Hippie costumes are one of the few Halloween looks you can build almost entirely from a thrift store rack, and they're comfortable enough to wear for hours. The trick is going past a tie-dye shirt and a peace necklace. What sells the look is the shape: flares, a center part, long loose hair, round glasses and a flat or chunky shoe. Below are 45 outfits for women, men, couples, groups, families, kids, babies and even the dog, plus a cardboard van. I sew a lot of my own costume pieces, so I've added the small fixes that make each one hold up through a whole party.
Small Details That Say 1969, Not Just Boho
A lot of everyday boho clothing looks almost right but reads as a normal outfit at a party. The difference is usually in a few details, and I check them before I buy anything.
- Flares should be fitted through the hip and thigh and widen from the knee. Wide-leg pants that are loose all the way down look modern.
- A center part with long, straight or loosely waved hair is the fastest hair cue. Side parts pull the look toward the 1970s disco era.
- Round glasses, small or oversized, beat cat-eye or rectangle frames.
- Natural fabrics take dye, paint and patches better. Cotton and denim are easier to customize than slick polyester.
- Shoes should be flat, clogs or chunky platforms. Thin heels break the line.
If you get those five right, you can be pretty loose with everything else and still look like you stepped out of the late sixties.
1. Tie-Dye Hippie Costume With Bell-Bottom Jeans
This is the look everyone pictures: a bright tie-dye tee and big flared jeans. A fitted or slightly oversized shirt both work, and flower patches on the knees or pockets add the handmade feel. Wear your hair long with a center part, or a natural wavy wig, with a braided fabric headband, round tinted glasses and a peace necklace. Peach blush and a tiny painted flower on one cheek are enough makeup. When I add patches to jeans, I stitch them down by machine or with a tight whipstitch; iron-on patches lift at the knee the first time you crouch. Flat brown sandals or low platforms keep you comfortable.
2. Flower Child Hippie Costume With Maxi Dress
A floral maxi dress is the easiest flower child base there is. Bell sleeves or a tiered skirt push it toward the late 1960s. Tuck faux daisies through long waves or loose braids, or wear a flower crown, and keep the makeup to rosy cheeks, pastel shadow and a few flower decals at the temples. Layer wooden beads and a peace medallion, and sling on a fringed crossbody bag. Faux flower crowns are usually wired to a thin band that pokes behind the ears, so I wrap the ends in a scrap of ribbon before wearing one. Ankle boots for a cold night, flat sandals inside.
3. Fringe Vest Hippie Costume With Flared Pants
A faux-suede fringe vest is the most useful thrift find on this list, since it turns a plain cream tee or printed blouse into a costume in seconds. Pair it with rust, mustard or denim flares, a center part, soft waves and a narrow scarf tied across the forehead. Bronze shadow, peach lipstick and a few face gems are plenty. I check fringe vests for the cut length before buying: fringe that's been trimmed too short looks like a placemat, while long fringe swings and reads from across a room. Round sunglasses, layered beads and a sewn-on peace patch finish it. If you bring a tambourine, use it quietly, and wear clogs or cushioned platforms.
4. White Lace Hippie Costume With Flower Crown
White lace and a long cream or pastel skirt give you the gentlest look here. I'd choose lined garments; unlined cotton lace is see-through under party lighting and camera flash, which surprises a lot of people. Wear natural waves, a loose side braid or a long wig with a faux-flower crown. Soft pink makeup and tiny daisies painted beside the eyes suit it. Add layered beads, a crocheted shoulder bag and a peace charm, and carry a small bundle of faux wildflowers. Tan lace-up ankle boots or flat sandals depending on how far you're walking.
5. Psychedelic Print Hippie Costume With Platform Boots
A swirling psychedelic print does all the talking in this one. Wear a print tunic or mini dress with opaque tights or fitted flares underneath, in a mix of pink, orange, purple and turquoise. Style the hair straight with flipped ends, or pick a smooth center-parted wig. Pastel graphic liner and defined lashes give the late-1960s eye without going theatrical. Short polyester minis ride up when you sit, so I add a pair of bike shorts underneath in the main color of the print. Oversized round glasses, geometric earrings, a wide headband and a painted cardboard peace sign go on top, with white or bright platform ankle boots.
