Beatniks, or the 'Beat Generation' as coined by author Jack Kerouac, were members of one of the most stylish movements of the 20th century. Read on to learn how to wear beatnik style with this season's New In...

Francis Dogtooth Print Tailored Blazer, Marilyn Dogtooth Print Tapered Trousers, Rouen Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes
Francis Dogtooth Print Tailored Blazer, Marilyn Dogtooth Print Tapered Trousers, Rouen Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes

The History of Beatnik Style...

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Beat Generation rebelled against the materialism of the post-war American middle class by pulling away from what they deemed to be 'standard narrative values'. They prioritised spirituality and freedom from conformity and produced some of the most acclaimed art, literature, poetry, and music of the last 100 years.

Characterised by their black turtlenecks, sleek silhouettes, and penchant for accessorising with berets and sunglasses, beatnik style is easy to recognise - and even easier to implement into your transitional wardrobe!

The Breton Stripe Top

Community Clothing X Joanie - Seberg Monochrome Breton Stripe Top
Community Clothing X Joanie - Seberg Monochrome Breton Stripe Top

Beatnik wardrobes can be identified by a penchant for black and a Breton Tee or two thrown in for good measure, á la Jane Seberg. Named after the it girl herself, our Seberg Breton Top is simple, easy-to-style, and perfect for transitional dressing.

The '60s A-Line Dress

Fiona Polka Dot Print Blouse, Daphne Patch Pocket Pinafore Dress, Rouen Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes
Fiona Polka Dot Print Blouse, Daphne Patch Pocket Pinafore Dress, Rouen Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes

Our Daphne Pinafore Dress nods to the 1960s with its A-line silhouette and above the knee hemline. Pair with a cosy roll neck for effortless beatnik style, or wear with a pair of knee-high boots for extra '60s-inspired style points.

Ohlson Dogtooth Print Pinafore Dress, Paris Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes
Ohlson Dogtooth Print Pinafore Dress, Paris Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes

If you're looking for more of a statement style, look no further than our Ohlson Pinafore Dress! This monochrome dogtooth mini dress is perfect for embodying easy-going beatnik style - simply layer over your favourite black turtleneck and hit the coffee shop!

The Cigarette Trousers

Francis Dogtooth Print Tailored Blazer, Marilyn Dogtooth Print Tapered Trousers, Paris Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes
Francis Dogtooth Print Tailored Blazer, Marilyn Dogtooth Print Tapered Trousers, Paris Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes

Embracing beatnik style means looking for understated staples. Understated doesn't have to mean basic, though! Our Marilyn Cigarette Pants are comfy, chic, and easy to style - wear with the matching Francis Blazer for a touch of coordinated cool, or tuck in a plain black top for effortless '60s style.

The A-Line Skirt

Mandy Mid Wash Denim A-Line Mini Skirt
Mandy Mid Wash Denim A-Line Mini Skirt

Of course no Beatnik Style wardrobe would be complete without an easy-to-style A-line mini! This denim number pairs perfectly with a high neck top for easy '60s-inspired cool.

Fiona Polka Dot Print Blouse, Scarlett Velvet A-Line Skirt, Paris Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes
Fiona Polka Dot Print Blouse, Scarlett Velvet A-Line Skirt, Paris Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes

It doesn't get more classic than a little black skirt, and Scarlett really does it all. This '60s-style mini is our favourite transitional go-to - wear it with a Breton tee or a fitted blouse for easy beatnik style.

Discover more '60s-inspired styles online now!