On her wedding day, every bride wants to look especially charming and unique. Despite the variety of wedding dresses, most of them look the same. Therefore, creating an original and individual wedding look is not as easy as it seems.
Wedding dresses in retro style look unusual and very interesting. Such outfits are especially often used if you are planning a themed wedding.
Style Description
The fascinating and slightly mysterious retro style is extremely popular. Photos of models from fashion shows confirm that this style is interesting to most fashion designers. However, it is in wedding fashion that the retro style is especially in demand, since thanks to this trend, it is easiest to achieve a unique and memorable result.
What explains such a high popularity of the style? Firstly, of course, its diversity, because you can choose dresses from different eras. Secondly, it is this style that allows you to try on unusual images, that is, to feel like an actress, to embody a new, unexpected image.
Retro style is a special fashion trend that uses outfits from different eras. It is not necessary to completely reproduce clothing models “from the past”; sometimes designers use only individual elements that were fashionable in past decades to decorate a modern suit.
It is clear that only the best fashion details of the past are “borrowed”, so this style remains one of the most sophisticated and beautiful.
The name of the style is borrowed from the Latin language; in translation, the word “retro” means “movement back to the past.” This fashion trend covers a fairly large period of time. However, no clear time frame has been established. In most cases, all fashion trends of the past century are now considered retro style. However, you can delve into more ancient history, using fashionable elements of the second half of the nineteenth century to decorate a modern suit.
Things that are not stylized “to resemble the past”, but were actually produced in the period from the 30s to the 70s of the last century, are called vintage. Vintage is a style that “echoes” retro , however, it is based precisely on the use of old things, and not on stylization. However, these requirements are not strict, because not everyone has the opportunity to purchase real vintage jewelry and clothing.
70-80s
The years when “otherworldly” trends became available to Soviet women - foreign magazines (albeit adapted), foreign mass cinema, photographs of overseas sex symbols - Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Ornella Muti, Dalida. Brides of this period still preferred long dresses and favored intricate veils.
Time travel
Before choosing a wedding dress in a retro style, you need to decide on the era from which we will draw ideas. Each decade of the last century has its own characteristic features, but the most striking in terms of fashion were the third and sixth decades of the last century.
The rebellious twenties
One of the turning points in the history of fashion was the third decade of the twentieth century. The time after the end of the First World War was difficult. Most women needed to work to earn a living. Therefore, pre-war dresses with corsets and lush frills were sent into retirement, because they were completely impractical.
Despite the fact that the hardships of the war were left behind, women's worldview regarding clothing underwent such significant changes that this could not but affect fashion. Dresses of the 20s carefully “hide” feminine curves. After all, girls of that time gained independence and autonomy. They wanted to prove to the world that they were in no way inferior to men. However, women remain women at any time, so the outfits of that time were not only practical, but also beautiful.
Luxury is not for everyone
Photo 6. Military girls are shown dresses that can be provided to them free of charge, photo: Fred Morley/Fox Photos/Getty Images
Fashion was fashion, and times were harsh. Of course, only a select few could afford all this beauty in full: heiresses of industrial empires, aristocrats and actresses. Ordinary girls could only dream of such wedding looks. Exceptions were rare. For example, in some countries, female military personnel, as part of certain propaganda programs, were given the opportunity to receive a wedding dress completely free of charge (photo 6). However, one should not think that such actions were frequent and widespread. Basically, girls who served at the front got married in what was at hand (photo 7). Actually, like most ordinary women.
Photo 7. Wartime wedding, 1943, photo: Mark Goebel Photo Gallery / Contributor / Archive Photos / Getty Images
Photo 8. Wedding of Hollywood actress Ava Gardner, 1942, photo: Bettmann / Contributor / Bettmann / Getty Images
Girls associated with the army often chose formal uniforms for their wedding, complementing them with a modest bouquet or boutonniere. By the way, rich and famous brides also sometimes followed their ascetic example. For example, Hollywood diva Ava Gardner, who got married in 1942, opted for a modest ceremony, and the only wedding attributes she wore were a veil and a boutonniere (photo 8). Most often, compromise solutions were encountered: the bride sewed a modest white dress or modernized in the spirit of the times what she inherited from her mother or grandmother. In this situation, accessories have become of great importance. It was the wreath, veil and bouquet that now became the main wedding symbols.