6. Denim Patchwork Hippie Costume With Crochet Top
Patchwork denim looks handmade because it usually is. Start with flared patchwork jeans or sew fabric scraps onto old denim, then add a lined crochet-style top over a camisole and a light denim vest. Wear two loose braids with colorful fabric strips woven into the ends, bronze makeup and small painted flowers on one cheekbone. For patching, I use a denim needle and a longer stitch length, and I turn under the edges of cotton scraps so they don't fray into strings by the end of the night. Round sunglasses, wooden beads, a canvas satchel and a faux sunflower finish it, with clogs, flat boots or brown sneakers.
7. Sunflower Hippie Costume With Yellow Flare Pants
Mustard flares and a sunflower-print blouse make a cheerful flower-power look. A brown or cream fringe vest adds texture and keeps the palette warm. Wear loose waves under a sunflower crown, or attach fabric sunflowers to a wide headband. Golden shadow, peach blush and one small sunflower painted at the corner of an eye are enough. Fabric sunflowers are heavy for their size, so I sew them to a padded headband rather than gluing them to a thin plastic one that tips forward. Add a peace necklace, brown round sunglasses and a fringed bag, carry one big faux sunflower, and wear brown platform sandals or low block-heel boots.
8. Rainbow Hippie Costume With Tie-Dye Dress
A rainbow tie-dye dress is a one-piece costume. Go for a loose T-shirt dress or a long bell-sleeve style, with shorts or leggings underneath if you need them. Long relaxed waves or a rainbow-streaked wig sit well with a braided headband, plus colorful liner, cheek gems and gloss. Layer a peace medallion with bead necklaces and carry a small rainbow tote or a painted cardboard peace sign. White sunglasses give a clean contrast against all that color. A home-dyed dress can still bleed the first few washes, so I'd wash it alone before wearing it over light tights. White platform sneakers or flat sandals finish it.
9. Boho Hippie Costume With Peasant Blouse
If you want a quieter hippie look, start with a loose peasant blouse, high-waisted flare jeans and a long patterned vest. Earthy olive, rust and cream let the embroidery stand out. Part the hair in the center and wear natural waves or two relaxed front braids, with soft brown liner, warm blush and a muted coral lip. Add layered necklaces, round glasses, stacked bracelets and a woven bag, plus a faux-flower bouquet or a handmade peace placard so it reads as a costume. Peasant blouses often have a drawstring neckline that slips off the shoulder, so I tie it a little tighter or put in a tiny tack stitch. Brown ankle boots or supportive platforms for a long night.
10. Easy Hippie Costume With Jeans And White Shirt
Short on time? A white tee or blouse with blue flare jeans is enough of a base, and the accessories do the rest. Tie a colorful scarf around your forehead and add a fringe vest if you have one. Keep the hair loose with a center part. Draw a small peace sign on one cheek with skin-safe makeup, then add peach blush and mascara. Round tinted glasses, a peace medallion and a few bead bracelets make it look intentional. If you only own straight-leg jeans, they'll still work, but flares are what people notice first, so they're worth borrowing. Carry a decorated tote and wear brown sandals, clogs or sneakers.
11. Pink Flower Power Hippie Costume With Mini Dress
A pink floral mini dress leans into the late 1960s. A high neck or bell sleeves help, and opaque pink, white or orange tights add coverage. Straight hair with flipped ends or a smooth shoulder-length wig sits under a wide fabric headband. Pink shadow, defined lashes and tiny flower decals near the eyes match the dress. Flipped ends drop fast in damp air, so I set them with a few hot rollers and a light hairspray rather than relying on a flat iron alone. Add oversized round sunglasses, a bold peace necklace and a small handbag with removable flower stickers, an oversized faux daisy for photos and white platform boots.
12. Orange Hippie Costume With Printed Jumpsuit
A swirling orange jumpsuit is a lively swap for the usual dress. Look for wide legs with bell sleeves or a belted waist, ideally in an orange-and-pink geometric print. Long waves under a wide matching headband, bronze shadow, graphic liner and a peach lip suit the warm colors. Add big round glasses, hoops, layered necklaces, a fringe crossbody bag and a small tambourine or painted peace sign. Wide-leg jumpsuits are usually cut long for heels, so I'd hem it while wearing the actual shoes, leaving about a finger's width off the floor. Cream platform boots or brown block heels.
