A good 70s hippie costume needs more than a tie-dye shirt and a peace-sign necklace. When I style one, I look for three things in this order: a true flared or flowing bottom half, one textured layer like fringe or crochet, and hair parted dead centre. Get those right and the rest is decoration. The thirty looks below lean on thrifted denim, maxi dresses, corduroy and handmade details. Some stay earthy and quiet, others go full flower-power colour, and there are options for men, couples, groups, plus-size bodies and anyone who has an hour and a closet to work with.
Telling Real Bell-Bottoms From Bootcut on a Thrift Rack
Most of these costumes rest on the trousers, and the difference between a true flare and an ordinary bootcut is what makes them read as 1970s from across a room. When I go through a rail, I hold the leg up and look at where it widens. A real bell-bottom stays close through the thigh and knee, then opens out from just below the knee to a hem that is noticeably wider than the knee itself. Bootcut barely kicks out at all, and in a photo it just looks like jeans.
Length matters as much as width. Flares were worn long, nearly brushing the floor over a platform or a chunky heel. If you try them on with flat shoes and they pool, that is fine, as long as you plan to wear the shoes with height. If they stop at the ankle, the shape collapses.
When you can only find bootcut
- Unpick the outer side seam from the hem up to the knee and sew in a triangle of contrast fabric, which is the classic 70s godet and looks deliberate.
- Patterned cotton or a strip of paisley makes the insert part of the costume instead of hiding it.
- Pins and fabric tape will not hold a godet; it needs stitching, by hand or machine, because the hem takes all the strain when you walk.
- Corduroy and stretch denim both take an insert well. Very thin jeggings tend to pucker around it.
1. Tie-Dye Bell-Bottom Hippie Costume
This is the costume people name from across a room, mostly because of the hem width. Tuck the front of a loose rainbow tie-dye tee into high-waisted denim flares and let the back hang. A brown faux-suede fringe vest gives the plain base movement when you walk. I'd use your own hair if it's long, center-parted with a braided band low across the forehead; a cheap wig with that part line tends to show its mesh. Peach blush, coloured liner and one small painted flower on the cheek are plenty. Round tinted glasses, wooden-look bracelets, a peace-sign necklace and a small fabric shoulder bag cover the rest. Wear platform sandals or cushioned brown clogs, because flares that drag on flat shoes get trodden on by the end of the night.
2. Floral Maxi Dress Hippie Costume
A floral maxi dress is the least work on this list: one garment and you're mostly dressed. Look for bell sleeves, a fitted waist and a print in orange, mustard, green or purple. If the dress reads too modern, a cropped fringe vest over it pushes the shape back toward 1970s. Soft center-parted waves and a simple flower crown or fabric headband suit it. Bronze shadow, fluttery lashes and rosy cheeks keep the makeup soft rather than theatrical. Carry a small bunch of artificial daisies, add long pendants and a few thin bangles, then pick brown ankle boots or flat lace-up boots if part of the evening is outdoors.
3. Peasant Blouse And Patchwork Skirt Hippie Costume
The patchwork skirt is what makes this one look handmade, so let it be the loudest piece. Start with a white or cream peasant blouse with loose sleeves and an embroidered neckline, then a full patchwork maxi skirt in rust, olive, yellow and burgundy. A wide brown belt stops all that volume from swallowing your waist. Add a crochet shoulder bag and layered beads. One long braid, natural or from a textured wig, with small fabric flowers pinned along it, looks right here. Neutral makeup with brown liner, warm blush and a little flower at the temple is enough. Flat brown sandals or lace-up ankle boots keep it easy to dance and sit in.
4. Crochet Vest And Corduroy Flares Hippie Costume
Texture does the job colour usually does in this mostly neutral outfit. A cream poet-sleeve blouse goes under a long crochet vest in brown, tan or multicolour yarn, and high-waisted corduroy flares in rust or olive sit underneath. Corduroy is one of the warmer fabrics on this list, which I appreciate for cool October nights. One thing I check: open crochet snags on bag clasps and bracelets, so keep metal-edged accessories away from the vest. Loose waves, a narrow printed scarf at the forehead, bronze shadow and a natural lip finish the face. Round sunglasses, a long peace pendant, a small fringe crossbody and a single artificial sunflower are the extras. Brown platform boots balance the wide legs; flat clogs are kinder if you'll stand for hours.