How to create a successful retro look?
In order for a retro wedding look to be truly successful and not look like an unsuccessful parody, several conditions must be met:
- Complete “immersion” in the era is necessary. It is advisable to look at fashion magazines of that time, paying attention not only to the cut of dresses, but also to the selection of accessories.
- In addition to clothes, you need to choose the right hairstyle, otherwise the image will not turn out complete.
- When choosing a wedding dress, do not forget about the characteristics of your physique. For example, if your shoulders are already wide, then you should not choose models with shoulder pads that artificially widen the shoulder line.
50s
THEN: The 1950s were the antithesis of the heavy 40s. Voluminous shoulders and other nods to military uniforms are a thing of the past. In their place came a delicate feminine silhouette with a thin waist and a fluffy skirt reminiscent of a half-blooming flower. Fashionistas were much more willing to expose their décolleté and often their shoulders.
Brides of the 50s also liked this airy “floral” look. Wedding dresses of this period were not much different from evening or cocktail dresses - color does not count. The wedding outfit was complemented by a set of high snow-white gloves and elegant pointed pumps.
Are you getting ready for your wedding? We know where the widest selection of engagement rings is >>>>>
and jewelry >>>>> for a fabulously beautiful bride
Now: modern wedding fashion most actively borrows lush floral skirts from the 50s, making them even more lush and airy - a real princess dress, as in the current Hayley Paige collection.
Fabrics
To sew a retro dress, you should use satin, crepe, and silk. Airy translucent fabrics - organza, chiffon, tulle - are in demand. In almost all eras, lace was used as trim for wedding dresses. You can use lace fabric to sew the dress itself. For straight silhouette models, you need to choose fabrics that hold their shape well. In winter you can use velvet or brocade; in summer it is better to give preference to satin.
The color of retro style outfits does not have to be snow-white. Many brides prefer warm shades of white - ivory or champagne, cream, etc.
Some brides prefer dresses in pastel colors; soft pink, light lilac, and golden sand are especially popular. When choosing an outfit in the style of the fifties, you can give preference to printed fabrics. The most popular option is polka dot outfits. But materials with a checkered or floral pattern are often used.
Retro dresses of the second half of the 20th century
Retro dresses, dating back to the second half of the 20th century, are gaining popularity in the opposite order, ranging from minimalism and a simple cut to bright additions and a full skirt.
This period can be characterized by the following styles:
- New Look (50s);
- dudes (60s);
- hippies (70s);
- disco (80s).
A wedding dress in the New Look style has the main feature of using satin or silk fabric in bed colors with open shoulders and a back to the shoulder blades. The length of the dress should be no higher than the knees, and the bodice should fit tightly to the figure.
Lush wedding, short retro dresses are a striking feature of the outfit of the 60s, when women became bolder and preferred to wear more daring and revealing outfits. In such dresses, the presence of bright accents is welcomed; a play of color and even a print are also allowed. The skirt has an a-line shape, and the waist is emphasized by a belt.
Attention! In the 60s, sheath dresses began to come into fashion, so such models of wedding dresses, when properly accessorized, can also be called retro.
Hippie style dresses date back to the 70s, and today they are also gaining considerable popularity. For a wedding in this style, outfits with floral patterns on lace, puffy sleeves and a boat-shaped or V-shaped neckline are relevant. The preferred color is beige or ivory.
Dresses from the 80s can be called true predecessors of the classic wedding dress. They have a full, floor-length skirt with lace or satin inserts. The bodice has a neat cutout in the neckline area, as well as voluminous puffed sleeves.
Decor and accessories
Accessories for a retro wedding look need to be selected especially carefully, taking into account the characteristics of the era from which the idea of the outfit was borrowed. So, for a twenties-style outfit, you need square-heeled shoes with a rounded toe and webbing at the ankle. A look in the style of the 50s or 60s requires stiletto heels.
A veil will be appropriate with almost any wedding look, but the model of the veil must match the image. Short and laconic dresses require a single-layer short veil. For models with flounces and a train, you can choose a fluffy floor-length model.