13. Purple Hippie Costume With Velvet Flares
Purple velvet flares give this one a bit of glamour. Pair them with a cream bell-sleeve blouse and a paisley or floral vest in lavender and plum. Style the hair with volume, a middle part and a narrow braided headband, and sweep lavender shadow over the lids. Purple-tinted round glasses, layered beads and a moon-and-flower pendant finish the top, with a small fringe bag or a faux lavender bouquet. Velvet crushes and shines where you press it, so I never iron it face-down; steam it from the inside instead. Black or cream platform ankle boots balance the heavier fabric.
14. Green Hippie Costume With Floral Maxi Skirt
This earthy green look is built around a sweeping floral maxi skirt. Add a fitted olive top or a cream blouse with loose bell sleeves, then a green crochet-style vest. Natural curls, loose waves or a long center-parted wig look good with tiny faux flowers tucked around the crown. Soft green liner, peach blush and gloss keep the face fresh. Accessorize with wooden beads, a peace bracelet and a woven crossbody bag, and carry a decorated notebook of positive messages. Floor-length skirts get stepped on in crowds, so I take mine up to just above the ankle. Tan ankle boots or flat sandals.
15. Blue Hippie Costume With Patchwork Bell-Bottoms
Blue patchwork bell-bottoms are bold but easy to dress around. A chambray shirt, a pale blue peasant blouse or a navy tie-dye top all work, and a cream fringe vest breaks up all the blue. Long hair with a center part and a blue floral headband, navy liner and a tiny painted peace sign by one eye suit it. Round blue-tinted glasses, a peace medallion and a patch-covered bag finish the top. If you're making the patchwork yourself, I'd use denims of similar weight; mixing a stretchy pair with stiff old denim makes the leg twist. White platform sneakers or tan clogs keep attention on the pants.
16. Groovy Hippie Costume With Swirl Print Dress
A multicolor swirl-print dress gives you a big groovy look with no sewing at all. Choose a knee-length dress with long bell sleeves and a simple shape so the print does the work. Wear smooth, center-parted hair with flipped ends or a straight retro wig, pastel graphic liner, generous mascara and a neutral gloss. Oversized round glasses, geometric earrings and a chunky peace necklace go on top. Carry a round bag with removable flower decals or a painted cardboard record with no artist names. Bell sleeves dip into drinks and food, so I'd push them up or pin a small elastic inside at the wrist. White platform boots and opaque tights finish it.
17. Woodland Hippie Costume With Earth-Tone Layers
This is a softer outdoor look: brown corduroy flares, a cream blouse and an olive fringe vest. Mix textures such as faux suede, crochet, denim and cotton instead of rainbow prints. Wear the hair loose and textured under a crown of faux leaves and small flowers, with warm brown liner, terracotta blush and a touch of gold shadow. Add wooden necklaces, a woven belt and a canvas crossbody bag, and carry a basket of faux daisies and greenery. Corduroy is warm, which is exactly why I'd pick it for an outdoor fall event over thin rayon. Brown lace-up boots give you grip on wet grass.
18. Festival Hippie Costume With Fringe Kimono
A long floral fringe kimono over high-waisted flares and a fitted tank gives you a festival feel. Choose breathable, lined pieces you can move in. Loose waves with two small braids framing the face and a flower headband suit it, along with bright liner, inner-corner shimmer and a few face gems. Round sunglasses, layered beads and a hands-free fringe bag are practical. Kimono fringe tangles with beaded necklaces, so I'd keep the necklaces shorter than where the fringe begins. Carry a folding fan or a sticker-covered bottle, and wear supportive platform sneakers or flat ankle boots.
19. Peace Sign Hippie Costume With Black Flares
A big peace symbol gives this costume one clear focal point. Start with black flares and a bright shirt with a painted or appliquéd peace sign, then add a rainbow fringe vest or a patterned jacket. Long straight hair or a center-parted wig sits under a wide tie-dye headband, with turquoise liner and a small peace symbol at the temple. Carry a round cardboard peace sign on a light handle. For the appliqué, I fuse the shape on and then zigzag around the edge, because fusible web alone peels off a T-shirt within an evening. Bright platform sneakers or white boots stop the black pants from darkening the whole look, and hem the flares so you don't trip.
