Women's fashion in the 1960s was inspired by the hippie movement which advocated peace and love and was surrounded by a prevalent music scene with events like Woodstock, a focus on nature and environmentalism and an attitude of nonconformism and questioning authority.If you want to dress like a hippie, learn how to do it with clothes and accessories.
Step 1: There are flowing tops or tie-dye.
tunics and caftans have full sleeves and drape over the body in a very comfortable and loose-fitting style.Go for tie-dye shirts and tank tops.Choose tops in white or earth tones.It wasn't until later in the hippie movement that colors and patterns were brighter.Try wearing a leotard, undershirt, or other garment as a top.It was very popular for female Hippies to abandon this item of clothing, so consider going without a bra underneath your shirt.
Step 2: Go for long or mini skirts.
For a 1960s look, choose a mini skirt in a shift or a-line cut.The skirt is made from cotton or another light material.You can choose dresses that are light and flowing.If you wear a mini skirt, look for tights that are black, colored, or patterned.Short caftan-style dresses with full sleeves were a popular style.There are animal print dresses and skirts.
Step 3: Pick out bell bottoms.
Go for bellbottoms with the classic wide leg at the bottom, or simply regular jeans in a relaxed fit.There are pants made of crushed velvet as well.There are jewel tones in pants, like brown, dark green, yellow, or maroon.
Step 4: Find fringe jackets and vests.
Top your outfit with a large vest or jacket that has fringe on the sleeves and back.It's a good idea to look for nylon, velvet/velveteen, batik, satin, fur, chiffon, hemp, and polyester as popular material for jackets, coats and tops.A long coat or poncho is a good way to warm up.For the look that many used to protest and ironize the military in the 60s, wear a green or camo army jacket.
Step 5: You should wear a headband or headscarf.
Fasten a headband or scarf around your head so that it goes across your forehead.You can use beads, flowers, braided cord or leather to make a headband.
Step 6: You should wear a few pieces of jewelry.
You can either stick to the classic love beads and peace symbol trends of the 60s or go for colorful and bold pieces made of natural materials.A fun and musical addition that was popular in this decade was an ankle bracelet with bells.If you are in doubt, wear jewelry with a peace sign on it.
Step 7: Don't grow out your hair if you want to wear it naturally.
For a goal of the most natural and low-maintenance hairstyle possible, even bordering on messy.If you can, grow it out in small braids.If you have straight or wavy hair, grow it out as long as possible and consider bangs.If your hair is curly, let it achieve as much volume as possible.You can either put a real flower into your hair or make a bunch of flowers for your head.
Step 8: Wear a big hat and round shades.
Go for big, round sunglasses if you are out in the sun.Top your head with a kerchief, a wide and floppy sunhat, or a top hat like Stevie Nicks.The John Lennon style of round glasses came in light colors like pink or orange and were more of a fun accessory than a functional shade from the sun.
Step 9: A large belt is needed.
Pick a wide leather belt or chain belt to wear with pants, dresses, or skirts.If you don't have a belt, you can use a thin scarf as one.
Step 10: Choose between leather sandals, boots, or moccasins.
Cowboy boots are included in a pair of leather sandals or boots.There are plenty of fringe details in moccasin flats or boots.Wear no shoes at all.Go barefoot for a hippie look.
Step 11: It's a good idea to go for minimal or no makeup.
For an easy hippie look, skip the makeup.If you choose to wear makeup, make sure you use an eyeliner pencil to line your eyes and mascara to cover both top and bottom lashes.Heavy makeup is too heavy for the light and natural look of the hippie.Artificial fragrances and perfumes are not recommended.If you want to wear a scent, stick to essential oils.
Step 12: You can find vintage and thrift stores.
You should keep an eye out for stores with used clothing or stores that specialize in vintage clothing from the 60s and other decades.If you want to find authentic items from the decade, do some research into the brand and style, or ask an expert on vintage clothing to help you verify it.You can check out garage sales, estate sales and flea markets.
Step 13: You can look at private sellers online.
Check sites like eBay and other online stores where individual sellers advertise their vintage clothing or personal pieces that they have held onto since the 1960s.ModCloth is one of the online stores that brings very retro styles, including hippie style, into modern-day clothing.
Step 14: You can make your own tie dye items.
Tie dye your own shirt, headband, or any other clothing item or accessory using rubber bands or string to tie up white fabric and create patterns with different colored dyes.All kinds of patterns can be created with tie dye.
Step 15: You can sew your own clothes.
If you want to learn how to sew or make your own clothes, you can use the fabrics you own to follow sewing patterns for items like bell bottoms or mini skirts.Some fabric stores may sell retro sewing patterns, or you can check out online shops or antique malls for those that sell truly vintage patterns straight from the 60s!
Step 16: Modification of existing clothes.
Adding fringe to the hems, sleeves, and seams of nearly any piece of clothing will give it a hippie flair.You can make any pair of pants into bellbottoms by sewing in a triangular piece of fabric and cutting open the seam along the outside of the calves.Adding fun wide sleeves to a top with a circle of fabric attached to the end of each existing sleeve is possible.If you don't want to buy clothes or modify your clothes, just pair different colors and patterns in your wardrobe that you would never think to put together.Hippie style means anything goes as long as you like it.
Step 17: Make a 60s icon.
Studying some of the women that made hippie fashion popular in the 1960s will give you ideas for what to buy and how to wear it.Images of icons can be found online or in books.Try out the look of tousled hair and big round glasses that Janis Joplin wore, the natural afro and dresses of Marsha Hunt, or the shawls and flowing shirts of Stevie Nicks.Finding a fashion icon can help you narrow down the type of hippie style you want to emulate.