5. Psychedelic Mini Dress Hippie Costume
A psychedelic mini dress is pure energy, and the print does nearly all the talking. Pick a long-sleeve mini in an orange, pink, yellow and purple swirl. Opaque tights or knee-high socks make it comfortable for a party, and they matter more than people expect once the room gets drafty. If the print feels like too much, a faux-suede fringe vest tones it down. Straight center-parted hair with a wide coordinating scarf around the crown, pastel shadow, graphic liner, glossy lips and tiny daisies beside the eyes give it the late-60s mod edge. A round handbag with a peace symbol, big hoops and chunky bangles do the rest. White, tan or mustard knee-high boots with a low block heel are what I'd wear, since a high heel makes walking a long night miserable.
6. Patched Denim Hippie Costume
Patched jeans were the original DIY move of the era, so this one has real history behind it. Wear a faded denim vest over a striped or tie-dye tee and pair it with patched bell-bottoms. I attach the flower, rainbow, heart and peace patches with safety pins or removable fabric tape rather than iron-on glue, because iron-on adhesive leaves a shiny ghost on denim when you peel it off. Relaxed curls, a braided yarn headband, warm blush, brown mascara and a small rainbow on one cheek keep the face easy. Round glasses, a bead necklace and a canvas messenger bag in matching patches tie it together, with a daisy or cardboard peace sign for photos. Sneakers, clogs or ankle boots all work, depending on where you're going.
7. White Lace Flower Child Hippie Costume
An all-white flower child is the soft alternative to bright psychedelic prints, and it needs the most care with fabric. Start with a long white lace or eyelet dress with loose sleeves and a lined skirt; unlined white lace goes see-through under flash photography. A cream crochet vest or a light fringe shawl adds depth without breaking the pale palette. Natural curls, long waves or two loose braids with small pastel flowers suit it, and a daisy crown makes the theme obvious. Soft pink blush, champagne shadow and little white flowers at the outer eyes keep the face luminous. Layer wooden-look beads and a peace pendant, carry a woven bag or a bunch of wildflowers, and ground it all with tan lace-up boots or flat platform sandals.
8. Fringe Poncho And Wide-Leg Pants Hippie Costume
A fringe poncho is one of the most forgiving shapes here, and it fits a wide range of bodies. The catch is bulk: put a striped or floral poncho in earthy shades over a fitted long-sleeve top, never a chunky jumper, or the whole thing turns into a tent. Brown or rust wide-leg pants balance the top half. Natural texture in shoulder-length or long hair with a thin fabric band at the forehead looks right. Copper shadow, peach blush and a neutral lip are enough makeup. Add round sunglasses, layered pendants and chunky bracelets. A small tambourine-style prop is fun for photos if the party doesn't mind the noise. Platform ankle boots or flat clogs finish it, and the loose cut hides a warm layer underneath.
9. Suede Jacket And Paisley Flares Hippie Costume
This is the tidiest look on the list, so it suits a themed dinner or a work party. Pair a fitted faux-suede jacket with bold paisley flares, and keep the top simple with a cream ruffled blouse or ribbed knit so the pants carry the pattern. A jacket with fringe along the sleeves or back moves nicely. Feathered center-parted waves and oversized round sunglasses frame the face. Brown winged liner, golden shadow, sun-kissed blush and a muted coral lip match the suede tones. A structured saddle bag with a removable flower charm, hoops and one long pendant are all the jewellery it wants. Brown platform boots should disappear under the hems; if you can see the boot shaft, the flares are too short.
