How to Dress Like a Hippie 70s | Earth Tones & Loose Silhouettes

The 1970s hippie look centers on high-waisted bell-bottoms, flowing natural-fabric tops, earthy color palettes, and layered accessories—all built from thrifted or DIY pieces.

Dressing like a 1970s hippie today means embracing the era’s core philosophy: loose, comfortable clothing made from natural materials, decorated with personal expression. The look blends late-60s counterculture roots with early-70s bolder patterns and cuts, resulting in a style that is both recognizable and surprisingly adaptable for modern closets. Whether you’re heading to a festival or just want the aesthetic, the key pillars are the same: natural fabrics, high waistlines, and accessories that tell a story.

The Essential Silhouette: Pants and Skirts

The foundation of any 1970s hippie outfit is the pants or skirt silhouette—and it must be high-waisted. Bell-bottom or wide-leg jeans are the definitive choice, often in worn-in denim or corduroy. The flare should be pronounced, widening from the knee down to create the elongated leg line the decade loved. For alternatives, flared corduroy trousers in brown, olive, or blue work just as well.

Skirts and dresses offer a second pillar. Maxi skirts in flowing cotton or linen, reaching the ankle, are authentic; mini skirts with a shift or A-line cut reflect the earlier 1970s. Both avoid any tight fit, preferring movement and drape. Crushed velvet adds a richer texture for evening or cooler weather. The hard rule here: nothing low-waisted or skinny—those shapes break the 70s line immediately.

Tops and Layers: Tie-Dye, Peasant Blouses, and Outerwear

Tops lean toward the boxy and flowing. Tie-dye t-shirts remain the most recognizable hippie staple, easily customized at home. Turtlenecks (often in solid earth tones) pair perfectly under vests or open shirts. Peasant blouses with full sleeves and embroidery add a romantic layer, while loose tunics and caftans bring a casual, bohemian feel. Natural fabrics—cotton, linen, hemp—are non-negotiable for the authentic breathable texture.

Outerwear layers add depth. Fringed suede jackets are the classic choice. Denim vests (often patched or embroidered) layer over tie-dye or turtlenecks. Kimonos and ponchos bring in ethnic patterns that the era drew from. The goal is texture mixing: pair a flowy top with a structured denim vest, or a maxi dress with a fringed suede jacket. For a complete ready-to-wear outfit, check out our roundup of the best 70s hippie costume options for quick assembly.

Accessories and Footwear: The Finishing Details

Accessories are where the 1970s hippie style becomes unmistakable. Headbands worn horizontally across the forehead, wide floppy hats, and large flower barrettes frame the face. For jewelry, long beaded necklaces, peace symbol pins, wood or leather statement rings, and dangling earrings are all fair game. Belts should be wide leather or chain belts, cinching high-waisted pants to emphasize the waistline. Large round sunglasses—often tinted or dark—complete the face.

Footwear must stay natural. Barefoot-style sandals, moccasins, fringed boots (granny or harness boots), and lace-up sandals are all correct. Avoid modern athletic shoes or anything synthetic.

The color palette throughout should stay muted and earthy: brown, beige, olive green, and mustard yellow form the base. Mix these with floral, paisley, or psychedelic tie-dye prints for visual interest. Avoid overly bright neon tones and synthetic-looking fabrics.

Common mistakes to avoid: wearing skinny or low-waisted pants, using synthetic fabrics, choosing neon colors, and wearing modern athletic shoes. The look is gender-neutral—both men and women wore frayed bell-bottoms, tie-dye, and headbands, though women often added skirts and dresses. Hair was grown long with minimal styling; men sometimes grew scruffy beards. Makeup was minimal or absent on women, with eyeliner and mascara being the occasional exception.

Building Your Look: Thrifting and DIY

The most authentic way to build this style is through thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. Worn-in, faded, or patched items add credibility. For DIY, creating custom tie-dye from white fabric is straightforward: use rubber bands or string to create patterns, then apply dye to the bound fabric. Adding fringe, embroidery (flowers, stars, peace symbols), or patches to hems and seams personalizes plain pieces.

Layer textures intentionally: pair a lace top with a corduroy vest, or a denim jacket over a flowing printed dress. Mix lace, corduroy, and hand-woven fabrics to achieve the depth the style demands. Every piece should feel intentional, not costumed—the 1970s hippie look was lived-in, not assembled from a catalog.