What should a sixties style wedding dress look like?
The retro style icons of the 60s were Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy and other Hollywood beauties. How can you find a dress that will attract as much admiration as they do at your wedding? We calculate the most stylish wedding outfit based on several criteria:
- Minimalism. If you choose a plain white dress, then you should not overload the look with garlands of giant and elaborate jewelry. Remember, a retro dress should have just one bright accent, no more. It can be either bright embroidery on white fabric or contrasting accessories - a belt, jewelry, headbands and other decorative elements. Dresses that have too much “everything” are not retro at all.
- Style. A classic wedding dress in the style of the 60s is a sheath dress. However, for those who consider the a-line to be too modest a style for a wedding dress, you should take a closer look at full, semi-sun-shaped skirts or fitted dresses.
- Length. The sixties decisively exposed women's legs. That’s why the perfect retro dress doesn’t cover anything below the calf.
Retro dresses suit brides of any age, build and financial income. Therefore, the task of the bride, when buying a wedding dress, is to adequately perceive her figure and listen to her personal taste. The image will be unforgettable.
Fashion for dresses “hello from the 70s”
Improved textures with various prints and abstract patterns are a continuation of the fashion for dresses that emerged at that time in the 70s. Large checks, elongated collars, and bright, rich elements reflected knowledge of the rules of good style.
The basic wardrobe was universal, things could be worn to work, and then, adding decor, go to the dance. The silhouettes reflected an independent and capricious character, alternating elements of dudes with a bohemian trend. Often in collections, designers use iconic details that are reminiscent of the seventies.
During that period, the beloved “military” style arose. The French fashion designer combined elements of military uniforms with women's wardrobe and brought fashion models to the catwalk in revolutionary clothes. No one expected such a turn, but fashionistas of that time accepted the innovation, taking note of the image.
The dresses were decorated with miniature shoulder straps, patch pockets and metal buttons punched through. There were wide belts with textured buckles at the waist and hips. The impeccably straight cut reflected sexuality, emphasizing the female figure.
Bodycon wedding dress
Photo: wheretoget.it
This style came into fashion thanks to the main character of Breakfast at Tiffany's, brilliantly played by Audrey Hepburn. Since then, such a dress has become a classic style for every seductive woman. I must say that a wedding dress in a retro style suits not only little canes like Audrey. The main thing for a woman is to have a proportional figure and a clear waistline.
Some tips:
- If you are thin, but have a small protruding tummy, take a closer look at fitted wedding dresses with a peplum. Such drapery will disguise your small flaw. Caution - it is not recommended to use this element if you are short.
- A retro dress has nothing to do with vulgarity, so you shouldn’t choose an extreme mini-dress that hugs every centimeter of your body.
- Midi length is not suitable for every bride. The best dress for a petite girl is one with a hem just above the knee.
- When trying on a 60s style wedding dress, pay attention to the density of the fabric. It should be moderately elastic so as not to stretch out from being on your feet all day and not stiff so as not to restrict body movements.
The role of length and shape
My advice to you is that before choosing a specific style, try to take into account the fashion features of the 60s. Indeed, during that period it changed rapidly: from very short models to very long ones:
- Mini (above knee)
- Midi (knee level)
- Cocktail (below the knees 3-6 cm)
- Long to the floor
And these are just the lengths, not to mention the shapes:
- Trapezoidal - universal, without a clearly defined waistline, with a smooth expansion towards the bottom, and you can choose the desired length, emphasizing the advantages of the figure.
- Sheath - a straighter cut, with an emphasized waist; this also includes outfits in the "empire" style - a real example of femininity and beauty.
- Bell - in the form of an inverted glass, can be flared, straight, and also with a high waist. Suitable for any body type. There are very original modern models with graceful folds.
- Flares are full skirts that came from the 50s. However, the peak of popularity came precisely in the 60s, and to this day they are in great demand. They are worn with or without petticoats, which adds airiness and lightness to the look.