10. Embroidered Tunic And Flared Jeans Hippie Costume
I like an embroidered tunic for anyone who wants colour without wearing a full costume. Choose a loose cream, yellow or rust tunic with floral stitching at the neckline and sleeves and leave it untucked over medium-wash flares. A woven belt slung loosely at the hips adds shape if you want it. Long natural waves, two small front braids or a low loose ponytail all suit the relaxed mood. Soft brown eye makeup and one tiny painted daisy are enough. Layer beads with a peace pendant, carry a small fringe shoulder bag and hook your round sunglasses into the neckline indoors. Leather-look sandals, platform clogs or low ankle boots keep it comfortable.
11. Rainbow Striped Jumpsuit Hippie Costume
A rainbow-striped jumpsuit is a one-garment costume, which makes planning quick. Look for a sleeveless or bell-sleeve cut with a fitted waist and wide flared legs, and slip a light cream blouse underneath for coverage or warmth. Because the stripes are busy, I always tie a solid-colour scarf at the forehead instead of a printed one; two patterns fight at face level. Bouncy center-parted waves, blue liner, peach blush and a small flower by one eye keep the colour controlled. Round sunglasses, big hoops and a few bangles are enough jewellery. A small cardboard peace sign or a flower-shaped purse works as the prop. White platforms or neutral block-heel boots lengthen the leg and let the stripes stay the focus. Do a bathroom test before you commit: jumpsuits are slow to get in and out of.
12. Fringe Cape And Denim Shorts Hippie Costume
This warm-weather look is a light fringe cape worn over a floral blouse and high-waisted denim shorts. Pick the cape in cream, camel or rust so the fringe shows against the print. For an outdoor October event I'd add opaque tights without hesitating, since bare legs get cold fast after dark. Loose curls with a braided forehead band and flowers tucked behind one ear suit the shape. Bronze shadow, rosy cheeks and small white daisies at the temple are enough on the face. A peace pendant, wooden-look bangles and a small round crossbody cover the accessories, and a few artificial flowers tied with ribbon make the prop. Brown knee-high boots or flat lace-up boots keep it walkable.
13. Brown Corduroy Suit Hippie Costume
A brown corduroy suit is my first suggestion for men who want a hippie look that still feels sharp. Choose a wide-lapel jacket with matching flared pants and wear an orange, yellow or floral shirt with the collar open over a peace-sign pendant. The wide collar should sit outside the jacket lapel; that one detail dates the outfit more than anything else. Natural hair with some volume or a shoulder-length center-parted wig works, and neatly groomed costume sideburns are a fun optional touch. Add round tinted glasses, a patterned headband and a fringe messenger bag. A little bronzer is all the makeup needed. Carry a sunflower or a cardboard peace sign, and wear brown platform shoes, loafers or heeled ankle boots that match the corduroy.
14. Paisley Shirt And Bell-Bottom Hippie Costume
A loud paisley shirt is an easy base for a masculine or gender-neutral costume, as long as the trousers stay solid. Find a wide-collar button-down in orange, purple, green or yellow and pair it with plain brown or navy bell-bottoms. A faux-suede fringe vest breaks up the print and adds texture. Long center-parted hair or a softly curled wig gives the finish, with a narrow patterned headband and lightly tinted round glasses. A peace pendant, beaded bracelets and a small canvas shoulder bag are simple extras. Keep the face natural with optional bronzer and a few face-paint flowers near one temple. A single daisy makes a photo prop, and brown platform boots or loafers will handle a full evening on your feet.
15. Retro Band Tee Hippie Costume
A faded band-style tee is the most casual way into this theme. To keep it generic, I go for a shirt with a sun, rainbow, floral or abstract music graphic rather than a real band's logo. Dark denim flares and a long camel fringe vest supply the 70s shape, and a wide belt with a big round buckle marks the waist. Loose, slightly tousled hair under a narrow headband, or a shoulder-length wavy wig, keeps it relaxed. Smudged brown liner, warm blush and a tiny cheek flower are all the makeup it needs. Round sunglasses, bead necklaces and a patch-covered canvas bag finish the details, and a colourful cardboard record makes a light prop. Platform sneakers, clogs or worn-in brown boots suit it.
