The Marie Claire Flower Child Playlist

(Image credit: Archives)

published 20 June 2014

Simply put, if I could go back to the '60s and '70s and never look forward, I would. If that were the case, I could actually see all of my favorite bands live — pretend I'm with the band, try to sneak backstage, and experience live music in a pre-Instagram era. Though, in all fairness, I did see the Rolling Stones three times last year.

Don't get me wrong, I'm as guilty of snapping pictures in the middle of a show as the next girl — the temptation is real. But let's face it, you can't really be enraptured with the performance if you're simultaneously contemplating which filter will make Jack White look least less pale.

Since I have yet to crack the secret to time travel, I like to let '60s music figuratively transport me. I'll kick off my heels, throw on the Grateful Dead, The Mamas & the Papas, or The Troggs, perhaps adorn my hair with some flowers (as I did at Governor's Ball in the Instagram pictured) and just pretend. Here, I've selected my 25 favorite songs from the free lovin' era.

Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.