/T: Odometer, Living History Farm]

Home Cooking

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Flickr/alsis35 (now at ipernity)

Remember when Jell-O was a staple in both savory and sweet dishes?

Ham, eggs, celery, and tuna fish were all fair game when it came to the classic Jell-O salad that became a cornerstone of 1960s' dinner parties.

Whether as a casserole or "mold," the modern ‘60s chef embraced the idea of the one-pot dish.

Music

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Flickr/Roger

Remember seeing your favorite bands play in one incredible concert: Woodstock?

Whether you were a fan of British invasion bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, or your tastes were more folk-inspired, some of the most influential music of the modern era came out of the 1960s.

Not to mention, young folks everywhere were flocking to their nearest music festival to catch these famous bands in action (and pick up some vinyl as a souvenir).

Fast Food

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Flickr/Mary Anne Enriquez

Remember when a Wendy's burger was a rare new treat?

The 1960s were a hotbed of fast food marketing and consumption.

Burger King, McDonald's, KFC, and Wendy's all saw huge growth during this time, with fast food beginning to replace the home-cooked meal as the gold standard of American dining.

Men's Fashion

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Retro Waste

Remember when paisley was a popular print for your boyfriend?

The idea of the classic suit was upgraded to include floral prints, stripes, and more — giving the male silhouette a bit of a feminine edge.

Whether you were rocking a more upscale British "mod" look or opting for laid-back "hippie-wear," the ‘60s certainly deconstructed the idea of traditional male fashion.

Women's Fashion

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Flickr/Classic Film

Remember when wearing pants was considered a bold political statement?

Just as men were gradually getting comfortable with their feminine side, sporting jewelry and outfits with a colorful palate — women were breaking social norms with their fashion choices as well.

Women of the era were wearing everything from bright (and short) shift dresses to powerful pantsuits to bell-bottoms and more!

Cars

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AE Classic Cars

Remember when your car was so stunning you'd drive around the neighborhood just to show it off?

The ‘60s were certainly the era of the "stylish automobile." The ‘64 Pontiac and the ‘67 Cobra were just a few of the models that would be sure to impress your date.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Volkswagen introduced a line of station wagons that would become the official car of the "Summer of Love."

Technology

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Flickr/Paul Townsend

Remember when you could finally watch your favorite TV shows… in color?

The 1960s completely changed our products of convenience. The microwave gave mothers and families more time to spend with one another outside the kitchen, perhaps listening to one of the first living room cabinet record players.

The era also brought global technology shifts in the form of satellites, space-travel, and even beta computer programming.

Household Products

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Flickr/clotho98

Remember when Spic 'n Span was your go-to method of cleaning the house?

The 1960s were all about making home-care efficient and fun, giving rise to cleaning product brands like Charmin, Mr. Clean, and Brillo.

As women entered the workforce in droves, companies looked for ways to cater to the mom-on-the-go.

Toys

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Wikimedia/Creative Commons

Remember when Twister was the centerpiece of every party?

The game that's still a hit today was brought to market in 1966 and developed a cult following with youngsters and adults alike.

The era also birthed Hot Wheels toy cars, the Ken Doll, and a plethora of space-related toys as kids across America dreamt of becoming astronauts.

Entertainment

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Flickr/David Zellaby

Remember when surfing was the hottest trend?

There were tons of ways to let loose in the ‘60s, with surf-culture in particular attracting young people in droves.

The movement, which started in Southern California, promoted a laid-back lifestyle, and even inspired some of the most quintessential music of the time, including The Beach Boys.

The 1960s truly played a central part in the growth of American industry and culture.

What do you miss most about the 1960s? Let us know in the comments.

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