Hippy Clothes - 1960's Hippy Clothing

The 1960’s hippy clothing have influenced loads of people all over and also raised quite a few eyebrows. The hippy culture and the hippy clothing have been a part of our lifestyle in some way or the other! The hippie culture was a phenomenon that began in the 1960s and this was originally a youth movement that began in the United States. The hippy clothes have always inspired me in quite a few ways and days in high school were spent in trying to create hippy clothing at home! The hippie culture was a very independent kind of movement. Here, the hippies tried to free themselves from social restriction. They always wanted to choose their own way and find the their own meaning of life. Being a part of the hippy culture was considered ‘cool’ and ‘in’ to many. The hippy clothing therefore reflects this kind of thinking through the styles and the cuts of the fabrics.

Hippy Clothes-1960’s Hippy Clothing:

The 1960’s hippy clothing started a phenomenon that is still inspiring designers to incorporate it in their designer wear. Besides, these are also popular with most youngsters as well. The hippy clothes always are easy to distinguish. These always include brightly colored fabrics with unusual styles and patterns; long flared skirts, bell-bottom pants, tie and dye garments, peasant styles tops etc. These kind of clothing were purchased from the local flea markets and sometimes even from the second hand shops. Even till date, some of my favorite items of the hippy clothing have come from the local flea markets at the Anjuna beach, Goa, India. Such flea markets have assorted options of long flared skirts, footwear and bags that can help you get the hippie look. The hippy culture was also visible through the fusion of the folk music with the blues, folk and psychedelic rock music.

Skirts that formed a part of the 1960’s hippy clothing were colorful, flared and funky. If you wish to don the hippy look today, you can go in for long and flowing skirts that help to unleash your wild side! Look for skirts made in corduroys with contrasting colors. Some of the skirts are available in 3 tiers with floral prints and appliqué work. Patches of cloth that have varied prints can be stitched together to make a beautiful hippy skirt. When worn with peasant tops these can look really chic. If you wish to tone down the flamboyance of the skirt, then go in for a plain white peasant top to play down the colors. Accessories were also an important part in hippy clothing. The bags are generally in cotton fabrics in shades of plum, browns, reds or earthy tones.. Some of them have vintage motifs as well. Men as well as women also loved to accessorize the hippy look with Native American jewelry, colorful headscarves, headbands and long beaded necklaces. Pants with decorative side panels in vibrant patterns were also popular. These had a freaky yet cool look, which most hippies could identify with. Ladies also sported hooded dresses where the bodice and the hood are lined. Such dresses were long and flowing with long sleeves and loud colors.

Well, if you are really fascinated with hippy clothes and need to get these into your wardrobe, here are a few tips you can use! You can go in for-

• Hip hugging bellbottom jeans with wide belts.
• Halter tops.
• Men can go in for leather vests and sport long hair and beards; these have to be unkempt.
• Micro minis with chains.
• Ankle bells.
• Leather sandals.
• Tie and dye garments.
• Patched skirts.
• Colorful headbands worn with a flower.
• Colorful tees.
• A peace symbol locket. (Peace symbols were prominently used in the hippy clothing.)

The neo hippie movement has seen a new turn in the hippie culture. Most people who belong to this movement do not always practice the use of drugs. Neo hippies are those people who are the children or grandchildren of the original hippies. Well, whatever controversies may be associated with this culture, hippy clothes sure are one of my favorites and I think its time I shopped for some as well! Peace to all beings on Earth!