The 70s were the Cultural Revolution, political revolution and the outburst of self-expression. Among the most famous and popular tendencies that had appeared at this time was the 70s Hippie Fashion. It was not only the clothing, but something bigger, that promoted peace and love and freed the individual. The current paper will discuss the main aspects of hippie fashion of the 70s, its contribution to the culture, and its applicability to the modern context.
History: The Emergence of Hippie Fashion in the 1970s.
The hippie clothes and fashion trend of the 70s was pioneered by the counterculture that took place in the late 1960s. It was a rejection of the mainstream society and the taking of a nonconformist and free lifestyle. Hippies were directed to avoid social needs, and their clothing was connected with the necessity to be individual.
As the hippie movement was spreading, fashion was one of the means to embody these ideals. People experimented with a careless and natural look, focusing on comfort and self-revealing. The fashion ideas that was followed by hippies after the 70s was significantly influenced by bohemian, ethnic and folk style, putting premium on the use of earthy colors, flowing garments as well as the general relaxed vibe.
Key Clothing Items That Defined 70s Hippie Fashion
The classic apparel that was associated with hippie fashion of the 70s has survived the times. Maxi dresses, peasant blouses, and bell-bottom jeans were some of the most fashionable garments that hippies wore. These were fashionable and useful clothes that were made to be comfortable and easy to maneuver.
Especially the bell-bottom jeans became a symbol of the time with their extra-wide flare at the ankle representing liberation and insubordination. They worked well with a plain t-shirt or a tie-dye shirt in other words and were part of the hippie wardrobe. Other trendy products were fringed vests, ethnic-style tunics, and coloured scarves.
The Power of Nature and Natural Tones.
As part of the hippie movement theme of peace and environmental awareness, hippie fashion tended to have earth colors based on nature. This style was mostly dominated by shades of brown, green, mustard yellow and rust. These colors were also a depiction of the attachment that hippies had to nature.
These were also terrestrial sounds that were just intended to add to the grander and flashier designs that were typical of the 70s hippie fashion. They encompassed flower designs, paisley, tie-dye and all of them created an impression of freedom, creativity and individuality. A combination of all these facts made the hippie fashion get a unique and classic appearance.
Tie-Dye in the 70s Hippie Fashion.
Tie-dye has been regarded as one of the most prevalent details of the hippie fashion that existed in the 70s. This was a handmade style and therefore allowed them to create unique clothes and this added a personal touch to their clothes. Tie-dye was not merely a style; it was a way of overcoming mass-produced clothing as well as a way of self-expression.
During the 1970s, tie-dye shirts, dresses, and accessories were everywhere, and every piece of clothing suggested its owner and his/her imaginative world. The designs were generally lively and curling and they would feel it as joy and freedom; however, it was in vivid colors. Tie-dye is a fashion choice that is currently popular and it is indicative of how timeless and successful the fashion has been.
The Genesis of the Bohemian Appearance
Another important aspect of hippie fashion in the 70s was the appearance of the bohemian look. The eclectic mixture of influences included in the definition of this style were ethnic attires combined with old-fashioned and homemade goods. The boho look was normally flowing and the oversized clothes and accessories would give the effect of a carefree lifestyle and liberation.
During the 1970s, the loose skirts, loose blouses and wide-brimmed hats became common in the bohemian fashion. As a whole, it was relaxed, and convenience and originality were in focus. It can be said that the boho style is rather related to the counterculture movement, and it became the hippie spirit of rejecting social norms and glorifying creativity.
Accessories and Shoes: A Hippie Necessity.
The right footwear and accessories made the hippie fashion look complete in the 70s. Footwear was generally informal and was mainly sandals, moccasins as well and platform shoes. Not only were these shoes comfortable but they also represented the nonchalant attitude of the hippie movement which was relaxed.
The accessories were also significant to the hippie style. Peace sign earrings, necklaces with layers and bracelets with beads were put on to indicate the attachment that the wearer had towards nature and the peace movement. Flowered crowns, broad-brimmed hats, and headbands also became part of the hippie style, and gave the clothes a sense of playfulness.
Men’s Hippie Fashion in the 1970s.
Although the hippie style of the 70s is usually related to the female garment style, men also adopted this carefree style. The 70s fashion style of men was loose-fitting shirts, bell-bottom trousers, and a concentration on comfort and individualism. The loose nature of the clothes enabled men to showcase their character without being bound by conventional styles of clothes.
