Bridal Styles Through the Decades
Wedding dress styles have changed drastically in the past century. Decisions about color, length, and material have often reflected the prominent events and values of the times. Let’s travel through the 20th century to see the evolution of bridal styles!
Photo: Katya Higgins Photography
1910s- With World War I shaping the decade, wedding dresses of the 1900s did not stray from the modest, conservative styles of the past. Brides wore simple sleeves that covered the shoulders, as well as decorative, high-necked collars. Frills, ruffles, and lace were popular, creating a delicate, feminine, and romantic look. Additionally, the empire waistline was new, tightening just below the bust and flaring out into a long flowing skirt.
Photo: LoveToKnow.com
This Azazie style imitates the high-necked, conservative dresses of this era, creating a truly timeless look!
1920s- The Roaring ‘20s brought in some new, more risque styles. The women’s movement of the time rebelled against the corseted look that dominated the previous decades. A loose, undefined drop-waist became the fashion as well as a lower neckline. Gowns shifted from being floor-length gowns to having hems just below the knee, and many were sleeveless. During such a prosperous economic boom after the war, many brides liked to show off their wealth with dresses made of lace and silk.
Photo: Business Insider
With gorgeous scallop lacing, a deep v-neckline, and a drop waist, this Azazie style is reminicent of the ’20s era. We even sell a birdcage veil to go with the old-time look!
1930s- The Great Depression era saw a return to romance and femininity for a wedding dress. Floor-length skirts and long trains were matched with a sleek silhouette to create a regal look of sophistication and elegance. Due to economic hardship, rayon was often used in lieu of silk because it was more affordable, but the desire to look luxurious lingered from the prosperous 1920s. Materials and styles remained limited and simple during the war effort of the 1940s.
Photo: LoveToKnow.com
These Azazie styles are inspired by the sophisticated and regal look of this time period.
1950s- Society flourished after World War II, and the ‘50s began a new era of the modern, working woman. Strapless dresses and sweetheart necklines became the style, along with wide, mid-calf skirts. Many wedding gowns were decorated with lace to celebrate femininity.
Photo: Business Insider
These Azazie bridal gowns are a blast from the past! Show of your lovely figure (and ankles!) in these ‘50s style dresses.
1960s- The ’60’s was the era of mini skirts and gogo boots, a style that was reflected in the wedding dresses of the time. It was also fashionable to include beads or sequins in the dresses.
Photo: Business Insider
If you want to model a casual and cute look for your wedding, you might find inspiration from the 1960s! This Azazie style is perfect if you want to imitate that era.
1970s- Immodesty was once again abandoned when the recession occurred in the 1970s. Long loose sleeves and square necklines were popular, matched with ruffled-hemlines and maxi skirts. Lace and chiffon dresses became the norm, creating an overall look of simplicity and practicality.
Photo: refinery29.com
Go for a classic vintage look with this beautiful Azazie style:
1980s- Fashion styles became flamboyant and distinctive in the ‘80s as wedding dresses began modeling puffy shoulder sleeves and large skirts. Princess Diana popularized this style in 1981, romanticizing the look as regal. The sweetheart neckline became classic.
Photo: Business Insider
Walk down the aisle into your own fairytale wearing these ‘80s-inspired Azazie styles!
1990s- Sleek, form-fitting styles were the most common in the final decade of the 20th century, contrasting that of the ‘80s. The off-the-shoulder sleeve became trendy, which eventually led to the strapless look of the 2000s.
Photos: LoveToKnow.com
Walk down the aisle in this retro Azazie bridal look inspired by the 90’s!
Browse more contemporary styles here.
As the 2010s gradually come to an end, we can reflect upon the decade fondly. There have been a wide array of popular styles, many that were reminiscent of styles from the past. Brides often have found it stylish to add colored accents to their white or off-white gowns, or even abandon the traditional white entirely. Azazie’s approach is to provide you the flexibility to choose whatever style works for you, so that you can feel like your best self on your wedding day. We cannot wait to see the bridal gowns from 2020’s bridal fashion week come to life!
Photo: Alyvia Michele Photography
Check out our full vintage collection here!
Look to the future at our newest arrivals!
Sources: Business Insider, LoveToKnow.com