16. Patchwork Overalls Hippie Costume
Patchwork overalls are playful and suit adults, teens and older kids alike. Choose flared denim overalls and attach temporary patches with flowers, hearts, clouds and rainbows, then layer them over a tie-dye or striped long-sleeve tee. Adjust the straps before you leave the house; bib overalls that slip off one shoulder all night get irritating fast. Two braids, fluffy curls or a low ponytail with a bright fabric headband all suit it. Peach blush, bright liner and a small painted rainbow on one cheek keep the face cheerful. Add bead bracelets, round glasses, a mini canvas backpack and one oversized daisy. Platform sneakers or cushioned clogs make sense for school events and long parties.
17. Prairie Dress Hippie Costume
A tiered prairie dress moves nicely and has an earthier feel than the flower-power looks. Look for a floral maxi with a high neckline, gathered waist and full sleeves in brown, cream, rust or moss green. A fitted crochet vest over the bodice makes the shape feel deliberately retro rather than just a pretty dress. Soft waves with two small front sections braided back keep hair out of your face. Warm shadow, a few drawn-on freckles, rosy blush and tinted balm suit it. A wide-brim floppy hat, layered pendants and a woven shoulder bag do the accessorising, with a small bunch of field flowers in hand. Brown lace-up boots give stable footing and show nicely as the hem swings.
18. Crochet Top And Maxi Skirt Hippie Costume
Crochet tops look handmade and breezy, but check the coverage before you buy. Many have open stitches, so I'd choose a lined or layered one, or wear a nude camisole underneath. Pair it with a flowing floral or patchwork maxi skirt, a wide brown belt, and a light fringe shawl if the night is cool. A center part, natural waves and one small braid wrapped with coloured thread suit it. Gold shadow, brown liner, soft blush and a tiny flower below one eye cover the makeup. Add wooden-look necklaces and bracelets and a woven bucket bag, with a ring of artificial daisies as the prop. Wear flat platform sandals, clogs or ankle boots, and make sure the hem clears your shoes so you don't step on it on stairs.
19. Velvet Flares And Floral Blouse Hippie Costume
Velvet flares lift the theme into something dressier. Choose high-waisted pants in burgundy, forest green, mustard or deep purple with a floral blouse that has dramatic bell sleeves. A fitted crochet vest adds definition without hiding the blouse. Velvet crushes when you sit on it for a long time, so I'd hang the pants in a steamy bathroom the night before and avoid folding them into a bag. Feathered layers or relaxed waves with a slim scarf tied around the crown, warm metallic shadow, soft lashes, peach blush and a muted berry lip suit the richer fabric. Add hoops, a long pendant and a small saddle bag with a sunflower tucked through the strap, so your hands stay free. Platform ankle boots in brown or tan balance the wide legs.
20. Orange Turtleneck And Suede Skirt Hippie Costume
Orange and camel make a simple combination that looks planned, not thrown together. Tuck a fitted orange turtleneck into an A-line faux-suede midi skirt, then add a long cream crochet vest or a fringe waistcoat for the bohemian texture. Long straight hair with a sharp center part and a printed scarf across the forehead suits the clean lines. Brown liner, gold shadow, warm blush and a peach lip coordinate with the palette. Big round sunglasses, layered necklaces and wide bangles add the costume cues, and a small round bag with a flower patch or peace symbol is the prop. Tan knee-high boots with a low block heel finish it. Opaque cream tights add warmth without changing the earthy colours.
21. Denim Jumpsuit Hippie Costume
A flared denim jumpsuit is a practical one-piece base that takes customising well. Choose a fitted or belted style with a wide collar, then pin temporary floral patches on the pockets and use a striped scarf as the belt. A cropped fringe vest adds movement while leaving the jumpsuit visible. Natural curls, feathered waves or a center-parted wig with a braided band all suit it. Bronze shadow, coral blush and a few small painted flowers along one cheekbone keep the face warm. Add round glasses, hoops and stacked bracelets, plus a patched fabric shoulder bag that holds your phone. Check that your platform sneakers or ankle boots fit under the flared legs before the night; stiff denim can catch on a chunky sole.