20. Crochet Hippie Costume With Wide-Leg Pants
A lined crochet vest or tunic can be the main piece of a relaxed costume. Wear it over a fitted tank with rust, cream or floral wide-leg pants, and add a long pendant to draw the eye down. Soft waves, a thin braided headband and a few small faux daisies suit it, with bronzed makeup and a glossy lip. A woven bag, round sunglasses and stacked bracelets follow the handmade theme, and a faux-flower garland makes an easy prop. Open crochet snags on rings and bracelets, so I'd wear the bracelets on the other arm from your bag strap. Brown clogs or cushioned platforms, and a layer underneath sized for the weather.
21. Hippie Cowgirl Costume With Denim Flares
Hippie cowgirl blends two retro looks: dark denim flares, a floral Western shirt and a tan fringe vest. Add a soft wide-brim hat with a removable ring of faux daisies. Wear loose braids or natural waves, bronze shadow, peach blush and a small flower near one cheek. Round sunglasses, a peace belt buckle and a fringe crossbody bag point it firmly toward hippie, with faux sunflowers instead of anything weapon-like. I attach the daisy ring with a few safety pins under the hatband so you can take it off and keep the hat for everyday. Brown Western ankle boots with a low heel work for parties, parades and trick-or-treating.
22. Glam Hippie Costume With Sequin Bell-Bottoms
Sequin bell-bottoms turn flower power into a party outfit. Silver, pink or rainbow sequins look best balanced by a plain flowing blouse and a simple faux-suede vest. Voluminous waves with a center part and a thin metallic headband suit it, plus silver shadow, winged liner and a few face gems placed like flowers. Add a peace medallion, tinted glasses and a small glittery bag, and carry a light starburst or peace sign cut from metallic cardstock. Sequin hems shed and catch under the shoe, so I hem them with the sequins removed from the seam allowance first, then hand-stitch the hem. Platform ankle boots that match the pants.
23. Cozy Hippie Costume With Faux-Fur Vest
For cold nights, wear corduroy flares, a floral turtleneck and a shaggy cream or tan faux-fur vest. Tie a patterned scarf across your forehead over long waves or a center-parted wig, with warm brown eyes, rosy cheeks and a soft lip. Round sunglasses, wooden beads and a fabric peace pin give the familiar cues. A patch-covered canvas tote doubles as somewhere to keep gloves. Faux fur sheds on everything dark for the first wear, so I give it a shake outdoors and a quick pass with a lint roller first. Lined brown ankle boots and thick socks, and no long fringe or dragging hems after dark.
24. Rainy Day Hippie Costume With Colorful Poncho
This is the look for damp weather: a bright poncho over flare jeans and a fitted long-sleeve shirt. Pick a generic striped poncho with fringe, not a copy of a sacred or culturally specific design. Two relaxed braids under a wide headband, waterproof mascara and a tiny painted flower suit the rain. Add a large peace necklace and round clear-lensed glasses. A flower-decorated umbrella makes a useful prop, and a water-resistant crossbody bag keeps your phone dry. Wet denim gets heavy and cold, so I'd roll the flares up an inch or tuck them into rain boots. Colorful rain boots or waterproof ankle boots, and a poncho short enough to show the outfit.
25. Maternity Hippie Costume With Floral Maxi Dress
An empire-waist maxi dress is a comfortable maternity costume with no tight waistband. Choose soft stretch fabric in a floral or tie-dye print and add a light fringe vest if you like. Loose waves and a flexible flower crown that doesn't pinch suit it. Use the makeup you already know your skin tolerates, with peach cheeks, soft liner and a tiny daisy. Add a long peace pendant, round glasses and a roomy crossbody bag worn where it sits comfortably. Fringe vests get tight across the bust late in pregnancy, so I'd wear it open rather than tied. Carry a faux sunflower or a small sign reading Peace, Love, Baby, and choose supportive flat sandals or cushioned boots.
26. Plus Size Hippie Costume With Floral Jumpsuit
A wide-leg floral jumpsuit gives you one smooth costume with plenty of movement. I look for an adjustable waist, a stretch panel or a wrap bodice, because a fixed waist that pulls also makes the back gape when you sit. Layer a fringe vest or light kimono over it. Natural curls, long waves or a center-parted wig sit under a wide printed headband, with bronze liner, warm blush and gloss. Add a peace necklace, round sunglasses and a fringe crossbody bag, and carry a faux-flower garland or a decorated fan. Supportive platform sandals or block-heel boots chosen for stability over height.