Sheath wedding dress
Photo: e-stepanova.com
This case is especially good because with a slight movement of the hand you can turn it into an everyday outfit. All thanks to its simplicity and elegance. Simply remove all the festive jewelry and veil and replace it with something simpler. The case is the best solution for a pragmatic young wife.
Some tips:
- If your figure visually resembles an hourglass, then be sure to decorate your wedding dress with some kind of belt at the waistline.
- If nature has not rewarded you with a clear waistline, take a closer look at high-waisted outfits.
- Similar advice applies to pregnant brides - such a dress is not capable of harming the fetus or causing discomfort.
- If your hips are plump, choose a “sheath” with a free part of the hem.
- For curvy brides, a sheath wedding dress with three-quarter sleeves will suit you. Even in the summer, you won’t feel hot in such a dress if you choose a robe made of light fabric.
A-line wedding dress
The trapezoid hides almost any figure flaws due to its loose cut. Thanks to him, its inventor, the brilliant fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, went down in history. The trapezoid can turn any figure into a treasured hourglass. All views at your wedding will be yours alone.
Some tips:
- Girls with a clearly defined waist or large hips should choose one of the variations of the a-line dress - an a-line silhouette. This elegant find from designers will not allow you to hide all the most beautiful curves of your body from prying eyes.
- Ladies with a small belly look charming in wedding dresses that flare from the chest.
- For girls with an angular figure without roundness, a loose trapezoid is very suitable. She visually “completes” the missing volume.
- A midi-trapezoid will once again emphasize the stately and tall figure of a girl, but will add stockiness to a miniature one. But a length that covers half of the knee is perfect for both.
Fabrics
Synthetics, which had become boring over the past decades, were practically forgotten in the eighties. Fashionistas are again returning to natural fabrics. But the stretch materials that had just appeared at that time were especially popular; they were comfortable, practical, draped well and beautifully hugged the figure.
Denim deserves a separate discussion. In the eighties, this fabric was incredibly popular; dresses and sundresses were made from it. But evening dresses of the 80s were made from Luresque. A lot of glitter at that time was by no means considered a sign of “country glamour”, so an already shiny lurex dress could easily be decorated with sequins.
The colors of the fabrics must be bright. In the eighties, no one wanted to look like “gray mice” anymore, so even formal business dresses were often made from bright fabrics. The colors of fuchsia, raspberry, and coral are especially held in high esteem. Violet lemon, turquoise, cornflower blue are welcome. Colors are used both individually and in the most incredible combinations.
Bright prints are also very popular. Various ornaments, leopard print, geometric designs, and rainbow abstract patterns are widely used. Military print is also beginning to gain popularity.
However, despite the general fascination with bright colors, clothes in white and black were not considered something outdated. This is a classic, and it is relevant at all times.
Wedding dress with half-length skirt
Photo: lovestyle.ru
A wedding dress with a full skirt was invented by the famous Christian Dior. This kind of retro went down in history under the name New Look and is perhaps considered its most romantic manifestation. After all, doesn’t a fluffy, short skirt look cute, which also doesn’t interfere with walking, like those old Victorian dresses? This is the kind of dress that is perfect for a retro wedding.
Some tips:
- If your hips are too curvy, then, unfortunately, a circle skirt is not your style. And if you can’t resist, then choose midi and give up the petticoat and a large number of folds.
- Midi-length, unfortunately, only suits tall girls. Because it has the properties of visually reducing already short stature.
- Wide shoulders will be greatly visually reduced by a dress with an oval neckline, v-neckline or straps that meet at the neck.
- Girls with narrow hips should choose retro dresses with a lot of pleats for their wedding to visually expand this part of the body.
Which style do we prefer?
For women of mature age, it is common to lean towards things that are strictly cut. Classic styles can be seen not only in skirts and trousers, but also when choosing a dress. Undoubtedly, a conservative style can be diluted with feminine and sophisticated accessories, but it is better if your wardrobe contains elegant items with a touch of stylistic direction.