22. Shearling Coat And Printed Flares Hippie Costume
Cold weather doesn't have to bury the costume. This one is built around a brown faux-shearling coat with wide lapels, which was a real 70s outer layer, so wearing it adds to the look rather than hiding it. Underneath go a rust turtleneck and floral or paisley flares; keep the coat open indoors so the print shows. Loose waves under a wide-brim floppy hat or printed head scarf, copper shadow, soft brown liner and rosy cheeks suit the warm palette. Round tinted glasses, a long pendant and a fringe shoulder bag with an artificial flower attached mean you aren't juggling a prop with gloves on. Brown platform boots with grippy soles are the right call for outdoor festivals, parades and chilly Halloween gatherings.
23. Matching Tie-Dye Couple Hippie Costume
A couple can match here without dressing identically. One person wears a tie-dye shirt, patched denim flares, a brown fringe vest and platform boots; the other wears a tie-dye maxi dress, crochet vest and comfy clogs in the same colours. That shared palette is the trick: I'd agree on two or three colours before either of you buys anything. Center-parted waves or headbands on both, subtle bronzer and small painted flowers keep the faces related. Round sunglasses, peace pendants and bead bracelets link the two looks. Each of you can carry half of a light cardboard peace sign, which is a fun reveal when you stand together for photos.
24. Flower Child And Boho Rocker Couple Costume
This couple idea uses two contrasting characters inside the same theme. The flower child gets a floral maxi dress, crochet vest, daisy crown, layered necklaces and brown lace-up boots. The boho rocker gets a paisley shirt, dark bell-bottoms, a faux-suede fringe jacket, round sunglasses and platform boots. Relaxed center-parted hair suits both, soft waves for one and a shoulder-length textured style for the other. Matching bronze eye makeup or a few face-paint flowers connect the pair. One carries an artificial bouquet, the other a cardboard record painted with a peace symbol. Repeat orange, yellow and brown across both outfits and the pairing reads as deliberate.
25. Rainbow Hippie Group Costume
A rainbow group is easy to organise because each person takes one colour: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Everyone then builds a full hippie outfit in their shade, from bell-bottoms and floral shirts to fringe vests, maxi dresses, ponchos and jumpsuits, so each silhouette is different. The part groups forget is the order. Agree on who stands where before photos, or the rainbow comes out scrambled. Center-parted waves, braids or headbands keep natural textures visible, and a matching eye shadow or one painted flower ties each face to its colour. Round glasses, bead necklaces and comfortable platforms repeat across the group. Give everyone an artificial flower in their colour so the bunch forms a rainbow when you line up.
26. Plus-Size Wrap Dress Hippie Costume
A wrap maxi dress is my top pick for a plus-size hippie costume because the waist adjusts as the night goes on. Choose a bold floral or psychedelic print with loose bell sleeves and a skirt you can move in. A long fringe vest worn open keeps the wrap shape visible. Voluminous curls, long waves, braids or a center-parted wig all suit it, with a flexible floral headband that won't press on your temples. Gold shadow, warm blush and small painted daisies make cheerful makeup. A long pendant, wide bangles and a crossbody with an adjustable strap carry the details, plus an artificial sunflower. Wide-fit platform sandals, supportive clogs or low block-heel boots keep you steady, and breathable layers keep you comfortable through a long party.
27. Long Tunic And Palazzo Pants Hippie Costume
For more coverage, a long embroidered tunic over flowing palazzo pants is hard to beat. I'd keep the two pieces clearly different in tone, like cream and brown or rust and mustard; in a single shade they blur into loungewear. A sleeveless fringe vest or light crochet layer goes over the tunic. A low loose braid, natural curls or soft waves under a wide fabric headband all work. Bronze shadow, brown liner, peach blush and a small flower at the temple keep the face polished. Round sunglasses, long beads, a roomy woven bag and a light cardboard peace sign are the extras. Closed-toe platforms or low ankle boots stop palazzo hems catching under your toes.
