July 11, 2023 8 min read

Welcome, fellow fashion enthusiasts and lovers of all things groovy! Step into a time machine with us as we embark on a journey back to the vibrant and free-spirited era of the 1970s. In this blog, we'll dive deep into the world of 70s Hippie Fashion, a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire and captivate fashionistas of all ages.

The 1970s was a decade characterized by immense social change and a rebellious spirit, and nowhere was this more evident than in the world of fashion. As the counterculture movement gained momentum, young people around the globe sought to break free from societal norms and express their individuality through their clothing. Out of this desire for freedom and self-expression emerged the iconic style that we now know as "Hippie Fashion."

Hippie fashion of the 70s was a colorful kaleidoscope of influences, blending elements from various cultures, art movements, and political ideologies. It was a fusion of bohemian, psychedelic, and folk aesthetics, with an emphasis on natural fabrics, flowy silhouettes, and an abundance of vibrant patterns and colors.

From bell-bottom pants that seemed to touch the skies to fringe-adorned vests that danced with every movement, the fashion choices of the era embodied a carefree and optimistic outlook on life. Hippies embraced a back-to-nature philosophy and often incorporated earthy elements like tie-dye, hemp, and feathers into their attire, all while adorning themselves with symbolic accessories such as peace signs, flower crowns, and love beads.

Not only did 70s Hippie Fashion reflect a rejection of the mainstream, but it also became a powerful form of protest against war, consumerism, and societal restrictions. Clothing was not simply a means of covering the body; it became a medium through which individuals could make powerful statements about their beliefs and values.

In this blog series, we will delve into the various components that defined the iconic style of the 70s Hippie Fashion. We will explore the significance of key clothing items, delve into the cultural influences that shaped the fashion movement, and uncover the lasting impact of this revolutionary style on the world of fashion and beyond.

So, slip on your platforms, embrace the peace and love vibes, and join us as we journey back to the 70s to celebrate the fashion revolution that was Hippie Fashion. Let's explore the sartorial magic that continues to inspire us, even decades later. Get ready to be transported to a time when fashion truly embodied the mantra of "make love, not war"!

The Emergence of 70's Hippie Fashion

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the hippie movement brought forth a new era in fashion that challenged traditional norms.

The conservative values and strict mores of the 1950s were replaced with a more leisurely style inspired by counterculture ideals.

This fresh perspective on clothing choices gave birth to an iconic hippie fashion era, characterized by unusual cuts, bold patterns, asymmetrical styling, bright colors, and psychedelic prints.

Unusual Cuts in Clothing Design

Hippies adopted unconventional styles like maxi dresses, peasant skirts, flared trousers (also known as bell bottoms), and wide-legged trousers.

These loose-fitting garments allowed for freedom of movement while breaking away from gender norms prevalent at that time.

70s Hippie Fashion Woman

Bold Patterns Inspired by Nature or Foreign Cultures

The hippie culture embraced colorful fabrics featuring intricate designs influenced by nature or foreign cultures.

Psychedelic prints often showcased swirling patterns or abstract shapes reminiscent of natural elements such as flowers or leaves.

List of popular patterns:

  • Tie-dye: A technique where fabric is twisted and dyed to create unique color combinations.
  • Paisley: An ornamental design resembling a teardrop shape with curved edges.
  • Ikat: A textile dyeing method producing blurred geometric patterns through resist dyeing techniques before weaving threads together into cloth.

Asymmetrical Styling Breaking Gender Norms

Hippies sought to challenge societal expectations surrounding gender roles through their fashion choices.

Males and females alike donned attire that was not typically connected to their gender like men sporting go-go boots or women wearing sleeveless tops.

Key Clothing Items in Hippie Fashion

The 70's hippie fashion era brought forth a variety of unique and comfortable clothing choices that still inspire contemporary fashion today.

  • Kaftans: Loose-fitting and colorful, kaftans were a staple for both men and women.
  • Flower child peasant tops/skirts: Lightweight and adorned with bright patterns, these pieces were inspired by traditional European folk attire.
  • Maxi dresses made from lightweight fabrics: These dresses allowed for freedom of movement while maintaining a fashionable appearance.

Beyond these essential pieces, other notable trends included bell-bottoms, go-go boots, and plain leather sandals worn without socks to showcase the natural beauty of one's feet.

Explore more about 70's hippie fashion styles and how they continue to impact modern design trends in our article on the influence of hippie culture on contemporary fashion.

70s Hippie Fashion Girl in Purple

Hairstyles & Personal Expression in Hippie Culture

 

  • Women pushed boundaries with various hemlines, ranging from mini skirts to maxi dresses, challenging societal expectations about modesty and femininity.
  • Makeup played an essential role in expressing one's identity during this period, with the use of vibrant colors on eyes and lips allowing individuals to make daring statements.
  • Hippies adopted a laid-back attitude towards personal grooming, emphasizing their desire for authenticity over superficial beauty standards imposed by society.
  • Embracing unique styles helped create lasting impacts on contemporary fashion, with hippie culture inspiring modern fashion designers like Jean Paul Gaultier.

