This Day in History: 8.17.1969

On Aug. 17, 1969, the Woodstock Music and Art Fair concluded near Bethel, N.Y
"Young people straggling into the Port of New York Authority bus terminal at 41st Street and Eighth Avenue last night were damp, disheveled and given to such wild eccentricities of dress as the wearing of a battered top hat with grimy jersey, blue jeans and sandals." state the NY Times article from this day in 1969.

"From wide-leg pants and jeans (formerly known as bell-bottoms), to the maxi dress, stack shoes and plaid shirts we've all worn the fashion's of Woodstock. Being a kid looking through my moms wardrobe was like looking into a time capsule. I vowed that I would never dress like that. Well here it is 2009 and those same fashions are back and I'm loving them." writes Tona Michelle of examiner.com


It was a little hard to find good photos of what people were wearing at Woodstock... a lot of the available photos depict the immensity of the gathered crowds or show the popular Woodstock fashion of wearing as little clothing as possible.

The fashions of the flower children were influenced by their ideals. The long, undone hair on men and women reflected the subculture's emphasis on being natural. The appearance of ethnic silhouettes and patterns stemmed from an acceptance of and curiosity about the global community that was suppressed during the isolationism of the 1950's and early 1960's. The increased use of drugs, particularly psychedelics, led to an explosion of color and wild prints in the fashions of the "hippies".

And here's a very worthwhile take on what the reality of the 60's was for many people of mainstream culture, the observers of the Woodstock phenomenon.

If you were living the love of the late 1960's, I'd love to get your take on the fashions and the times, even see your pics!