The hippie style of men’s wear in the 70s was usually supplemented with such accessories as the Peace sign necklaces, leather bracelets, and wide-brimmed hats. These products enabled men to share this feeling of freedom and defiance that characterized the movement and hippie fashion was an inclusive phenomenon indeed.
The Cultural Value of 70s Hippie Fashion.
The hippie fashion of the 70s was not necessarily concerned with clothes but with the process of transformation of the culture. The hippie movement was strongly connected to the ideology of peace, love, and anti-materialism and fashion was of such a kind. Individuals who had adopted the hippie fashion style were very active politically, campaigning against civil rights, environmentalism, and social reform.
The style of clothing was in response to the extremely consumeristic and conformist culture of the 50s and early 60s. The hippies did this by selecting natural clothes, handcrafted pieces, and individualistic designs, which conveyed a message of them wanting to live a more authentic and peaceful life with the surrounding world.
The ways music affected Hippie Fashion.
The 70s hippie fashion was highly influenced by music, and several of the most successful musicians of the time adopted the style. Such kinds of clothes as bohemian and free-spirited were known by such artists as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, which impacted both fans and fashion lovers.
Hippie fashion and the counterculture movement were solidified through music festivals, specifically Woodstock in 1969. These shows turned into the meeting points of like-minded people to express their ideals with the help of music and fashion. The fashion is closely associated with the cultural influence of the music that characterized the 70s.
Hippie Fashion in the 70s in modern times.
Although it is possible that the hippie fashion movement of the 70s happened thing back then, its effects are still evident nowadays. Fashion designers constantly use the elements of Bohemia in their lines and the style has become associated with a relaxed and easy-going style. Hippie-inspired appearance is still relevant with such music festivals as Coachella and Burning Man.
The modern fashion has adopted a lot of hippie style including loose dresses and bell-bottom jeans, ethnic prints and tie-dye. The current definitions of the style frequently integrate old items with new ones that are sustainable and eco-friendly, hence the popularity of ethical fashion and eco-consciousness.
The persistent popularity of hippie clothes of the 70s.
Therefore, how come 70s hippie fashion is so popular nowadays? To start with, it is a period when fashion was not only a matter of clothes but a lifestyle. Individuality, peace, and self-expression are the values of the hippie movement that are still appealing to many people today.
The casual bohemian fashion is also very stylish, and there is something to suit everybody. You need something vintage, modern boho, or simply a comfortable thing; the hippie fashion will not disappoint you. The fashion is still influential to newer generations and this fact attests that it is not exhausting its influence in fashion.
FAQ’s
Which clothing pieces were the most popular in hippie clothing in the 70s?
The items that were most popular were the bell-bottom jeans, peasant blouses, maxi dresses, tie-dye shirts, and fringe vests. These works were the most memorable representatives of the hippie movement with a focus on comfort, uniqueness, and freedom.
How come tie-dye was so common in the 1970s?
Tie-dye was a symbol of individualism in the hippie movement. It enabled people to make unique clothes that were one of a kind representing the spirit of that time, creativity, and nonconformity. Peace and love were also represented visually by the color vibrancy and swirling.
Am I able to bring 1970s hippie style to my wardrobe today?
Absolutely! Even the aspects of the hippie style of the 70s are still present in the modern world. Bell-bottom jeans, oversized tops and maxi dresses are some of the items that can be updated into a bohemian appearance. Festivals such as Coachella are a wonderful venue where you can get a taste of the hippie style in the modern context.
What were the effects of 70s hippie fashion on men’s clothing?
The loose garments worn by the men in the hippie style of the 70s included the bell-bottom pants, embroidered shirts and suede jackets that were loose and comfortable. They also used the same carefree rebellious fashion in other accessories like peace sign necklaces and wide-brimmed hats, which gained popularity among the boys.
Which colors prevailed in the 70s hippie style?
Brown, green, mustard yellow and rust were earthy colors that were popular during the hippie style in the 70s. These colors spoke of the relationship of the hippie movement with nature, supported by the patterns of psychedelics and flowers.
Conclusion
Briefly, the style of 70s Hippie Fashion was a radically dissimilar style, which did not believe in conformity and adhered to the course of liberty, individuality and creativity. Its key elements like bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye shirts and earthly colors, continue to influence fashion even today. Whether the bohemian culture suits you or you simply enjoy the comfort the expressiveness offered by this fashionable style, it will never be different or out of date as it was in the 1970s.