Sixties formal wear for prom was feminine and didn't show much skin. Dresses emphasized the female form without being skin tight and low cut. Long, elbow-length gloves were usually worn with the frilly and floral styles of prom dresses. Unlike American prom dresses of the early 21st century, which are usually sleeveless or strapless, dressed from the 1960s often had sleeves and were very high cut.
Two Tone
Many formal dresses from the Sixties had one fabric or pattern on the top and a different fabric on the bottom. Often the top of the dress starting from the natural waistline and going up had a floral lace pattern with the same or a different color over the same fabric that the skirt was made of.
Ribbon Bows
While many of the cuts of dresses from the Sixties, such as the A-line and Empire waist, have remained in vogue through many time periods, a style that was very popular and recognizable as from the Sixties is the ribbon bow detailing. Dresses were often tied at the waist in the back in a bow with a ribbon, or a small bow was placed as decoration to accent the front. If there was no bow on the dress itself, girls would often wear fabric bows in their hair as an accessory.
Sleeves
Sleeves on prom dresses from the Sixties ranged from half-length sleeves that went down almost to the elbow to nearly sleeveless, where the the top of the dress created a shell style but without the scooped neckline. Some dresses were strapless, but the majority of them did not show skin at the neckline.
Necklines
High necklines were popular in the Sixties, and cleavage was rarely if ever seen at proms. Girls' prom dresses often had high necklines called a jewel neckline that showed no skin below the neck but was cut so that the sleeves or straps started closer to the outside of the shoulder than to the side of the neck. Bateau or boat necklines were also fashionable for prom gowns. They were similar to the jewel neckline but were a little more off-the-shoulder and showed the top of the chest but was still cut well above cleavage level.