27. Men’s Hippie Costume With Tie-Dye Shirt
A men's hippie costume can start with a loose tie-dye shirt and medium-wash flare jeans. Leave a tan fringe vest open so the colors show. Long hair with a center part, or a shoulder-length wavy wig and a narrow headband, plus optional bronzer or a small peace sign on one cheek. Round tinted sunglasses, a peace medallion and a few bead bracelets make it clear. Men's flares are hard to find in thrift stores, so I'd also check women's racks for high-rise flares in larger sizes or add triangles into straight jeans. Carry a tambourine or decorated messenger bag, and wear brown sandals, clogs or low platform boots.
28. Men’s Hippie Costume With Fringe Jacket
A brown faux-suede fringe jacket over a floral shirt and dark bell-bottoms makes a strong entrance. The fringe moves when you do, so the base doesn't need to be loud. Loose natural hair or a long wavy wig goes under a printed forehead scarf, with optional bronzer and a small painted flower. Round sunglasses and wooden necklaces finish the top, and a light sign with a positive message or a patch-covered messenger bag serves as the prop. Faux suede marks easily with water spots, so I'd keep it away from drinks and spray it with a protector the day before. Choose soft fringe that won't catch on decorations, and brown boots or platforms.
29. Men’s Hippie Costume With Floral Suit
A floral-print jacket with matching flare trousers is the polished take. Wear a plain cream, orange or green shirt underneath with the collar open. A center part and natural volume, or a medium-length wig, suit it, with round tinted glasses, a peace pendant and a wide belt. Keep any makeup minimal with groomed brows and a small flower at the temple. Carry a bright handkerchief or a small tambourine. Matching floral suits are usually cut slim, so I check that the jacket closes over the shirt while seated before buying. Platform loafers or low block heels, and hem the trousers so the flare falls neatly over them.
30. Men’s Earth-Tone Hippie Costume With Corduroy Flares
Not every hippie costume needs rainbow color. Brown corduroy flares, a cream shirt, an olive vest and a patchwork jacket give a natural palette. Leave longer hair loose under a braided headband, or use a shaggy shoulder-length wig, with subtle bronzer and optional face-safe flowers. Round brown sunglasses, bead necklaces and a canvas satchel with peace patches finish it, plus a faux sunflower or a rolled paper sign. Earth tones blend into each other in photos unless the textures differ, so I pair wide-wale cord with smooth cotton and a nubby knit. Brown lace-up boots or clogs.
31. Couple Hippie Costume With Matching Tie-Dye
A couple can wear tie-dye in the same palette without buying identical pieces. One of you wears a tie-dye blouse with flare jeans and a fringe vest; the other wears a tie-dye tee with brown bell-bottoms. Both use center parts, relaxed waves and complementary headbands, with round sunglasses, peace necklaces and small flower accents. Each carries half of a light cardboard peace sign that becomes whole when you stand together. If you're dyeing your own, I'd dye both shirts in the same session and the same bath so the colors truly match. Brown sandals, platform sneakers or ankle boots, and two or three repeated colors keep you linked.
32. Couple Flower Child Hippie Costume
Coordinated florals and neutral flares make a softer couple's costume. One partner wears a flower-print maxi dress; the other wears a floral shirt, cream pants and a faux-suede vest. Add loose waves, center parts and matching daisy headbands. Peach blush, soft liner and a few painted petals are enough. Layer peace medallions and carry small bouquets of faux wildflowers. Choose prints in similar colors rather than an exact match; I hold the two fabrics side by side in daylight, since store lighting hides a clash. Tan sandals or brown ankle boots give you one shared detail.
33. Couple Hippie And Peace Sign Costume
This duo pairs a wearable hippie outfit with a walking peace sign. The first person wears tie-dye, flared jeans, a fringe vest, round glasses, long waves, flower makeup and platform shoes. The second wears a light circular peace-sign panel over a plain black or white outfit, with arms and legs free, a colorful headband, face gems and comfortable sneakers. Cut the panel from foam board or sturdy cardboard and paint it in the shirt's colors. I hang the panel from wide ribbon straps crossed at the back, which spreads the weight better than string over the neck. Carry a small banner with a friendly phrase together.