28. Last-Minute Closet Hippie Costume
Short on time? Your own wardrobe can probably cover this. Start with any floral blouse, striped shirt or tie-dye tee and pair it with bootcut jeans, wide-leg pants or a long flowing skirt. A brown vest, open cardigan or fringe-trimmed scarf adds the texture. Hair goes down with a center part and a narrow scarf tied across the forehead, which is the single fastest cue for this decade. Warm shadow, blush and one small painted flower are enough. Round sunglasses and layered costume necklaces sharpen the theme. Decorate a tote with removable paper flowers or fabric scraps and carry one artificial daisy. Wear clogs, ankle boots or platform sneakers you already own; new shoes on a party night are a blister waiting to happen.
29. Handmade Flower Power Hippie Costume
This is the crafty one, and it's where I'd start with kids helping. Pair a plain cream blouse with flared jeans, then pin or tack removable felt flowers along the hems and pockets. Felt doesn't fray, so you can cut flowers without hemming them. A simple brown vest gets matching fringe from fabric strips that come off afterwards. Two loose braids with coloured ribbon woven through, small painted daisies at the outer eyes, peach blush and soft brown liner suit it. Make a peace-sign necklace from painted cardboard and string, and decorate a canvas shoulder bag with more felt flowers. A big paper daisy makes the main prop. Brown clogs or platform sneakers finish it, and you can swap the colours for whatever felt and fabric you have at home.
30. Gold Fringe Glam Hippie Costume
Gold gives this hippie look a party finish without tipping it into full disco. Start with a bronze or mustard bell-sleeve jumpsuit, or a metallic blouse with solid brown flares. Over that goes a gold-toned fringe vest. Metallic fringe is lighter than suede, so it swings more, and it also tangles in long hair, which is why I'd keep the hair in polished center-parted waves with a slim metallic headband holding it back. Gold shadow, defined lashes, warm blush and a glossy peach lip match the shine. Oversized round glasses, statement hoops, stacked bangles and a long peace pendant are plenty. Carry a small circular bag with a little flower detail and wear gold or tan platform boots for an evening decade party.
Painted Daisies and Headbands That Survive the Party
Two small details appear in nearly every look above: a band across the forehead and a little flower painted on the face. Both are where hippie costumes tend to fall apart by the end of the night, so here is what I do to keep them in place.
The forehead band
A scarf or braid tied around the head slides up as soon as you start dancing, because nothing is holding it against a smooth forehead. I tie it at the back of the head under the hair, not on top, and pin it with two bobby pins crossed in an X just behind each ear. A thin band sits better than a wide one on a short forehead. If the knot digs in after an hour, swap the tie for a strip of elastic sewn into the back, which you can't see under long hair.
The cheek flower
Use a water-activated face paint or a cosmetic eyeliner rather than craft paint, and try a dot on the inside of your wrist the day before to make sure your skin is happy with it. Draw the petals first, let them dry fully, then add the centre, otherwise the colours bleed into each other. A light press of translucent powder over the top keeps it from smudging when you push your hair back. Leave it off the area under your glasses frame, where it rubs off within minutes. At the end of the night an oil-based cleanser lifts it faster than soap and water.
Flares and a Forehead Band Do Most of the Work
If you remember one thing, make it the silhouette. Start with flares, a maxi dress, a jumpsuit or a flowing skirt, then add one textured layer such as fringe, crochet or a patchwork print. Hair, makeup, shoes and props should support that base without making you uncomfortable by ten o'clock. Round sunglasses, a flower headband, a fabric bag and a peace pendant can turn ordinary closet clothes into a clear 70s look. Every outfit here can shift for different bodies, ages, group sizes and weather, so treat them as starting points and change the colours to suit you.
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