Hippie Costume
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The hippie look comes straight out of the late 1960s, with the 1967 Summer of Love and Woodstock in 1969 as its high points. It’s comfortable, colorful and easy to put together, which is why it’s a decade-party favorite.
What Makes It Work
Start with the clothes. Bell-bottom jeans, a flowing peasant blouse or a tie-dye T-shirt, and maybe a fringed suede vest. For a dress, think long, loose and patterned, like a paisley maxi.
Accessories carry this costume. Round, tinted sunglasses, a headband or a bandana tied across the forehead, a peace sign necklace, love beads and some flowers in the hair.
Finish with sandals or bare feet if you’re indoors, and long, natural hair. A little face-painted flower or peace sign on the cheek is a sweet extra.
What People Get Wrong
Mixing in disco. Platforms, glitter and polyester shine are 1970s nightlife, not 1960s counterculture. Keep it earthy, loose and handmade-looking. The other mistake is wearing everything brand new. Real hippie clothes were worn in, thrifted and patched.
Buy It or Build It?
Kits run about $20 to $50, but this is one of the easiest costumes to thrift. Bell-bottoms, a tie-dye shirt and a pair of round sunglasses cover it for under $30.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
What's the difference between a hippie and a 70s costume?
Hippie is late 1960s: earthy, loose, tie-dye and fringe. A 70s costume usually means disco, which is shiny, fitted and glam.
How do I make a tie-dye shirt for a hippie costume?
Bunch a white cotton shirt with rubber bands, apply fabric dye in a few colors, let it sit for several hours, then rinse and wash it on its own.
What hairstyle goes with a hippie costume?
Long and straight with a center part, loose waves, or braids. A headband across the forehead finishes it.
Is a hippie costume good for a group?
Very. A whole group in tie-dye and flowers, maybe with a cardboard VW bus prop, makes a fun photo.
Next up: Disco Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.