Dolly Girl is a fashion trend and feminine archetype that emerged in the mid-1960s from within the London Mod subculture. As a distinct expression of the Swinging Sixties youthquake, the style was defined by an exaggeratedly childlike and doll-like aesthetic. It combined playful innocence with a modern, fashion-forward sensibility, rejecting the structured and mature styles of the previous decade. The look was characterized by clothing that mimicked or was sometimes literally sourced from children's departments, creating a deliberately naive and girlish silhouette.

The cornerstone of the Dolly Girl wardrobe was the babydoll dress, a short, often shapeless A-line frock with a high waistline. These dresses, along with the newly popularized miniskirt, were central to the look and featured overtly girlish details such as Peter Pan collars, puffed sleeves, lace trim, frills, and ribbons. Fabrics were typically soft and delicate, like chiffon and cotton, often in pastel shades of pink, blue, and yellow, or adorned with simple floral and gingham patterns. This was commonly paired with white tights or knee-high socks and flat, round-toed Mary Jane shoes.

The beauty standard was equally crucial and was heavily popularized by the supermodel Twiggy. The look centered on creating the illusion of large, wide-set, doll-like eyes. This was achieved with heavy mascara on both top and bottom lashes (or false lashes), pale eyeshadow, and a defined crease line drawn in the socket of the eyelid. The rest of the face was kept minimal, with pale foundation and nude or pale pink lipstick, further emphasizing the eyes and enhancing the childlike appearance. Hairstyles were either long and straight with a fringe or a short, boyish pixie cut, as famously worn by Mia Farrow.

During the 60s, the Dolly Girl fashion trend most likely represented some type of social progress in the United Kingdom and also western society in general. Mini skirts were still seen as immoral or uncomfortable by a majority of people, and along with that, participating in such fashion trend that involved wearing child-like clothing was considered really risky socially and culturally. Yet the Dolly Girls claimed back their feminity and the garments were as short as they could've been at the time. The style was considered childish and sweetness yet somewhat provocative, mixing childlike innocence with an grown-up touch.

The style was at its peak popularity during the Swinging Sixties, and it was most worn by Mod girls and people who frequently shopped at the Carnaby Street in London. The most well-known model who was really representative of the Dolly Girl style was Patie Boyd. Britt Ekland, Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton also influenced it and participated in the fashion trend, with some of the most iconic elements being the hairstyles.

The style generally embodied childlike innocence, unapologetic femininity and flirtatiousness through playful combinations. The look was completely inspired by little girls, with the Dolly Girls looking like babies but at the same time like stylish adult women.

The dresses are often loose-fitting and use the "Babydoll" style, including elements like pastel colours, patterns, prints and Peter Pan collars. Handmade dresses were typically made with the crochet pattern, which was really prevalent in 60s fashion. Another commonly used pattern is gingham/vichy. Miniskirts were also popularized during the decade, and they were as short as they could've been at the time because of the estabilished social norms. Skirts that covered the knees were seen as unfashionable during the decade.

Knee high socks were typically white and patterned, and they were often worn along with school girl shoes. Other accessories include bows, lace and ribbons, which were included in both clothes and their hairstyles. Overall, a lot of these accessories were also purchased from the children's sections at fashion shops.

The hairstyles were also another important defining feature of the Dolly Girl look. Their hairstyles were often long and slightly teased, and multiple models at the time also wore pigtails. However, pigtails were mostly used with matching outfits and accessories. Some icons of the style also posed with plushies in their photos.

Makeup was kept simple and natural. Pale skin, rosy cheeks and a small touch of mascara were common. Some Dolly Girls also wore fake eyelashes to further exaggerate the youthful look.

The Dolly Girl fashion trend was considered controversial in the 60s due to the social norms of the time, and due to some specific aspects it could probably still be seen as such today. The focus on shorter clothing, mini-skirts and attire designed for babies and children was often seen as weird and problematic and sometimes misinterpreted as "sexualizing" younger people, although the style itself focuses more on cuteness and innocence than sexuality. However, the rise of the feminist movement in the United Kingdom during the decade also changed the common perceptions of "modesty" and traditional feminine gender roles. Therefore, the Dolly Girl style was considered both controversial and chic or "empowering" at the time.