Yes, youâve seen the look, now hereâs how to get it
By Morgan Hannah, Life & Style Editor
Folks, itâs summer music festival season and now that youâre in college, itâs time to take festival fashion more seriously. Say no to fur hats, neon underwear, and topknots, and introduce yourself to hippie modernism. No, these are not opposing concepts but rather a growing fashion trend for the spring/summer 2019 season, according to Elle.
âHippie modernismâ refers to a blend of â60s and â70s fashion and more modern casual and business wear. This isnât an official definition of the fashion trend but rather a startlingly accurate description. The look really is as simple as it sounds: Hippie-flavoured flared trousers, fringe from the â70s, pÂÂÄreo skirts in clashing geometric prints, and twisted silk belts; all in neutral tones, particularly various shades of beige and sun-kissed creams.
Having taken a look at Elleâs hippie modernism starter pack, Iâve gathered that the fashion industry likes to peddle the idea that this look is achievable for a whopping $2,900. From metallic crochet-knit dresses and slips to macramĂ© bags and birthstone amulet jewellery, the numbers thrown at these staples and statement pieces are alarming. For those of us who canât afford to spend our annual pay on looking hip, or should I say, hippie, there are ways to nab this essential Burning Man look without burning through your bank card.
Start with shoes. Footwear can almost always be the most expensive part of a look, as it should be! Protecting your feet helps for a strong foundation, both in health and fashion. Check out Le ChĂąteau or Call It Spring for fabulously priced frayed canvas wedges to mimic those triple-digit-dollar espadrilles. Companies like these are almost guaranteed to have year-round sales, and if youâre a member shopping on your birthday, enjoy an extra discount!
Letâs move onto the body, which is arguably the most eye-catching part of oneâs look. Pair together ribbed maxi dresses and metallic halters, tan trousers with wide legs and sleeveless turtleneck tops, round, rose-coloured glasses and silky scarves tied in a bohemian knot around the hipsâthe crazier the pattern, the better. Iâd recommend first taking a peek in your local thrift stores and Salvation Army stores; finding old fringe vests and floppy hats should be a fairly easy experience there. If youâre not interested in second-hand, stores such as LOFT, Wander, and even Aritzia will have a variety of bohemian styles that can be incorporated into the hippie modernism trend.
A great way to personalize your look is with long metallic chain necklaces and amulet cordage necklaces containing flower patterns or birthstones. These add texture in layers as well as sentimentality, making your look one youâll love. Additionally, feathered accessories are still quite popular for 2019, says Elle, and those are easy to find in most accessories shops as well as at the accessories bar near the checkout at your favourite retail location.
These fashion tips, as well as many moreâincluding handkerchief hems and bold-printed tank-dressesâare sure to be a hit with the flower child crowd thatâs bound to be found in the festival grounds. Whatâs more, they can be worn with black slacks to the office for any other day. Say goodbye to glitter, rainbow wedgies, and wacky sunburns and say hello to hippie modernism.