34. Couple Sun And Flower Hippie Costume
A sun and a flower keep the hippie theme while adding a bit of nature. The sun wears yellow flares, a golden bell-sleeve top, a soft sun-ray headband, round glasses, glowing makeup and yellow platform sneakers. The flower wears a green or floral maxi dress, a large petal headpiece, rosy makeup, a peace necklace and comfortable sandals. Matching fringe vests and small peace accessories connect the two. I cut sun rays and petals from felt stiffened with a little fabric stiffener, which keeps them upright but soft if someone bumps into you. Keep both headpieces light and above the eyes, and carry a faux sunflower bouquet.
35. Best Friend Hippie Costume With Matching Flares
Best friends can wear the same flare shape in different colors. One picks pink pants and a floral blouse; the other picks orange flares and a tie-dye top. Add contrasting fringe vests, complementary headbands and long center-parted hair. Match the makeup with colorful liner and tiny daisies near the eyes. Wear round sunglasses and split a pair of big peace medallions between you, with flower bags or matching tambourines. Two flares only look like a set if the leg shape matches, so I'd have both pairs hemmed to the same length from the knee. White platform boots or sneakers finish both.
36. Hippie Group Costume With Rainbow Colors
Give each person in the group one rainbow color. Everyone wears flares, a matching top, a fringe or crochet vest and platform shoes in their shade, with any hairstyle and a color-matched headband. Matching liner and one small flower or peace symbol on the cheek keep it consistent, and everyone gets round glasses and a bead necklace. In photos, light colored panels held together form the rainbow. Red and orange often look too similar under indoor lights, so I'd hold up all the colors together in the room's lighting before everyone commits. The formula fits any mix of ages, sizes and genders.
37. Hippie Group Costume With Flower Power Outfits
A group of friends can become a flower garden, each person a different bloom. The shared base is flares, maxi dresses, floral shirts, fringe vests and platform shoes, and each person wears a light flower crown in a distinct color. Bright liner, rosy cheeks and small painted petals suit everyone. Peace medallions and round sunglasses keep the group reading as hippie rather than generic flowers. Carry single faux blooms that come together into one bouquet for photos. I'd make crowns for the whole group on the same base, so they sit at the same height in a lineup. Keep headpieces off the eyes and not too wide for busy rooms.
38. Family Hippie Costume With Tie-Dye Outfits
A family hippie costume works best in tie-dye from one shared palette. Adults wear flare jeans, loose shirts and fringe vests; kids wear soft tie-dye tees with leggings or elastic-waist pants. Use comfortable headbands, clear-lensed round glasses for younger children and flower stickers instead of makeup. Adults can wear long wigs; kids keep their usual hairstyle. Everyone gets a foam peace necklace or a light faux flower. Dyeing everyone's shirts at the same time is a fun afternoon, and I'd always use 100 percent cotton tees, since polyester blends barely take the dye. Supportive sneakers or flat boots for walking.
39. Family Flower Power Hippie Costume
For a family flower-power theme, give each person a different floral outfit in coordinating colors. One adult wears a maxi dress and flower crown, another a floral shirt, flares and a fringe vest. Kids wear flower-print dresses, soft bell-bottoms or plain shirts with felt petals. Choose natural hairstyles, loose braids or headbands that stay put, rosy cheeks and removable flower stickers. Add peace medallions, small flower baskets and crossbody bags for adults. I sew felt petals on with a running stitch around the center, which lets the outer edges flutter without tearing off. Repeat two main colors so you look like a family in photos.
40. Kids Hippie Costume With Tie-Dye Shirt
For a child, pair a soft tie-dye tee with comfortable flare leggings or jeans. A fringe vest cut from felt or an old T-shirt is easy: I snip the fringe short, no longer than a hand's width, so it can't wrap around fingers or catch on playground equipment. Style familiar hair with a wide fabric headband, loose braids or colorful clips. A little rosy cheek color and one flower sticker are enough. A foam peace necklace, clear-lensed round glasses and a small decorated tote make it obvious. Choose sneakers with colorful laces instead of unstable platforms, and make every piece something your child can take off alone.
41. Kids Flower Child Costume With Maxi Dress
A soft floral maxi dress makes an easy flower child costume for school or family events. Pick a breathable, ankle-length dress that doesn't touch the ground, and add a small fringe vest or cardigan. Two braids, loose curls or a ponytail under a flexible flower crown suit it, with makeup optional. Add a foam peace necklace and a small basket of faux daisies. Kids grow quickly, so a dress that fit in summer can be too long or too short by October; I'd try it on a week before and hem it then. Flat sandals, sneakers or comfortable boots, and test the crown so it doesn't need constant fixing.
