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: Get flowing tops or tie-dye.
You can find shirts that have full sleeves and drape over the body in a very comfortable and loose-fitting style, like tunics and caftans.Go for tie-dye shirts and tank tops, as well as turtlenecks.You can 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 meant as underwear 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.Choose dresses that are light and flowing, in earth tones or floral patterns.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 denim 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.There are jewel tones in pants, like brown, dark green, yellow, or maroon.
Step 4: There are 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 as well.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, don 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: There are a few statement pieces of jewelry.
You can either stick to the classic love beads and peace symbol trends of the 60s, or you can go for colorful and bold pieces made of natural materials.A fun and musical addition that was popular in this decade is an ankle bracelet with bells.If you're in doubt, wear jewelry with a peace sign on it.
Step 7: If you want to grow out your hair, 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, keep it down or 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 create a bunch of flowers for your head.
Step 8: There is a big hat and round shades.
If you are out in the sun, make sure you have big, round sunglasses.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, which came in light colors like pink or orange and were less of a shade from the sun, was a fun accessory.
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 from leather sandals, boots, or moccasins.
Cowboy boots are included in the set of leather sandals or boots.There is plenty of fringe detail 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 looking 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 good for you.If you want to wear a scent, you should 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 ones that specialize in vintage clothing from the 60s and other decades.If you want to find authentic items from the decade, you need to research the brand and style, as well as ask an expert on vintage clothing to help you verify it.You can check out garage sales, estate sales and flea markets.
Step 13: There are 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 60s.ModCloth is one of the online stores that brings very retro styles, including hippie style, to modern-day clothing.
Step 14: You can make your own tie dye items.
Tie dye your own shirt, headband, or any other clothing 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 make your own clothes and accessories.
If you enjoy making your own clothes or want to learn how, 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: Take existing clothes and modify them.
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, simply pair different colors and patterns in your wardrobe that you would never think to put together.Hippie style means anything goes if you like it.
Step 17: An icon from the 60s.
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 maxi 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.