Throwback Pics Of '60s Model Jean Shrimpton That Completely Capture The Era

It's no secret that Jean Shrimpton was one of the models who took the swinging '60s by storm. She fully embraced the era's mod aesthetics and was regularly photographed wearing statement ensembles and dramatic makeup looks. Like fellow model Twiggy, Shrimpton has been remembered for using her image to redefine beauty standards throughout the '60s. Not only did her career help change the narrative for women in London, but she also made an international mark by helping popularize the miniskirt. In addition to the nickname "The Shrimp," the model was also dubbed "The It Girl" of the decade and "The Face" of the era. She has long been considered the world's first supermodel.

Believe it or not, despite making waves with her beloved blowout and short geometric-print dresses, Shrimpton didn't enjoy the attention and completely stopped modeling in the '70s. "I never liked being photographed. I just happened to be good at it," Shrimpton told The Guardian back in 2011. She also didn't think much of her appearance. "You never like your looks. I thought I was too 'pretty, pretty' and a bit vacant-looking," she said during the BBC Radio 4 program "After I Was Gorgeous" (via The Express). "You hear models say that all the time. I was more interested in animals so I wasn't at all bothered about my looks," she added. Despite that, Shrimpton's signature look completely captured the era's aesthetic.

At the start of the era, Jean Shrimpton embraced the sailor-inspired aesthetic that dominated many wardrobes in the '60s. In 1961, Shrimpton attended the Woodlands Fashion Show in London wearing a dramatic V-neck sweater that featured double white sailor-style stripes. Her look was completed with a high-neck blouse and a black fur hat. Her hair was styled into a typical soft '60s bob with flicked-under ends. The mod bob was popular among young people during the decade that popularized significantly shorter hairstyles.

Jean Shrimpton posed for a 1963 Vogue feature wearing a tweed look that nodded to the plaid trends of the '60s. The trend was characterized by an eclectic retro elegance and a geek-ish charm. Tucked into a vibrant orange hat that contrasted her dark green skirt suit, her hair mimicked the shape of a mod-inspired pixie cut. Shrimpton wore doll-like makeup, another mod-inspired fad, featuring heavily-blushed cheeks and thick black eyelashes. She oozed confidence wearing the tailored ensemble, and her unique appearance inspired fashionistas the world over. 

Having entered the mid-'60s, Jean Shrimpton maintained her tailored image. In 1965, she wore a green Viola Sylbert suit for a Highlander Sportswear campaign. This time, her hair was styled into a sleek brushed hairstyle that added an effortless element to her otherwise formal ensemble. Despite her longer hair, Shrimpton donned soft face-framing pieces that complemented her mod appeal. Her sage skirt suit featured silver buttons that were fastened all the way to the top and only emphasized her sophistication.

Photographed in 1965, Jean Shrimpton stunned at the airport wearing her staple layered haircut. It's no secret that Shrimpton's voluminous layered haircut is still so chic today, but it was just as admired back then. Her bouncy layers blended seamlessly with her geometric-print dress — a vibrant trend that became an iconic staple for '60s fashion and interior design. From her face-framing hair flicks and dramatic bangs to her bold dress, Shrimpton's entire ensemble made an unexpected statement.

During the mid-'60s, Jean Shrimpton had a major fashion moment, so big that it changed the fashion world forever. In 1965, the model was photographed wearing a short minidress in then-very modest Australia. It's hard to believe, after looking at side-by-side pics of the most legendary '60s models in their heyday and decades later, that Shrimpton actually stopped the nation with this minimalist ensemble. The miniskirt became a defining look of the '60s, and the trend was driven by the era's young fashion enthusiasts.

Jean Shrimpton served an androgynous look in 1965 for Glamour. Striking a unique yet bold pose, Shrimpton stood out against the white background wearing a lively red skirt suit. Her tailored coordinate was paired with white tights and patent black loafers. The bold white socks and shiny black shoes trend was popularized by Hollywood icons like rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley. Despite tying her hair back, improving her sleek allure, Shrimpton's bangs were on full display. Her look was completed with doll-style makeup.

Toward the end of the era, Jean Shrimpton adapted her appearance. Nevertheless, her signature look still captured the era with ease. In 1967, the model posed for her promotional film portrait for "Privilege." While it was her debut film appearance, it clearly wasn't Shrimpton's first time in front of a camera. She exuded confidence during the photo shoot, wearing a patterened shift dress — a dress trend everyone wore in the '60s. Her fun ensemble featured an ultra-short hemline, of course, and her heavy bangs rested above her doll-shaped eyes.

Photographed in 1968, Jean Shrimpton's skirt had become significantly shorter compared to her renowned "five inches above the knee" white minidress years prior. Shrimpton oozed confidence in her daring skirt. While the model's short hemline captured the era's boldness, her flat Mary Jane-inspired sandals were a subtle nod to the decade's shoe trends. Her unbuttoned shirt and cardigan may have given her an effortless allure, but by accessorizing with big sunglasses, which would later become a '70s staple, Shrimpton proved she had transformed into a trendsetter.

By the end of the '60s, Jean Shrimpton embodied the decade's vibrancy. During a 1969 photo shoot, Shrimpton was dressed in a striped shift dress that directly clashed with her floral long-sleeve shirt. From head-to-toe, the model embraced some of the era's boldest trends. Believe it or not, her hemline was even more dramatic than the previous year, rising to the top of her thigh, and in typical '60s fashion, her oversized tie made a unique fashion moment. To complete her funky ensemble, Shrimpton donned a statement hairstyle featuring striking ringlets.