What People Were Wearing During Flower Power’s Peak

Inspired by 19th-century gowns and folk clothing from Eastern Europe, floor-length dresses became popular in the counterculture by 1968. The loose silhouettes allowed women to sit comfortably on the grass during outdoor concerts, protests, or park gatherings. Flowing cotton fabrics and long sleeves gave the dresses a handmade feel. At a moment when short skirts dominated mainstream fashion, many women embraced the longer length as a practical and expressive choice for everyday wear.