When was the hippie era?

Origins of the Hippie Movement

The roots of the hippie movement can be traced back to the 1950s, when Beat Generation authors, such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, began exploring alternative lifestyles and rejecting the conformist values of mainstream American society. By the 1960s, a growing counterculture of "hippies" had emerged, embracing free love, sexual liberation, drug experimentation, anti-war activism, and anti-establishment values. These countercultural figures were often characterized by their unique fashion sense and bohemian style, wearing colourful clothing, loose-fitting garments, and often incorporating boho wear into their look. As the movement grew in popularity, it spread to other countries around the world, giving birth to a global hippie movement that celebrated peace, love, and freedom. A major component of this was the emergence of Boho wear, which was a mix of styles from different cultures that included ethnic textiles, vibrant prints, flowing silhouettes, and elaborate embroidery. Boho wears quickly became the go-to style for many members of the hippie movement, with some fashion designers creating entire collections dedicated to this type of clothing. Boho wear was popular among both men and women, with many pieces being designed for both genders including long skirts, flowing dresses, wide-leg pants, fringed jackets, and even elaborate headpieces. Additionally, jewellery was often incorporated into Boho looks with items like pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and rings being widely worn. The modern Boho trend has its roots in the original Hippie Movement of the 60s and 70s, demonstrating how this type of fashion continues to remain relevant today.

Mainstream America vs. The Hippies

The counterculture movement of the hippies had a strong clash with mainstream American life. The hippies advocated for peace, love, and freedom, while traditional values of hard work, materialism, and conformity were deeply rooted in the American public. This contrast was further highlighted by their distinct style of dress, often featuring bright colours, ethnic patterns, and boho wear. The hippies favoured loose-fitting clothing that blended with their natural surroundings as opposed to the buttoned-up suits and dresses worn by most people at the time. This aesthetic and attitude represented an active rejection of the status quo. While some young adults found solace in the rebellious nature of the hippie era, others considered it disruptive and immature. Boho wear played an important role in this protest, allowing many individuals to express themselves more freely than ever before. From bell-bottom jeans and peasant blouses to ponchos and lace-up boots, these fashions quickly became symbols of youth culture. Boho garments also came to embody a certain lifestyle; they invited exploration and self-expression while encouraging users to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. In some cases, wearing boho attire could even suggest that one's beliefs differed from those held by mainstream society. Today, bohemian fashion continues to evolve yet remains heavily associated with the counterculture ethos of the 1960s and 70s. Although the days of “peace, love, and understanding” may be long gone, elements of the hippie era can still be seen today through modern adaptations of boho wear.

The Counterculture Revolution

During the 1960s and 1970s, the hippie movement was a social revolution that brought a new kind of lifestyle to many people. Hippies rejected the conventions of mainstream American life, such as conformity and materialism. They embraced the idea of free expression, peaceful protest, and free love. Many hippies wore colourful clothing, known as "boho wear," which included bell-bottom jeans, flowing dresses, and flower crowns. They also sported long hair and often didn't shave. These outward appearances reflected the hippies' philosophy of peace, love, and freedom. 

The hippie movement was closely linked with the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, and the environmental movement. The counterculture revolution was an important part of the cultural shift of the 1960s and 1970s, and it had a lasting effect on American society. It changed how people viewed authority figures, traditional values, and gender roles. Although the hippie era has come to an end, its influence is still seen in today's society in many ways, such as the popularization of boho wear and other alternative fashion styles.

Influence on Today's Society

The hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s had a lasting impact on society today, with its influence still seen in the form of bohemian fashion, music, and lifestyle. Boho wear, an abbreviation for Bohemian fashion, is a style inspired by the free-spirited and non-conformist attitude of hippie culture. It is characterized by loose-fitting clothing with vibrant colours and patterns, mixing traditional styles with unconventional ones. This style reflects the hippie movement’s rejection of mainstream consumerism and embrace of creative expression through fashion. The hippies of the past have also left a legacy in music today, with many artists citing the movement as a major influence in their work. The combination of rock, folk, and other genres from this era is still heard in modern-day music, representing a timeless appeal of the hippie culture. Finally, the lifestyle embraced by the hippies still resonates in society today. A focus on peace, love, and mindfulness are common elements found in both the traditional hippie life and many people’s day-to-day activities. The hippie movement was more than just a passing trend, as it left an enduring mark on contemporary society.

Back to blog