The 1950s was a decade of change and prosperity, and this was reflected in the fashion of the time. Wedding dresses of the 1950s were characterized by their feminine silhouettes, full skirts, and elaborate detailing.
One of the most popular wedding dress styles of the 1950s was the A-line silhouette. This dress featured a fitted bodice that flared out into a full skirt. The skirt was often gathered at the waist and could be worn with a variety of accessories, such as a veil and gloves.
In addition to the A-line silhouette, other popular wedding dress styles of the 1950s included the ball gown and the tea-length dress.
Real 1950s Wedding Dresses
Wedding dresses of the 1950s were characterized by their feminine silhouettes, full skirts, and elaborate detailing. Here are 10 important points about real 1950s wedding dresses:
- A-line silhouette
- Ball gown silhouette
- Tea-length dress
- Full skirts
- Fitted bodice
- Gathered waist
- Lace and tulle
- Pearls and sequins
- Veil and gloves
- White or ivory
These are just a few of the important points to keep in mind when shopping for a real 1950s wedding dress.
A-line silhouette
The A-line silhouette was one of the most popular wedding dress styles of the 1950s. This dress featured a fitted bodice that flared out into a full skirt. The skirt was often gathered at the waist and could be worn with a variety of accessories, such as a veil and gloves.
- Fitted bodice: The bodice of an A-line wedding dress was typically fitted to the body, creating a flattering and feminine silhouette.
- Flared skirt: The skirt of an A-line wedding dress flared out from the waist, creating a full and flowing effect.
- Gathered waist: The waist of an A-line wedding dress was often gathered, creating a cinched effect that further emphasized the feminine silhouette.
- Variety of accessories: A-line wedding dresses could be worn with a variety of accessories, such as a veil, gloves, and a petticoat, to create a complete and stylish look.
A-line wedding dresses are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want a classic and feminine look on their wedding day.
Ball gown silhouette
The ball gown silhouette was another popular wedding dress style of the 1950s. This dress featured a fitted bodice with a full, voluminous skirt. The skirt was often made of layers of tulle or organza, and could be decorated with lace, beading, or other embellishments.
Ball gown wedding dresses were often worn with a petticoat to create an even fuller effect. The petticoat could be made of tulle, crinoline, or another stiff fabric. The petticoat would help to hold the shape of the skirt and make it appear more dramatic.
Ball gown wedding dresses were a popular choice for brides who wanted to feel like a princess on their wedding day. These dresses were also a good choice for brides who wanted to create a dramatic and unforgettable look.
Here are some of the key features of a ball gown silhouette:
- Fitted bodice
- Full, voluminous skirt
- Layers of tulle or organza
- Lace, beading, or other embellishments
- Petticoat
Ball gown wedding dresses are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want a classic and glamorous look on their wedding day.
Tea-length dress
The tea-length dress was a popular choice for brides in the 1950s who wanted a more modern and stylish look. Tea-length dresses were typically fitted through the bodice and flared out at the waist to a skirt that fell just below the knees.
Tea-length dresses were often made of lightweight fabrics, such as chiffon or lace, and could be decorated with lace, beading, or other embellishments. They were often worn with a petticoat to create a fuller effect.
Tea-length dresses were a good choice for brides who wanted a dress that was both stylish and comfortable. They were also a good choice for brides who wanted to be able to move around easily on their wedding day.
Here are some of the key features of a tea-length dress:
- Fitted bodice
- Flared skirt that falls just below the knees
- Lightweight fabrics, such as chiffon or lace
- Lace, beading, or other embellishments
- Petticoat (optional)
Tea-length wedding dresses are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want a classic and modern look on their wedding day.
Full skirts
Full skirts were a defining feature of 1950s wedding dresses. Skirts were often made of multiple layers of fabric, such as tulle, organza, or lace, to create a voluminous and dramatic effect.
The fullness of the skirt could be controlled by the number of layers of fabric used, as well as the stiffness of the fabric. Stiffer fabrics, such as organza, would create a more flared and dramatic skirt, while softer fabrics, such as tulle, would create a more flowing and ethereal look.
Full skirts were often gathered at the waist to create a cinched effect. This cinching would help to emphasize the bride's waist and create a more flattering silhouette.
Full skirts were a popular choice for brides who wanted to create a glamorous and unforgettable look on their wedding day. These skirts were also a good choice for brides who wanted to be able to move around easily and dance the night away.
Full skirts are a timeless and elegant choice for brides who want a classic and romantic look on their wedding day.
Fitted bodice
The fitted bodice was another defining feature of 1950s wedding dresses. Bodices were typically made of a structured fabric, such as satin or taffeta, and were designed to fit the bride's body closely.