Influence of Foreign Cultures on Hippie Style

During the hippie era, Westerners traveling abroad brought back garment inspirations incorporating foreign influences into the hippie style, creating an eclectic blend.

Ethnic Clothing

Hippies adopted styles such as Indian kurtas, African dashikis, and Mexican ponchos to create a unique fashion statement.

Colorful Patterns

  • Batik: A traditional Indonesian dyeing technique used to create intricate designs on fabric using wax-resist methods.
  • Ikat: A weaving style originating in Central Asia where threads are tie-dyed before being woven together to produce bold geometric patterns.
  • Paisley: An ornamental design resembling a teardrop shape with origins in ancient Persia but popularized by textiles imported from India during the late 1960s.

Bell-bottom Jeans and Tie-Dyed Fabrics

The influence of foreign cultures extended beyond just clothes; young people embraced flared trousers like bell bottoms inspired by sailors' uniforms and tie-dyed fabrics.

The latter became synonymous with hippie culture due to their vibrant colors created through folding or twisting cloth before applying dyes in various shades resulting in psychedelic prints perfect for expressing individuality within urban societies.

These clothing choices represented a laid-back attitude and a rejection of strict mores and gender norms, making them anti-establishment figures.

Today, hippie fashion continues to inspire modern fashion designers, with maxi dresses, peasant skirts, and wide-legged trousers making a comeback as retro fashion statements.

Whether you're looking for fashion inspiration or simply want to embrace a leisurely style, the hippie fashion era offers a wealth of clothing choices that you can wear today.

Accessories in 70's Hippie Fashion

The 1970s hippie fashion era was all about the accessories that completed the look, from nature-inspired or Native American jewelry to fringe boots & bandanas.

  • Jewelry pieces inspired by nature or handmade Native American designs added authenticity to outfits.
  • Fringe boots & bandanas were essential for achieving an authentic hippie look.
  • Feathers in hair and flower crowns were unique accessories that paid homage to Native American culture and spirituality.

Fringe boots offered both comfort and style, perfect for dancing at Woodstock, while flower crowns have seen a resurgence in recent years at music festivals like Coachella.

Incorporating these accessories into your wardrobe can help you achieve an authentic retro fashion statement while embracing the laid-back attitude and colorful patterns that defined the 70's hippie era.

Hippie Fashion's Impact on Industries

Hippie fashion had a profound impact on various industries, including flight attendants who adopted elements like maxi dresses and flared pants into their uniforms.

  • Loose-fitting clothing and bright patterns: Incorporated into many professional environments, including airline companies, allowing for a more leisurely style in the workplace while still maintaining professionalism.
  • Denim jackets: Became a staple in urban societies as an everyday wear item thanks to their versatility and durability.

Hippie fashion continues to inspire contemporary designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier who often incorporate vintage clothing from this era into modern collections.

Many current trends can be traced back to late 1960s styles - think wide-legged trousers or go-go boots.

Beyond aesthetics, the ideals behind hippie culture have left lasting impressions on social issues and gender norms within society today.

For example, women wearing revealing outfits or men with long hair are now widely accepted due in part to these anti-establishment figures challenging strict mores at that time.

If you're looking for authentic pieces from this influential period in history, Shop Thrift offers a curated collection of 70's hippie fashion items at affordable prices.

Shop Thrift's Collection of 70's Hippie Fashion

For a more relaxed style, check out our selection of genuine 70's hippie fashion. Shop Thrift has got you covered with our extensive collection of authentic 70's hippie clothing and accessories.

  • Vintage Clothing: Discover unique pieces like maxi dresses, peasant skirts, bell bottoms, and more - all handpicked for quality and authenticity.
  • Fashion Accessories: Complete your retro fashion statement with items like go-go boots, urban-inspired jewelry, or plain leather bags featuring peace signs.
  • Hair & Beauty: Channel your inner Jimi Hendrix with long hair accessories, colorful fabric headbands, and psychedelic prints.

But don't worry, you don't have to be a history buff to appreciate the leisurely style and colorful fabrics that hippies adopted. Our collection is perfect for anyone looking to make a fashion statement with contemporary fashion that has a retro twist.

At Shop Thrift, we strive to provide fashion that is accessible and affordable for all without compromising on style or quality.

Browse through our online store today to find your perfect piece (or pieces) inspired by the unforgettable hippie culture of the 70s and make a fashion statement that stands out from the crowd.

Conclusion

70's hippie fashion was all about challenging conformity and promoting personal expression, with key clothing items including kaftans, bell bottoms, and granny dresses.

Hair trends were long and untamed for both men and women, breaking gender norms and embracing natural beauty.

The influence of foreign cultures on hippie style led to travel-inspired designs and ethnic clothing integration, while accessories such as nature-inspired pieces and statement-making jewelry completed the look.

Today, the impact of hippie fashion can still be seen in contemporary takes on vintage trends, proving that true style never goes out of fashion.