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!
“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."