Hippies (derived from the word hipster) were the natural outgrowth of the Beat movement in the 1950s. Interested in an alternative lifestyle and rebelling against a society grown increasingly conformist and repressive, they were focused on freedom and getting back to nature.
Hippie Styling
Hippie clothing was often loose and made of natural fibers like cotton and hemp. Men and women grew their hair long and eschewed products and fussy styling (although, contrary to popular belief, they did still shampoo). The black turtlenecks and trousers worn by the Beatniks, male and female, morphed into peasant blouses and jeans. Anything handmade, whether sewn, knit or woven as macramé, was prized. Gradually, this extended towards dyeing one's own clothes, and the colorful tie-dye style became popular.
Hip hugger bell-bottom jeans, preferably with fringe at the ankle and flower patches, were seen everywhere. Peasant blouses, T-shirts, or just a skimpy halter top all went well with jeans. Accessories were anything handmade, and many included peace symbols as the Vietnam War escalated.
In ladies' 60s fashions, the skirts and dresses were nothing like what was seen on runways. Not since the 1920s did fashion change so radically, and youth define what was acceptable. The hemlines that shocked conservatives in the 1920s nearly gave some people apoplexy in the 1960s, as girls with good legs sported mini and even micro mini skirts. A short skirt was worn with suede knee-high boots in cool weather, or sandals on hot summer days.
Dresses were either short and skimmed the body, or they were long, loose peasant or granny dresses. A peasant dress reflected a Renaissance maiden, and flowing ribbons in the hair and on the dress often enhanced the look. Of course, there were also flowers.
Popular Patterns
Two of the most popular patterns in hippie clothing were floral and tie-dye, but there were others that showed up time and time again in the free-spirited clothing they wore. There was usually quite a bit of color and the clothes could involve:
Psychedelic designs
Op art
Paisley
Stripes (even the bell-bottoms)
Flower Power
It's been talked about so much that it's now a cliché, or even a joke, but flowers were very emblematic of the hippie movement. Nothing represented peace and love so much as a flower, and they were everywhere. Floral patterns were popular on tops and dresses, and flower patches adorned skirts and jeans. Real flowers were worn in the hair, and flower images were painted on the face. Hippies argued that in the face of ugliness in the world, it was important to display as much natural beauty as possible.
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Hippie Accessories
Simple was key to 1960s hippie fashion. Women's jewelry was mostly handmade or derived from Native American or similar designs influenced by nature. Beads were hugely popular, as was any necklace sporting a peace sign. Music being so much a part of the hippie scene, jewelry that made music was desirable. Some women wore necklaces that featured bells as pendants, and many wore jangly ankle bracelets. The ankles received a lot of attention in general, because many hippies, especially those living on the warm west coast, preferred to go barefoot. This was not a popular time for pedicures.
The Hippie Influence
While this was not the first time in fashion history that a youth movement affected the clothing industry, it did have the strongest impact. Designers found themselves very much taking their cues from the young people, and never again would the majority of American women be dictated to by the fashion industry. Trends continue to come and go, but women who found their own style and individuality in the 1960s have never let it go and passed much of it on to their daughters.
Many males grew beards, and both men and women wore sandals and beads. Long flowing so-called granny dresses were popular with women, and rimless granny glasses with both men and women. For many The Whole Earth Catalog, which first appeared in 1968, became a source for the necessities of life.
A simple peasant dress, bell-bottom jeans, a floppy hat or a peace symbol all give a distinct hippie look. An easy way to pull of the hippie look is by adding a few popular accessories.
Hippies enjoyed bare feet. Shoes were usually flip flops, Birkenstocks, sneakers or moccasins. If I recall correctly, some guys wore suede hiking boots on occasion. Converse was a well-known brand back then, so I suppose a lot of hippies wore them, too.
In addition to tailored skirts, women wore stiletto heel shoes and suits with short boxy jackets, and oversized buttons. Simple, geometric dresses, known as shifts, were also in style. For evening wear, full-skirted evening dresses were worn; these often had low necklines or boat-necklines and close-fitting waists.
The counterculture movement was the result of a generation that rejected social norms and traditional ways of previous decades. A new identity was born at the start of the counterculture movement in the late 1960s.
Purples, indigoes, violets and lilacs are standbys in the world of hippie clothing fashion. The crown and third eye chakras are associated with violet and indigo respectively, meaning that purples connect us with our higher, spiritual selves and our intuition.
A modern hippie style combines soft and creative style personality types. Some staple items for this type of wardrobe include tiered, floral maxi dresses; short, flowy shift dress; high-waisted flare jeans; loose, blousy tops; brown, suede boots; hats; and fashion scarves.
Bell bottoms and similar flared trousers are still highly popular today, especially flared jeans and velvet or velour bell bottoms. Characterised by a high neckline and long sleeves, the Granny dress was highly popular amongst Hippies, and was often paired with large, rimless 'granny' glasses.
A length of braided cord or leather, possible with a few beads on it, that was knotted around the wrist, often as a gift from a friend. Leather bracelets, chockers, anklets. Meaningful medallions: a large symbol worn on a cord or chain. Peace signs everywhere, yin-yang and I ching symbols, Ohm symbols, Zodiac signs.
At the end of the decade the hippie look gained popularity, which focused on a more natural look of light brown mascara, clear lip gloss, and sparse blush and powder.
Sheath and A-line minidresses, both without defined waists, were popular silhouettes. These modern designs dominated the mid-sixties as fashion moved toward a more playful and freeing look. While the miniskirt reached its height mid-decade, by the late 1960s, a new style and culture was emerging.
The mini skirt, hot pants, colored tights and plastic macs — we owe them all to design pioneer and epitome of sixties style, Quant. Mary Quant was one of the greatest 1960s fashion influence. Her style moved away from “grown-up fashion” to playful “youth” driven fashion.
The early 60s saw the full skirt was shorter that the 50s versions, reaching just below the knee rather than mid calf. The waist tended to be enhanced by ruching, ribbon trims or cumme*rbands. The second silhouette is a slim fitted one and was a boxy jacket paired with a slim pencil skirt or sheath dress.
They often wore long flowing garments like bell bottoms, peasant skirts, tunics, and kaftans. These clothes were made in the most colourful fabrics or with macramé patterns. They usually wore tights or leggings underneath those layers and were accessorized with chunky jewellery or feathers in their long hair.
A modern hippie style combines soft and creative style personality types. Some staple items for this type of wardrobe include tiered, floral maxi dresses; short, flowy shift dress; high-waisted flare jeans; loose, blousy tops; brown, suede boots; hats; and fashion scarves.
Earth colors such as brown, green or ocher are often preferred. Hippie fashion is decorated and decorated with floral patterns, psychedelic designs or batik. Today this style of clothing is often interpreted in new and different ways and this fashion trend has evolved over the last few decades.
Hippie fashion was all about natural fibers and vibrant colors. Psychedelic patterns were a hit, and so were ethnic prints. The clothing was a mashup of styles inspired by various cultures, a true reflection of the hippie ethos of unity and freedom.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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