A Brief History Of Women's Wedding Dresses History Of Women's Wedding Dresses

Trends in Women’s Wedding Dresses

The wedding dress is an expression of love, marriage and pure. It also represents a sense of identity, as women can find or regain their identities by choosing an appropriate dress.

From One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush to former Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci, see how designers have taken on the bridal gown throughout the decades.

The ’50s

After the war, white Bridal Mini Dress women looked at Hollywood icons for inspiration for their wedding gowns. Instead of consulting their local dressmaker, they visited high-end bridal salons and department store to find the perfect gown. Bridal shows were also designed for brides to see the newest designs before making their purchases.

The dresses were typically full and voluminous. They had a rounded silhouette and a lot of lace detail and an elegant bodice that slid into the full skirt. This type of dress was usually coupled with a peplum waistline. Brides chose a wide belt as a way to tighten their waists. Many brides wore a bird-cage veil to complete the look.

Lace was a huge fashion item in the 1950s and was used on everything from gloves gowns to. For those who wanted a more feminine look, a sweetheart neckline adorned with sleeves was very popular. Some even had the area above their neckline covered with sheer fabric to conceal their necks. The floral options were also quite varied. Elizabeth Taylor chose yellow daffodils as well as Jackie Kennedy selected white bridal mini dress (http://l.iv.eli.ne.s.swxzu@hu.feng.ku.angn.i.ub.i..xn--.u.k37@m.n.e.m.on.i.c.s.x.wz@co.l.o.r.ol.f.3@asa-virtual.org/) and pink orchids with gardenia. These flowers were usually tied with a bow of white.

The 1960s

In the 1960s there was no overarching style in fashion and as a result, dresses were more versatile than they had ever been. Some brides chose tight gowns inspired by models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. Some women chose different styles, ranging from chiffon adorned with psychedelic patterns to velvet minis. Some were longer while others were just below the knee, known as micro-minis.

There was no one style for wedding dresses However, there were some important moments that would determine the look of bridal gowns for the years to come. Princess Diana who was wed in 1981, was a master of “more is more”. She wore a massive taffeta gown with poufy shoulder and lace V-neck. Her gown was a legend and had a huge impact on brides across the globe.

Lulu was a rock popular at the time was the first to make her debut wearing white mini-dresses with an exaggerated cape that became a fashion statement. In the decade of the ’90s the ready-to-wear clothing market exploded, and a lot of brides picked the finest materials that their families could afford for their wedding day. They were able to pair these dresses with sleek, slicked-back hair and silver accessories, giving them the ultimate bridal look.

The 1970s

The 1970s brought the era of hippie chic wedding dresses. This included flowing styles, loose silhouettes, white bridal mini dress and a relaxed style to show individuality. Many brides also chose to wear gowns that were not white in this decade as a way of breaking from traditional bridal norms.

It was the first time in the history of weddings that brides could wear a color other than white during the wedding ceremony. Queen Victoria introduced this idea. Ladies wore their most elegant gowns for the wedding, whether blue or pink.

Designers of the Seventies incorporated the look of the hippie into fashion, with an emphasis on handmade materials and fine details. The use of embroidery, patchwork and crochet were in fashion, as well as the re-use of embroidered fabrics from craft fairs. The midi dress became more prominent as a wedding dress in the 1970s. These dresses incorporated casual comfort and formal elegance as seen in the silk creations of Zandra Rhodes.

The lace-up body was another notable trend. This was a popular way to draw attention to the area around the bust, as it gave a more attractive and feminine appearance. It was also reminiscent of Victorian styles as seen on the custom David Emmanuel gown worn by Marian Rivera at her 1981 wedding to actor Dingdong Dante.

The 1980s

When Queen Victoria got married to Prince Albert in 1840, the bridal fashion was transformed. Wearing white was seen as an indication of wealth and a glaring display of consumerism before that time, since it was hard to keep formal clothing white after wearing it (Baird 142). Victoria’s wedding was the first that a gown was a norm for brides who weren’t royals. She wore white to emphasize the intricate lacework of her gown. It was also a practical decision. She wanted to show her subjects that she was a shrewd young lady who could be trusted with the role of queen, wife and mother.

