Girls of Woodstock: The Best Beauty and Style Moments From 1969 _ Old US Nostalgia

The 1969 event was undoubtedly one of the most formative moments in music history, but as we've learned with most music festivals, they lend themselves to some pretty awesome style-spotting. Long before the concept of street style or even festival style existed, Woodstock showcased inspiring women wearing sweet bell bottoms, crop tops and knit dresses.

Fashions of the 1960s reflected youth. From the child-like short skirts of the mid 1960s to the costume type outfits of the hippies, clothing took on new lines, color, and a reflection of vibrant optimism mixed with an idealistic yearning for a new egalitarian society.

The introduction of The Pill encouraged women to seek a new kind of freedom. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 increased interest in African culture as well as interest in other ethnic groups. Western youth no longer saw themselves as a homogenized whole, but as a collection of tribes with a wide variety of interests and self created roles.

The 1960s was a time of social and cultural change, due in large part, to population demographics. According to the US Census Bureau, 36% of the US population was under 18 in 1960. A youth movement was underway.

The youthful population of the 1960s wore short skirts, geometric prints, and bright colors. From the casual sophistication of the early 60's, to the Pop Art and Op Art influences of the Mods, dress styles went through radical changes. Women had never shown so much skin. Young people rejected traditional clothing until second half of the decade, a kind of style anarchy created a new Bohemian look introduced by the hippie movement.