Vintage Style Gowns

Vintage Style Gowns: Authentic is Key

A girl dressed in a spot-on replica of vintage is always noticeable. Whether she dons the glowing lace and extravagance of the ornate Victorian era, the boyish cut and drop waist of the Flapper era, or a decided Gothic Romance gown, the details are important. While many replicas of era styles are available, to make a historical trend your own requires a bit of cunning and a lot of love. We’ll give you tips of the trade to make your search for vintage style gowns easier, whatever era you choose.

Gothic Romance: Although “gothic” is seen modern day as all-black and tons of eyeliner, true Gothic style has more depth than this. Vintage style gowns in a true Gothic romance design will have a few key elements. They must have an empire waist. While there were a few other trends following at this time, the most popular and defined is the empire waist. Gothic romance dresses will also be long, search for at least ankle-length with plenty of skirt and layering to make the effect truly divine. Pair the dress with minimal jewelry – a chain with one focused pendant and stud earrings.

Edwardian: The Edwardian era carried many elements echoed in Gothic romance. The dress styles, however, were dramatically different. Plain and clean lines gave way to delicate embroidery and elegant overlay. These dresses are hard to find in the general public, but you should look for the loose high-waist similar to the empire waist and a slightly higher hemline. Gems and jewels paired with these vintage style gowns should be extravagant but matched perfectly to the outfit. No Downton Abbey lady would be caught in a mismatched outfit.

Titanic: At the tail end of the Edwardian era, the Titanic dress came into vogue. Although these vintage style gowns were re-done versions of Edwardian style, the hemline began creeping up slowly and there was a definite change in embroidery, design, and amount of see-through chiffon layers. For this style, think of Edwardian style with a rebellious streak.

Victorian: The Victorian era took the Edwardian/Titanic style to a decadent height. First, drop the waist from below the bust to sit normally on the hips. Victorian era dresses were known for embroidery, lace, crocheted sleeves and anything else intricate and expensive the ladies could get their hands on. Add a generous amount of gold and extravagant jewelry to these vintage style gowns, but be sure to keep the dress longer and modest at the bust and shoulders.

1920’s: Everybody loves a good flapper dress. Before you go out any buy the first costume store’s replica, take some hints. Flapper vintage style gowns weren’t always flamboyant. The era was roaring and excessive, but the dresses were unique, boyish, and fresh. For a new spin on the flapper, search for art-inspired looks like the art deco design which combines the art at the time with the dress. In your search, remember that the 1920s were about freedom and expression. They were truly the first fashion revolution in women’s movements. Keep the dress classy with elements of a drop waist and long strands of necklaces and, yes, learn a few steps of the Charleston.

Paying homage to an era of fashion shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many reasons why these romantic, decadent and fun-loving era vintage style gowns have become so popular. Let history repeat itself and remind yourself how far we’ve come. With a few extra ideas in your head for your next party, imagine which era would have fit you best.