Dressing Like a Sixties Hippie Girl: A Comprehensive Guide

Dressing Like a Sixties Hippie Girl: A Comprehensive Guide

Dressing like a sixties hippie girl involves embracing the free-spirited and bohemian style that characterized the era. Whether you're aiming for an authentic vintage look or a modern twist, this guide will help you recreate the essence of a sixties hippie girl. Below are the essential elements and steps to achieve the perfect look.

Key Elements of Sixties Hippie Fashion

The sixties hippie movement was all about individuality, peace, love, and creativity. Here are the key elements to consider:

Clothing

Maxi Dresses and Skirts: Opt for flowing, colorful maxi dresses or long skirts with floral patterns or tie-dye designs. These are staples of the hippie style. Bell-Bottom Jeans: High-waisted flared jeans paired with a loose-fitting top or crop top, such as tunics and caftans, provide a relaxed and comfortable look. Peasant Blouses: Loose embroidered or lace-trimmed blouses with a relaxed fit offer a traditional and elegant touch. Layering: Use layers like vests or long cardigans often in earth tones or vibrant colors to add depth and interest to your outfit.

Accessories

Headbands and Scarves: Fabric headbands or scarves worn across the forehead or in the hair add a bohemian touch. Jewelry: Layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and large hoop earrings, often made from natural materials like wood or beads, perfectly capture the essence of the era. Footwear: Opt for sandals, ankle boots, or even barefoot sandals to keep the laid-back vibe alive.

Patterns and Fabrics

Bright Colors and Patterns: Paisley, floral, and psychedelic patterns were very popular during the sixties. Consider using these vibrant designs in your wardrobe. Natural Fabrics: Choose breathable materials like cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics to ensure comfort and authenticity.

Hair and Makeup

Complement your outfit with the right hairstyle and makeup:

Hair: Long flowing hair, often worn loose or in braids, embraces the natural and free-spirited ethos of the hippie movement. Natural waves and afros are also popular options. Makeup: Keep it minimal with an emphasis on natural beauty. If you desire to add some flair, consider colorful eyeliner or eye shadow. Avoid heavy foundation and lipstick to maintain the light and natural look.

Attitude

Embracing the free-spirited and open-minded spirit of the hippie movement is crucial. Focus on the values of peace, love, and individuality.

How to Choose Sixties Hippie Clothes

When it comes to selecting the perfect pieces, consider the following tips:

Maxi Dresses and Skirts

Get Flowing Tops or Tie-Dye: Find shirts that have full sleeves, drape over the body, and are loose-fitting. Opt for tie-dye shirts and tank tops with floral and psychedelic patterns. Choose Earth Tones: White, brown, green, and tan are classic colors for the sixties hippie look. However, brighter colors and patterns became more prevalent later in the movement. Undergarments: Tops like leotards or activewear can be worn alone or without a bra.

Denim and Corduroy

Bell-Bottom Jeans and Corduroys: Go for classic wide-legged denim bellbottoms or relaxed-fit jeans made from more comfortable fabrics like corduroy or crushed velvet. Colors and Styles: Look for earthy colors or jewel tones in pants, such as brown, dark green, yellow, or maroon.

Accessories and Hairstyles

Complete your look with the right accessories and hairstyles:

Headbands and Headscarves: Wear fabric headbands or colorful scarves horizontally across your forehead or in your hair. Jewelry: Classic pieces like “love beads” and peace symbol jewelry, along with colorful and bold pieces made of natural materials like wood and leather, are perfect for the era. Footwear: Wear leather sandals, boots, or moccasins to stay true to the vintage style.

Hair and Makeup

Hairstyles: Aim for a natural and low-maintenance hairstyle. Keep your hair down or in small braids, and consider afros or wild curls. Makeup: Keep it minimal with an emphasis on natural beauty. Use an eyeliner pencil and mascara for a light look. Avoid heavy foundation and lipstick to maintain the natural appearance.

How to Find or Make Your Sixties Outfit

Create your own sixties hippie outfit by:

Vintage and Thrift Stores

Search vintage and thrift stores for authentic pieces from the sixties. These stores often have used clothing curated from the era. For the most authentic items, research the brand and style or ask an expert.

Online Sellers

Explore sites like eBay and online stores that specialize in vintage clothing, such as ModCloth. These platforms often offer modern versions of retro styles including hippie fashion.

DIY Projects

Make your own tie-dye items, sew your own clothes, or modify existing pieces to give them a sixties hippie flair. Adding fringe, embroidery, or beading can enhance your attire.

Emulate a Sixties Icon

Find inspiration from iconic figures of the sixties hippie movement. Study the styles of Janis Joplin, Marsha Hunt, and Stevie Nicks to get ideas for your look.