How to Make a Hippie Costume

Whether one purchases the costume pieces from a thrift store or finds them in a family or friend's closet, making a hippie costume is simple if you follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Old jeans
• Big white t-shirt
• Fabric dye
• Rubber bands
• Old denim shirt
• Single beads
• Poster board
• Ruler
• Markers
• Bandanna
• Sandals
• Beaded necklace
• Tinted granny sunglasses
• Face paint
• Jewellry

Instructions

1. Make bell-bottoms by cutting an old pair of jeans. Start at the cuff and go 3/4 of the way up from the knee on both sides. Sew fabric in to create an extra panel and a bell-bottom. Authentic bell-bottom jeans may also be available at a thrift store.

2. Purchase or create a tie-dyed t-shirt using a large white t-shirt and fabric dye such as Rit. Twist the t-shirt and tie several different knots in the t-shirt. Secure the knots with rubber bands and dye it following the fabric dye instructions.

3. Create a fringed vest using an old denim shirt or by cutting strips into the bottom of the old shirt. Remove the collar and sleeves, and then add some beads to the strips. Secure the beads by tying the ends of the strips with knots.

4. Design and make a protest sign out of poster board, markers and a ruler. Include peace signs, flowers and a hippie saying such as "Love, Peace & Soul" on the sign.

5. Wash and braid women's hair and let it dry braided. Once dry, take the braids out and style your hair with a bandanna. Try it as a headband or put your hair into ponytails to make simulated afro puffs.

6. Put all costume items on, including accessories such as sandals, beaded jewelry, tinted granny glasses and face paint. Use jewelry made of natural fibers and materials like shells and hemp.

Tips & Warnings

• Go barefoot for an authentic hippie style.

• Substitute a dashiki for a tie-dyed shirt.

Resources

• Costumesinc has examples of hippie costumes.