Models in the style of the 20s and 30s will go well with long, hand-fitting gloves. If you choose a dress in the “new look” style, then you need openwork gloves that slightly cover the wrist. For a winter celebration, brides are recommended to prepare a fur muff or boa.
You need to choose your jewelry thoughtfully. If it is possible to wear real vintage items, then they should be a solo part of the ensemble; there is no need to “overshadow” them with modern jewelry. If you don’t have vintage jewelry, then you need to choose jewelry that matches your style. A large brooch or short necklaces made of large beads are ideal for a fifties-style look. For a jazz style look, you need to wear several long strings of beads.
Colors and material
Clothes in the style of dudes are bright and stylish outfits that do not hinder movement and succinctly emphasize the figure and character. The whole point lies in the originality of bright images that promote originality, youth and fun. A holiday in the style of dudes, and even more so a wedding, is an extravaganza of music and colors, and therefore the color scheme of the wedding dresses of the bride and groom cannot be limited to classic wedding shades. The color of the dress of the bride, who chose the look of a dude, is predominantly bright and catchy, with contrasting details. The outfit can be monochromatic, with bright additions in the form of ribbons, brooches and frills. Also characteristic of the styles of dudes are the designs and appliqués on the fabrics of the outfits.
The following textile motifs are considered the most trendy:
- large and small peas;
- cell;
- branch print;
- ribbons or stripes of a contrasting color framing the waist and hem of the skirt.
Lovers of classics in the form of milky shades of a wedding dress can brighten up a classic white dress with a bright belt, gloves and other bright accessories, which will add charm and zest to the 50s era.
As for the material, durable and at the same time delicate material such as silk and satin is mainly used. Other fabrics in the form of tulle, chiffon or guipure are not excluded, which can be used for decoration, petticoat or decoration.
Hair and makeup
To achieve a complete look, you need to choose the right hairstyle and makeup. Hairstyles with waves go perfectly with a jazz style look. The ideal option would be a short haircut, but if your hair is long, then you should put it in a simple bun.
Hairstyles with curls and hair arranged in rollers above the forehead or above the temples are suitable for the look in the style of the 30s and 40s. If you are creating an image in the style of the fifties, then you will need to do a high hairstyle with a backcomb. If possible, you should use hairpieces or special extensions to add volume to your hair.
To do your makeup correctly, you should look at photos of beauties of that time. In any case, you need to take care of the ideal skin tone. To give your face more expressiveness, you should use bronzers. Set makeup with transparent loose powder.
The emphasis is usually on the eyes. Long arrows and false eyelashes are welcome. To add some spice to your appearance, you can use a “fly” by sticking it above your lip.
So, a retro wedding look is a chance to emphasize your individuality and be unique on your wedding day.
Wedding decoration in dudes style
The wedding can be held in the banquet hall of a restaurant or cafe, decorated in retro style. The main thing is that it is spacious and bright. The design of the banquet area follows the principle of minimal modernity. The main focus is interior items and decorations from the era of the 50-60s.
Accessories
Important wedding accessories are decorated thematically. For example, invitations for guests are handmade cards in a vintage style, in the form of a music record or movie tickets. Another interesting idea is a black and white photo of the newlyweds, and on the back there is an invitation text filled in with a pen.
With a creative approach, focusing on the chosen style, you should also design a cushion for rings, champagne, glasses for the newlyweds and place cards. You can use ribbons, lace, pearl beads, knitted flowers, bows, etc. to decorate accessories.
Decor of the hall and tables
It is better to install banquet tables along the walls, and equip the central part of the hall as a dance floor.
The following are used in decorating the space:
- draperies made of bright patches, polka dot fabrics;
- posters and posters in vintage style;
- gramophones;
- vinyl records;
- Garlands;
- air balloons;
- flower arrangements.
Black and white photographs in wooden frames hung on the walls will add home comfort. The tables are covered with starched tablecloths and served with old porcelain services and vases of flowers.
Wedding procession
It is advisable to form a wedding cortege for a wedding in the style of dudes from vintage cars that have retained a presentable appearance. The main wedding car can be a “Seagull” or a “Victory”, decorated with ribbons, flowers, and balloons.
If it is difficult to find the required number of cars, you can rent a retro tram for guests, decorating it with bright balls and ribbons.
