Discover the shocking truths behind the style, scandal, and swagger of 1960s high society.
You’ve probably heard countless stories about the 1960s, but the high society version of that decade—the world depicted in shows like Mad Men—operated on an entirely different plane. It was a heady mix of ambition, appearances, and unapologetic indulgence, where bold choices weren’t just encouraged; they were expected. Every detail of daily life, from the clothes people wore to how they conducted business and socialized, radiated a distinctive and daring energy.
For anyone curious about what made this time so captivating—and at times, so outrageous—this glimpse into the 1960s high society will offer plenty of jaw-dropping moments. Here are 13 wild, fascinating, and often shocking aspects that defined the swagger, scandal, and style of the “Mad Men” era.
1. Everyone Smoked Like It Was a Sport
In the 1960s, smoking wasn’t just a habit—it was a cultural norm that practically everyone participated in without a second thought, according to researchers at Wiley Online Library. Lighting up a cigarette was as common as taking a breath. You’d find people smoking in places we’d now find unthinkable: hospitals, offices, grocery stores, and even during family dinners. It was deeply woven into every social interaction, with smoke-filled rooms being a typical part of any gathering, whether formal or casual.
Ashtrays were as much a part of the decor as the furniture itself. Every desk, coffee table, and restaurant booth had one. The act of lighting a cigarette carried a sense of style and sophistication, often used to convey confidence or allure. Concerns about health risks were virtually nonexistent, and instead, the focus was on the image it projected. Looking back, it’s startling to realize how socially accepted and ingrained smoking was during that time.
2. Three-Martini Lunches Were a Daily Ritual
In the business world of the 1960s, the line between work and leisure was strikingly thin. Long, alcohol-soaked lunches weren’t considered irresponsible—they were practically a business strategy. Executives regularly gathered for lunches where three martinis—or more—were the norm, not the exception, Steve Penner shared at Seacoastonline. Deals were made, alliances were forged, and reputations were built between sips of gin or vodka, all under the soft clink of cocktail glasses.
Returning to the office afterward, slightly buzzed or outright drunk, was simply part of the game. There was an unspoken bravado in being able to handle your liquor while maintaining composure. Productivity often took a backseat to maintaining appearances and cultivating relationships. Today, such behavior would likely result in HR interventions, but back then, it was just another Tuesday in the world of high-powered professionals.
3. Women Were Expected to Be Perfect Housewives
For women, the 1960s presented a rigid and unforgiving standard of perfection, as stated by Kenneth T. Walsh at U.S News. The cultural message was crystal clear: a woman’s value was measured by how well she maintained her household, raised her children, and supported her husband—all while looking effortlessly beautiful. Magazines, advertisements, and television shows relentlessly pushed the image of the graceful, smiling housewife who managed everything with ease and grace.
Even for women who held jobs, the domestic responsibilities didn’t lessen. They were expected to excel at both roles simultaneously, juggling career and home life without faltering. The immense pressure to uphold this ideal often led to exhaustion and unspoken resentment. While some women quietly challenged these expectations, many felt trapped by the societal norms that dictated their worth and purpose.
4. Office Hierarchies Were All About Power and Ego
The corporate environment of the 1960s was a testosterone-fueled arena where dominance and status were constantly on display. Titles weren’t just job descriptions—they were symbols of power that men proudly wielded. Office politics were cutthroat, and appearances were everything. The corner office wasn’t just a workspace; it was a visible marker of one’s importance and success.
Secretaries, almost exclusively women, were expected to be loyal, accommodating, and impeccably dressed. Their roles often extended far beyond administrative duties, sometimes veering into inappropriate and uncomfortable territory due to the rampant sexism of the time. The hierarchy was steep, and challenging the status quo was nearly impossible. The workplace of the “Mad Men” era operated under an unspoken rulebook that glorified male dominance and minimized female autonomy.
5. Advertising Was the Ultimate Career of Glamour
In the 1960s, few careers carried the mystique and allure of advertising. The men—and occasionally women—who crafted the catchy jingles and provocative campaigns were seen as cultural architects, wielding extraordinary influence over public tastes and trends. Their work shaped consumer desires and even cultural norms, making them some of the most envied and admired figures of the era.
The pressure to continually produce groundbreaking campaigns was immense. Ad agencies buzzed with energy, creativity, and a competitive edge that often fueled personal rivalries and oversized egos. Long hours were punctuated by lavish client dinners, late-night brainstorming sessions, and a steady flow of cocktails. The high-stakes environment was intoxicating for those who could keep up, but it also came with significant personal costs for many.
6. Cocktail Culture Was Practically a Religion
Alcohol wasn’t reserved for special occasions—it was seamlessly integrated into nearly every aspect of social life. Home bars were meticulously stocked, and mixing a cocktail was an essential skill for any respectable host. Whether entertaining guests, relaxing after work, or simply unwinding in the evening, having a drink in hand was almost automatic.
