Freewheelin’ Fashion: How Jess Keogh is Bringing Back the Groovy ‘60s and’70s
In a fast-paced world of evolving trends, there is one in particular that is holding its ground: the revival of the sounds and styles of the 1960s and 1970s. At the forefront of this resurgence, Jess Keogh has garnered a following on TikTok due to her vintage fashion and groovy music taste. With over 260k followers, Jess has had a vital role in popularizing songs from past decades and sparking interest in retro styles; for Jess, music and fashion are inseparable. When popular media features artists such as David Bowie or Duran Duran, it encourages people to explore the scenes and eras associated with these musicians.
The accessibility of music today allows for easy exploration of past decades, leading to a newfound interest in retro styling.
Jess believes, “This interest in vintage curation is not just about fashion; it’s education at the same time.” There’s a sense of discovery and exploration that comes with diving into the music and culture of past eras, culminating in a unique personal style. The physical portrayal of one's music taste is no new phenomenon: if you listen to an artist you love, you want people to know it. Accounts like Jess’, however, show audiences a reimagined fashion sense that goes beyond band t-shirts.
One of the ways that Jess has brought this retro revival back to life is through her TikTok content, where she reimagines fashion from the ‘60s and ‘70s in a modern context. She notes that many people may be unknowingly embracing these retro styles, citing the viral TikTok trend inspired by the cover of Bob Dylan’s 1963 album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. The iconic image of Dylan and Suze Rotolo strolling through Greenwich Village has sparked a resurgence of waist-length bomber jackets and baggy jeans, which have become winter staples of 2024.
Additionally, Jess credits French singer-songwriter Francoise Hardy for the resurgence of mini skirts paired with long turtlenecks, a nod to the mod fashion of the 60s. A-line dresses and ‘60s-inspired bodices are also making a comeback as people seek to emulate the iconic styles of the past.
At a time when trends come and go, Jess Keogh is proving that there is a timeless appeal in the music and fashion of the ‘60s and ‘70s. As Jess puts it, “loving something about music and loving something about where it came from, and the culture surrounding it” is what truly shapes our personal style, making the revival of retro more than just a passing trend – it’s a cultural movement.