What Does It Mean to Be a Hippie?

The hippie movement originated in the United States during the 1960s. It is a trend that is primarily defined by its pacifism, its rejection of societal norms such as conforming to work and becoming a slave to consumer culture, and its struggle against the war in Vietnam.

The Hippie Lifestyle

Being a hippie is primarily a philosophy, a mindset inspired by Eastern cultures. Freedom, that was their motto! The freedom to do with their bodies as they please, with long hair and embracing bohemian-style clothing.

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

Even though they did not manage to achieve their goal of changing the world, the hippies successfully helped bring an end to the Vietnam War. Many young people called up for military service refused to take part in what they termed the commitments of a morally upright America.

The hippie movement left a lasting impact on society, such as the liberation of morals, protests against inequality between men and women, and the injustices faced by minorities.

Woodstock: The Birth of a Unique Music Genre and Festival

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

Festivals are popping up all over the place, bringing together large crowds who camp overnight to be at the forefront of the action. Festival-goers see this as a place to gather, almost like a pilgrimage.

Rejected by society simply because they are inactive and live in communities, they are seen as outcasts. These concerts give them a chance to come together without fear of judgment from others.

The most famous festival was undoubtedly Woodstock, which took place in 1969 at Bethel in New York State, just outside the city in the Catskill Mountains. Originally intended to accommodate 50,000 spectators from 15 to 17 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 one more day, against all odds. The weather conditions have not caused any electrocution victims. However, there will be 3 fatalities due to overdose or accidents caused by a tractor passing over a tent in the middle of the night.

One might think that the festival was held annually. However, that's not the case. In fact, numerous logistical issues led the organisers to accrue debts. The reason? Many people sneaked in without paying. Back then, the entry fee was $6. There were substantial losses, and they couldn't pay for equipment rentals and artists. The repeated need for emergency services due to individuals being completely under the influence of drugs ultimately put an end to this event, which had become quite historical.

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

The Hippie Clothing Style

It's clear that when we look at the hippies from the 70s, their outfits were often quite simple or very rustic for the women. Many went barefoot, while others wore sandals when they chose to. The men sported loose trousers and a sleeveless vest, while the women flaunted either a long floral dress or a very short one.

Bohème Long Dresses

Hair was worn very long for both girls and boys, which was a response to the soldiers who had their heads shaved once they enlisted in the army. Girls, of course, didn’t pay much attention to grooming when it came to body hair. Often wandering, hippies didn't carry much with them. Women typically had a fringed crossbody bag, often made of brown suede or similar material.

This attitude clearly demonstrated their refusal to accept consumer society as it was imposed on the population. For them, capitalism was merely a means to fund wars, while they advocated for peace.

It should be noted that at that time, society was divided between the outcasts and the "well-born". While hippies wore very bright and "bohemian" clothing, another group opted for turtlenecks and miniskirts with tights for girls, and sweaters and jeans for boys. The only common thread between the two categories of people might be the flared trousers that have survived in the decades that followed.

The hippie style became, with the arrival of disco, more appropriate but with a touch of sophistication. It transformed into a city outfit, losing some of the psychedelic flair. This gave rise to the bohemian fashion trend, featuring outfits with hippie essence but far more chic and refined, suitable for any occasion. If you love this style, we recommend our must-have collection of bohemian long dresses.