- Seamed bodice: The bodice of a 1950s wedding dress was often seamed to create a flattering and structured silhouette. The seams would help to emphasize the bride's curves and create a more defined waist.
- Boning: Bodices were often boned to provide support and structure. The boning would help to keep the bodice in place and prevent it from sagging or wrinkling.
- Nipped-in waist: The waist of a 1950s wedding dress was often nipped in to create a more dramatic and feminine silhouette. The nipped-in waist would help to emphasize the bride's waist and create a more hourglass figure.
- V-neckline: V-necklines were a popular choice for 1950s wedding dresses. V-necklines would help to elongate the bride's neck and create a more flattering silhouette.
Fitted bodices were a popular choice for brides who wanted to create a classic and elegant look on their wedding day. These bodices were also a good choice for brides who wanted to accentuate their curves and create a more hourglass figure.
Gathered waist
The gathered waist was a popular design feature of 1950s wedding dresses. The waist of the dress would be gathered to create a cinched effect, which would help to emphasize the bride's waist and create a more flattering silhouette.
- Creates a cinched effect: Gathering the waist of the dress would help to create a cinched effect, which would help to emphasize the bride's waist and create a more hourglass figure.
- Adds fullness to the skirt: Gathering the waist of the dress would also add fullness to the skirt, creating a more dramatic and voluminous silhouette.
- Can be used to create different looks: The gathered waist could be used to create a variety of different looks, depending on the type of fabric used and the amount of gathering. A soft and flowing fabric would create a more ethereal look, while a stiffer fabric would create a more dramatic look.
- A popular choice for a variety of body types: The gathered waist was a popular choice for a variety of body types, as it could be adjusted to fit the bride's individual figure.
Gathered waists are a timeless and elegant design feature that can help to create a beautiful and flattering silhouette on any bride.
Lace and tulle
Lace and tulle were two of the most popular fabrics used in 1950s wedding dresses. Lace was often used to create intricate and delicate details, while tulle was used to create full and flowing skirts.
- Lace: Lace is a delicate fabric that is made from fine threads that are twisted and knotted together to create a variety of patterns. Lace was often used to create intricate and delicate details on 1950s wedding dresses, such as the bodice, sleeves, and hemline.
- Tulle: Tulle is a lightweight and airy fabric that is made from fine nylon or silk threads. Tulle was often used to create full and flowing skirts on 1950s wedding dresses. It was also sometimes used to create veils and other accessories.
- Combination of lace and tulle: Lace and tulle were often used together to create beautiful and unique 1950s wedding dresses. For example, a dress might have a lace bodice with a tulle skirt, or a lace overlay on a tulle skirt.
- Timeless and elegant: Lace and tulle are two timeless and elegant fabrics that can help to create a beautiful and memorable wedding dress.
If you are looking for a wedding dress that is both classic and stylish, consider choosing a dress made from lace and tulle.
Pearls and sequins
Pearls and sequins were two of the most popular embellishments used on 1950s wedding dresses. Pearls were often used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication, while sequins were used to add a touch of sparkle and glamour.
- Pearls: Pearls are classic and elegant gemstones that have been used to adorn wedding dresses for centuries. Pearls can be used to create a variety of different looks, from delicate and understated to bold and dramatic. On 1950s wedding dresses, pearls were often used to embellish the neckline, bodice, and hemline.
- Sequins: Sequins are small, shiny discs that are often used to add a touch of sparkle and glamour to clothing. Sequins can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and glass. On 1950s wedding dresses, sequins were often used to create elaborate and eye-catching designs.
- Combination of pearls and sequins: Pearls and sequins were often used together to create beautiful and unique 1950s wedding dresses. For example, a dress might have a pearl-encrusted bodice with a sequined skirt, or a sequined overlay on a pearl-colored dress.
- Timeless and elegant: Pearls and sequins are two timeless and elegant embellishments that can help to create a beautiful and memorable wedding dress.
If you are looking for a wedding dress that is both classic and glamorous, consider choosing a dress that is embellished with pearls and sequins.
Veil and gloves
Veils and gloves were two of the most popular accessories for 1950s wedding dresses. Veils were often worn to add a touch of mystery and romance, while gloves were worn to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
- Veils: Veils have been worn by brides for centuries, and they remain a popular choice today. Veils can be made from a variety of materials, including tulle, lace, and silk. They can be worn in a variety of styles, including fingertip length, elbow length, and cathedral length.
- Gloves: Gloves were a popular accessory for 1950s brides. Gloves can be made from a variety of materials, including lace, satin, and silk. They can be worn in a variety of lengths, including short, elbow length, and opera length.
- Combination of veil and gloves: Veils and gloves were often worn together to create a complete and polished look. For example, a bride might wear a fingertip length veil with elbow length gloves.
- Timeless and elegant: Veils and gloves are two timeless and elegant accessories that can help to create a beautiful and memorable wedding look.
If you are looking for accessories to complete your 1950s wedding dress, consider adding a veil and gloves.
White or ivory
White and ivory were the two most popular colors for 1950s wedding dresses. White was the traditional choice for brides, and it represented purity and innocence. Ivory was a slightly warmer and creamier shade of white, and it was often chosen by brides who wanted a more vintage or romantic look.
In the early 1950s, white wedding dresses were more popular than ivory wedding dresses. However, by the mid-1950s, ivory wedding dresses had become more popular, and they eventually became the more popular choice for brides.
There were several reasons why ivory wedding dresses became more popular in the mid-1950s. First, ivory was seen as a more modern and stylish color than white. Second, ivory was more flattering to a wider range of skin tones than white. Third, ivory was less likely to show dirt and stains than white.
Today, both white and ivory wedding dresses are popular choices for brides. Ultimately, the best way to choose between a white and an ivory wedding dress is to try on both colors and see which one you prefer.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about real 1950s wedding dresses:
Question 1: What are the most popular styles of 1950s wedding dresses?
Answer: The most popular styles of 1950s wedding dresses include the A-line silhouette, the ball gown silhouette, and the tea-length dress.
Question 2: What fabrics were commonly used in 1950s wedding dresses?
Answer: Common fabrics used in 1950s wedding dresses include lace, tulle, satin, and organza.
Question 3: What embellishments were popular on 1950s wedding dresses?
Answer: Popular embellishments on 1950s wedding dresses include pearls, sequins, and beading.
Question 4: What accessories were commonly worn with 1950s wedding dresses?
Answer: Common accessories worn with 1950s wedding dresses include veils, gloves, and headpieces.
Question 5: What is the difference between a white and an ivory wedding dress?
Answer: White wedding dresses are pure white, while ivory wedding dresses are a slightly warmer and creamier shade of white.
Question 6: How can I find a real 1950s wedding dress?
Answer: You can find real 1950s wedding dresses at vintage clothing stores, online retailers, and wedding dress consignment shops.
Question 7: How can I care for a real 1950s wedding dress?
Answer: Real 1950s wedding dresses should be dry cleaned only. You should also store the dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about real 1950s wedding dresses. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a vintage clothing expert or a wedding dress historian.
Now that you know more about real 1950s wedding dresses, you can start shopping for the perfect dress for your wedding day.
Tips
Here are a few tips for shopping for and caring for a real 1950s wedding dress:
Tip 1: Do your research. Before you start shopping for a real 1950s wedding dress, it is important to do your research and learn about the different styles, fabrics, and embellishments that were popular during that era. This will help you to narrow down your search and find a dress that is right for you.
Tip 2: Be prepared to pay a higher price. Real 1950s wedding dresses are often more expensive than new wedding dresses. This is because they are made from high-quality materials and are often one-of-a-kind. Be prepared to pay a higher price for a real 1950s wedding dress, but keep in mind that it is an investment that will last a lifetime.
Tip 3: Be patient. Finding the perfect real 1950s wedding dress may take some time. Don't get discouraged if you don't find the right dress right away. Keep looking and be patient, and you will eventually find the perfect dress for your wedding day.
Tip 4: Take good care of your dress. Once you have found the perfect real 1950s wedding dress, it is important to take good care of it. Real 1950s wedding dresses are delicate and should be dry cleaned only. You should also store the dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
By following these tips, you can find and care for a real 1950s wedding dress that will make you look and feel beautiful on your wedding day.
Now that you know everything you need to know about real 1950s wedding dresses, you can start shopping for the perfect dress for your wedding day. With a little patience and research, you are sure to find a dress that you will love for years to come.
Conclusion
Real 1950s wedding dresses are timeless and elegant, and they are a popular choice for brides who want a classic and romantic look on their wedding day. These dresses are characterized by their full skirts, fitted bodices, and elaborate detailing. While real 1950s wedding dresses can be more expensive than new wedding dresses, they are an investment that will last a lifetime.
If you are looking for a real 1950s wedding dress, be sure to do your research and be prepared to pay a higher price. With a little patience and research, you are sure to find a dress that you will love for years to come.
On your wedding day, you want to look and feel your best. A real 1950s wedding dress can help you to achieve this goal. With its classic silhouette and elegant details, a real 1950s wedding dress will make you feel like a princess on your special day.