Originally, a hipster was a non-conformist, someone who believed in the freedom to do whatever they wanted. So the term “hippie” is a shortened form of the term “hipster.” The fashion of today is proof that the influence of the hippies and fashion of the 70s still affects society positively. Without the earthy hues and natural looks of the hippie fashion movement there would be a shortage of creative style and homage to the American culture.
Fashion trends that have carried over since the 70s:
- Long hair
- Jeans
- Loose fitted clothing
- Earthy and natural colors
Long hair in the 70s symbolized the disapproval of “establishment” (Welters 502). With long hair, the hippies were recognizable. Men who grow out their hair today stand out as well; in today’s society, and during the 70s, long hair on males is viewed as rebellious. The continuation of long hair on men since the 70s is not a bad thing. If all males kept their hair short, there would be no diversity. Individuality regarding appearance would be lost.
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Kitchens, Simone. "Woodstock Anniversary: The Best Beauty And Style Moments From 1969's Best Festival (PHOTOS)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
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Jeans became the go-to uniform for the youthful generations of the 70s. Anything homespun was considered fashionable (Welters 504). Jean jackets, shirts, skirts, and vests appeared as this trend spread. Jeans have not gone out of style, and likely never will. Jeans suggest a laid-back and classic look, and the variety of jean products available is limitless. Without jeans a part of American culture would be lost.
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Kitchens, Simone. "Woodstock Anniversary: The Best Beauty And Style Moments From 1969's Best Festival (PHOTOS)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
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"FP Pull On Kick Flare." Free People Clothing Boutique. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
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Loose fitted clothing was popular during the 70s because constrictive girdles and high heels did not fall under the “natural” category (Welters 505). While loosely-fitting can also be defined as baggy and dumpy, the fact that the style still remains a trend today means it was effective in its goal of promoting comfort. Today’s society emphasizes comfort.
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Kitchens, Simone. "Woodstock Anniversary: The Best Beauty And Style Moments From 1969's Best Festival (PHOTOS)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
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"Solene Maxi Dress." Free People Clothing Boutique. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
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Natural and earthy colors were a major part of the fashion of the 70s. Makeup companies began to advertise products that suggested a return to earthy beauty. Estée Lauder’s lipsticks had names such as “Red Maple,” “Sunny Chestnut,” and “Wood Coral” (503). This natural look has come back in recent years, positively encouraging customers to embrace their own natural beauty.
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Kitchens, Simone. "Woodstock Anniversary: The Best Beauty And Style Moments From 1969's Best Festival (PHOTOS)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 15 Aug. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
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"Printed Widebands." Free People Clothing Boutique. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
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The fashion of the 70s, though rebellious during its peak, still exists in society today, continuing to contribute to the natural and creative outlook on style.
Citation from, Welters, Linda. "The Natural Look: American Style In The 1970s." Fashion Theory: The Journal Of Dress, Body & Culture 12.4 (2008): 489-510. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.
Oh, the 70s. Sadly, there are still some trends from that time period. Not sure if those trends are "good" trends but they are still there. Obviously not being born in the 70s, I'm not the biggest fan. Sadly, my only knowledge of the 70s is That 70s Show which isn't a great source to get information from but you get my point. The earth tones you mentioned is really a good point you make. I noticed it but not as much detail as you did. It makes sense with their "all-natural" ,"down to earth" kind of people these hippies were back then. Sheds a new light, really.
ReplyDeleteDanny,
DeleteYes, I wanted to point out that the hippie movement of the 70s wasn't solely about free love, drugs,and peace. The fashion trends that resulted from the hippie movement were reliant on the natural, earthy look; it was all about embracing the body you were given. In my research paper I plan to address how this trend affects society today even more in depth.
Some things that I would consider going more in depth in would be why what this style does for current as well as 70's American culture was a good thing. You could also talk more about what the hippies were trying to accomplish. There were parts that were a little confusing and unclear and I think talking about those would help to clear up the confusion. But I think you have really good ideas and are headed in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your suggestions, they were definitely helpful! I will go into more depth about how the hippie movement is such a huge part of American culture, and how that is reflective on the fashion trends that are occurring today. I will also address what the hippies were trying to accomplish, and why those goals are still relevant today. They still are because a lot of our generation has those same ideals.
DeleteI thought it was a good article about fashion and trends, but I didn't really understand what the argument was or why you chose to write about this. I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but I just had a hard time understanding what you were defending or what your stand was. I really liked the writing and the wording, but I think that you could say why you are writing this and what your argument or stance is.
ReplyDeleteI am having a hard time making my topic into an actual argument that is relevant, and I agree that it should be stated better. I think, for my paper, I will broaden my topic to include fashion, drugs, and the ideals of the hippie movement and how those things are still occurring in America today. My argument is supposed to be that people should recognize the affect that the hippie movement has had on American culture because it is patriotic and unique.
Delete