The 1960s are probably best known for the "flower child" aesthetic of the late decade, with its bell-bottoms, floral designs, and long flowing hair. However, the decade also saw the arrival of icons of the 60s such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Diana Ross, Cher, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Jane Birkin (not to mention cultural influences such as Andy Warhol and the Beatles). This was a decade of great change, in part because of the backlash against the more buttoned-down 50s style aesthetic.

Many of these photos capture these cutting-edge trends. Some are from magazine shoots and professional photo sessions by designers, while others come directly from the aforementioned icons.

Below are 32 photos that prove that the 1960s was the decade of the best fashions.

The two-piece swimsuit was first invented in the 1940s, but we still loved our classic one-piece in the 60s. Add some visual flair, like this ornate swim cap or a suit with a crisscrossed low-back design, and you're ready to surf.

A little chaos added in the Audrey Hepburn style. This is from London Fashion Week 1965 (when this type of event was fairly new and fresh), and it was this type of surprise and innovation that made fashion events so exciting.

Not surprisingly, this photo by Pat Evans is from a 1968 photo shoot. (But the use of patterns in edgier, innovative ways was also a cool trend in the 60s, and one that would become extreme in the next decade.

This photo, presumably taken in the early 1960s, makes sense. The pillbox hat, popularized by Jackie Kennedy, was especially important during her time as First Lady (1961-1963). This topper appears to have a ribbon decoration at the back, which contrasts with the rest of the outfit as a pop of yellow.

This mid-1960s photo shoot shows some of the evolution of the decade, with more streamlined silhouettes, bolder colors, and higher hemlines (not to mention shorter hair). With the rise of Twiggy and "waifish" supermodels, this look would remain popular for several years.

This look is an incredible throwback to the past. It makes sense that this photo was taken in an antique store in the early 60s, with conservative hairstyles and a small, delicate gingham pattern on a full-coverage dress.

The pattern would get new life in the 60s, in a new way. Although this model is apparently only 14 years old (...)

Even in a traditional check pattern, one can see a youthful boldness.

One way to make a print or pattern more surprising is to enlarge it, as in this pretty green staggered plaid (sometimes called dogtooth). To allow the pattern to take center stage, the rest of the outfit is a classic coat and matching dress underneath.

In 1964, when this photo was taken, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" had been released about three years earlier. Produced by the Fontana Sisters in Rome, the photograph shows some of its influences: the large formal hairdo, the glittering jewelry, and the long gloves.

One can't help but feel that modern royalty like Kate Middleton would not be out of place if worn to a formal event. And in fact, this is pretty close to Queen Elizabeth's style of the last decade, showing that royalty has long influenced fashion.

This is from Valentino, one of Jackie Kennedy's favorite designers. There is some welcome drama, though, with glamorous cape styles, higher hemlines, and angled hats.

Twiggy and then-manager/partner Justin de Villeneuve look relaxed and ready for the jet set. While it will be a while before modern "airport style" makes its appearance, it is clear that dressing up to fly is still a tradition that people embrace.

It is difficult to overstate how influential Jackie Kennedy was during her years as First Lady (and throughout this decade). This photo was taken in 1961, when her popularity was at its peak, and it shows, thanks to her matching bouffants, conservative but elegant attire, and classic black pumps.

As this photo shows, looking like you just got off the ski slopes (or in this case, still on the slopes) is not necessarily a modern invention. Commercial skiing began to take off in the 50s, but the chic, elegant, and ethereal feel of the ski style was still in its infancy.

Brigitte Bardot was an absolute style icon of the 1960s, and her trademark casual style (including very messy beehives) was part of that appeal. Skinny cigarette-style jeans and simple black T-shirts felt prestigious and stylish when she wore them.

The "mod" (short for modernist) style originated in London in the 60s, and for women it meant shorter hair, shorter skirts, and more androgynous styling (including boots) It was an important subculture of the 60s, and its echoes are still felt today

Moda.

This futuristic (and still deeply radiant) look, which took modernist style to the extreme, may seem a bit over-the-top today. (But at Paris Fashion Week in 1968, this space-age style must have seemed so fresh and exciting.

This is from the early 60s, but it is quite prescient in that color and pattern would come to define the decade. This is clean and sophisticated. Other, less "frilly" styles would emerge, but this was a good start. I can see this being sold as a dress today.

Like attire for plane trips and skiing adventures, formal boatwear was like going to a fancy party (or maybe still is, depending on context). Technically, this is a cruise to Bermuda in the early 60s, but frankly, these summer dresses are stunning.

This is from the late 1960s, right in the middle of the "wayfish" model trend. The overall vibe is youthful and streamlined, but the oversized floppy hat (which would be the star of the 70s) and the oversized ribbon help to introduce a bit of subtlety and brightness.

This is from the early '60s and is very patterned, but I appreciate it. The oversized polka dots are very whimsical, but the simplicity of the rest of the outfit and the shiny jewelry and heels keep it from feeling too "clown-adjacent."

It was hard to believe this was Joan Collins in her youth (a far cry from her later style, but I feel she looks very trendy here). The simple striped shirt, dark eye shadow, and short, voluminous hairstyle give her a youthful glow, while still allowing her trademark charisma to peek through.

If you're wondering why they look so uniformed, they are apparently dancers from the Norbert Schmidt Corps de Ballet, and they are modeling Dior coats. Perfect. No annotations. Aside from the matching leopard pants, such a statement coat would absolutely work today.

The mini became inseparable from 60s fashion as a sign of emancipation and a departure from 50s fashion, with added social liberation. Naturally, the style was controversial, but strategically deployed tights allowed for a more modest length.

Supermodel Jean Shrimpton, an icon of the early 60s, is perhaps best known for her street-style photos with David Bailey (a photographic style that was not mainstream, but the two helped popularize it). This corduroy jacket and bell-bottom look: perfect.

A button-up version of the mod style, taken from a 1967 photo shoot, the slightly longer hemline and practical (but deeply stylish) pumps would have been perfect for office work. Frankly, some of these would still work today with a little updating of hairstyles.

While Brigitte Bardot's casual style gets all the attention, bomb looks like this look, which just arrived in London for the premiere of her movie, are equally stunning. Dressed from head to toe in leather, including her hat, this look is airport style.

It is by Paco Rabanne and is apparently made of vinyl, plastic, and steel (the rosette is plastic and silver lamé, the dress is jersey, all held together with a vinyl band and steel ring). Proving once again that fashion innovation was going from strength to strength in the 1960s.

While the floral and paisley patterns of the late 60s may look a bit dated today (this photo shoot was taken in 1966, apparently for Glamour magazine), I would argue that styling is everything. Get some contrasting accessories and fashion sneakers and you'll be modern in no time.

Cigarette-style pants that look like thin paper bags (tapered, but not close to the leg) give off a professional 60s vibe. There is a reason why this pant style is considered a classic and remains fashionable for modern audiences regardless of subsequent trends.

Marilyn Monroe was perhaps our most influential celebrity until her death in 1962. While most people focus on her tight-fitting gowns and costumes, I am obsessed with her casual style of jeans, boots, oxford shirts, and classic red lipstick.

Ah, Jane, it's a cliché to attribute all the cool styles of the '60s to the feet of one person, but Jane Birkin is just as influential. Her basket bag, her wispy hair, her casual yet surprisingly stylish look...