42. Teen Hippie Costume With Flare Jeans
A teen hippie costume can look stylish without feeling like a costume. Start with high-waisted flare jeans and a floral, striped or tie-dye shirt, then add a thrifted fringe vest and a wide headband. Natural curls, relaxed waves or two small face-framing braids work, along with colorful liner, peach blush, gloss and tiny flower stickers. Round sunglasses, a peace medallion and a patch-covered tote finish it, plus a faux sunflower or a handmade sign. Most of these pieces go straight back into a teen's everyday wardrobe, which is why I'd spend on the jeans and save on the rest. Platform sneakers or low ankle boots.
43. Baby Hippie Costume With Rainbow Romper
Keep a baby costume soft, simple and free of anything loose. A comfortable rainbow or tie-dye romper with printed flares or a fringe effect is plenty. A stretchy headband with one flat flower is fine for photos, but take it off for sleep and any time the baby isn't watched. Skip face makeup completely. Soft socks or crib shoes stand in for footwear. I'd sew a fabric peace patch on with small, tight stitches all around the edge, so nothing can be picked loose and mouthed. Put a soft plush flower beside the baby for photos rather than in their hands, and keep an eye on temperature.
44. Dog Hippie Costume With Tie-Dye Bandana
A pet costume should be light and comfortable. Start with a properly fitted tie-dye bandana or soft shirt that lets your dog walk and breathe normally. A flat fabric peace patch is fine, but skip dangling beads, glasses, wigs or anything that blocks the dog's vision. A secure flower attachment on the collar can work if it stays clear of the leash. No makeup. The regular collar, harness and leash should all work as usual. When I make a bandana for a dog, I hem all the edges, because raw cotton frays and the threads get chewed. Supervise closely and take it off if your dog seems unhappy.
45. DIY Cardboard Hippie Van Costume
A cardboard van worn around the waist turns a classic hippie outfit into a clever vehicle costume. Paint the box with flowers, peace signs, windows and swirls, then add wide shoulder straps to carry it. Underneath, wear a tie-dye shirt, flare jeans, a fringe vest and comfortable sneakers, with long hair or a wavy wig and a flower headband. The van is the prop, so skip extra accessories. Cardboard goes soft when wet, so I seal the painted box with a clear coat and run tape along every edge. Keep it narrow enough for doorways and round off the corners.
Tie-Dyeing a Shirt the Week Before
Store-bought tie-dye is fine, but home-dyed shirts look more real, and they're a fun project with kids. Use 100 percent cotton. Polyester and most blends come out pale and patchy, no matter how much dye you use.
- Wash the shirt first to remove the factory finish, and leave it damp.
- Twist or fold it and bind it tightly with rubber bands. A spiral twisted from the center is the classic pattern.
- Apply fiber-reactive dye, usually after a soda ash soak; follow the kit's directions, since methods vary.
- Wrap it in plastic and let it sit for several hours or overnight in a warm room so the colors set deeply.
- Rinse in cold water until it runs nearly clear, remove the bands, then wash it alone in warm water.
I always do this at least a few days ahead, because the first wash can still release color and you don't want that happening onto a white vest at the party. Wear gloves and cover your table; the dye stains skin for days.
Sewing a Flare Into Straight Jeans
If you can't find flares in your size, you can make them. Unpick the outside leg seam from the hem up to just above the knee. Cut a long triangle of fabric, denim or a bright print, about as tall as the opening and as wide at the bottom as you want the flare. Pin it in, stitch both sides, then hem across the bottom.
A contrasting print in the triangle actually looks more authentic than matched denim, since people really did this to their jeans. I use a denim needle and a longer stitch, and I press the seams open so the leg hangs straight. Try the jeans on with your costume shoes before hemming, because a platform changes the length you need.
Flares First, Then Everything Else
You don't need a packaged costume for any of these. Flare jeans, maxi dresses, tie-dye, a thrifted vest, a headband and a few faux flowers carry the whole look. Pick one strong idea and repeat its colors in the clothes, makeup, prop and shoes. If I had one afternoon to get ready, I'd spend most of it finding or making the flares, because the silhouette is what people recognize first. Then adjust everything for the person wearing it, their age and the event, from a solo look to a couple, group, family, baby or dog.
Related posts:
