The 1970s hippie style emerged from the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s, representing a rejection of mainstream fashion and a desire for peace, freedom, and a connection to nature. This aesthetic embraced individuality and self-expression, moving away from the structured silhouettes of previous decades. Recreating this look involves adopting a specific set of garments, textures, and accessories that communicate a relaxed, earth-conscious sensibility.
Defining the Silhouette: Core Garments
The foundation of the 70s hippie look is a silhouette that emphasizes length and flow, often contrasting a fitted upper body with a dramatically widened lower half. The most recognizable garment is the bell-bottom or flared jean, which fits snugly through the hip and thigh before widening significantly from the knee down to the ankle. This cut was frequently made from denim, the decade’s defining fabric, which was often worn, patched, or embroidered to reflect a non-conformist attitude.
For tops, the peasant blouse was a popular choice, characterized by its loose fit, wide sleeves, and gathered necklines. These blouses often featured folk-inspired embroidery, drawing influence from Mexican or Eastern European traditional clothing. Alternatively, the look was built around long, flowing dresses and skirts, specifically the ankle-length maxi dress or tiered prairie skirt.
Layering pieces added depth and texture to the overall shape, contributing to the style’s bohemian feel. Fringed vests made of suede or leather were frequently worn over blouses or simple tops. Ponchos and capes also served as outer layers, providing an unstructured, comfortable drape.
The Aesthetic: Essential Fabrics and Patterns
The visual identity of the 70s hippie style relies heavily on vibrant, nature-inspired patterns and the use of natural, tactile materials. Tie-dye was the quintessential pattern, a DIY technique that produced bright, psychedelic swirls of color, symbolizing the era’s experimental approach to clothing. This technique was applied to everything from simple t-shirts to flowing maxi dresses.
Prints were dominated by paisley and large, stylized floral motifs, often featuring bright colors that reflected the “flower power” movement. These patterns frequently drew inspiration from global cultures, incorporating Indian, Native American, and African designs to celebrate cultural diversity. Beyond prints, the texture of the fabric itself was important, with suede being a favored material for vests and jackets due to its natural, earthy feel.
Crochet and macramé were also widely used, appearing in vests, tops, and bags, adding an artisanal quality to the garments. Denim was rarely left plain; it was often brushed, colored, or adorned with patches and intricate embroidery, transforming a utilitarian fabric into a personalized statement piece.
Finishing Touches: Accessories and Footwear
Accessories were used to personalize the look, often incorporating natural elements and symbolic motifs. Headbands were a defining accessory, worn either across the forehead or simply holding back long hair, sometimes adorned with flowers or feathers. Jewelry was layered and chunky, moving away from traditional precious metals in favor of handcrafted ornaments made from wood, shells, stones, and beads.
The peace sign was a common motif, appearing on necklaces, patches, and earrings, directly referencing the movement’s political stance. Sunglasses were typically large and round, often featuring tinted lenses, such as the iconic “Lennon glasses” style. Bags were frequently made of woven materials or featured long fringe, such as the suede shoulder bag.
Footwear provided height and an earthy grounding to the flowing garments. Platform sandals and clogs, often featuring wooden soles, were popular choices that added significant lift. Other options included worn leather boots, huaraches, and earth shoes, all favoring comfort and natural materials.
The Natural Look: Hair and Beauty
The beauty aesthetic of the 70s hippie was characterized by a relaxed, low-maintenance approach that celebrated natural features. Hair was typically worn long, loose, and flowing, often parted down the middle to emphasize a natural, unstyled appearance. Loose waves or simple braids were common.
Makeup was kept minimal, focusing on a fresh, sun-kissed complexion rather than heavy foundation or contouring. The eyes were sometimes accented with soft, matte earth tones, such as greens and browns, or occasionally a shimmery pastel blue. Lips were finished with a natural shade or a simple layer of lip gloss, completing the look with a healthy, hydrated shine.