Hippie Costumes for Kids

Clothe your child in hippie garb for the next costume event.

The next time you need costumes for your kids, take the "flower child" icon literally by dressing them in hippie-inspired clothing that reflects this distinct 1960s subculture. Children will like the colorful and free-spirited attire of hippies and beatniks, whether it's for Halloween, a school dress-up day or a costume birthday party.

Girls' Clothing

Peasant-style blouses with billowy sleeves and loose-fitting tie-dyed T-shirts both mimic classic hippie style. Wide-flare bell-bottoms made from blue jean or faux velvet materials are appropriate bottoms. Slip on a macramé or crocheted vest to complete the main outfit. Girls can also wear long flowing dresses in bold graphic prints or tie-dye patterns.

Boys' Clothing

Start with a graphic print or tie-dyed T-shirt, and add a pair of ripped bell-bottom blue jeans covered in psychedelic patches. Polyester high-water pants also provide an authentic look. Incorporate a sleeveless vest with long strands of fringe swaying at the bottom. Cover the vest in peace sign buttons to mimic the activist look.

Hair and Headwear

Girls with long straight hair should wear it down and parted in the middle or in two long braids. Both girls and boys can wear tie-dyed fabric headbands or bandannas that wrap around the forehead and tie off to the side. For a more feminine look, girls can wear a single flower behind the ear or a wreath of flowers at the crown of the head. Long hair was also popular for boys at the time. Mimic this look with a shaggy or long-haired wig. For extra laughs, have boys wear a thick handlebar mustache.

Shoes and Accessories

Open-toed sandals are the best way to go for both boys and girls. For girls, look for sandals decorated with beads, shells or crocheted elements. For boys, look for chunkier sandals, like Birkenstocks. If it's too cold outside, you can also opt for platform shoes or high boots. Girls and boys can wear long beaded necklaces and stacks of beaded bracelets. Accessories made from fabric, like hemp, were also popular. Have kids don a pair of iconic sunglasses with circle frames and lenses tinted pink, blue or green.

Props

Round out the ensemble by carrying props that enhance the theme. Use a tambourine or a small guitar for kids who like music. Older children with a sense of humor can carry a protest sign with a peace symbol on it. Another useful prop is a beaded bag or a fringed shoulder satchel with buttons and pins on it.

References

• Costume Craze: Hippie Costumes