In the 1930s, brides went for dresses that were both fashionable and functional. Due to budget constraints and rationing, a lot of brides wore wedding dresses. Silk dresses with high necklines, long sleeves and a high neckline were in style for those who could afford them. For those who couldn’t, brides would use rayon to create a similar look.

In the 1970s, brides went for column-style gowns over their big ball gowns. Some brides chose gowns with puffy sleeves. Skirt hemlines were shortened and a lot of women swapped their veils to stylish capes.

The 1990s

The 1990s brought the concept of minimalism, which was embraced by brides seeking simple dresses that allowed their natural beauty and sparkle to shine through. In this time, dresses were typically simple and unadorned, yet still oozed class thanks to their sleek silhouettes.

This decade also saw a return to formality after the wartime austerity which included gowns with cathedral trains and puffed sleeves. Princess Diana’s wedding dresses wedding dresses dress of 1981, which included the lace and a 24-foot train was a major source of inspiration.

Sleeves were long and fluffy and necklines were high. The hippy era also saw a revival of strapless dresses, while intricate details such as embroidery and beads made a comeback. Hairstyles included pixies and teased bouffants, inspired by British model Twiggy and also heavy black eyeliner pink frosted lipstick and teased hairstyles.

Ultimately, the ’90s brought with them a feeling of nostalgia that helped create the classic wedding dress we recognize and cherish today. It’s no wonder that these gowns are timeless and a hit, offering a style that is both traditional and totally modern. Lulus collection offers a variety of wedding dresses that feature ’90s-inspired silhouettes. Find your perfect look today!

The ’00s

In the ’00s, brides opted for dresses that were sculpted and accentuated their curves. Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen dress, with its satin bodice, padded hips, 25-foot train, and stunning skirt of tulle, with puff sleeves, is still popular today.

As the decade progressed increasing numbers of women decided to leave white completely and go for a range of colours for their big day. Non-white gowns were all the trend even if it was only an accent colour in their wedding shoes or floral head crown. A growing number of couples chose to have smaller weddings that had fewer extravagant extras.

One of the major trends of the decade was the use of illusion fabric to create a dazzling effect in sexiest wedding dresses dresses. This trend is still in use as designers add this beautiful element to their designs. Other popular elements that became fashionable during this period were bows, ranging from small cute ones to enormous eye-catching embellished versions, which most brides like to add to their appearance. Another trend that is growing in popularity is the addition of trains and capes, which are usually detachable and can completely change the look and feel of your dress.

The 21st Century

The 21st century brought the dawn of a new age of non-traditional wedding dresses. The brides of today aren’t afraid to take a risk from extravagant options. From Olivia Palermo, an entrepreneur’s Carolina Herrera lace dress to reality TV star Whitney Port’s floral tulle dress – they’re not afraid of being different.

The ’90s were more relaxed when it came to bridal fashion than the ’80s, when Dior’s princess-line gowns and cinched waists made an impressive impact. Designer Vera Wang started her first bridal dress shops boutique with strapless, figure-hugging gowns that were perfect for the ultimate modern bride and paired perfectly with slicked-back up-dos.

In the 1940s, wartime rationing limited silk production, and brides often wore their Sunday clothes or altered versions of their husband’s suits, exactly in line with the “make do and mend” mentality of the time. When silk was replaced by rayon, brides started to wear patterned fabrics and colors, particularly red, which was a symbol of romance and love.

More recently A-listers have blurred lines between wedding gowns and catwalk couture with designers such as Alexander Wang and Virgil Abloh creating bespoke wedding dresses that nod to traditional white but are more modern. With laws changing regarding marriage between gay and straight couples, as well as an increasing understanding of feminism, today’s bride is free to choose whatever she likes on her wedding day.