What Does It Mean to Be a Hippie?

The hippie movement originated in the United States during the 1960s. It is a trend defined primarily by its pacifism, its refusal to conform to the rules established by society, such as working and being a slave to consumerism, and its struggle against the Vietnam War.

The Hippie Lifestyle

Being a hippie is primarily a philosophy, a state of mind inspired by Eastern cultures. To be free, that was their motto! The freedom to govern their bodies as they see fit, with long hair and embracing bohemian-style outfits.

At that time, hippies turned to cannabis and artificial highs to escape to a world they believed was better, which was synonymous with happiness.

Although they did not succeed in achieving their goals of changing the world, the hippies did manage to bring an end to the Vietnam War. Many young people called up for military service refused to take part in what they referred to as the commitments of a self-righteous America.

The hippie movement left its mark on society, such as the liberation of social mores, protests against inequality between men and women, and injustices faced by minorities.

Woodstock: The Birth of a Musical Genre and a Unique Festival

A brand new music movement is emerging from this hippie era, featuring a pop/rock sound with lyrics that have a protest edge.

Various festivals are springing up all over, bringing together large crowds who camp out overnight to secure a good spot. Festival-goers see it as a place to come together, much like a pilgrimage.

Rejected by society simply because they are inactive and live in a communal setting, they are seen as outcasts. These concerts provide them with a space to come together, where they can be free from the judgement of others.

The most famous festival was undoubtedly Woodstock, which took place in 1969 in Bethel, New York, in the Catskill Mountains, outside the city. Originally intended to accommodate 50,000 spectators from 15th to 17th August 1969, 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 another day, come what may. The weather conditions did not cause any fatalities due to electrocution. However, there are three reported deaths, either from overdose or as a result of an accident involving a tractor that passed over a tent in the middle of the night.

One might think that the festival was organised every year. However, that is not the case. In fact, numerous logistical issues led the organisers to accumulate debts. The reason? Many people managed to sneak in without paying. At the time, the entry fee was £6. There was a significant loss, and the organisers were unable to pay for the hire of equipment and the artists. Repeated interventions by emergency services for individuals completely out of their minds on drugs brought an end to this now historic event.

The organisers had no choice but to sell the rights to Warner in order to clear their debts. If you would like to learn more about this legendary hippie festival, take a look at our dedicated article on the Woodstock festival.

The Hippie Clothing Style

It's clear that when you look at the hippies in the 1970s, their outfits were often quite basic or very bohemian for the women. Some went barefoot, while others wore sandals when they felt like it. For men, it was loose trousers and a bare-chested jacket, while women sported a long floral dress or one that was very short.

Long Bohemian Dresses

Both girls and boys had very long hair, which was their way of responding to the soldiers who shaved their heads once they enlisted in the army. Girls were, of course, very little concerned about grooming. Often wandering, the hippie didn't carry much with them. Women typically had a fringed crossbody bag, often made of brown suede or similar material.

This appearance clearly demonstrated their refusal to accept consumer society as it was being imposed on the public. For them, capitalism merely served to finance wars while they championed peace.

It should be noted that at that time, society was divided between the outcasts and the "well-born". While the hippies wore bright, very "bohemian" clothing, another segment opted for turtlenecks and miniskirts with tights for the girls, and jumpers with jeans for the boys. The only commonality between these two groups might be the flared trousers that survived in the following decades.

The hippie style became suitable with the rise of disco, but with a more sophisticated twist. It transformed into city wear, with less of the psychedelic vibe. This gave birth to bohemian fashion, which features outfits inspired by hippie aesthetics but is much more chic and refined, perfect for any occasion. If you love this style, we recommend our must-have collection of long bohemian dresses.