Is Hippie Style 60s or 70s?

The hippie style emerged primarily in the 1960s and continued to influence fashion through the early 1970s. The term "hippie" itself is derived from "hipster," a subculture that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. However, the full-fledged hippie movement, characterized by a rejection of societal norms, a focus on peace, love, and environmentalism, and a distinctive style of clothing, gained prominence in the mid-1960s.

The 1960s hippie style was marked by a rebellious and countercultural attitude, and the fashion of this era reflected the desire for individualism and non-conformity. Key elements of 1960s hippie fashion included tie-dye clothing, bell-bottom pants, flowy maxi dresses, colorful prints, and an embrace of natural materials.

As the 1970s unfolded, some aspects of the hippie style continued to influence fashion, particularly in the early part of the decade. Elements such as earthy tones, bohemian prints, and loose, flowing silhouettes remained popular. However, by the mid-1970s, fashion trends shifted towards a more polished and disco-inspired aesthetic, marking the end of the peak hippie era.

While the heyday of the hippie movement was in the 1960s, the style continued to linger and evolve into the early 1970s, leaving a lasting impact on fashion, music, and culture. The 1960s and 1970s are often collectively associated with the broader countercultural and bohemian movements, with the hippie style serving as a distinctive and iconic representation of that era.

Key Features of 1960s Hippie Fashion:

Tie-Dye and Psychedelic Prints:

Tie-dye became synonymous with the hippie movement. Vibrant, swirling patterns in a kaleidoscope of colors adorned clothing, reflecting the psychedelic experiences and artistic expressions associated with the era.

Bell-Bottom Pants:

Bell-bottom pants, featuring a flare at the bottom, were a defining element of hippie fashion. This style was both practical and a form of rebellion against the more tailored and conservative clothing of previous decades.

Maxi Dresses and Flowy Silhouettes:

Maxi dresses with loose, flowing silhouettes became popular among women. These dresses often featured bohemian prints, embroidery, and a carefree, ethereal aesthetic.

Natural Fabrics and Earthy Tones:

Embracing a back-to-nature philosophy, hippie fashion favored natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Earthy tones such as browns, greens, and oranges were prevalent, reflecting a connection to the environment.

Fringe and Embroidery:

Clothing and accessories adorned with fringe and intricate embroidery added a handmade and artisanal touch to hippie ensembles. This DIY aspect of fashion echoed the movement's rejection of mass-produced consumerism.

Unisex Clothing:

The androgynous aspect of hippie fashion challenged traditional gender norms. Unisex clothing, including jeans, T-shirts, and vests, allowed for a sense of equality and communal spirit.

Natural Hairstyles:

Long, flowing hair was a symbol of rebellion against the clean-cut hairstyles of the previous decade. Both men and women embraced a more natural and carefree approach to hairstyling.

Accessories:

Hippie accessories included headbands, floppy hats, round sunglasses, and layers of beaded jewelry. Symbolic items like peace signs and the Om symbol were commonly incorporated into jewelry and accessories.

Sandals and Barefoot Style:

Hippies often went barefoot or wore sandals, reflecting a desire for a simpler, grounded lifestyle. Earthy footwear, like leather sandals and moccasins, complemented the natural aesthetic.

The hippie movement reached its zenith in the late 1960s, with events like the Summer of Love in 1967, where thousands of young people gathered in San Francisco to celebrate peace, love, and music. The ethos of the movement, along with its distinctive fashion, continued to influence the early 1970s. However, as the 1970s progressed, fashion trends shifted toward a more polished and disco-inspired style, marking the end of the peak era of the hippie movement.

Despite its relatively short-lived prominence, the impact of the hippie style on fashion and culture has endured. Elements of hippie fashion continue to inspire contemporary bohemian and eclectic styles, attesting to the lasting legacy of this iconic countercultural movement.