50s Malibu has long been known to be a tastemaker
Malibu beaches showcased daring and innovative
of quintessential California girl style. Here, classic
bikini styles. The first bikinis had a waistline that was
while Paul Lynde sported fitted high-rise boxer swim
looks are upheld while new ones are simultaneously
below the navel and featured bandeau-style tops.
trunks.
two-piece that accentuated her curvaceous figure,
created. Malibu residents range from rogue surfers
While these pieces, often called “culottes nombrils,”
When the revolutionary hippie-culture began
to runway-inspired fashionistas and everything in
may be classified as a “modest” style today, in 1960,
it engulfed America in the 1970s, Malibu fashion
between; all at once a low maintenance yet ultra-
they were bold statements of femininity. As the
continued to transform. Style was sun-soaked and
glam vibe is created. What makes Malibu seem like
decade progressed, bikinis morphed into “itsy-bitsy”
relaxed, characterizing this free-spirited decade.
such a dreamlike fantasy is its gradual yet stunning
and “teeny-weeny” as the surface area began to
Peasant tops and heirloom pants were “in,” and soft
stylistic transformation over the years, expressed
shrink. Swimwear was part of the sun-loving Malibu
maxi-dresses exemplified laid-back Malibu. While
through the unique fashion trends of its residents.
resident’s everyday wardrobe, as seen multiple beach
platform shoes and metallic button downs were
In the 1960s, Malibu was a town centered on
party movies. In “Beach Blanket Bingo,” actress
widespread in the city, comfortable mini-skirts and
three necessities: sun, surf and sand. In the ‘60s,
Linda Evans pranced around the Malibu coast in a
bell-bottoms were more common on the coast. After 11