Peace, Love & Accessories

These are not pictures from the 1960s or early ‘70s. These hippie chicks are dressed in the height of fashion for spring, 1993. That’s right, hippie is hip again.

For some of us, it may be a little too soon to rerun the era. But stores across the country are stocking tons of exactly the same clothes and accessories last seen 20 years ago. The key to creating the hippie look? Pile on loads of accessories--beaded necklaces by the dozens, armloads of bracelets and rings on every finger. The more ethnic the jewelry, the better.

Vests are the new basic jacket. They are crocheted, embroidered and embellished with coins, made of Indian or Guatemalan fabrics, or look like quilts your grandmother used to make.

And hats are a must. Crocheted skull caps, oversized jockey caps and Janis Joplin-style floppy brims are a quick ticket to Woodstock. An extra-long scarf, preferably made of chiffon in a flower print, is best for fashioning a classic hippie head rag. Beaded headbands, in American Indian patterns like Cher used to wear, are back.

Fringe hangs from leather bags, vests and jackets. Bell-bottoms beg to be worn with platform shoes. The boxy, cork-soled clog has had a big revival, too. Tall boots with the shortest of denim shorts.

If you already have the look nailed, all that remains is to get your hands on the true hippie accessory--a hand-painted Volkswagen bus. This one, owned by L.A. band Jusluv, is nicknamed Van Go.