1. Long, Flowing Hair
Nothing said “hippie” quite like long, natural hair. It was a statement of freedom and rebellion, a departure from the traditional clean-cut look. You didn’t care about haircuts or hair products; you just let it grow wild and free. And if you were really living the life, flowers or beads braided in were essential for the full effect.
2. Bell-Bottom Jeans
A true hippie wardrobe wasn’t complete without at least a few pairs of well-worn, super-wide bell-bottom jeans. The wider the flare, the better! They were comfortable, bohemian, and easy to dance in. And let’s be honest, those jeans went perfectly with the barefoot, “free-to-be-you-and-me” vibe that defined the era.
3. Tie-Dye Everything
Tie-dye was more than just a fashion choice; it was practically a lifestyle! Whether you made it yourself or bought it from a roadside stand, wearing tie-dye meant embracing individuality and creativity. Bright swirls of color covered everything from T-shirts to socks, and a hippie couldn’t be caught without at least one tie-dye piece.
4. The Peace Sign
Flashing the peace sign (or wearing it as a necklace, or drawing it on every surface) was the simplest way to show you were all about love, not war. The peace sign became the unofficial emblem of the hippie movement, a universal message of hope that was instantly recognizable. You flashed it in photos, on posters, and even as graffiti in an effort to spread the good vibes.
5. Beads, Beads, and More Beads
From necklaces and headbands to curtains and doorways, beads were everywhere! They added a touch of eclectic, handmade charm to any outfit or home space. If you had bead curtains dividing rooms in your apartment or a bead necklace with a peace sign pendant, you were definitely part of the hippie movement.
6. The VW Bus
If you were really committed to the hippie lifestyle, you might have been lucky enough to own a Volkswagen bus. Painted in psychedelic colors and symbols, these buses were the ultimate way to hit the road, follow your favorite bands, or simply park and camp out with your friends. It was more than just transportation; it was a mobile statement of freedom and community.
7. Fringe, Leather, and Suede
A hippie wardrobe was full of fringe jackets, suede vests, and leather moccasins. Clothes were as natural as possible, often handmade or thrifted, and fringe was everywhere. It was the look for concerts, protests, and hanging out by the fire, giving you that earthy, back-to-the-roots vibe that was key to the counterculture.
8. Psychedelic Posters and Black Lights
Your room wasn’t complete without a blacklight to bring those wild psychedelic posters to life. Bands like The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, and Grateful Dead were common poster subjects, featuring trippy, swirling designs that somehow seemed deeper under that purple glow. If you spent time staring at those posters, contemplating the universe, you were definitely on the hippie wavelength.
9. Sandals or Bare Feet
Shoes? Who needs ’em? Many hippies embraced the natural lifestyle by going barefoot whenever possible. And if shoes were necessary, a pair of well-worn leather sandals did the trick. The more grounded you were, the better, and there was something liberating about feeling the earth beneath your feet.
10. A Record Collection Full of Counterculture Classics
If you had albums from The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix on rotation, you were living the hippie dream. Music was the anthem of the era, and certain records felt like gospel. Whether you were dancing at a festival or lounging on the floor with friends, those albums provided the soundtrack to a revolutionary time.
11. Folk and Acoustic Guitars
An acoustic guitar was almost an essential accessory for the quintessential hippie. Whether it was a jam session with friends or an impromptu serenade around a campfire, guitars brought people together. Folk songs about peace, protest, and change were central to the movement, and guitars were the instrument of choice for a reason.
12. Living Communally
For many hippies, a communal lifestyle was ideal. Living with friends or in shared spaces meant sharing food, chores, and a sense of unity. It was a rejection of the “white picket fence” lifestyle in favor of togetherness, creativity, and free-thinking. If you spent time on a commune or shared a big house with fellow free spirits, you were fully immersed in the culture.
13. Incense and Patchouli
You could smell a hippie house before you even walked in, thanks to the distinctive aroma of patchouli and incense. Patchouli oil was the go-to scent, and many hippies wore it as perfume or burned it at home. It became symbolic of the hippie movement, filling spaces with earthy, musky notes that took you straight back to that time.
14. Flowing Dresses and Kaftans
Hippie women weren’t about restrictive clothing—flowy dresses, kaftans, and peasant tops were the go-to. These loose, colorful clothes had a romantic, dreamy look that captured the carefree vibe of the time. It was all about comfort, freedom, and a touch of mystique, perfect for everything from concerts to lazy summer days in the sun.
These weren’t just trends; they were markers of an era when young people came together to question the status quo, find peace within themselves, and spread a message of love. If you remember doing—or wearing—most of these things, you were part of a powerful movement that left an unforgettable legacy. So break out the beads, put on some Dylan, and remember the days when being a hippie was a statement that went way beyond fashion.