Whiskey, gin, vodka, and vermouth were staples, with countless classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Martini reigning supreme. Parties often featured elaborate drink menus and hosts who took pride in their bartending prowess. Drinking was not seen as a vice but rather a sophisticated indulgence that everyone participated in, regardless of the time of day. The normalization of constant alcohol consumption remains one of the most striking differences from modern social norms.
7. Fashion Was Bold, Elegant, and Unapologetically Chic
Style in the 1960s high society was meticulous, polished, and deeply intentional. Men stepped out in sharply tailored suits, complete with ties and pocket squares, while women’s wardrobes featured pencil skirts, form-fitting dresses, and flawless hairstyles. Every outfit was carefully chosen to project success, sophistication, and attention to detail.
Casual wear was nearly nonexistent in public spaces; appearances mattered far too much to risk looking sloppy. The fashion choices weren’t merely about aesthetics—they were powerful statements of social standing and self-respect. Iconic designers flourished, setting trends that would later become timeless symbols of the era’s refined taste. Even today, the enduring influence of 1960s fashion is evident in countless modern styles.
8. Suburban Living Was the Dream Everyone Chased
For many, achieving the suburban dream was the ultimate measure of success. The ideal included a spacious home with manicured lawns, a new car in the driveway, and children dressed to impress. This vision of domestic bliss symbolized stability, prosperity, and the fulfillment of post-war American optimism.
However, beneath the polished surface, suburban life often came with its own set of pressures. The conformity of neighborhood expectations, the financial strain of maintaining appearances, and the isolation from urban cultural life sometimes led to quiet dissatisfaction. Yet, the image of suburban perfection remained so powerful that few dared to question its costs openly.
9. Men Ruled the Social Scene Without Apology
Social events, professional gatherings, and even intimate dinner parties were arenas where men naturally assumed center stage. They were expected to exude charm, confidence, and authority, seamlessly navigating conversations and decision-making roles while their wives played supportive, often silent roles.
The gender imbalance in these social settings reflected broader societal norms that gave men almost unquestioned control over both public and private spheres. Women’s contributions were frequently downplayed or ignored altogether. This unspoken hierarchy was rarely contested and deeply embedded in the era’s definition of success and propriety.
10. People Worked Hard, but They Played Even Harder
The 1960s high society lived by an intense rhythm of ambition paired with hedonism. Long, grueling workdays were often followed by extravagant evenings filled with cocktails, fine dining, and glamorous parties. Balancing career ambition with an active social life was almost a competitive sport, with many striving to outdo one another in both arenas.
Weekends were no respite but extensions of the social calendar, filled with country club outings, cocktail parties, and cultural events. Rest and moderation were rarely priorities. Instead, the era thrived on excess, where pushing personal limits was often seen as a mark of sophistication and success. It was a lifestyle that demanded stamina, confidence, and a flair for indulgence.
11. Everyone Lived for Appearances, Even Behind Closed Doors
Maintaining a flawless public image was a central obsession. Marriages that were struggling, personal struggles, or financial difficulties were carefully concealed behind polished exteriors. The phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” wasn’t just a saying—it was a way of life that governed everything from one’s career to one’s home decor.
The intense focus on appearances often led people to live double lives, projecting an image of happiness and prosperity while privately grappling with very real problems. Divorce, infidelity, and emotional distress were hidden beneath layers of charm and propriety, as public shame carried devastating social consequences. Protecting one’s reputation was a full-time endeavor that demanded constant vigilance.
12. Print Advertising Was the King of Influence
Before the rise of digital media, print advertisements held enormous cultural power. Glossy magazine spreads and full-page newspaper ads didn’t merely promote products—they sold dreams, aspirations, and entire lifestyles. Companies used clever slogans, captivating imagery, and aspirational messaging to dictate public perception.
The influence of these ads extended far beyond commerce, subtly defining gender roles, beauty standards, and consumer values. The ability of a single print campaign to sway public opinion or launch a brand into cultural prominence was unparalleled. Advertising agencies operated as tastemakers, steering both public discourse and private desires through their creative mastery.
13. Change Was in the Air, but Tradition Held Firm
While the 1960s are often remembered for their revolutionary shifts, much of high society remained stubbornly anchored in tradition. The winds of change—civil rights, feminism, counterculture—were beginning to stir, but many clung tightly to the established norms that had governed their lives for decades.
This tension between progress and preservation created an atmosphere of quiet unease beneath the glamour. Younger generations started to question authority, gender roles, and societal expectations, planting the seeds for the dramatic transformations that would explode in the years to follow. Yet, during much of the “Mad Men” era, tradition still held the reins tightly, defining what it meant to belong and succeed.