Tie-Dye Forever Tie-dyed clothing was a hugely recognisable look for young, rebellious people growing up in the sixties, keen to show their rejection of the Vietnam War, and the rules and regulations that had confined their parents’ generation. Woodstock made tie-dye a countercultural icon, as thousands rocked the look in support of their nonconformist ideals. Legendary artists Janis Joplin and Joe Cocker’s displays of these bright, swirling patterns of colour while performing at Woodstock gave generations of festival goers the seal of approval that tie-dye was cool. Although tie-dye’s popularity has fluctuated over time, there is no doubt that it remains a prevalent choice for today’s festival fashion. Modern festival goers all over the world still choose tiedye as an emblem for their individualism and a symbol of their wild side.
Scandalous Halter Tops and Crop-Tops The sixties gave birth to the idea of using materials such as crochet and macramé, not to make doilies and placemats, but instead to make halter tops to wear to events like Woodstock. Since then, various materials have been introduced to make and adorn these types of tops including spandex, denim, mesh and sequins. The introduction of young women wearing their tops like a bikini was very scandalous for the period, and is clearly a huge inspiration for modern halter tops and crop-tops. These are guaranteed to be seen on many modern young women at festivals every summer. Festivals have become places where young women can feel free to put on a crop-top, pair it with some jazzy bell-bottoms or shorts and have fun while embracing a bare midriff for the day.
Free the Nipple If the conservative members of society in the sixties thought that halter neck tops were a shock to the system, then they were probably flabbergasted that many women chose to go braless at Woodstock. Many even went topless. In fact, it was more common at this festival
to see a woman rocking an outfit without a bra than with one. Women were pushing for gender equality and showing their beliefs through their fashion. This attitude has certainly been maintained at modern festivals, as it has become a norm for women to dress how they feel most comfortable, whether that be with a bra, or without one.
Fringe For Days
The free-flowing attitude of the people of Woodstock was most definitely complemented by wearing fringe. It was an iconic style seen everywhere at this festival, in the style of jackets and tops. What could be better than shaking your fringe to the sound of Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze? Even if it was while squelching in mud. This was the perfect way to have fun and show off your spunk while doing it. Needless to say, fringe has become the ultimate festivalchic look. It has survived decades of festival style, and made it to the top of festivalgoers’ choice of outfits today in the form of jackets, tops, trousers, shoes and even earrings.
Denim Rebellion The youth of the sixties were one of the first groups of people to show off the look of faded denim as a fashion statement. At the time, wearing denim was considered very casual attire, and associated with the working class. Youths attending Woodstock therefore used this as an opportunity to wear it in support of social equality and to show their distaste for the boundaries of
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social norms. Like every other piece of clothing worn to Woodstock, the textile’s main purpose was to further express one’s freedom and individuality. Modern day festivalgoers are still in love with denim and still revel in the joy of dressing casually that Woodstock enthused. However, denim jeans and jackets have evolved from their reputation in the sixties, and can be dressed up or down. When it comes to festivals, modern attendees can rely on denim for its versatility. A denim jacket will go with almost anything!
In 2019, the business of festival fashion is bigger than ever. Every summer, online retailers prepare months in advance for an influx of sales from those searching for festival-wear buys. Retailers such as ASOS, Boohoo and Missguided have used this type of event