When we think of high school, images of Abercrombie polo shirts (with the collar flipped up, of course) and Jansport backpacks come to mind. But things in 1969 were much different. In 1969, Life magazine explored the “freaky new freedoms” of fashion seen on high school students across the country.
In 1969, photographer Arthur Schatz went to a California high school to do a photo-essay for LIFE Magazine on an emerging trend in fashion. The results seemed to find the youth of the time developing an identity for their generation.
Students on campus at Woodside High School.
Kids Wore Amazing Things To High School Back In 1969. Have a look! Enjoy these excellent Pics of High School Fashion In 1969!
A girl shows off her velour bell-bottoms.
A group of students at Beverly Hills High School — but how did this girl’s (center) parents allow her to leave the house dressed in a sheer white outfit?
Beverly Hills High School student Erica Farber in a black-and-white gingham, tiered top (dress?) and flared yellow trousers.
Beverly Hills High School student Rosemary Shoong in a Native American–inspired dress she made herself.
Newport Beach, California, student Lenore Reday crossing the street and kinda looking like she “can turn the world on with her smile.”
Corona del Mar High School students Kim Robertson, Pat Auvenshine, and Pam Pepin, in a mix of mod and Pucci-inspired outfits.
A student taking some cues from hippie/bohemian fashion, dressed in a wool shawl and a tapestry print skirt.
Cool Photos of High School Fashion In 1969
Marching band plays their instruments while a trio of female students stand among them.
This girl in the denim jumper looks like she ready for Coachella.
Cool Photos of High School Fashion In 1969
There is no way a student would be allowed to wear this to school today.
Cool Photos of High School Fashion In 1969
Unidentified student rocks a miniskirt while walking along a disused railroad track, Bird City, Kansas.
Student wearing a hippie-inspired buckskin vest.
Even the teachers were super chic.
Cool Photos of High School Fashion In 1969
Lots of fringe and vests happening in this photo taken at Woodside High School, in Woodside, Calif.
