What Does It Mean to Be a Hippie?

The hippie movement began in the United States during the 1960s. It is characterized primarily by its pacifism, its rejection of societal norms such as working and being enslaved by consumer culture, and its opposition to the war in Vietnam.

The Hippie Lifestyle

Being a hippie is primarily a philosophy, a mindset inspired by Eastern countries. Freedom was their motto! The freedom to dress as they wish, with long hair, and embracing bohemian-style outfits.

Back in the day, hippies turned to cannabis and other substances to escape to a world they believed was better and that was synonymous with happiness.

Although they didn't succeed in achieving their goal of changing the world, the hippies did manage to put an end to the Vietnam War. Many young people who were drafted refused to participate in what they referred to as the commitments of a self-righteous America.

The hippie movement has left a mark on society, including the liberation of social norms, protests against inequality between men and women, and injustices faced by minorities.

Woodstock: Birth of a Unique Music Genre and Festival

A brand new music trend is emerging from this hippie movement, featuring a pop/rock sound with lyrics that carry a strong protest vibe.

Various festivals are taking place everywhere, attracting large crowds who camp overnight to get the best spots. Festival-goers view these events as a place to gather, much like a pilgrimage.

Ostracized by society simply for being inactive and living communally, they are seen as outcasts. These concerts provide them with a space to come together, free from the judgment of others.

The most famous festival was undoubtedly Woodstock, which took place in 1969 in Bethel, New York, outside the town in the Catskill Mountains. Originally, the site was meant to accommodate 50,000 spectators from August 15 to 17, 1969, but the festival ultimately welcomed 500,000 people.

They attended performances by legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Janis Joplin, and Joan Baez.

It will continue for one more day against all odds. The weather conditions did not result in any electrocution fatalities. However, there will be a total of 3 deaths, due to overdose or an accident caused by a tractor passing over a tent in the middle of the night.

One might think that the festival was held every year, but that’s not the case. In fact, numerous logistical issues led the organizers into debt. The reason? Many people sneaked in without paying. At the time, the entry fee was $6. There were significant losses, and they were unable to cover the costs for equipment rental and artists. The frequent intervention of emergency services for individuals completely incapacitated by drugs ultimately brought this historic event to an end.

The organizers had no choice but to sell the rights to Warner to settle their debts. If you want to learn more about this legendary hippie festival, check out our dedicated article on the Woodstock festival.

Hippie Fashion

It's clear that when we look at the hippies from the 1970s, their outfits were often simple or very rustic, especially for women. Some went without shoes, while others wore sandals if they felt like it. For men, it was all about baggy pants and a sleeveless jacket, while women sported a long floral dress or something very short.

Bohemian Long Dresses

For both girls and boys, hair was worn very long, as a way to respond to the soldiers who had their heads shaved once they enlisted in the army. Girls, of course, paid very little attention to grooming their body hair. Oftentimes free-spirited, hippies didn’t wear much clothing. Women, in particular, carried a fringed shoulder bag, often made of brown suede or imitation suede.

This attitude clearly reflected their refusal to accept consumer society as it was being pushed onto the public. To them, capitalism was only a means to finance wars while they advocated for peace.

It's worth noting that at that time, society was divided between outsiders and "well-bred" individuals. While hippies wore very colorful and "bohemian" clothing, another group preferred turtlenecks and miniskirts with tights for girls, and sweaters and jeans for boys. The only commonality between the two groups might be the flared pants, which survived in the following decades.

The hippie look became stylish with the rise of disco, but it got a more polished twist. It transformed into a city outfit, with less of the psychedelic flair. This is how bohemian fashion emerged, featuring ensembles with hippie roots but a much more elegant and refined touch, suitable for any occasion. If you love this style, we recommend checking out our must-have collection of long bohemian dresses.