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The cultural upheaval of the 1960s in the U.S. gave us some of the greatest fashion trends of the 20th century, and the influences of various subcultures like hippies or disco-goers have extended well into the 21st as well. In 1969, LIFE Magazine decided to photograph the teen fashions that American high schoolers across the country were wearing, which is why we’ve got these brilliant vintage photos to share with you today.
The cultural revolution against the mainstream captured the imagination of an entire era, and people became more liberated – in terms of sexuality, musical taste, and self-expression – than ever before. Short skirts, funky tights, and extravagant shoes flourished, and stylish kids weren’t afraid to show a bit of skin.
Check out these photos for a nostalgic look at the groovy garbs of 70s fashion!
More info: TIME (h/t: mashable)
RELATED:
“Corona del Mar High School students Kim Robertson, Pat Auvenshine and Pam Pepin wear “hippie” fashions, 1969,” – LIFE magazine.
“High schooler Lenore Reday stops traffic while wearing a bell-bottomed jumpsuit in Newport Beach, Calif., 1969.”
“A Southern California high school student walks toward classmates while wearing the “Mini Jupe” skirt, 1969.”
“High school teacher Sandy Brockman wears a bold print dress, 1969.”
“Student Rosemary Shoong at Beverly Hills High School, wearing a dress she made herself, 1969.”
“High school fashions, 1969.”
“High school students wearing “hippie” fashion, 1969.”
“High school student band, in California.”
“High school student wearing bell-bottoms and boots, 1969.”
“Beverly Hills High School student Erica Farber, wearing a checkered and tiered outfit, walks with a boy, 1969.”
“Southern California high school students, 1969.”
“High schooler Nina Nalhaus wears wool pants and a homemade jacket in Denver, Colo., 1969.”
“The cool kids of Beverly Hills High show off their fashions, 1969.”
“Southern California high school student wears old-fashioned tapestry skirt and wool shawl, 1969.”
“Southern California high schooler wears a buckskin vest and other hippie fashions, 1969.”
“Students at Woodside High in California, 1969.”
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What do you think ?
TameraPody 10 years ago
Did anyone else notice they photographed the one girl three seperate times in three different outfits?
LenaBatts 10 years ago
Yeah. I noticed that to. I think that most of these photos were taken from a magazine fashion shoot. I mean, seriously, to set up.
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CristaThompson 10 years ago
Everyone looks so much happier then :) the high school kids of today.
DouglasGray 10 years ago
Some of the boys look trad/preppy as well. Though American trad was a big influence on British mod so it could be my British eyes picking t
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MaureenHeath 10 years ago
the best time for me personally was between 1967-72 17- to 22 years old. fun fun fun and the best music ever!
LanaYksvelihi 10 years ago
oh man, i hope you realize how absolultely lucky you are for having lived those years (and came of age too), that many of us idolize :)
Load More Replies...
MarianneHeck 10 years ago
Everyone looks also mutch slimmer these days. My God, where have they gone.
BarbBraun 10 years ago
That's because we got lots of exercise in those days. Fat kids were quite rare in the '60s.
Load More Replies...
SuzannaSawyer 10 years ago
They look great with little make-up, no tattoos and not very revealing clothes - all look so happy...
Barbara Bassett 9 years ago
A great deal of our clothes were homemade. It was cool then to know how.
Load More Replies...
DavidKerin 10 years ago
Now look for pictures high school girls from Cleveland in 1969. Different story.
TameraPody 10 years ago
Did anyone else notice they photographed the one girl three seperate times in three different outfits?
LenaBatts 10 years ago
Yeah. I noticed that to. I think that most of these photos were taken from a magazine fashion shoot. I mean, seriously, to set up.
Load More Replies... CristaThompson 10 years ago
Everyone looks so much happier then :) the high school kids of today.
DouglasGray 10 years ago
Some of the boys look trad/preppy as well. Though American trad was a big influence on British mod so it could be my British eyes picking t
Load More Replies... MaureenHeath 10 years ago
the best time for me personally was between 1967-72 17- to 22 years old. fun fun fun and the best music ever!
LanaYksvelihi 10 years ago
oh man, i hope you realize how absolultely lucky you are for having lived those years (and came of age too), that many of us idolize :)
Load More Replies... MarianneHeck 10 years ago
Everyone looks also mutch slimmer these days. My God, where have they gone.
BarbBraun 10 years ago
That's because we got lots of exercise in those days. Fat kids were quite rare in the '60s.
Load More Replies... SuzannaSawyer 10 years ago
They look great with little make-up, no tattoos and not very revealing clothes - all look so happy...
Barbara Bassett 9 years ago
A great deal of our clothes were homemade. It was cool then to know how.
Load More Replies... DavidKerin 10 years ago
Now look for pictures high school girls from Cleveland in 1969. Different story.
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