Tiki Oasis is one of the biggest and best-known tiki weekenders in America. Every year they have a vintage-appropriate a theme, and in 2014 it was Beatniks. Even if you didn't make it to Tiki Oasis, you can still dig this crazy retro style with Heart of Haute.
Beatniks was the nickname given to those who participated in the subculture based around the Beat Generation, a postwar movement in art and literature. Author Jack Kerouac coined the term Beat Generation in 1948 as a way to describe the new anti-materialistic counter culture groups that were forming around the country. Like most subcultures, it eventually became a stereotype and Halloween costume joke, but not before inspiring many great artists, musicians and writers.
Beatnik style for women might not look that transgressive or exciting to us today, but try to remember what mainstream style was like in the late 1940s and early 1950s. For women, it was full skirts, elaborate details, heavily styled hair and makeup - overall extremely feminine. In contrast to this, the beatnik girl's simple hair, androgynous black and stripes, and flat shoes were very rebellious. If you want to work this lesser-known 1950s style, we have the groovy knits and dark shades that you need, beret not included!
Try our classic Super Spy Dress, the Spy Top, or Trixie top. Put on some iconographic beatnik stripes with our Tara top, Ella Top, Janie Top, or our Cropped Cardigan. Try the Sassy Skirt in black for a sleek, daring look - with no frills! Beat dullsville and stay cool with Heart of Haute!