If you have to celebrate an anniversary this year, then a dress for a woman with a standard size 56 can be chosen with a V-neck and wrap. The bottom of the product is often made with a straight or flared cut. It is better to use models with long sleeves. They help remove unnecessary emphasis, because with age, hands deteriorate.
Owners of a magnificent figure can be advised to choose a suit for the celebration. A white set with a blouse of a different color will look harmonious. Jewelry on the skirt should not be present, because an overloaded ensemble will crowd out elegance and negate the aristocracy of the silhouette.
A guide to accessories for a 60s style wedding dress
What should the finishing touch look like for a retro wedding dress? Let's figure it out.
hat
Photo: hdwallsource.com
A retro dress is unlikely to look beautiful with a veil. It’s too laconic and modern for her. But a hat with a wedding dress in the style of the sixties will make a brilliant tandem. Choose a hat that matches the dress or other accessories. A veil or veil attached to it will add solemnity.
Veil
Photo: alphakomp.ru
Often a short veil is attached to the bride’s hair without any headdress, decorated with flowers or precious stones. The main thing is don’t overdo it, it’s retro.
Gloves
Photo: cutur.ru
Elegant elbow-length gloves are suitable for those girls who, for one reason or another, are embarrassed about their hands, irregularly shaped nails or short fingers. In the summer, you should buy light gloves made of the finest lace, but in winter, something made of denser fabric - satin or silk.
Jewelry set: earrings, bracelets, necklace
Wedding decorations in the style of the 60s. Wedding salon Interstyle.
Retro style from the 60s loves elegance. Therefore, it allows bright decorations only if you have a modest dress. However, brevity is paramount - take a closer look at materials such as pearls or cubic zirconia. Bright decorations can only be bought if your wedding is in a retro style. Then, under a simple white dress, you can choose incredibly bright jewelry - large beads and large earrings. However, brightness does not mean bad taste, so buy plain jewelry from one set.
Shoes
Photo: londonstreet.ru
In the sixties, it was common to wear classic pumps. If heels don’t bother you, take a closer look at ballet flats with a rounded toe. As you already understand, fancy stiletto heels or extreme platform boots are out of place here. As well as other non-standard shoes, like sneakers.
Headband
Photo: s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com
It so happened that looks from the 60s were almost always accompanied by hair jewelry. The most ideal option is a plain ribbon, inlaid with or without a scattering of stones, or a metal or colored rim.
1960s dresses
The full skirt and tight bodice trend of the 50s continued into the early 60s, only the length changed - just above or below the knee. Then the pencil dress of the 50s turned into a shapeless robe dress in 1963.
They could wear robe dresses to run errands, go home or to the beach, but they were not suitable for the office. They were too short. Dresses in the 1960s became shorter and shorter. Anything above the knee was a “miniskirt.”
How short the dress was became a sign of a woman's self-confidence. The length of the hem was directly proportional to how sexually liberated a woman was. Short skirts were not intended to attract men for sexual interest
They attracted attention so that the WOMAN could decide whether his attention was needed. Sexual power through fashion
The colors and prints were first inspired by pop art and modern art movements. Checkerboard, stripes and polka dots, color blocks and even Campbells soup cans were used in short dress designs. Eventually, "pop" evolved into soft pastels, pique fabrics, and plaid patterns for a more "girly" look.
There was also a trend towards earth tones as the decade moved towards the hippie movement. Moss green, earthy brown, mustard yellow and dark orange were worn year round.
Hair and makeup for a 60s wedding
Without these small details, the image cannot be called elaborate. Retro has its own canons. You should repeat them if you have chosen this style for your ceremony.
Hairstyle: retro loves high hairstyles and lush, sometimes unnatural bouffant. Use a hairpiece to create them.
Photo: tvoilokony.ru
Makeup: Bright makeup will be an excellent addition to the entire look, especially if the wedding takes place in an atmosphere of restless dudes. Ladies from the 60s drew eyeliner, powdered their cheeks, and painted their lips with soft lipstick. However, fashionistas are allowed to use flashy shades of lip gloss. For example, classic red.
Photo: svadebnye-pricheski.com